Latest news with #Whitefish
Forbes
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
High Turnkey Design In The Montana Pines Defines This $7.5 Million Modern Chalet
44 Elk Highlands Drive, completed in 2023, sits among the majestic pines standing guard over Whitefish Lake, Montana. What happens when a property's designer is also its owner? For starters, that property is created as a home, not an investment to be flipped, not one of many projects developed to meet clients' briefs. The result is instead a deeply personal manifestation of that designer's tastes, wants, needs, emotions. A space to love and to live in. Such is the case with Florida-based designer Lori Faison, who first visited Whitefish, Montana in the early '90s while on a cross-country tour with her husband and some friends. The area's 'charm, natural beauty and endless recreational opportunities left an indelible impression,' she says. Returning in 2017, Faison was again nudged by a feeling she just couldn't shake—that she and her husband should 'plant roots in this gorgeous spot.' The serene shores of Whitefish Lake can be reached in under 10 minutes by car from 44 Elk Highlands Drive. That spot is the Whitefish neighborhood surrounding pine-lined Elk Highlands Drive. During the pandemic, Faison worked with Sonja Burgard of National Parks Realty to find the ideal lot to build 44 Elk Highlands Drive. 'This is her baby,' says Burgard of the turnkey property, completed in 2023. 'And [Faison's vision] is so evident the moment you walk inside,' she adds, commenting that during showings, 'jaws are dropping… and the words 'serene' and 'calming' are overheard a lot.' Wrapped in cedar, corral board and Montana moss rock, this home's exterior exudes warmth—a first impression that makes it seem established and settled into, not the turnkey new build it is. 'My vision for this home was guided by both early homestead cabins of Montana's past and the newer, more modern vernacular that's becoming more prevalent in new builds,' Faison reflects. 'I wanted to honor both styles and partnered with Jill Lawrence of Montana Creative to create a design that had an intentional crossover of modern and traditional mountain architectural elements, with the aim of seamlessly blurring the line between each style and creating a modern-day chalet.' Douglas fir and European white pine warm the interiors, while floor-to-ceiling bi-fold doors invite the light year-round. Inside, 4,200 square feet (390 sqm) of living space flow effortlessly throughout an intentionally neutral palette and a natural yet sophisticated aesthetic—as if this home just rose up ready-made from the mountains. Floor-to-ceiling glass enfolds you in forest, sky and mountain views so vivid that you need to remind yourself they're not 3D photo murals but a pine-scented vignette of right here, right now. 'The design intention was to create a home with walls of windows for an abundance of natural light to stream in during the long Montana winters, and of course to capitalize on the beautiful view corridors,' says Faison. Warmth is maintained, she adds, by using wood like Douglas fir on the walls and reclaimed European white pine floors. A custom tunnel-style fireplace connects dining room to great room. Tactile material natural materials tempt you to give in to the pleasure of running a hand along a waney-edged timber table, the easy glide of buttery leather, the coziness of tweedy upholstery. The great room's custom-designed tunnel fireplace is shared with the dining room, adding comfort and atmosphere to both zones. A bi-fold door system opens wide from the indoor living spaces to a heated outdoor deck that seems to float amongst soaring pine trees. Downstairs, a games room is set up to shoot pool or hunker down with Texas hold 'em, and a bunk room for guests means hosting and entertaining is always relaxed and easy. If you know you know… the singular pleasure of a moonlit dip in an open-air hot tub on a cool evening with the forest as your neighbor. Whitefish, with 10,000 residents, has the charms of a small town with a not-to-be-underestimated sophistication as well. During the pandemic, celebrities took notice and visited or purchased homes, and in 2024 Chef Todd English, four-time James Beard Award winner and Aspen Food & Wine Classic pioneer, co-founded the Whitefish Food and Wine Festival, which celebrates the culinary scene in the Flathead Valley. Lovers of live music will want to catch the Under The Big Sky Festival at Big Mountain in July set on a 350-acre ranch over three days with Tyler Childers, Mumford & Sons and The Red Clay Strays headlining. 44 Elk Highlands Drive is listed at $7,500,000 and represented by Sonja Burgard of National Parks Realty, a member of Forbes Global Properties—the invitation-only network of top-tier brokerages worldwide and the exclusive real estate partner of Forbes.
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Whitefish sets special meeting to discuss state's denial of Whitefish River trail connection
Mar. 28—Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has denied Whitefish's request to complete the Riverbend-Miles portion of its trail along the Whitefish River saying it would negatively impact the wildlife habitat of the river. The agency's environmental review found "significant adverse impacts on the human environment associated with the proposed action from degradation of fish and game habitat." Mayor John Muhlfeld has called for a special meeting on Monday, March 31, at 5:30 p.m. in the Whitefish City Council chambers to discuss the denial. City Council in May voted to proceed with the application process for a 124 permit to complete the trail system. The section of trail would connect the river trail from the Veteran's Memorial Bridge underpass to the BNSF Railway loop trail. Currently, the trail ends and users must climb stairs or cross over U.S. 93 and climb the hill that is Miles Avenue to rejoin the trail. Adam Strainer, fisheries division administrator for the state agency, wrote in a letter dated March 20, that while he applauds the city's innovative idea to expand the river trail and increase connectivity throughout the community, FWP takes seriously its responsibility to balance outdoor recreation and the state's natural resources. "This decision rests on our responsibility to protect and conserve our fisheries and habitat," Strainer said. "Our hard-working biologists concluded this project would have long-term adverse impacts to the Whitefish River's bed, banks and fishery." Strainer lists impacts such as major modifications to the stream and bank habitat and decreased bank stability resulting in erosion. The project would "result in direct loss of significant riparian vegetation and increase erosion," he wrote. "In short, the project would fundamentally change the natural, existing state of fish habitat in the project area." Whitefish considered four options for the stringers and decking before settling on the rejected plan that used a steel support structure with a precast concrete decking. The plan also utilized helical piers to cause less of a disturbance to the riverbed than other types of piers. The permit decision notice, signed by Dave Landstrom, acting Region One supervisor for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, suggests the city create a new design that "avoids permanent and intensive infrastructure below the ordinary high-water mark." The state agency suggests an alternative route for the path along the top of the bank west of the Miles Avenue Condominiums and east of the Riverbend Condominiums. The state's plan calls for the trail near the southwest corner of the Riverbend Condominiums to drop on to the riverbank and then pass through two switchbacks connecting to the existing trail at the Veterans Memorial Bridge underpass. The trail would still meet the city's desire to develop an Amercian with Disabilities Act accessible path in the section, FWP notes in the environmental assessment. In 2022, the council voted unanimously to proceed with an elevated path for the Riverbend Trail. The council last year directed staff to proceed with final engineering and submittal of a permit for the plan. A Stream Protection Act or 124 permit is required for any project that may affect the natural shape and form of any stream, its banks or tributaries.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
4 Feet of Snow Forecasted, West Scores Before Temps Rise Next Week
A powerhouse storm cycle is hammering the Pacific Northwest mountains—especially the Oregon Cascades—with 2–4 feet of denser snow through the weekend. Washington's Cascades will also cash in with over two feet of moderate-density snow. Further inland (Northern Rockies, Utah, Colorado), storms deliver lighter but notable accumulations, with a broader warm-up looming early next week. Bottom line: Get it while it's deep!Want to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates. Below, we combine each previous night's snowfall (4 PM–8 AM) with the same day's snow (8 AM–4 PM) to pinpoint the best windows to chase powder. PNW: Light snow starts in the Washington and Oregon Cascades by afternoon. Not enough for a dedicated chase yet, but a teaser of what's