Cold mountain
The mountains are a little whiter this year than last and Lookout Pass is already taking advantage of the early snowfall. Although not the biggest ski resort in our area, there is a reason it has been in operation since 1935, making it one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the United States.
“We have consistent snowfall and better snow quality, because we are colder than other areas,” reports Phil Edholm, Lookout president.
Edholm also notes the family atmosphere of the resort, with a free ski school for kids, Mini-Moose Club for children ages 3 to 6, free skiing on birthdays, Downhill Divas – a special program for women skiers – and Boomers’ Fridays, discount skiing on Fridays for skiers 40 years and older.
Unique to Lookout is the chance to ski in two states on one mountain. Skiers or boarders can take the summit chair from Idaho and drop down on the Montana side, swishing back and forth between the states while headed downhill.
Lookout has five new runs and added a chairlift this year, doubling the total ski trails. The rustic lodge is 6,000 square feet bigger this season, offering views of the slopes and a big-screen television. Prices are also an attraction for Lookout Pass, as the resort offers the lowest rates among the area’s five ski resorts.
Access: From U.S. Highway 95 and I-90, go east on I-90 for approximately 60 miles. Lookout is just off I-90 on the right at mile 0.
Length: 1,150 vertical drop, 23 runs, 540 acres, two lifts and one tow.
Elevation: The summit is 5,650 feet and the base is 4,500 feet.
Use: moderate to heavy.
Trail condition: Well-maintained trails.
Difficulty: Trail ratings – easiest, 25 percent; more difficult, 45 percent; most difficult, 20 percent; experts only, 10 percent.
Restrictions: full-day passes range from $12 (midweek) to $26 (weekend). An adult season pass is $249, with junior passes at $129. Free for children under 6 ($10 fee for picture ID card). Stay within boundaries, ski with courtesy, obey rules and be safe. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday, except open seven days a week during Christmas break.
What to see: Lots of snow and impressive scenery of two states.
Special features: Terrain Park, with rails, boxes, banks and launches, 1,111-foot-long natural quarter-pipe and new terrain park. Free ski school for children ages 6 to 17 years on Saturdays. Ski bus service from Liberty Lake, Post Falls, Hayden and Coeur d’Alene. Check the resort’s Web site for special promotions. Lookout Pass season pass holders receive half-day rates at all Montana ski resorts.
Preparation: Visit the Web site, http://www.skilookout.com for snow conditions and current information.
Gear: Warm ski clothing and ski or boarding gear. Rentals include boots, poles, boards, skis and snowshoes.
Note: The oldest ski area in Idaho, Lookout Pass was founded 70 years ago by a group of local ski enthusiasts. The free school was started five years later by Art Audettt and at one time had 800 students.