Whitefish ski season weathers the rain

You know it’s been a rough ski season when snow reporters are touting the benefits rain.

The wet stuff makes for soft conditions and no lift lines, they proclaim with an enthusiasm only the most hardy of snow lovers can conjure.

It’s simply been that kind of season.

The mountain was buried deep in December with rumblings of a repeat of the epic winter of 1996. Then the faucet shut off.

It’s barely snowed a flake in town since January and the mountain snowpack has taken a hit with relentless sun and bouts of undeveloped snow — El Nino wins again.

By our count, it’s been about 10 years since Whitefish skiers faced such dire conditions. That’s a good run — we can’t win them all.

Still, Whitefish Mountain Resort marches on to the finish line with no plans to shut down before the April 12 closing date. Good for them for making that decision when it’d be easy to throw in the towel.

Their hard-working crews should be commended for putting out a solid product each and every day despite the less than stellar winter. Groomers are scraping and pushing around snow to smooth out the slopes the best they can, and lifties are still bumping chairs with a smile.

There are only two weeks left in the season. And while bare spots are visible from town, we’re here to say that the skiing really is pretty good. The north side and Flower Point areas have excellent coverage, the front side is spring corn heaven, and really, there are zero lift lines.

Take a chance and head up to the hill this weekend or next. We’ll think you’ll be surprised at how well the resort is holding up.