You've been asking. We have answers!

Every ski season marks a new chapter in the long history of Big Mountain and Whitefish Mountain Resort. Sometimes that means a new trail to explore, a new chairlift to ride or a fun new event to add to your calendar. But sometimes it's the behind-the-scenes improvements that make the most difference.

Here's a few things you can expect when the snow starts flying and the lifts start spinning. Opening day is Thursday, Dec. 4!

Extensive trail maintenance

This has been an especially productive year for trail maintenance! Throughout the spring, summer and fall, our crews have been hard at work managing overgrowth on more than 150 acres of existing ski trails and terrain.

A huge swath of the frontside of the mountain — from Chair 1 east to Inspiration, from the summit down to Russ's Street — has undergone maintenance to improve the skiing experience. Several other zones around the mountain were tended as well, so get out there and explore this season!

New grooming and snowmaking equipment

This year we acquired two Prinoth snowcats (one brand-new and one new to us), rounding out a fleet of 10 grooming machines that our team uses to lay down corduroy mountainwide.

We also acquired two TechnoAlpin snowmaking guns. We now have a total of 19 modern TechnoAlpin guns, which can produce snow in warmer conditions and at higher volumes than older models while also being more energy-efficient! Our snowmaking efforts ensure we can open lower-elevation terrain early each season and maintain a sufficient base depth.

Expanded cell coverage

You also might notice a new 60-foot monopine cell tower near the entrance of the Fir parking lot. We anticipate this tower will serve both Verizon and AT&T customers by the start of ski season, boosting service across the resort's base and village areas.

The additional coverage will be especially convenient on busy days — you might find it's easier to send and receive texts and phone calls from the Base Lodge and surrounding area!