GPI looks to purchase Grouse

The company that runs the major lodges

in Glacier National Park confirmed last week that it has been in

talks to purchase Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish, though a

final deal hasn’t been struck.

“Viad and Glacier Park, Inc. are in

discussions to buy Grouse Mountain Lodge. However, there is no

definitive agreement at this time and no guarantee that a sale will

be completed,” said Alicia Thompson, director of marketing and

business relations for Glacier Park Inc. Viad is the parent company

of GPI.

She said she could not disclose terms

of the negotiations, price or timing of the sale, but she did say

GPI is “very interested in owning Grouse Mountain Lodge to

complement the other properties it operates in and near Glacier

National Park, including Many Glacier Hotel, Lake McDonald Lodge,

and Glacier Park Lodge.”

Buzz Crutcher, co-owner of Grouse

Mountain Lodge, said last week that his family and Tim Grattan

“have been involved with Grouse Mountain Lodge since its beginning

more than 26 years ago. I’m always looking for ways to improve

Grouse Mountain Lodge, my employees’ well-being and our guests’

experience. Exploring relationships with other like-minded

companies is an option we’re considering at this time. Any other

comment at this time would be premature,”

Built on U.S. 93 in Whitefish adjacent

to the Whitefish Lake Golf Club, Grouse Mountain has 145 guest

rooms. Depending on the time of year, rooms rent from $109 in the

fall to $205 in the peak summer season.

If the deal comes to fruition, it would

add another dimension to GPI’s holdings. The company not only runs

the lodges inside the Park, it also owns the Glacier Park Lodge in

East Glacier and operates the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton

Lakes National Park.

GPI’s parent company, Viad, also owns

Brewster, a Canadian tourism company. In addition, Viad owns three

companies that specialize in events and special marketing displays

and campaigns.