Ed Schenck at the top of the T-Bar lift on Big Mountain. (Courtesy Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation)
February 21, 2017
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75 years on Big Mountain: Decades of memories made at the resort that helped shape Whitefish
Opening day in 1947 drew out an enthusiastic group sporting doubled-up sweaters and long skis — a lift ticket for the brand new T-bar was $2, a burger was 25 cents and a beer cost a few nickels. About 6,900 skiers enjoyed The Big Mountain that year, according to the historical book “Hellroaring: 50 Years on The Big Mountain”.
Debut of new chairlift to coincide with resort’s 75th Anniversary season
Over the last 75 years since a ski hill was first established on Big Mountain above the small railroad and logging town of Whitefish, significant improvements and innovations have each etched their spot along the historic timeline of the ski resort.
Send in your Big Mountain memories
Whitefish Mountain Resort is celebrating its 75th anniversary season this winter. As the season quickly approaches, the Whitefish Pilot is putting together an article that will celebrate 75 years of our home ski hill.
Schenck and Prentice — they bet their shirts on skiing
This column is created by the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation and the Ski Heritage Center Museum of Skiing. Enjoy these fascinating stories about the rich and colorful history of skiing in the Flathead Valley and get ready for Ski Heritage Days on March 16 – 18.