KPAX

Posted: Feb 22, 2010 7:38 PM
Updated: Feb 22, 2010 7:38 PM

WHITEFISH, MT -- Whitefish Mountain Resort and the US Forest Service announced a new policy to try to reduce unsafe behavior associated with uphill traffic at the ski resort.  "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 new policy will restrict uphill traffic within the resort's Special Use Permit boundary to a single route on the mountain, and 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.   Dedicated winter outdoor lovers used to be the only ones who hiked uphill in the snow for sport, but there is a surge in its popularity over recent years because of better equipment and more media coverage.  Resort staff reported several near-miss incidents with winch cats--grooming machines that use a powerful winch and steel cable to allow the grooming of steep terrain.  The cables are used under high tension and often bind and release, jumping 30 or more feet in an instant.  As recently as Friday, a grooming operator watched an after-hours hiker ski beneath his winch cable, encountering aggressive resistance when the skier was asked to vacate the area for his safety.     "We see uphill traffic as an important part of the unique ski culture here," said Donnie Clapp, Public Relations Manager for the resort. "That culture is our greatest asset as a business, and what sets us apart from all the cookie cutter ski resorts out there. 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."