Winter Uphill Traffic Policy

A Little Background

Whitefish Mountain Resort is the holder of a Special Use Permit from the US Forest Service, in the Tally Lake Ranger District. That permit specifies that the resort and the USFS should cooperate to provide for public health and risk management within the permit boundary. The need for this sort of thing is greater than on other USFS-managed lands because there are man-made hazards here (grooming equipment, snow making equipment, downhill skiers, snowmobiles, etc.) that do not exist elsewhere on public lands.

In the years leading up to the 2009-2010 ski season, uphill traffic grew from a niche hobby to a downright popular recreational choice. As the sport became more accessible, more novice skiers began to participate. This increase in volume, combined with a decrease in average experience level, led to some problems that were becoming increasing common early 2010.

There are 5 potentially dangerous things associated with winter uphill traffic:

• People getting too close to heavy grooming equipment in the evenings
• Potential collisions between uphill and downhill traffic during the day
• People getting too close to high-voltage electrical and high-pressure water lines during pre- and early-season snow making
• People venturing into areas where avalanche control work is happening
• People leaving ruts in freshly groomed snow in the evenings that can sometimes set up and be dangerous for skiers the next morning (mostly a spring freeze-thaw cycle phenomenon)

In March of 2010, we put our first uphill traffic policy into place. Although reluctant to restrict people's enjoyment of the mountain in any way, we felt compelled to act after several very serious near-misses involving high-tension winch cat cables and skiers during the 2009-2010 ski season.

The current policy is the result of an ongoing process of refinement and change, driven by our own observations of uphill traffic, feedback from the uphill community, and input from the USFS.

The resort, the USFS, and the uphill community all share the same goal: To offer as much opportunity for all different kinds of recreation within our permit boundary as possible. We'll continue to work toward that goal.

Thank you for your cooperation. We'll see you on the hill.

-- The Staff of Whitefish Mountain Resort

---

The Uphill Skier's Responsibility Code

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:

ALWAYS

• Travel uphill only on the designated route, marked with red diamond-shaped signs.
• 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.
• Be alert for & yield to downhill skiers.
• Yield to and/or avoid all ski area machinery.

NEVER

• Stop in high-traffic zones, where you are likely to obstruct a trail, or where you are not visible to downhill traffic.
• Hike, stand, or otherwise position more than two people side-by-side across the fall line.
• Bring pets out of parking areas during ski season.

---

Whitefish Mountain Resort Uphill Traffic Policy

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

It is prohibited for any skier, hiker, or person otherwise, to approach within 100 yards of grooming machines, whether stationary or moving; or 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. Order D08-112-L-10, Title 36 CFR 261.53(e)

This Special Order is In Effect Through the Entire Winter Season.

During Ski Season

Toni Matt Route

This route follows the western (left-hand, if traveling uphill) edge of Toni Matt from the Lift Plaza to the Summit and is marked by 12” red diamonds with an arrow and the word “UPHILL” printed on them.

East Route

This route begins at the Glades Drive cul-de-sac, ascends lower Inspiration, Expressway, Moe-Mentum, and Fill Hill to the summit. It is marked by 12” red diamonds with an arrow and the word “UPHILL” printed on them.

Route Availability

• 6AM - 9AM: Toni Matt Route Only
• 9AM - 4:30PM: Toni Matt or East Routes
• 4:30PM - 7PM: East Route Only

Please heed the Uphill Skier Responsibility Code and the Forest Service Special Order, above.

After Ski Season

For the 14 days following "Closing Day",

• 8AM - 4PM: East Route Only
• Before 8AM and After 4PM: No Route Restrictions

Please heed the Uphill Skier Responsibility Code and the Forest Service Special Order, above.