Its springtime in MT here's a quick update from the big!
Dear Pass Holders,
Early this morning, ski patrollers at the summit were measuring the actual temperature to be in the range of -15°F to -20°F, with wind gusts above 30mph. Our calculations put the maximum wind chill at about -60°F.
When it is that windy and cold, mechanical and electrical systems become much less reliable than they are in average conditions. Structural properties of metals and plastics change, and things that were once pliable become rigid and brittle.
We might consider allowing our hearty Montana skiers to brave these conditions for 7-1/2 minutes during a ride up Chair 1, but when you consider the possibility that something might go wrong with the chair lifts for reasons mentioned above, the risk is obviously too great. A relatively small problem with Chair 1 that left riders suspended for just 10 minutes with wind chills consistently below -40°F may have proved disastrous. A strong gust of wind that derailed the lift cable would have been even worse.
So, with all this in mind, we decided not to open Chairs 1, 7, and 8 this morning. As of now the weather looks like it will allow us to open them tomorrow. All the lower lifts, including Chair 2, were open today at a reduced ticket price of $29.
Our passion is for skiing, but our priority lies in the safety of our guests. We hope you can understand our decision to act on that priority.
Thank you for your support,
The Management of Whitefish Mountain Resort