Skiers reminded to follow uphill policy on Big Mountain
The sun hits a snow-covered Big Mountain. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot)
Eager skiers and snowboarders itching to get up to the summit of Big Mountain in search of powder turns are being reminded to follow the preseason uphill travel policy.
Flathead National Forest and Whitefish Mountain Resort officials are reminding skiers and snowboarders to follow the policy, which requires uphill skiers to keep their distance from grooming machines and snowmaking equipment and follow route restrictions.
The policy is an effort to continue access to public lands, maintain a long practiced traditional activity and provide for public safety, officials note.
Route and timing restrictions go into effect Thursday, Nov. 23. The policy is in effect 14 days prior to opening day for the resort on Dec. 7, and remains in effect 14 days after closing day on April 8.
Between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., the east route is the only approved route for uphill and downhill traffic during the 14 days prior to opening day. There are no uphill or downhill route restrictions before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m. during the preseason.
The east route begins at Spruce Parking Lot, crosses the bridge toward the Ski and Ride School and Clinic building and ascends lower Inspiration, Expressway, Moe-Mentum and Fill Hill to the summit. It is marked by 12 red diamonds with an arrow and the word “UPHILL” printed on them.
In addition, skiers are prohibited from approaching within 100 feet of grooming machines or 50 feet of snowmaking equipment.
Snowmaking and grooming operations are ongoing as conditions allow to prepare for opening day. Resort officials remind the public that equipment such as snow guns, hoses, grooming machines, snowmobiles and high voltage lines can present real and serious hazards to skiers and must be avoided.
Parking for uphill skiers is limited to the Spruce Lot only.
The uphill skier policy can be found at www.skiwhitefish.com/uphill-policy and www.fs.usda.gov/activity/flathead/recreation/wintersports.
Any uphill travelers not following the uphill policy including keeping clear of grooming equipment and snowmaking operations can be ticketed and face up to a $100 fine for a first offense and stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, according to officials.
During the preseason and post-season dogs must be on a leash, and during ski season dogs are prohibited.