Mostly quiet for the Northern Rockies, Utah, and Colorado. Save your energy for later in the week. (Combining Wed night + Thu day) Oregon Cascades (Timberline, Mt. Bachelor): Timberline could stack 7–9" by early Thursday afternoon, with Bachelor hitting around 6–8". Snow levels will fluctuate (3,000–5,000') and the snow will be on the heavier side (SLRs often <9), but volume rules here—Thursday morning laps should be surfy and Cascades (Stevens, Baker, Crystal): Look for ~5–8" new by noon Thursday (a bit higher at Baker). SLRs hover around 9–11, slightly lighter than Oregon. Plan for moderate-density pow turns, especially mid-mountain and Rockies, Utah, Colorado: Minimal new snow. No strong chase suggestion unless you're itching for any freshies at local hills. (Combining Thu night + Fri day) Washington Cascades (Mt. Baker, Stevens): Another 7–12" possible by Friday afternoon (highest at Baker). This round remains pretty dense—okay if you prefer a supportive base with fresh fluff on top. Winds could swirl in the 20–40 mph range, but the deepening storm is a go for the Cascades (Timberline, Bachelor): Expect around 4–7" new by midday Friday. Still leaning heavy (especially Timberline), but if you want raw accumulation, you'll find Rockies (ID Panhandle, Western MT): Brundage, Schweitzer, and Whitefish each pick up modest refreshes—generally 3–6" total by midday Friday. Not a huge dump, but enough to freshen & Colorado: Light or no significant accumulations for Friday morning. Next wave arrives late Friday into Saturday. (Combining Fri night + Sat day) Oregon Cascades (Timberline): Could see another 6–9" by Saturday afternoon, capping off a multi-day total pushing two feet or more. Snow levels hover ~4,000–5,000' with heavier moisture. It's a classic 'big dump' scenario, though not blower—bring the snorkel mainly for depth, not Cascades (Stevens, Crystal): Expect around 5–8" new by midday. Winds continue, but you'll score a seriously deep multi-day total by Saturday. Storm skiing vibe with moderate-density fluff up Rockies (Grand Targhee, Jackson, parts of SW Montana): Targhee adds ~3–5" fresh. Not huge, but decent quality (SLRs can top 12+). Could be a sneaky fun day—especially if earlier wind didn't mess things (Steamboat, I-70 corridor resorts): First wave arrives Friday night, delivering maybe 2–5" by Saturday morning at Steamboat, Vail, and Winter Park. Most mountains stack up a bit more through the day Saturday. Nothing monstrous, but enough for soft (Powder Mountain, the Cottonwoods): Friday night plus Saturday might tally ~2–4" at Powder, ~2–3" in the Cottonwoods. Not a full-on dump, but storms may preserve decent conditions if temps stay cool. (Combining Sat night + Sun day) PNW: Snowfall tapers. A few leftover inches possible in the Washington Cascades and northern Oregon. Not a prime chase day, but it's the tail end of a deep cycle, so leftover pow stashes should be good in wind-protected Rockies: Light wrap-around leftovers (1–2" in some spots).Utah & Colorado: Storms wind down except for spotty snow in Colorado's central/northern mountains. Likely only a couple of inches. Things will start warming soon, so Sunday might be the final chance for fresh Sunday: Decreasing returns. If you're already stationed in the Cascades or a favored Northern Rockies zone, you'll find leftover goods in the morning. After that, plan on the big warm-up next week. Good: Oregon/Washington Cascades see multi-day totals well over a foot, up to 2+ feet in spots (Oregon possibly near 2–3 feet). Enough new snow to surf day after moderate-density snow (SLR ~9–11) strikes a sweet spot for stability and float. Some Northern Rockies hotspots (like Targhee) get respectable fluff, especially Thursday– Heavier snow in the Oregon Cascades, especially Timberline and Bachelor (frequent SLR <9). Deep, but not blower by any means. Winds could create crusts/drifting, especially in Washington and across exposed ridges in the Northern Rockies/Colorado. Snow levels in Oregon can spike to 4,000–5,000'—lower mountain may get glop or Strong winds (40+ mph gusts) that can hammer open terrain and lead to lift disruptions. Rising snow levels in some areas on Friday/Saturday could reduce quality at lower elevations. Oregon Cascades: A surge of Pacific moisture slams into the range, with snow levels dancing between 3,000 and 5,000 feet. Above 