Whitefish Mountain Resort will close for the season today in efforts to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.

The regular season was scheduled to end April 5.

“After careful thought and discussion in light of the rapidly changing circumstances, we have made the decision to close for the 2019-20 winter season after the close of day today, Sunday March 15, 2020. Although there have not been any confirmed cases of COVID-19 at our resort, or in the Flathead Valley, we feel the need to do our part in limiting the spread of the coronavirus,” Whitefish Mountain Resort CEO Dan Graves stated in a letter announcing the decision.

Restaurants, rental and retail shops will be closed in addition to on-mountain operations. All events planned for the remainder of the season have been canceled. The resort lodging department plans to contact and work with current guests and people with existing reservations to make alternate travel agreements.

“We have relaxed our cancellation policies and will continue to honor this relaxed policy with summer reservations,” Graves said.

Guests who have purchased advanced tickets online are asked to email info@skiwhitefish.com rather than calling the resort because call volume is expected to be high as a result of the closure.

Seasonal employees will be given other work assignment opportunities through scheduled work periods according to Graves.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have reached this decision however, we feel at this time this is the best thing to do for the health of our employees, guests, and our community. It is particularly upsetting because we are all skiers and understand how important this recreation is to our mental health and well-being. For all of our guests currently at Whitefish Mountain Resort and those who have planned trips here this March and April, we sincerely apologize,” he said.

For more information visit https://skiwhitefish.com.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.