Chair Two is Now Open for Scenic Lift Rides, Lift-Accessed Mountain Biking

Whitefish, MT - Chair Two is now open at Whitefish for Scenic Lift Rides and lift-accessed mountain biking. This is a temporary activity while Chair One is closed.

Prices for round trip Scenic Lift Rides will be $8 for adults and $5 for juniors and seniors (7-12 and 65-69). The Scenic Lift is free for children 6 & under, adults 70+ and 2010/11 Winter Season Pass Holders. One way tickets are $4. The lift will be open from 10 a.m. and last ride up 5:30 p.m.

Mountain bikers will be able to access the Summit Trail from the top of Chair Two. Hiking is not allowed on this trail. Tickets are required for bikes. Bike tickets are Adults (13-64): $13 for one ride, $18 for 2 rides, $23 all day. Juniors (7-12) and Seniors (65-69): $9 for one ride, $12 for 2 rides, $15 for all day.

“Save the Bierstube” Renovations to Continue This Summer

Whitefish, MT - The final stage of a two-phase structural improvement project will begin this summer at the Bierstube in Whitefish Mountain Resort’s upper village. The Bierstube has been a part of the mountain’s culture since the 1950s and was named one of the “Top 10 great places for après-ski nightlife” by USA Today in February 2011. The business has been located in its present building since 1967. The building is owned by Whitefish Mountain Resort.

“The Bierstube has played a significant role in shaping the mountain culture of this resort,” Whitefish Mountain Resort President Dan Graves said. “We feel strongly, as part of our commitment to preserve the ski area’s heritage, we want to extend its life for years to come.”

Phase one was completed during the fall of 2010 before the start of the ski season after the discovery that the building was beginning to lean. Engineering analysis revealed the need to raise the building’s north east corner and pour new concrete. Phase two will focus on the south and west sides of the building where new concrete will be poured for footings and improvements to the building’s foundation. No changes will be made to the interior of the building which plans to open June 18 when Whitefish Mountain Resort summer operations begin.

“The Bierstube means a lot of things to a lot of people, we have visitors who come back every year, some who come in after 10, 20 years and thank us for being here,” said Bierstube owner and operator Scott McIntosh. “We are excited that the future of the Bierstube is solidified. Whitefish Mountain Resort has been great to work with and their commitment to the Bierstube means a lot to us.”

Whitefish Mountain Resort Officials Advise Tree Well Awareness

Whitefish, MT - After losing one skier and one snowboarder to off-piste tree well accidents, Whitefish Mountain Resort officials are urging those wishing to take advantage of the deep powder covering the mountain to familiarize themselves with risks and safety techniques related to Non-Avalanche Related Snow Immersion Deaths, or NARSIDs.

A 29-year-old snowboarder lost his life in a tree well in an off-piste area at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Saturday, Jan. 8, less than a week after a 16-year-old skier was removed from life support after becoming trapped in a tree well in the same area of the mountain on Dec. 29.

“This has been a very sad and tragic two weeks for all of us at Whitefish Mountain Resort,” said Winter Sports, Inc. President and CEO Daniel Graves. “Losing three lives in two weeks, two in tree wells and one due to natural causes, affects us all deeply, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and families of the victims.”

A tree well is an area of deep, unconsolidated snow that forms beneath the overhanging branches of evergreen trees as the surrounding snow pack deepens. When a skier or snowboarder falls into a tree well, the loose snow packs in around and on top of them, making it very difficult to move and/or free oneself. Further struggle can worsen the predicament.

According to the industry-created website TreeWellDeepSnowSafety.com, 90% of volunteers placed into tree wells in two experiments could not rescue themselves.

For this reason, the only way to effectively prevent tree well and other NARSID deaths is to ski within sight of a ski buddy at all times, close enough to reach them in the amount of time a person can reasonably hold their breath.

Big Sky Resort Recognized in National Ski Magazines

Big Sky, MT - Big Sky Resort is celebrating this week after being highlighted in numerous national ski publications, including an image of Lone Peak appearing on the cover of Ski magazine.

Ski magazine, a Bonnier publication with a national circulation of 450,000, released its fall special issue resort guide with a photo of “perfect corduroy” beneath Big Sky’s “rugged” Lone Peak. The photo was taken during the 2009/2010 ski season by Public Relations Manager Chad Jones.

