It’s been a long off-season in the Flathead Valley since Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area closed early in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the wait is over — the lifts finally start running again on Thursday, Dec. 10, on Big Mountain. Skiers and riders should expect changes to the usual day on the slopes this year.

At Whitefish Mountain Resort, masks or face shields will be required at all times in lift lines, indoor spaces and on the S.N.OW. shuttle bus. Anyone who is medically exempt from either face covering option is required to email exemptions@skiwhitefish.com for a review process.

“We respect that you may have medical exemptions, but as you may present an additional risk toward other guests and employees we need to review your case,” the Whitefish Mountain Resort website explains.

The singles line won’t be running at any of the chairlifts on Big Mountain, and lift attendants won’t ask guests to pair up with people outside their party.

There won’t be a limit on the number of day passes sold, and reservations won’t be required to ski. This year, however, uphill skiers are required to purchase a $12 day pass or carry their season passes.

Season pass sales at Whitefish Mountain Resort set a new record this year. The resort guarantees 100 days of skiing this season, or passholders will receive a prorated credit toward a 2021/22 season pass for lost operating days caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dining facilities will be open, with spaced-out seating and hosted seating in some locations, including The Summit House and Ed & Mully’s. Many guests are expected to take lunch breaks in their cars, and they are urged to pack out their trash or use provided dumpsters. Additionally, fires and pop-up tents are prohibited in the parking lots, and the resort reminds guests not to drink and drive.

Programs such as the Ski & Ride School and Day Care also will be affected by the changes. Space is limited for each program, and online reservations are strongly recommended. Children 3 and older will be required to wear face coverings, and participants will need to pass a health screening.

Full-day ski and ride lessons will not include lunch; parents will need to pick up their children for a lunch break and drop them off in the afternoon. Daycare participants must bring their own packed lunch.

Some new terrain will be open later this season in the Hellroaring Basin on the west side of Big Mountain. Over the off-season, crews cleared timber on Glory Hole, Connie’s Coulee and other portions of Hellroaring Basin as part of a project to expand that area. The plan is to move Chair 8 to better service Hellroaring Basin in time for the 2021-2022 ski season.

Public Relations Manager Maren McKay said she is optimistic the resort will be ready to handle the adjustments this season, even though she acknowledged some changes are hard to anticipate before skiers start to hit the slopes.

OPENING DAY is yet to be scheduled at Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, but the crew in Lakeside has been hard at work preparing the ski area for changes this season, too.

Over the off-season, Blacktail’s website was completely revamped, making lift tickets and rental reservations available online for the first time.

Skiers and riders who purchase an online lift ticket can scan a barcode at one of two new kiosks in the lodge to print their pass. Rentals reserved online will be ready and waiting in the cafeteria area, which has been reconfigured as a space to boot up before getting out on the mountain.

Instead of lounging in the lodge, Blacktail visitors are encouraged to use their cars for lunch breaks. Tailgating is allowed and visitors are encouraged to spread out across the many parking lots at the top of the mountain.

Inside the lodge, grab-and-go cafeteria food will be available, and all tables will have a mandatory 45-minute turnover time. Reservations will be required for Muley’s Bar & Restaurant.

Out on the snow, Blacktail’s management has also made a few adaptations to keep visitors spread apart. The Mighty Mite beginner area has been relocated to reduce congestion at the top of the mountain. Face masks are also required in all lift lines.

However, Marketing Director Arin Lever pointed out Blacktail’s unique top-down setup should make it easy for skiers to quickly spread out on the mountain. And the slogan at the top of Blacktail’s updated website reminds guests, “we want to operate, please cooperate.”

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at (406)-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.