Comment period open on new restrictions regarding hiking up Whitefish Mountain Resort

Larry Bruce, left, and his wife, Molly Bruce, begin skinning up the Toni Matt groomed run at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The Bruces said that although they don't mind the new regulations, they would like to see some continued accommodations for skinning up Big Mountain. - Lido Vizzutti/Flathead Beacon

I think my friend Dan Testa is the new ski beat writer for the Beacon —  Lucky dawg! This time, he writes about an interesting conundrum going on in Whitefish, where the ski resort is implementing restrictions on when and where snowshoers, hikers and skiers can ascend the resort’s mountain slopes. Locals like to “skin,” hike and walk up Whitefish Mountain Resort for exercise and mental health, but skiers and snowboarders have gotten too close to the grooming machine, which legitimately worries resort officials. At the same time, the resort sits on public land within the Flathead National Forest. The resort is taking public comment through April 4.

Comments on the new policy can be mailed to:
Whitefish Mountain Resort
c/o Uphill Traffic Policy
P.O. Box 1400
Whitefish MT 59937

CM