4,500', 2–4 feet is on the table through Saturday—dense but deep. Winds from the southwest are strong, shifting to westerly. Timberline and Bachelor are prime for deep snowfall but expect very wet, heavy Cascades: Multi-day totals may surpass two feet from Stevens to Baker, with moderate SLRs (generally 9–11). Snow levels bounce 2,500–4,000 feet. Gusty conditions (20–40 mph, local 50 mph along ridgetops) could lead to drifting. Nonetheless, day-after-day reloads should keep it fresh, especially mid- to upper-mountain. Idaho Panhandle, Western Montana: Periodic waves bring moderate accumulations—3–6" chunks each day in places like Schweitzer, Whitefish, and Brundage, with potential for a bit more overnight into Friday. Snow quality is mixed, but cooler temps keep it from getting too (Targhee, Jackson): Storm arrival Thursday delivers 3–10" in the Tetons by Thursday night. Lighter refreshes Friday into Saturday. Targhee's SLR can spike above 12, so watch for occasional blower pockets. Jackson Hole sees smaller totals but with fairly high SLR—still decent (Big Sky, Bridger): Light accumulations hit Thursday–Friday, then another wave Friday night–Saturday. Totals aren't huge (a few inches at a time), but cooler temps could preserve snow quality in upper bowls. Gusty winds along the Rocky Mountain Front. High pressure breaks down late Friday. Northern Utah mountains snag a small shot of snow Friday night into Saturday (1–4" range). Upper Cottonwoods (Alta/Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude) have the best odds, though amounts remain modest. Temperatures remain below normal until the weekend—expect workable pow conditions Friday night, turning more spring-like Sunday onward. North-Central Mountains (Steamboat, Winter Park, Summit County): Minor accumulations Thursday night, then again Friday night into Saturday. Steamboat could net 2–5" by early Saturday, with an additional few inches Saturday day. SLRs look fairly high (often above 12), so even small totals can ski nicely. Winter Park, Copper, and Breck see similar & Central Mountains (Telluride, Crested Butte, Monarch): Late Friday into Saturday produces moderate hits (a few inches each round). Not a major storm, but the cooler temps keep quality decent. By Sunday, things taper off as ridging builds. Expect a big warm-up early next week. Light to moderate snow arrives Wednesday night into Thursday for Tahoe areas (Sugar Bowl, Palisades), mainly 2–5" above 5,000–6,000'. Winds cranking up to 40+ mph on ridges. After a quick break, a weak system clips far northern Sierra Friday but mostly misses the main Tahoe resorts. High pressure then dominates over the weekend, launching a serious warm-up. High pressure establishes over much of the West early next week, bringing a sharp warm-up and largely dry conditions. Expect potential spring corn cycles or even slushy afternoons by midweek. Farther north (PNW, northern Rockies) may see occasional showers, but big storms look less likely until maybe late next week. If you want one more shot of deep, go now—because the thaw is coming in hot.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Friends, family reflect on the legacy of Flathead Valley conservationist 'Lex' Blood
Feb. 28—William "Lex" Blood had only lived in the Flathead Valley a few years when the first Cabinet Creek mines threatened to poison Northwest Montana waterways, but the former miner quickly became an unlikely hero when he led the effort to stall the projects. Over the course of 50 years, Blood taught countless students at Flathead Valley Community College and founded multiple land conservation and education organizations. The gregarious geologist was a community hallmark, so much so that few of his closest colleagues could recall a time before knowing Blood. "He was sort of like the air you breathe," said Steve Thompson of Whitefish. "Any time you look out the window and see the mountains and the lakes and you remember that this is still a special place, you can thank Lex Blood for that." The famed conservationist and educator died Feb. 13 in Kalispell. He was 91 years old. Blood's route to local stardom was circuitous. He was raised on the East Coast and harbored early dreams of working in the mining industry like his father. After an abbreviated stint at Yale and a two-year service in the Marines, Blood moved his young