Whitefish residents Ross and Coco Pickert will reign as the Whitefish Winter Carnival King Ullr LXVI and Queen of Snows. They were crowned during a coronation ceremony Saturday in downtown Whitefish.  

Ross Pickert is deeply honored to be crowned King of Winter Carnival LXVI. Born and raised on a small ranch near the railroad town of Emporia, Kansas, Ross has always felt the pull of the great outdoors. Among nature’s many offerings, snow and water held a special allure, inspiring him to become an avid skier of both. His family frequently embarked on snow skiing trips to Colorado and Wyoming, as well as water skiing adventures in Kansas and Missouri.  

After graduating high school, Ross attended the University of Kansas before returning to Emporia to join his father’s real estate business. In the fall of 1991, a fly-fishing trip brought Ross to Whitefish, where he was captivated by its charming small-town atmosphere and breathtaking mountains, lakes, and rivers. Inspired by the natural beauty and vibrant community, he decided to make a change.  

By May 1992, he had spread his wings, taking a real estate job in Whitefish and planting roots in the place he now calls home. Ross takes great pride in his more than 30-year affiliation with the Northwest Montana Association of Realtors, where he currently serves on the NMAR MLS Board of Directors. For the past 14 years, he has worked with Glacier Sotheby’s, serving as the company’s president from 2010 to 2020.  

His dedication to community service extends beyond real estate. With a passion for supporting the arts and education, Ross sits on the board of the North Valley Music School and has previously served on the Columbia Falls Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the United Way. He has also devoted many years to Realtor food drives supporting the North Valley and Columbia Falls food banks.  

Ross is a proud father to three children — Gabby, Reid, and Cole. Whether coaching youth hockey, cheering from the stands, or serving as a devoted “stage dad,” Ross has always been an active presence in their lives.  

The Winter Carnival holds a special place in his heart, and he has frequently participated in its parades alongside his family, the Montessori School, and the Glacier Hockey Association. When he’s not cheering on his kids, Ross enjoys life’s simple pleasures. Whether at the ice rink, on the mountain, lake, or golf course, or cruising through town with his beloved dog Shatzi and wife Coco, Ross embraces every moment in the place he loves most. 

Queen of the Snows, Coleen “Coco” Pickert is proud to be a fourth-generation Montanan who has called Whitefish home for over 30 years. A self-proclaimed ski bum in her early days, Coco balanced her adventurous spirit with stints as a flight attendant and restaurant server before settling into her most cherished role; Mama Coco. Together with her husband Ross, they raised three children with an open door to welcome anyone and everyone, all while building a life deeply rooted in the Whitefish community. 

Passionate about giving back, Coco has dedicated countless hours to local nonprofits and community programs, including Whitefish Safe Grad, Alpine Theater Project and Glacier Hockey Association to name a few. A highlight was serving as room mom in her children’s classrooms through their elementary years. 

An enthusiast of Whitefish’s iconic Winter Carnival, Coco’s family has a long history. Her cousin, Kay Knapton, was Queen of the Snows in 1961, her daughter Gabby served as Princess Freya LXII, her son Cole as Prince Frey LXIV, and her son Reid earned a knighthood through the Whitefish Mountain Resort Scavenger Hunt.  

Coco’s love for Whitefish shines through her contributions, celebrating the traditions, people, and spirit that make Whitefish so special. 

The Whitefish Winter Carnival events continue through Feb. 9. For a full slate of events go to whitefishwintercarnival.com.