Whitefish Chamber Thursday Update: Nov. 5, 2020
In this issue
  • Whitefish Mountain one of Ski Magazine's 'Top 3' western resorts
  • City Council opts not to enact tougher COVID-19 restrictions
  • Open call for photos ... for 2021 Whitefish Community Guide!
  • Decking your halls for the holidays?  Now's the time!
Local flavor, value keep WMR near the top
Whitefish ranked #3 in SKI magazine poll

     For the second consecutive year, Whitefish Mountain Resort has been named the third most popular ski resort in the western United States by the readers of SKI magazine.

     SKI's annual Resort Guide is the longest running and most comprehensive ski resort survey in the industry, with readers asked to rank ski resorts in a number of different categories.  Sun Valley placed first in this year's rankings, Deer Valley, UT was second, and Big Sky Resort -- the only other Montana ski area on the list -- ranked 22nd.

Whitefish lauded for local flavor and value
     SKI's rankings are determined by their readers, who grade major resorts in dozens of different different categories to come up with an overall ranking.  This year, Whitefish earned the No. 1 spot for Local Flavor, and finished at No. 2 in the Value category.  The resort also earned Top 10 rankings in terms of Family Friendliness, Down Day Activities, Nightlife, Grooming and Dining.

     Congratulations to the management and staff at Whitefish Mountain Resort -- and the entire Whitefish community -- for making SKI Magazine's Top-5 list for the fourth consecutive year.  Onward and upward!! 
City takes a 'wait-and-see' approach
Council opts not to enact
new COVID-19 restrictions

     After a lengthy public hearing and lively discussion, the Whitefish City Council on Monday opted not to enact any new COVID-19 restrictions on local businesses, but left the issue on the table for future consideration should the need arise.

     In response to recent surges in COVID infection rates -- and to the Flathead City-Council Health Board's decision not to take action on a county-wide basis -- the Council had been considering a number of actions, including a move backward to "Phase 1" restrictions ... most notably limiting occupancy in bars, restaurants, retailers and other businesses to 50% of capacity.  Under the current Phase 2 restrictions, businesses are limited to 75% occupancy.

'Unfair' to penalize restaurants and bars
     But after much discussion and deliberation, the Council opted to take no action at this time.  Instead, COVID-19 Response/Restrictions will be a standing item on the City Council's twice-monthly agendas, allowing the Council to take action at a later date if they deem it necessary.

     "The Council felt it would be unfair to penalize all of our restaurants and bars," said Mayor John Muhlfeld, "especially because 85-percent of the businesses in this town are doing the right thing and following the guidelines."

     Instead, Muhlfeld said the City will focus its attention on communicating more effectively with business owners, residents and visitors alike, urging them to support statewide masking, social distancing and sanitization guidelines.  
Hey photographers ... whatcha got?
We're looking for
a few great photos!

     As 2020 begins to wind down, we're hard at work putting together the 2021 Whitefish Community Guide -- the "ultimate guide to all things Whitefish" -- and we need your help!

     We need a ton of fresh photography to fill the pages of this year's Guide ... pictures that show-off the amazing area that we call home!  

     The 64-page, four-color magazine serves as the Chamber's official Visitor and Relocation Guide, so we're looking for a little bit of everything.  Lake and mountain vistas are beautiful, but what we also need are "action shots" ... pix of folks enjoying the great outdoors in every imaginable way -- hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowmobiling, rafting, fishing, floating, road cycling, wildlife-watching ... you get the idea!

     We also need a few great special event shots, photos of local businesses -- and construction crews -- in action, and anything else you might have "up your sleeve" that puts our wonderful community -- and spectacular region -- in the best possible light!

     If you've got a few prized pics that you'd like to share with the Chamber -- and the world! -- email them to kevin@whitefishchamber.org today!  If we use them, we'll give you a photo credit ... and our eternal thanks!
Now taking holiday garland orders!
Glacier Twins ready to 'Deck the Halls'

     It's that time of year, Whitefish ... time to deck-out our town in the sprit of the holidays, and gear-up for the start of another great ski season.  And the Glacier Twins have just the thing to get you started ... freshly cut pine bough garlands, hung outside of your business just in time for Thanksgiving!  

     The Christmas Garland Program is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for our local American Legion baseball club ... and one of the most visible as well.  Scores of local businesses put the Twins to work getting their storefront into the holiday spirit, and here's your chance to get into the act!

     Garlands will be hung by Glacier Twins volunteers the week of Nov. 22-29 for the bargain basement price of $2 per foot, or $1.50 a foot if they just drop it off for you to hang.  The Twins also have fresh pine wreaths ranging in 24- 36- and 48-inch sizes, priced from $30-65.

     But time is limited, so you better act quick!  Fore more information or to place an order, email GlacierTwins406@gmail.com, or call/text Kim at (406) 396-7696 today!

Help needed with downtown decorating
     Now that you're thinking about getting your own business into "holiday shape," how about pitching-in to help get our town '"decked out" as well?  

     The folks at Whitefish Shines are busy getting Whitefish's trademark holiday decorations ready-to-go ... and they'll be turning-out en masse on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 22 to hang the garlands, bells, snowflakes, etc. and turn our downtown district into a winter wonderland.

     There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to volunteer a few hours of your time to help Whitefish get ready for Christmas ... and we really need your help.  For more information call Chris Schustrom at 260-1198, or better yet, show up at the corner of 3rd and Central on Nov. 22 at 8 a.m., and they'll put you to work!
STAY CONNECTED: