History - Looking Back for Jan 4, 2023

A look back at past Pilot articles by Julie Engler

50 Years Ago

Jan. 4, 1973

The Big Mountain was especially unique this past Christmas in being one of the few ski resorts in the Northwest with adequate snow for good skiing. As a result, the hill saw several new attendance records, with visitors from 29 states and three Canadian provinces flocking to the areas. Peak day for the holiday period was December 28 when 2,300 skiers rode the lifts on The Big Mountain. Estimates indicated that out-of-state and out-of-country overnight visitors spent a quarter of a million dollars in and around Whitefish.

40 Years Ago

Jan. 6, 1983

Pat LaTourelle became the second woman to serve on the Whitefish City Council after she was sworn in by the city attorney Monday night. Mrs. Helen Tate, who took her position October 5, 1981, was the first woman to serve on the council. LaTourelle was recently chosen by the council to conclude the term of Jim Putman, who resigned.

30 Years Ago

Jan. 7, 1993

Skiers at The Big Mountain have been in seventh heaven this week, with 30 inches of new snow recorded at the summit since last Thursday. Some powder hounds were reporting snow up to their necks and “face shots” galore. The snow has been exceptionally light and dry, said ski patrolman John Gray. It’s so deep in places that skiers needed neck gaiters to breath in the deep fluff. Big Mountain communications director Lisa Jones reported a 94-inch base at the summit and a 48-inch base in the village on Wednesday.

20 Years Ago

Jan. 2, 2003

North Valley Hospital signed a buy-sell agreement on 45 acres of land at the intersection of Highways 93 and 40. The purchase price was $1.365 million. NVH Chief Executive Officer Craig Aasved said the land, the hospital and equipment will cost $21 million and “... places no burden on the community or on our patients. There will be no need for bonding or for new taxes.” NVH Foundations and Executive Director Carol Blake said any new loans the hospital incurs will be repaid out of operating expenses.

10 Years Ago

Jan. 2, 2013

The work of the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau, the tourism promotion committee of the city of Whitefish, seemed to have blossomed in 2012. The bureau saw a 10% increase in collections from the 1% tourism promotion assessment on lodging, rental cars and restaurant purchases. A flat fee is collected from retail members.