Storm blankets resort for opening day

Whitefish Mountain Resort was covered with about 5 to 10 inches of new snow over the Thanksgiving weekend, shoring up conditions for opening day on Saturday, Dec. 5.

"Chair 7 is skiable," resort spokesman Donnie Clapp said Monday. "The plans include opening all the main arteries on the back side. The black runs are not quite ready."

The main slopes around Chair 7 include most of the blue and green runs, like Goat Haunt, Whitetail and Silvertip.

As of presstime, there was a 31-inch base at the summit with about 6 inches in the village area.

The resort is unsure about whether conditions will allow for skiers to come down the front side of the mountain.

"You can almost ski all the way down Russ's Street," Clapp said.

The resort will download skiers on Chair 1 if conditions are too thin.

Snowmaking is set to take place all week, with forecasted lows in the teens. There is a chance of snow Friday and Saturday.

"We're looking forward to more snow in the next few days," Clapp said. "The forecast looks good."

The resort will announce lift ticket prices for opening day some time on Thursday on their snow report. Prices may be reduced if there is limited terrain.