Big Sky’s Lone Peak really stands out from other ski resort landscapes,” says Jones. “It’s the towering, singular mountain that really makes Big Sky who we are. I’m always looking for a way to get that iconic image out there, and was thrilled when Ski’s editors decided to feature it on the magazine’s cover this fall.”

Ski magazine is known for highlighting luxury ski travel and resorts. In the 23rd annual issue of the guide, Big Sky was ranked 21st for the nation’s best overall resorts. Also in the guide, Big Sky Resort was ranked 6th for both best terrain and most challenging mountain.

Master the Mountain Returns to Big Sky Resort

Successful Program Enters its 14th Season
Big Sky, MT - Big Sky Resort Snowsports School is proud to offer the Master the Mountain Program for its 14th season this winter. This popular ski program, designed to focus on skiing "off piste" powder, moguls, glades, and ungroomed terrain, will be held mid-week on Tuesdays and Fridays from January 4, 2011 through February 11, 2011. Weekend sessions will meet on Saturdays from January 8 through February 12, 2011.

This six-week program was created to meet the needs of Big Sky Residents and those with extended Winter Stays in the area. The program is a fun and exciting way to meet members of the surrounding Big Sky Community while socializing, developing and renewing friendships each winter.

Participants may choose between morning and afternoon sessions for both the mid-week and Saturday programs, and telemark and snowboard Master the Mountain sessions will be available on Saturday mornings only. A minimum of four people is needed per group and the Big Sky Snowsports School will attempt to keep group size to a seven person maximum.

“The Master of the Mountain program is a great way for folks of all ability levels to learn in a somewhat non-traditional way,” said Troy Nedved, Big Sky Resort Snowsports School Director. “These sessions are group driven and allow skiers to really get out and about to explore new territory and push themselves while they gain expert advice from our certified instructors.”

Big Sky Resort Offers Ski PE for Montana Students

$38 lift ticket, ski lesson, and ski rental gets kids skiing Lone Peak for Gym Class

Big Sky, MT - Big Sky Resort is excited to announce the 2010-2011 winter season Ski PE program. For $38 per student, Montana schools can sign up to bring entire classes to Big Sky Resort to ski during the school week. The package includes a lift ticket, a two-hour lesson with a certified instructor, and ski equipment rentals for each student and chaperone.

“It’s important for kids in Montana to be able to take advantage of their amazing natural surroundings, and we want to help them do that,” said Christine Baker, Big Sky Resort’s Basecamp Programs and Snowsports Children's Program Manager. “This is a great opportunity for students to get outside, be active, and work on their skiing and riding skills. Our program is an affordable way to expose kids to snowsports, and it’s really fun too!”

Rates are valid on non-holiday weekdays throughout the ski season from November 25th, 2010 through April 24th, 2011.

Whitefish Sees Fresh Snow on August 29

Whitefish, MT - On August 29, snow began to fall and accumulate at the summit of Big Mountain, at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

For those planning to hike, mountain bike, zip line, or walk in the treetops that day, this was a bit of a bummer. For those in their homes across the country waxing skis, doing lunges, and breaking in new boots, however, the early snowfall was quite exciting.

Resort and US Forest Service staff measured approximately 3 inches of new snow, which was nearly completely gone by the end of the day.

"It melted pretty fast once the sun came out," said part-time Whitefish resident Christine Shea. "But we had time to make a snowman, and it sure seems like a sign a of a great ski season to come."

Weather scientists have identified a strengthening La Niña formation in the tropical Pacific Ocean, prompting the NOAA Climate Prediction Center to call for above-average precipitation and below-average temperatures for December - March in Whitefish. The last time similar conditions were present in the Pacific, during the 2007-2008 ski season, Whitefish received 426 inches of snow.

Summer Announces Shocking Plans to Stick Around Northwest Montana Well Into September

Whitefish, MT - Summer, commonly regarded as the hottest of the four seasons, announced plans to remain in residence in the Whitefish area for the month of September at a press conference today, surprising many who were under the impression that she would move farther south after August.

“I actually try to, like, stick around until the end of September every year,” said Summer. “I don’t know why so few people show up to, you know, hang out and stuff.”

September was also in attendance at the conference, voicing his support of Summer’s plans.

“Rumors that Summer and I are an item have been circulating around Montana for some time now,” said September. “Well, what can I say? They’re true. I’m not going to hide it any more. I love her.”

Donnie Clapp, spokesman for local recreation mecca Whitefish Mountain Resort, was also on hand and bragged that he’s known about Summer and September for a few years.

