Spotlight: Lookout

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, with 540 acres and 34 runs serviced by three double chairs and a triple chair, averages more than 400 inches of snow a year. (Jason Bergman photo)

Early and ample snow is the main attraction at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area. For those of us who can hardly wait to get started, Lookout Pass is probably where we will kick off our 2016-17 snow sports season.

This modest resort, with its parking lot at the end of the 1-90 off ramp on the Idaho/Montana state line, is the beneficiary of a microclimate that delivers an average snowfall consistently higher than its nearby neighbors.

“Lookout is fortunate enough to average over 400 inches of snow a year,” said Jason Bergman, Lookout’s marketing director. “We always anticipate having a good season, but this one could be better than par.”

It’s not unreasonable to believe that opening day could be a mere month away, given predictions of above average snowfall in the coming months driven by the La Nina climate phenomenon.

“We got our first snow last week, so we’re a month ahead of schedule,” Bergman said. “Our first snow last year was Nov. 2 and we opened on Thanksgiving. In November, once it turns on, it wants to stay on”/Bill Jennings, SR correspondent. More here.