Hospitality group Pursuit is rebranding Grouse Mountain Lodge as Hotel Whitefish.

The revamped hotel is part of Pursuit’s broader plan to deploy more than $300 million into growth projects across its portfolio by 2030.  

Transformation is already underway at the Whitefish mainstay. A new 8,250-square-foot event pavilion is nearing completion, with the first events scheduled to be held in early fall. 

The southern wing of the hotel’s guest rooms has been redesigned. New carpet, bar installations, and a new bridal suite and larger suites are a few of the modern changes that have taken place.  

A matching renovation of the northern wing will start soon. The lodge also did touchups to its pool and hot tub.  

All updates including a refresh to the lobby, restaurant, conference and shared spaces are slated to be completed with the full launch of Hotel Whitefish in Summer 2027. 

“We’re modernizing without losing the essence of connection to place,” said Jess Harcombe Fleming, Pursuit’s vice president for communications. “Our vision for 2030 is reinvestment in the places that matter to us, whether that is building new spaces or refreshing existing assets.” 

The 144-room Grouse Mountain Lodge and convention center, built by Whitefish business partners Tim Grattan and Buzz Crutcher, opened July 1, 1984.  

Located on U.S. 93 adjacent to Whitefish Lake Golf Course, the hotel has been credited with putting Whitefish on the map. For locals, it’s been a special place for weddings, proms, conferences and celebrations. 

Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality – then called Glacier Park Inc. – purchased the lodge in 2011. Crutcher at the time said they hadn’t been interested in selling but were offered a good opportunity.  

Pursuit has operated in Montana for over 60 years. Pursuit owns many attractions in West Glacier and Apgar Village and Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier. Pursuit has operations across the Canadian Rockies, Alaska, Iceland and Costa Rica. 

Partners for the Whitefish lodge’s transformation include Cushing Terrell, Martel Construction and Frank Architecture & Interiors.  

On the ground, the transformation will be led by new and experienced leadership, as Ryan Tomm started as the new general manager of the lodge a few weeks ago.  

Tomm has more than 15 years of hospitality leadership experience, most recently as general manager of The Equestrian Hotel at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida and before that as manager at Castle Hot Springs in Arizona. Tomm is originally from Milwaukee and moved to Whitefish with his wife, 8-year-old daughter and their Doberman.  

Kayla Hartley, an employee of nearly 20 years, reflected positively on the investments and Pursuit’s encouragement of local involvement for employees.  

“Grouse has been a staple for years, but we didn’t always put the money back into it,” Hartley said. 

Hartley pointed to touches in the renovated southern wing that pay homage to the traditional design, including art from local artists. She also said they have nearly 40 weddings already on the books for the new events center. 

A press release from Pursuit said the investments and rebrand reflects continued growth in demand for year-round mountain destinations and expanding interest in weddings, events and group travel in the Whitefish market. 

“This property has long been a place where people come together in Whitefish,” said Rob Spence, vice president and general manager for Pursuit’s Glacier Park Collection.  

“Hotel Whitefish is about carrying that role forward with enhanced guestrooms and shared spaces, a dedicated new event venue, and more ways for both visitors and locals to gather here for years to come.” 

Pursuit’s Pacific Northwest Chief Operating Officer Gary Rodgers said Hotel Whitefish shows confidence in the future of Whitefish.  

“This investment allows us to create a stronger year-round destination experience,” Rodgers said. 

Editor Kelsey Evans can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support. 

    A provided rending of a renovated suite at Grouse Mountain Lodge, to be called Hotel Whitefish.
  

    A provided rendering of expected updates to the bar inside Grouse Mountain Lodge, to be called Hotel Whitefish.