Whitefish Mountain Resort is planning on adding another ski lift and additional runs to a portion of the mountain next year. The Flathead National Forest issued a draft decision Monday that found the project had no significant impacts to the Hellroaring Basin.
A portion of Whitefish Mountain Resort sits on national forest land and for the last year and a half, the resort has been working with the Flathead National Forest to expand its operations in the current permitted boundary.
The project would allow the resort to move one chairlift in the Hellroaring Basin on the western edge of the resort and to add another lift as well as additional ski runs.
Resort spokesperson Riley Polumbus says the project would improve access to the area, which is currently dominated by more difficult runs.
"It will still be pretty challenging terrain I think, but it’s certainly going to open it up a little bit more and allow more people to enjoy that area."
The project is still in the midst of a 45-day objection period. The U.S. Forest Service will need to respond to any objections before it issues its final decision. Barring any major snags in that process, work on the mountain could begin by next spring.
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