Whitefish Mountain Resort announced this morning a reversal of one of their new summer lift ride policies. Earlier this spring, after a one-year hiatus for construction of the new chairlift, the resort made plans for running the summer scenic lift rides to the top of Big Mountain. The most controversial of those plans included charging half price for lift rides down—a service always granted for free to those who huffed and puffed their way to the top by foot.
This morning, the resort announced that it is reversing that decision and giving free lift rides down to anyone who hikes up. “It’s hard to listen to people talk about how much they value hiking here and riding the lift down, but in the same breath talk about how adamant they are that they will never pay for that service,” explained Donnie Clapp, spokesperson for the resort. “But we heard from a lot of people. For many, the free lift ride down is a big deal. A lot of comments were really reasonable and supportive of the business, but questioned this particular decision.”
“Getting that kind of constructive criticism makes it much easier to create a product that is right for our customers,” continued Clapp.
While the lift ride down policy has changed, uphill riders will need to purchase a lift ticket or a summer season pass since winter ski passes are no longer valid for summer lift riding. Daily adult lift tickets run $12 – 24, depending on the number of rides desired. Summer season passes are on sale for $50 off through the end of June.
Scenic lift rides start running on June 21. Lift rides uphill begin daily at 10 a.m.; the last lift up runs at 5 p.m.
“We really do value the input of our customers and guests,” said Clapp. “We’re all very excited to do something that will make so many people happy.”