Forest OKs new lifts, runs in Hellroaring Basin

Plans for a new ski lift and new ski runs on Big Mountain received the green light Wednesday in a U.S. Forest Service decision.

Flathead National Forest Supervisor Kurt Steele OK’d the long-discussed Hellroaring Basin Project at Whitefish Mountain Resort, which calls for reconfiguring the current Hellroaring chair location, adding a new chair lift to Hellroaring Peak, and creating eight new ski runs in the Hellroaring area.

“We are excited to begin work on the Hellroaring Basin project. As the next major project at the resort, these improvements will enhance the guest experience by increasing access and adding more versatile terrain in Hellroaring Basin,” Whitefish Mountain Resort Chief Executive Officer Dan Graves said in a media release. “Additionally, relocating the Hellroaring chairlift will allow us to open the area earlier in the season due to the higher elevation at Grand Junction, as well as allow skiers to access terrain in Hellroaring Basin and the front side of the mountain from the top of the lift.”

The project, entirely within the ski resort’s existing permit boundary, will be conducted in multiple phases beginning this spring.

The initial phase will include constructing a service road from the top of Chair 2 to the Grand Junction area in Hellroaring Basin. Crews will clear timber for new runs and a new 50-foot-wide lift line, as well as gladed areas adjacent to runs. According to the Forest’s decision, trees will be selectively removed to create the glades, with approximately 20 feet between trees. This will enhance the skier experience and improve safety, the Forest Service notes.

Existing runs to be cleared include Glory Hole, Connie’s Coulee, Gray’s Golf Course and The Back 9. Two additional runs will be added to the northwest facing slope. Trail ratings and names are yet to be determined.

The new service road will be used for construction purposes during the project and in the winter will become a green run for the easiest access into the basin. The road also will provide an evacuation route for injured skiers. Outside of the winter ski season, motorized or bicycle use will be prohibited on the service road.

Also as part of phase 1 work, some areas on the Hell Fire run will be reshaped to eliminate the negative grades.

Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the fall.

In 2021, the resort will move the existing Hellroaring chairlift, Chair 8, from its current location upslope. The bottom terminal will be located at Grand Junction and the top terminal to the intersection of the Toni Matt and Big Ravine ski runs, running a total of 1,075 vertical feet.

Resort officials hope this will allow skiers to access more areas on the front side of the mountain, as well as access back into Hellroaring Basin, providing an improved flow of skier traffic.

The portion of the existing Hell Fire Run below Grand Junction will be abandoned when the new lift is in place, along with the existing Chair 8/Purgatory run.

Future phases include construction of an additional chair lift from Grand Junction the top of Hellroaring Peak as well as two runs on the west and east ridges. The new Hellroaring Peak lift will offer 1,340 vertical feet of skiing into Hellroaring Basin.

Additionally, a cat track will be constructed and provide access from Hellroaring Peak to the Gray Wolf ski run on the north side of the mountain. No timeline for these phases has been set.

According to the Forest Service, the project includes requirements to protect resources during and after construction, such as limitations on helicopter and heavy equipment use during construction, and riparian area avoidance.

The Forest Service notes that several measures will be put in place to reduce grizzly bear disturbance during the non-denning season. Hellroaring Basin will continue to be closed to skiers and snowboarders beginning April 1 each year.

Public involvement for the Hellroaring Basin Improvement Project began in November 2018. An additional comment period on the environmental assessment began last May, and the objection period ended in January.

In general, Steele said the Forest Service heard from people who supported the project and the improvements it would bring for recreation opportunity, and from people concerned about potential impacts to grizzly bears, Canada lynx, hydrology and changes to the existing skier experience.

The Forest Service did not make changes to the proposed action as a result of public comment.

Among his rationale for approving the project, Steele said it was important to provide additional opportunities for the resort to “remain viable and competitive in the ski resort marketplace.” He also noted that the Forest Service plan encourages recreation activities that contribute to jobs and the local economy.

“Downhill skiing is an important part of the winter economy and a great winter outdoor activity that many people come here to enjoy,” said Steele. “Through our partnership and collaboration with Whitefish Mountain Resort, I am proud to continue to support this highly valuable recreation opportunity on public lands.”

The final decision can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55012.