In response to a large increase in after-hours uphill traffic, Whitefish Mountain Resort will restrict uphill traffic within the resort’s Special Use Permit boundary to a single route on the mountain, as well as limit the hours when the activity is allowed, starting Mar. 1.
As traffic has increased, resort staff have reported several near-miss incidents with winch cats. Some after-hours hikers ski down close behind or in front of grooming machines after their ascents, and follow routes that leave them hidden by blind roll-overs. The resort also has concerns about safety issues involving snowmaking operations and electrical lines.
Due to these concerns, uphill traffic will be restricted before, during, and after the resort’s operating season. Uphill traffic will not be allowed pre-season, or after hours during the season—times when the resort is likely to be conducting slope maintenance and snowmaking operations. During the operating season, hikers will have access to the mountain via a single designated route from 6:30 a.m. until the resort closes for the day. The same route can used between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for the first 14 days after ski season ends. There will be no restrictions outside those dates and hours.
Whitefish officials said the hiking issue has blossomed due to an exponential increase in uphill traffic over the last few years. “It used to be that you’d see one or two people hiking the mountain on an average evening,” said Chester Powell, director of operations and risk management for the resort. “Now, our grooming operators will tell you they see 30 or 40 people on an average night, and many more if it is exceptionally clear or a full moon.” Hikers typically use climbing skins or snowshoes. Often, they switch to skis or snowboards to ride downhill.
The resort and the U.S. Forest Service emphasize that this is an issue of safety, not revenue. Resort managers estimate that as many as 90 percent of uphill travelers are current winter season passholders. “We see uphill traffic as an important part of the unique ski culture here,” said Donnie Clapp, public relations manager for the resort. “I guarantee you we would not risk upsetting all of the people who enjoy hiking the mountain if we didn’t feel we have to.”
To alert hikers to the rule changes, a large sign containing the policy and the Responsibility Code will be erected near the bottom of the uphill route. Ski Patrol also plans to hand out fliers to and talk with hikers between now and Mar. 1. The U.S. Forest Service plans to back the policy with a Special Order amendment to 36 CFR 261.53(e), which will allow them to send staff to assist the resort with enforcing the new policy.
“Most people I’ve talked to have been sad to see evening hiking on Big Mountain go, but have agreed that something like this is needed,” said Dan Graves, president and CEO of the resort. “I’m very hopeful that those people will encourage each other to work with us on adopting the new policy, so that going uphill can remain a part of recreating here for a long time into the future.”