family west to study geological engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. "I always looked up to my dad," recalled Blood's daughter, Lisa Flowers. "The sense of adventure, it was really instilled deeply in me." Flowers described her parents as "early hippies" with a strong land ethic. Instead of a lemonade stand, the Blood kids ran a rock shop supplied with specimens their father brought home from work, and the family often spent their evenings outside playing sports and weekends camping in the woods. Blood graduated with a doctorate in 1968, but after a decade of working in mines across the U.S., Africa and South America, he was beginning to have second thoughts about his career. "I began to realize that technology was leading us by the nose," Blood said in a 1999 Daily Inter Lake story. "We could do this, but should we?" In 1972, the family crammed into a pickup camper and spent the summer roaming the Pacific Northwest in search of greener pastures. They settled in a log cabin near Lake Blaine, where Blood cultivated a new career as an outdoor educator and conservation advocate. Almost immediately, Blood became a leading voice in early efforts to stall open-pit mining projects in the Canadian Flathead. In the 1970s and 80s, two projects on Cabinet Creek threatened to dump tailings and other toxic refuse into the North Fork of the Flathead River, which would then flow downstream into Montana. Blood organized local Montanans into a citizen advocacy group called the Flathead Coalition and later served on the steering committee for the Flathead Basin Environmental Impact Study. Both efforts heavily factored into international negotiations to halt mining activity. In 1975, Blood started teaching geology courses at Flathead Valley Community College. While he described himself as an indifferent student, Blood quickly proved himself as a talented teacher. "As an instructor, he was so dynamic and so enthusiastic," said Ursula Mattson. A naturalist and outdoor educator herself, Mattson reached out to Blood in 1983 with an idea for a local outdoor education organization in Glacier National Park. Blood immediately responded, saying he had been considering the same idea. The two quickly founded the Glacier Institute with the goal of providing place-based field courses for park visitors and Flathead residents. Blood served as the organization's president until 1999 and taught many of the courses himself, crafting lessons that extended far beyond simple facts to, as he said, "tell the story behind the landscape." "His teaching was very much part of who he was," said Mattson. "He wanted to share the depth and breadth of his knowledge." Blood also helped found the Montana Environmental Information Center, Glacier Park Associates, Montana Environmental Education Association, Crown of the Continent Ecosystem Education Consortium and the Flathead Forestry Collaborative Project, all while maintaining a vibrant teaching career at Flathead Valley Community College. Blood supported many other organizations through his post-retirement work with the Sustainability Fund and the Non-Profit Development Partnership. He often lent his decades of geologic expertise to Montana Land Reliance, Flathead Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy of Montana, conducting mineral analyses for conservation easements across Northwest Montana. "He just showed up," said Flathead Land Trust Executive Director Paul Travis. He described Blood as a mentor and a close friend. "He was always there and always using his advice and leadership to lead the way." Flathead Audubon honored Blood with an Outstanding Contribution to Conservation Education Award in 2006, and Whitefish Lake Institute granted him the Lifetime Achievement Stewardship Award in 2008. Throughout his life, Blood remained an avid outdoorsman and a voracious scholar. He spent many afternoons scaling rock walls and swimming in the Flathead River with his four granddaughters and continued to bike well into his 80s. Even as his abilities waned, Lisa Flowers said her father often expressed gratitude for the life he had led. "He was a lover of the community he was a part of. It ran deep in his bones," said Flowers. "My dad was a thinker, a deep thinker with deep care and a huge personality." Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at hsmalley@ or 758-4433.
