Bierstube deck demolished due to structural concerns

Après-ski at Whitefish Mountain Resort will be a bit less sunny this season after the deck of a popular bar was demolished due to safety concerns.

The resort decided to tear down the Beirstube deck in November after a routine inspection revealed structural issues with the foundation.

“It was in bad shape,” said resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus. “We didn’t want it to collapse with people on it, so we made the decision to knock it down.”

This isn’t the first time the building’s structural integrity has been a cause of concern.

In 2011, the resort finished a two phase effort to rebuild the foundation after it was discovered the building was beginning to lean.

Engineering analysis revealed the need to raise the building’s north east corner and pour new concrete. The resort also shored up the south and west sides of the building with new footings.

The Bierstube has been a part of the mountain’s culture since the 1950s. The business has been located in its present building since 1967.

Resort officials have made no firm decisions on whether it will rebuild the deck or what will happen next at the site, but changes are possible.

Polumbus said they have explored the possibility of building a hotel on the site, but also recognize the important role the Bierstube plays in the history of the ski resort.

“We are always in planning mode for the future,” Polumbus said.