Big Mountain Trail Enhancement Project
Current Project Status: In PHASE 1
Build the organization’s first-ever winter grooming operations facility for machine storage and maintenance space.
A project that benefits winter recreation for years to come.
A dedicated facility strengthens our foundation — allowing us to serve our community more consistently, maintain trails more effectively, and create a space that truly belongs to everyone who loves and supports winter recreation.
This campaign isn’t just Glacier Nordic’s, it’s yours. It’s the community’s. Join us in reaching our goals and bringing the joy of skiing to even more people across the Flathead Valley.
Leave Your Mark & Help Shape the Future of GNC
BMNT Project Phases & Goals
Phase 1:
Build the organization’s first-ever winter grooming operations facility for machine storage and maintenance space.
Phase 2:
Preserve and expand the 25km trail network and create a Learning Area for programs in the low-snow future.
Phase 3:
Create a more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible Nordic venue with a new snowcat and improved infrastructure to better serve our community all season long.
Executive Summary
Community • Connection • Purpose
This exciting multi-phase project is all about improving the cross country skiing experience for everyone. It includes building a new grooming operations facility, enhancing the Big Mountain Nordic Trails (BMNT), creating a welcoming Learning Area, purchasing a new snowcat to keep trails in top shape, and adding accessible Nordic infrastructure for all to enjoy.
Help us continue to promote & inspire a life-long love of cross-country skiing.
GNC Statistics • 2024-25
5,935 km (3,688 mi)
Of groomed trail during the 2024-25 ski season
GNC Groomed Venues
- Whitefish Lake Golf Course
- Big Mountain and Lower Haskill Trailhead
- Meadow Lake Golf Course
- Round Meadow
- Muldown Elementary PE Class Loop
User Data
- Youth Program Participants 267
- Adult Program Participants 101
- Users served through GNC 2,641*
- 8,500 trail uses Nov-March starting from Big Mtn Trailhead
- 20,000 groomed trail uses throughout various GNC groomed venues
*not including non-paying trail users
Volunteer Stats • 2023-24
- Volunteers Total (Coach & Event) 73
- Volunteer Hours Total 627.5
Admin & Leadership
OUR STAFF
Jennie Bender, Executive Director
Tara Clune, Shop Manager
Tracy Johnson & Shelby Baumann, Admin
Harry Meyer, Grooming Manager
Olivia Skillings, Program Manager
Our Board*
Bob McElrath
Justin Van Emmerik
Renee Metcalf
Nancy Persons
Ed Blair
Scott Steinmann
Catie Larsen
Heather Estrada
*as of 12/30/2025
Phase 1 Committee Lead
Justin Van Emmerik
Fundraising Committee Lead
Lisa Ide
Phase 1: Winter Operations Facility
The Ask: $500,000
More Groomed Trails, Fewer Breakdowns – consistent maintenance ensures a dependable, premier trail experience
Protects Public Investment – housing equipment indoors extends lifespan, reduces costs, and frees resources for grooming and community programs
Safe & Heated Workspace – provides staff comfort during harsh winter conditions
Warm-up & Gathering Space Potential – a cozy spot for skiers to regroup, help kids gear up, and connect with others
Supports All GNC Operations – benefits trails at Whitefish Golf Course, Meadow Lake, Round Meadow, and Big Mountain in Haskill Basin
Small Building – Big Impact – transforms rugged outdoor operations into a professional system that benefits every skier
It’s more than just a building. It’s an investment in independence, sustainability, and community pride.
Thank you, Phase 1 Partners
Become a Partner: Partnerships available for all phases of the BMNT Enhancement Project. Contact Jennie at Glacier Nordic Club to get started. jennie@glaciernordicclub.org
Phase 2: BMNT Northern Trails Improvements & Learning Area
Reconnect Upper and Lower Badger Trails, impacted by potential real estate development integrating with Whitefish Mountain Resort development
Design a flat learning area for beginner skiers
Create the Stoltze Knob Loop Trail – 2km of new trail to pass by the new DREAM building, providing safer, easier access for beginners, casual skiers, and tourists
Build a new Rollercoaster Connector Trail linking Pond and Upper Badger Loop
Rebuild Wolverine Bridge west of the Pond Trail for improved trail connectivity
Targeted trail improvements will ensure that everyone, from first-time skiers to seasoned athletes, can enjoy a safer, smoother, and more accessible experience.
Thank you, Phase 2 Partners
Become a Partner: Partnerships available for all phases of the BMNT Enhancement Project. Contact Jennie at Glacier Nordic Club to get started. jennie@glaciernordicclub.org
Phase 3: New Snowcat & Nordic Infrastructure
New-to-Us PistenBully Snowcat Cost: $200,000
Replace the aging snowcat with a much-needed upgrade
Boost efficiency and trail quality on Big Mountain
Support future trail expansion for continued growth
Handles heavy snow and creates a smoother product
Nordic Infrastructure
(Rentals & Community Space) Cost: $TBD
Retail Counter – providing ski rentals and lessons for all abilities and levels
Community Hut – offering a welcoming gathering space
Expanded Parking – to better serve visitors
Potential S.N.O.W. bus stop to support car-free access from Whitefish and resort transfers
Supporting our campaign creates a home for our snowcat and a hub for the community.
Leave Your Mark
Glacier Nordic Club is the leading organization for supporting Nordic skiing infrastructure and education in the Valley. The facility is adding crucial resources to this high-elevation trail system that is becoming more and more important to the sport and our community.
Our fundraising goal for the Phase 1 Grooming Facility is $500,000 by May 2026! We would love any support!
Glacier Nordic Club Primary Contact: All donations to this Non-Profit 501(c)3 are tax-deductible
EIN Tax ID Number: 36-3442067
Check Donations:
Send a Bank Check via mail direct to:
Glacier Nordic Club
PO Box 403
Whitefish, MT 59937
Become a Partner:
Partnership opportunities are available for all phases of our Big Mountain Trailhead Enhancement Project.
Contact Jennie Bender: