Big changes at Big Mountain 62 years ago

Big news for Big Mountain 62 years ago was December skiing schedule. It was announced the 3,220-foot lift that goes up for 1,024 feet would be operating.

Beginner slope at Big Mountain was doubled in size during the summer to 700 feet. There was also a new rope tow.

Another summer improvement was Big Mountain Ski Lodge. There were now 20 sleeping accommodations. A six day, all all-expense "Ski Week" was offered with $49 and $56 rates. Lift use, ski school, housing, meals and evening square dancing all included.

Rooms at the Northern Rocky Chalet were to be completed during the holiday. Dining room, lounge, sleeping accommodations for 40 guest s were scheduled. Owners were Mr. and Mrs. Ebb Schuele, former Seattle residents.

More good news for Big Mountain came from Ed Schenck, general manager. Reservations were being received from metropolitan centers. Wednesday night skiing would be available for the first time.

Prestigious training staff was announced for the season. Members included Toni Matt, top point-man on the U.S. Ski Team; and Mr. and Mrs. Gene Gillis. She was the former Rhona Whurtele, Canadian champion and U.S. Ski Team member. Training session on the hill was planned by the U.S. Forest Service.

Special events for the new year were scheduled at Big Mountain. There were 135 University of Montana students expected to attend their annual party Jan. 6, 7 and 8. State high school races were to be held Feb. 10 and 11. Doug Smith Memorial races were scheduled for mid-March.

Snow was welcome for Big Mountain but affected jobs elsewhere. One foot of snow was reported at Hungry Horse dam site. Result was scarcely any activity where 600 men and machines had been working six weeks previously.

New working schedule was voted by union local members for Stoltze Lumber Co., largest mill in the Flathead, at Half Moon. Sawmill workers would work Saturdays instead of Thursdays. Mill pond could be kept open longer with the split work week. Two days would result in earlier freezing. This would bring an end to saw mill operations, but would not affect the planer.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.