Industry News
Beginning June 1, Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana will be subject to a 3% resort tax, following voter approval last January. The tax will apply to most goods and services sold within the district, including lift tickets, season passes, short-term lodging rentals, equipment rentals, retail items, and food and beverage sales. Private events within the district will also be taxed, while public events such as sporting or charitable gatherings will be exempt. The measure passed with 80 votes in favor and 10 against, out of 147 ballots mailed to registered voters in the district.
The primary objective of the resort tax is to provide long-term funding for the Big Mountain Fire District and its emergency services. Secondary priorities include infrastructure projects such as road paving and trail maintenance. The Whitefish Pilot reports that additional potential allocations of the tax revenue may support property tax relief within the district, public safety funding, workforce housing, expanded public transportation options, and nonprofit organizations like DREAM Adaptive, which plans to build a new headquarters in the area.
The resort tax is set to remain in effect for 20 years, with a sunset date in 2045 unless renewed by voters. The resort did not play a role in enacting the tax. As the implementation date approaches, the resort district board will determine the official allocations of the tax funds, aiming to address the needs of both residents and visitors in the community. How those funds are prioritized in the coming months could shape the future of Whitefish’s public services, infrastructure, and overall livability for decades to come.
