Snowboarders and Skiers Enjoy Chest-Deep Powder for the Last Weekend in March

WHITEFISH, Mont. – A weekend storm brought double-digit accumulations of unusually light snow to Whitefish Mountain Resort, bringing their total snowfall for the 2007-2008 season to 421" and catapulting the area past their previous record of 406", set during the 1996-1997 season.

Skiers and snowboarders woke up Saturday morning to a report of 4 new inches, but by the time they arrived on-site, that number had at least doubled. Continuing inch-per-hour snowfall and wind variations meant that many found snow as much as chest deep by the end of the day. "I had to stop at one point, because I just couldn't breathe," said Kristi Hanchett, recruiting manager at the resort. "I couldn't keep the snow from filling my mouth up."

The storm brought cold temperatures that produced snow that was unseasonably light and fluffy for this time of year. "It was the kind of dry snow you'd expect, and we got a lot of, in the deep winter months," said Tary King, the resort's ski patrol chief. "But the amount and quality were both a surprise at the end of March."

In addition to fresh, deep snow, Whitefish Mountain Resort is planning some man-made fun for the last week of the season.

First, the resort is offering lift tickets to all guests for $29 per day until the end of the season on April 6th. "It's our way of saying thanks to all our guests for a great season," said resort president Dan Graves.

Then, on Saturday, April 6, the resort will host the 3rd Annual Big Mountain Pond Skim near the bottom terminal of Chair 1. A capped field of 60 costume-clad participants will attempt to skim over the surface of an eighty-foot man-made pond, gaining speed from a starting line some distance up the hill. Those successful will repeat attempts from a periodically lowered starting line until every contestant has fallen in. There will a cash purse, along with ski and snowboard gear for runners-up and for the best costume. The best crash of the day will be awarded a free one-hour massage. Participants should pre-register for the event at least 24 hours in advance by visiting the Guest and Information Center or calling (406) 862-2900. There is no charge for spectators.