“It’s actually hard to miss if you’re paying attention,” said Clapp.

Whitefish Mountain Resort plans to run its 3-hour Zip Line Tour, Scenic Lift Rides, Walk in the Treetops canopy tour, downhill mountain bike trails, and Alpine Slide seven days per week through Labor Day, and then Fridays, Saturday, and Sundays from Sept. 10 - 26.

“It’s really all for Summer and September. They’re really into being outside and having fun, but others are welcome to take advantage,” said Clapp.

Lone Peak’s Racing Fun!

Big Sky, MT - Round 6 of the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series is quickly approaching. The series travels to Big Sky country August 21-22 to compete on the ski slopes of Lone Peak Mountain at Big Sky Resort. Just north of Yellowstone National Park, the Klim Big Sky XC promises to offer an exciting and challenging venue. All eyes will be on undefeated Brian Garrahan of Boulder Creek, Ca as he fights for a perfect season.

On Sunday spectators will have the opportunity to watch Garrahan and the rest of the racing action from the resort’s Swift Current ski lift. The lift rises 1,647 feet out of the base area to the top of the race course, near the mountain’s tree line. From the top of the lift, adventurous spectators will be able to hike down to the infamous Rock Garden, a 200 foot uphill rock climb reserved for the experts and pro Black Diamond race course. The base area will feature a lawn chair friendly endurocross section, perfect for families to enjoy the racing action.

Youth and novice racers will be competing for national title points on Saturday on the Green Circle course. Intermediate races on the Blue Square course kickstart at 9:30am on Sunday and the 3 hour expert/pro races leave the starting line at 12:30pm.
Big Sky Resort will only open its gates to motorcycles once a year. The resort’s amenities make this the perfect race weekend for everyone. Hotels, vacation rental condos, retail shops, and restaurants are all located within steps of the starting line. There are plenty of activities for the non-racers in the family such as evening movies, spa treatments, golf tee times, world class fly fishing, guided day tours of Yellowstone National Park and much more.

Whitefish Mountain Resort Announces New Winter Uphill Traffic Policy

Whitefish, MT - Whitefish Mountain Resort announced a revised policy for winter uphill traffic today, loosening previous restrictions and providing increased opportunities for participation in the increasingly popular winter activity.

The new policy is a revision of a set of guidelines that was agreed upon by Whitefish Mountain Resort and the Flathead National Forest in February, 2010. On March 1, 2010, the resort announced that it would be accepting written comments from the public pertaining to the policy, with the goal of improving the guidelines for the following ski season. Comments were accepted via email or USPS between March 1 and April 4, 2010 (the closing day of the 2009-2010 ski season).

“There are five main things we worry about when it comes to uphill traffic,” said Chester Powell, operations manager for the resort. “People getting too close to heavy grooming equipment in the evenings, potential collisions between uphill and downhill traffic during the day, people getting way too close to high-voltage electrical and high-pressure water lines during early season snow making, people putting themselves in areas where avalanche control work is happening, and people leaving ruts in freshly groomed snow in the evenings that can sometimes set up and be dangerous for skiers the next morning."

Powell said that several incidents involving skiers getting dangerously close to grooming equipment at the beginning of the 2009-2010 ski season made it clear to resort management that something needed to be done.

Lone Peak’s Revenge at Big Sky Resort

Two-Day Mountain Bike Race on Andesite

Big Sky, MT - On August 14 and 15 the Andesite Mountain will come alive with the sounds of pedaling bikes, puffing lungs and cheers from the crowd as Lone Peak’s Revenge returns to its roots on the trails on Andesite Mountain. Riders will compete for $5,000 in prizes, raffles and giveaways.

Spectators and riders alike will enjoy great food and beverage from The Lotus Pad on Saturday and Gallatin Alpine Sports and Twenty6 Designs on Sunday. Sponsored by Gallatin Alpine Sports, the event is part of the Montana Off-Road Series (M.O.R.S.).

On Saturday August 14 the cross-country racers will compete in beginner, sport, and expert/pro categories. The pro and expert classes will start at 10 a.m. with the beginner class kicking it into high gear at 10:10 a.m. followed by the sport class at 10:20 a.m. A kid’s fun race will follow the expert class finish. The pro and expert class will run three laps of an improved, mostly single track 6.7-mile loop that will take riders around Andesite Mountain. The sport class will pedal through two grueling laps and the beginner’s will complete one.

