Flathead Forest reviews winter permit applications
Big Mountain towers over Highway 93 South. (Heidi Desch/Whitefish Pilot)
The Flathead National Forest is considering nine special-use permits that would allow businesses to operate guiding services this winter on federal public land.
The Mountain Guides Montana is requesting 200 service days to offer clients avalanche education and winter travel skills courses on terrain adjacent to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Some of the training would take place in the Canyon Creek area.
Whitefish Vertical Adventure Guides is also requesting to use terrain off of Whitefish Mountain Resort for guided backcountry skiing trips.
Glacier Adventure Guides is requesting 75 service days for guided Nordic skiing and snowshoe trips, and for outdoor education classes. Snowshoeing would take place on the Columbia Mountain Trail and Demers Ridge Trail. Nordic skiing and snowshoeing would take place on Spook Lake Road and Paola Creek Road, while educational classes would be held on Essex Creek Road and Dickey Creek Road.
On the Tally Lake Ranger District, Winter Wonderland is requesting 200 service days for guided snowmobile tours.
Rooted Heart, Whitefish Shuttle and Glacier Nordic Club are each seeking permission to use the trails at Round Meadow.
Action Rentals and Snowbike Nation are requesting use forestwide for guided motorized tours.
Comments will be accepted through Nov. 27 and should be submitted via email to: comments-northern-flathead@usda.gov Please include “2023 Winter Rec Special Use” in the subject line.
If a proposal is approved, the short-term special use permits would be valid through April 15, 2024 for the approved number of service days, or for the specific timeframes identified in the proposal.