Forest officials say they'll ticket uphill ski violators

In response to dangerous behavior by some skiers at Whitefish Mountain Resort, the Flathead National Forest has announced that individuals who skin up Big Mountain and don’t follow the established uphill traffic policy could be ticketed.

Last season, two skiers were told to stay on an approved route but then ventured into an area where ski patrollers were using explosives to mitigate avalanche hazards.

Forest Service officials say that this year, any uphill travelers who don’t use approved routes at approved times, or who approach closer than 100 feet to grooming equipment or 50 feet to snowmaking equipment, can be ticketed and face up to a $100 fine for a first offense and potentially stiffer penalties for repeat offenders.

The uphill policy and special order can be reviewed online at www.fs.usda.gov/activity/flathead/recreation/wintersports.