El Nino predictions don't slow ski pass sales

Early-season winter pass sales at Whitefish Mountain Resort once again approached record levels despite a small bump in price and sour predictions of an El Niño weather pattern developing.

About 8,000 passes were sold through the end of September at the early-season rate of $620 for adults — a $10 increase over the 2014-15 rate.

That total is the third most ever. The all-time record for pass sales was set last year, and the 2013-14 season was the second-highest.

Resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus said they’re pleased with the results.

“It’s down from last year but still very good,” Polumbus said.

The ski area is scheduled to open Dec. 5 and close April 10, 2016.

Predictions of a strong El Niño weather pattern have some locals on edge about the upcoming ski season.

El Niño typically means Western Montana will see a drier and warmer than normal winter. In fact, the national weather service is saying this El Niño could become among the strongest on record and will likely last into early spring 2016.

To be sure, El Niño doesn’t mean it won’t snow in Whitefish, it just might be a little less frequent.

The El Nino event in 2010 brought 173 inches of total snowfall to Big Mountain — a little more than half the season average of 300 inches.

El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.

Whatever the weather will bring, the resort is forging ahead in preparation for another season on the slopes.

The major Summit House remodel and expansion is progressing quickly and should be ready for opening day.

Almost all of the hiring of seasonal employees has wrapped up, as well, Polumbus said.

“We try to get it done before the season pass sale,” she said. “That way people know if they need to buy a pass or not.”

There are still some positions open, Polumbus said. Visit online at www.skiwhitefish.com/jobs to fill out an application.