Whitefish Mountain Resort announced that it set new records for the second straight season with nearly 345,000 total skier visits, 7 percent more than last year and the fourth time exceeding the 300,000 mark.
The resort, which capped the ski season last Sunday, also set a new record for skier visits in a single day with 7,654 on Dec. 30.
“We are thankful for the steady growth we’ve experienced these past several years,” Resort President Dan Graves said in a statement.
“We are committed to creating a high-quality affordable experience with exceptional, easy-going hospitality that encourages our guests to keep coming back.”
In addition to skier visits, the resort’s ski and ride school experienced growth across the board. Notables included junior daily lessons and seasonal programs with increases of 31 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Lodging at Whitefish Mountain Resort properties was up 7 percent over last year with the majority of its visitors arriving from the rest of Montana, Alberta, Washington, Saskatchewan and Minnesota, according to the resort. Arrivals by passengers flying into Glacier Park International Airport were also ahead for December, January and February.
Local residents make up roughly half of the skiing population at Whitefish Mountain Resort and also helped with setting records this season. Season pass visits were up 6 percent over the last season, and this season marked the most pre-season winter pass sales in the history of the resort.
Blacktail Mountain Ski Area in Lakeside will remain open on April 12 and 13 and, depending on demand, the following weekend as well.
According to the ski area’s Facebook page the season is “just too good to let it go.” For those who hit the slopes next weekend and buy a 2014/2015 season pass they’ll be able to use it the rest of this season.
Three chairs and one rope tow provide access to the entire mountain in a relaxed atmosphere. At just over 6,700 feet in elevation, Blacktail offers 1,440 vertical feet of skiing and riding.
Lift tickets are $38 for adults, $26 for teens, $17 for children, $17 for seniors over 70 and free for kids under 7. For more information visit Blacktail’s website