Glacier Nordic Club outlines grooming headquarters plan for Big Mountain trailhead

Whitefish — Glacier Nordic Club Executive Director Jenny Bender updated the Whitefish City Council on the clubs winter-operations capital project, seeking a grooming-headquarters facility at the Big Mountain Trailhead.

Bender described the clubs operations (about 250 youth and 100+ adult program participants, ownership of a ski shop and 65 km of groomed trails) and said the new facility footprint would be roughly 37 by 66 feet with an added carport for a vehicle and equipment storage. She told council the project is in design and that the club is working with Montana Creative, A to Z engineering and TD&H; construction is targeted for spring 2026 pending fundraising and lease agreements with the city and Whitefish Legacy Partners.

Councilors asked about safety features and emergency response at trailheads after a resident asked whether a warming space or emergency phone could be included. Bender said the club is discussing a public space with security cameras, warming windows, and a first door to the left intended for members and community use but clarified that features remained under discussion and were not yet confirmed.

Council thanked the club for grooming operations and partnership; several councilors noted the Haskell Basin conservation easement and past council support for preserving higher-altitude trails as part of the citys outdoor-recreation strategy.

Bender said the project would improve staff operations, accommodate machinery, and support winter recreation across multiple venues. Council did not take any formal action at the meeting; staff follow-up is limited to lease and design coordination.