Record turnout on Big Mountain's slopes

Whitefish Mountain Resort reports it set a new visitor record on Dec. 28 when 7,900 skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes on Big Mountain, breaking the previous single-day record of 7,650 set on Dec. 30 last ski season.

“Pass holders were ready for a powder day,” resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus said. “When you wake up and see six inches of new snow in your lawn, you’re not going to shovel, you’re going skiing.”

The resort reported that 15 inches of snow fell on Big Mountain over the Dec. 27-28 weekend, making it the deepest powder day of the season. All chairlifts were running, and 100 percent of the resort’s terrain was open to help disperse the crowds.

An arctic blast moved into the valley on Monday, which has led to fewer skiers on the slopes, Polumbus said. Yet, there’s still a chance for another big day of skier visits over New Year’s weekend if the weather cooperates.

Blacktail Mountain Ski Area reported 21 inches of snow fell from Dec. 26-28, bringing the summit depth to 60 inches.

“It’s been beautiful, and we’ve had some really good snow,” Blacktail owner Steve Spencer said. “It came just in time, too, with the holidays.”

All of Blacktail’s terrain is now open to skiers and snowboarders, and operations will turn to the normal schedule of Wednesday through Sunday starting Jan. 4.