News from your community trail! |
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Greetings!
In recent weeks we've received several emails and phone calls from locals and visitors alike wondering what sections of the Whitefish Trail are accessible in the winter. Many are skeptical when we tell them that much of the Whitefish Trail is well used throughout the winter - most of the trail can be enjoyed with only boots (and poles and yaktrax when its gets icy), some areas are groomed for XC skiing (Big Mtn), and others for fat biking (Beaver Lakes). It’s well worth the frosty nose and toes to experience the delicate ice crystals hanging from fir and cedars, and the the kind of quiet in the forest that only comes when its blanketed in snow. We hope you're enjoying the winter wonderland on the trail!
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New multi-use winter grooming at Beaver Lakes! |
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This year sections of the Whitefish Trail at Beaver Lakes are being groomed for fat bikers, hikers, and skiers! The Whitefish Bike Retreat is providing this free service for the community, in conjunction with grooming trails at the Bike Retreat.
Along with roads being plowed due to the DNRC’s active timber sale, ~5 miles of groomed trails and roads offer new winter opportunities to explore the Beaver Lakes area this winter. Cat Dean, Whitefish Bike Retreat new co-owner, is excited to introduce more trail users to fat biking and the area.
Fat bikes can be rented at the Bike Retreat or bike shops in town. In late January, WBR will host a winter trails scavenger hunt! Check out the WBR website for more information.
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WLP WELCOMES HEARTSTONE ADVISORS AS
WHITEFISH TRAIL LEGACY SPONSOR
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The Heartstone Advisors staff and family running the 2021 Whitefish Legacy Trail Run 50k |
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Family owned Whitefish business HeartStone Advisors has pledged $50,000 as a Legacy Sponsor to support Whitefish Legacy Partners (WLP) and the Whitefish Trail for years to come. With an increased interest in outdoor recreation, rising development pressure, and a growing need for front country recreation opportunities, HeartStone Advisor’s generous giving of $10,000 per year for five years is a long-term investment in the future of our local lands.
“Since moving to Whitefish almost a decade ago, we have found the Whitefish Trail to be a distinguishing resource for the community. WLP has given us so much. They have protected our most beautiful lakes and landscapes, and the trail itself is the perfect spot for a trail run, a mountain bike ride, or a quick walk for our three pups. We benefit from the Whitefish Trail almost every day and becoming a Legacy Sponsor seemed like the perfect way for our family business to give back.”
Al Matarazzo, Managing Partner
HeartStone Advisors
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HeartStone Advisors joins Whitefish Credit Union as Legacy Sponsors of the Whitefish Trail, with three remaining WT Legacy Sponsorships available. WLP is looking for additional Legacy Sponsors in 2022.
To learn more about becoming a Legacy Sponsor, contact info@whitefishlegacy.org
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Whitefish Trail
Legacy Run Registration is Open!
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Looking for a race to keep your summer trail running motivation up and support our locals trails at the same time? With a distance for everyone, the Whitefish Trail Legacy Run is one of NW Montana's premier trail races. On Saturday October 1, 50k participants will run from downtown Whitefish to the summit of Big Mountain and back! Then on Sunday October 2, half marathon, 10k, 5k, and family fun runners will explore the trails in Beaver Lakes. |
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After settling into a couple of seriously cold and snowy weeks around the New Year, we are now in the midst of a drier and warmer spell with a forecasted high of 40 degrees this week - a bit of a roller coaster! These temperature and moisture trends have left us with a solid, though slowly shrinking, snowpack across the WT system. You will find packed snow and ice at popular destinations such as Lion Mountain, Reservoir, and Swift Creek. We recommend traction devices such Yaktrax in these areas. |
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Meanwhile, on the Holbrook and Beaver Lakes trails, the conditions for snowshoeing or fat-biking, respectively, are ideal. |
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This week there are temporary trail closures in the Woods Lake area as logging operations will be working near WT sections. WT segments shown in red will be closed this week and, possibly, into early next week. Signs will be posted at closures. The trails will be open during the weekend (1/22-1/23). Please be safe and respect all closures! We will post on our Facebook page with updates. |
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Finally, if you are recreating on the Whitefish Trail this winter with a dog, please be respectful and mindful of wildlife. Even though the bears are hibernating now, there are still many predators, including Mountain Lions, in the woods around Whitefish and there are plenty of other animals that are trying to conserve energy during the tough winter months. Only dogs under strict voice control should be off leash, and dogs should never be allowed to chase wildlife. |
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Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors!
The Whitefish Trail relies on the generosity of trail users,
conservation-minded supporters, and local businesses to create a year-round, sustainable asset for future generations.
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The Flathead Beacon is a local news staple, providing a weekly, free paper to the Flathead. They have been giving back to the community in more ways that one, including donations to WLP as a WT Corporate Sponsor. Pick up a Beacon this week to read what's going on in your community. We could not do it without their help! Thank you to the entire Beacon team for all that you do!
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Good Medicine Lodge believes in the value the Whitefish Trail brings to our community. They have been a devoted Corporate Sponsor of the project since 2014 and are always looking for ways to give back. If you have friends or family visiting or need a place to stay, consider a locally owned bed and breakfast that gives back. They also have the best homemade cookies in town!
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Whitefish Legacy Partners
406-862-3880
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