On Sunday the 15, hold on to your helmets. Riders will drop-in at 11a.m. and tear down the Revenge trail on their way to high speed corners, drops, jumps and brake grabbing terrain. Practice laps and discount lift tickets for competitors will be available on the 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Competitors may register online for $25 until August 13 at 10 p.m at Here. The registration fee will be $30 on race day and racers can sign up at the race start at Big Sky Resort from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Please be aware and allow for extra travel time on HW 64 to the resort due to road work. For additional race information, please contact race director Tom Owen or the staff at Gallatin Alpine Sports at 406-995-2313.

175 Model T Fords to Visit Whitefish

Whitefish, MT - One hundred seventy-five Model T Fords will descend on Whitefish, Montana and ascend the road to Whitefish Mountian Resort on Sunday, Aug. 1 for the Montana Majestic Mountain T Tour.

The Rocky Mountain Model T Club is hosting the event, which is the the Model T Ford Club of America’s only National Tour planned for 2010. The tour has 175 classic cars and more than 370 guests registered, and event organizers expect it to inject hundreds of thousands of dollars into Montana’s economy.

Visiting Model T owners are bringing cars from as far away as New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska, Vermont, and California.

Whitefish Mountain Resort was chosen as an ideal location to anchor this year’s tour because of its scenery, breadth of summer activities for participants such as Zip Line Tours and Scenic Lift Rides, and affordable on-mountain lodging options.

Soak Up the Summer Sun!

Big Sky, MT - The sun is shining, the creeks are flowing and the wildlife sightings have been incredible - it’s time for you to plan your visit to Moonlight Basin this summer.

Whether you’re on your way to Yellowstone National Park or looking for something exciting to do for the day, we have activities to please everyone in your party. Here are some top picks from our Mountain Concierge to make the most of your stay:

• Play nine unforgettable holes of golf at The RESERVE at Moonlight Basin with a “Stay & Play” package.
• Grab a hiking trail map and discover one of several trails at Moonlight Basin, including the new Ulreys Lake trail.
• Explore Moonlight Basin’s backyard on a nature-filled horseback ride with Cedar Mountain Corrals.
• Pamper yourself with a retreat to the Moonlight Spa.
• Cast away your stress with one of our Fly Fishing Clinics.
• Enjoy a special BBQ dinner, entertainment and family fun on the deck of the Moonlight Lodge.

Whitefish Mountain Resort Set to Open for Summer 2010

Whitefish, MT - Whitefish Mountain Resort will open its new and improved Zip Line Tours and the Alpine Slide on June 18, with Mountain Biking, Scenic Lift Rides, and Walk in the Treetops Tours set to open June 26.

The resort will operate 7 days per week from June 18 until Labor Day, Sept. 6. After that, all activities will be available Fridays - Sundays through the end of September.

Whitefish Mountain Resort's popular Zip Line Tour and Alpine Slide were new for Summer 2009, but the resort has already embarked on an expansion. Crews are putting the finishing touches on two new zip lines for the tour, bringing the total to six and making an average tour about three hours long. Both new spans are higher and longer than any of the original four, each new span being approximately 1/3-mile long and more than 300 feet above the forest floor.

Whitefish Mountain Resort Announces 2010-2011 Season Pass Prices

Whitefish, MT - Whitefish Mountain Resort has announced early season pricing for 2010-2011 Winter Season Passes and other season-long products, along with two different options for splitting payment for season passes into installments.

From now until Sept. 30, 2010, Adult (ages 19 - 64) Winter Season Passes will be available for $550. Senior (ages 65 - 69) and College Student passes will be $450, Teen (ages 13 - 18) passes will be $305 and Junior (ages 7 - 12) passes will be $149. Children (ages 6 and under) and Super Seniors (ages 70 and over) always ski free at Whitefish Mountain Resort, and can pick up a free Winter Season Pass at any time. Passes can be purchased online at SkiWhitefish.com.

Powder Days and Bluebird Skies

Big Sky, MT - March is leaving like a lion and with its departure comes snow! No Foolin’ - over 14 inches have fallen in the past 24 hours making for some AMAZING spring skiing. With only 11 days of skiing left for the season, check out what is happening at Moonlight Basin as another great season comes to a close.

Easter Weekend
Sunday, April 4, Moonlight Basin invites kids 10 and under to join us for an Easter Egg Hunt. Stop by the Madison Village Base Area at 10:30 am for your chance to find candy filled egg surprises. Plus be on the look out as the Easter Bunny will be carving the slopes following the egg hunt!

95 Boarders in Leis Show Up for 2010 Nate Chute Hawaiian Classic

Whitefish, MT - The 11th Annual Nate Chute Hawaiian Classic at Whitefish Mountain Resort drew 95 pro and amateur snowboarders from around the country for a Banked Slalom and Boardercross Saturday and Sunday, March 13 - 14.

In the Banked Slalom, each rider attempted two runs on the North Side of Big Mountain. The course descended lower Goat Haunt and into George's Gorge, a treat for spectators riding Chair 7. Sunday's Boardercross saw riders battling in head-to-head competition under sunny skies.

After two days of competition, Hugh Black and Sarris McComb were the overall winners in the men's and women's pro division, respectively. Craig Kuzma took home the top prize in the men's amateur 21+ division, Baily Eaton won the women's amateur 15+ division, Baylon Connolly of the Whitefish Freestyle Team prevailed in the men's amateur 15-20 division, and Sam Vitek prevailed in the boys' 15- division.
Whitefish Info

Whitefish Mountain Resort and US Forest Service Agree on Winter Uphill Traffic Policy

Whitefish, MT - Whitefish Mountain Resort and the US Forest Service announced a new policy pertaining to uphill traffic at the Montana ski resort today, in an attempt to decrease unsafe behavior associated with the increasingly popular activity.
"I'm not a fan of restrictions under most circumstances, but in this case I think it is necessary," said Becky Smith-Powell, a Snow Ranger with the US Forest Service's Tally Lake Ranger District.

The policy developed by resort management and the US Forest Service will restrict uphill traffic within the resort's Special Use Permit boundary to a single route on the mountain, as well as limiting the hours when the activity is allowed. The route follows the run called Toni Matt, hugging the uphill-left edge of the trail, and will be clearly marked. Uphill traffic will be allowed on the route during ski season from 6:30 a.m. until the resort closes for the day and Ski Patrol conducts their sweep of the mountain. The same route will be used between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for the first 14 days after ski season ends, with no active restrictions outside those hours and dates. Uphill traffic will not be allowed pre-season, when the resort is likely to be conducting extensive slope maintenance and snowmaking operations.
Whitefish Info

Red Lodge Mountain Resort Announces Plans for 50th

Red Lodge, MT - Red Lodge Mountain Resort is announcing plans for their 50th anniversary celebration. On February 27, 2010, the resort will mark its birthday with a day of festivities, celebrating its first 50 years of operations and looking forward to the next 50.
A major highlight of the day will include a special ticket deal for skiers and riders. On Saturday, February 27, 2010, the mountain will be offering lift tickets at the special price of 2 for $50. In addition to the special ticket deal, the day will also feature a historical display of the past 50 years of operations in the Loft of the Main Lodge, and a special après ski event featuring live music, a cake cutting and drink and food specials.

Red Lodge Mountain Resort is calling on all skiers and snowboards from past and present to help contribute to the historical display. Those having any artifacts from the first 50 years of Grizzly Peak/Red Lodge Mountain Resort are invited to share them with the public during the celebration. From old uniforms to classic photos, the mountain would be honored to borrow and display them. Those wishing to participate are asked to call the marketing department at 406-446-2610 ext. 105 or
email Email Red Lodge
Red Lodge Info

MT National Guard Recognizes Whitefish Mountain Resort for Military Discount Program

Whitefish, MT - The Montana National Guard awarded Whitefish Mountain Resort CEO Dan Graves with a letter and commemorative coin on Saturday, Jan. 16 in honor of the resort's military discount program.
In 2007, Graves significantly expanded military discounts at the ski area to include 50% off lift tickets, free basic equipment rentals, 50% off group lessons, and 25-50% off on-mountain lodging for active-duty and retired members of the armed forces, as well as their spouses and dependents.
The letter, from Brigadier General John E. Walsh, was read aloud by Lt. Colonel Boettcher, who lives in Kalispell.
"The efforts your resort team members make to welcome and host military families every year is [sic] very much appreciated. Support such as your helps to ensure our National Guard families have exciting opportunities to enjoy some time together," said Gen. Walsh in the letter.
Graves, dressed in ski equipment and a Whitefish Mountain Resort jacket, accepted the framed award and said a few words about why he instituted one of the most aggressive military discount programs in the ski industry.
Whitefish Info