Skiers Reminded Of Whitefish Mountain Resort Uphill Policies

Some skiers and hikers enjoying the early season powder have been observed by Whitefish Mountain Resort officials engaging in dangerous behavior around the new Snow Ghost Express chairlift construction zone.

“We don’t enjoy issuing warnings like this, but it’s absolutely crucial that folks follow the rules, use common sense and make safety their No. 1 priority,” WMR President Nick Polumbus said “Most of our local uphill community acts responsibly, but this chairlift project poses some new and different challenges and we want everyone to be aware and safe.”

An Uphill Pass or Day Ticket will be required for uphill travel during the resort operating season and a waiver will need to be signed acknowledging the Uphill Policy. For Winter 2022/23 Season Passholders, the Uphill Pass is a free addition. Non-passholders can purchase an Uphill Ticket for $15/day or an Uphill Only Season Pass for $135. Both the pass and ticket will be a 4×6″ card that must be visible while traveling uphill.

Uphill Pass Terms & Conditions 

LEGAL INFORMATION: Whitefish Mountain Resort is the holder of a Special Use Permit on U.S. Forest Service land in the Tally Lake Ranger District. That permit states that: “The Special Use Permit authorizes the resort to provide public opportunities for skiing and snowboarding and natural resource-based outdoor recreation in National Forest Settings… The lands within the special use permit boundary shall remain open to the public for all lawful purposes; except for any restrictions the resort and Forest Service agree to be necessary as documented in the Operating Plan… The resort is responsible for public health and risk management within the resort boundary.” All dogs at Whitefish Mountain Resort, including on Forest Service Land, must be leashed and controlled at all times, pursuant to Federal Regulation 36 CFR 261.53(e). During ski season, dogs are not permitted outside of parking areas at the resort.

It is your responsibility to read through the entire Uphill Travel Policy and study the Access Routes if you plan to travel uphill at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Whitefish Mountain Resort Uphill Traffic Policy

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Please Note the Following Special Order from the US Forest Service:

USFS SPECIAL ORDER NUMBER: D08-115-L-14
This order is necessary to protect the personal safety of uphill users, downhill users, and WMR employees.

PROHIBITIONS:

36 CFR 261.53(e) – Public health or safety – Within the permit area of Winter Sports, Inc. Permit number TAL01, for the protection of public safety, it is prohibited for any skier, hiker, or person otherwise, to be off the two approved routes or in areas closed as described here:

General (Year-round)

It is prohibited for any skier, hiker, or person otherwise, to approach within 100 feet of grooming machines, whether stationary or moving; or 50 feet of snowmaking equipment, to include but not limited to fan guns, high-pressure water lines, and high-voltage electrical cables, within the Whitefish Mountain Resort permit boundary. 

Season Regulations (WMR open ski season)

ALL UPHILL & DOWNHILL TRAVEL IS PROHIBITED BETWEEN 7pm-6am

Parking: Uphill skier parking is required in the Spruce Lot from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., but also encouraged in the Spruce Lot all day. Skiers must stay to the western edge of Chipmunk (under Chair 6) from Spruce Lot to the Lift Plaza.

Uphill – Temporary alterations or closures to routes may happen from time to time, it is your responsibility to be aware of and follow these alterations or closures. Uphill routes are marked by 12″ red diamonds with an arrow and the word “UPHILL” printed on them. Any other uphill route during these times is extremely unsafe and therefore prohibited.

• 6am-4pm – The BENNY UP ROUTE is OPEN.
• 9am-7pm – The EAST ROUTE is OPEN.

Benny Up Route – This route begins at the Spruce Parking Lot, follows the western edge of Chipmunk (under Chair 6) up to the Lift Plaza, then transfers to the western edge of Toni Matt and continues to the summit.

East Route – This route begins at the Spruce Parking Lot, crosses the bridge toward the Ski & Ride School and Clinic building and ascends lower Inspiration, Expressway, Moe-Mentum, and Upper Russ’s Street to the summit.

Downhill – Any other route down during the following times is extremely unsafe and therefore PROHIBITED:

Benny Up Route – Open for downhill 6am to 9:30am

East Route – Open for downhill 4pm to 7pm

Pre and Post Season Regulations (WMR closed ski season)

This is in effect for 14 days before and after the scheduled “Opening Day” or “Closing Day” of Whitefish Mountain Resort.

East Route – Open 8am to 4pm

Is the only approved route for uphill and downhill traffic.

There are no uphill or downhill route restrictions before 8am and after 4pm pre- and post-season.

Participate agrees to Winter Uphill Responsibility Code:

• UPHILL Pass/Ticket must be visible at all times and participant must carry their Photo ID. Those without a pass or ticket will be told to turn around.
• Travel uphill on designated routes, marked with red diamond-shaped signs. Travel downhill on designated routes during designated times.
• ONLY TWO people side-by-side across the fall line.
• Stay completely to the edge of ski trails; do not hike or stand in the middle of a ski trail.
• Observe posted signs, warnings, and trail closures.
• Yield to and avoid all downhill skiers.
• Yield to and avoid all ski area machinery.
• It is prohibited to have dogs outside resort parking areas.
• It is prohibited to carry children in backpacks uphill and downhill during WMR Operating Hours.

LEGAL INFORMATION : Whitefish Mountain Resort is the holder of a Special Use Permit on U.S. Forest Service land in the Tally Lake Ranger District. That permit states that: “The Special Use Permit authorizes the resort to provide public opportunities for skiing and snowboarding and natural resource-based outdoor recreation in National Forest Settings … The lands within the special use permit boundary shall remain open to the public for all lawful purposes; except for any restrictions the resort and Forest Service agree to be necessary as documented in the Operating Plan … The resort is responsible for public health and risk management within the resort boundary.” All dogs at Whitefish Mountain Resort, including on Forest Service Land, must be leashed and controlled at all times, pursuant to Federal Regulation 36 CFR 261.53(e). During ski season, dogs are not permitted outside of parking areas at the resort.

Skiing (a term which includes snowboarding and all other forms of sliding on snow), whether uphill or downhill, involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated. However, there are a few rules of conduct that can decrease the risk involved. When traveling within ski resort boundaries, follow the Skier’s Responsibility Code (printed on the back of all lift tickets and season passes, as well as on trail maps), and follow these additional guidelines for uphill travel: