I've always been interested in checking out Lookout Pass, straddling the Idaho/Montana state line right alongside I-90, almost halfway between Spokane to the west and Missoula to the southeast.
Even though its stats are modest -- a 1,150-foot vertical drop and 540 skiable acres -- Lookout averages more than 400 inches of annual snow, giving it a reputation for the best lift-served snow conditions in the Inland Northwest region, i.e. no snowmaking necessary. Moreover, it's one of the most affordable ski hills that you'll ever run across. $38 on weekends and holidays, $35 midweek, aimed at making skiing accessible to cost-conscious families.
Base Lodge:
Like so many ski areas in this part of the U.S., Lookout has a handful of Riblet center-pole doubles.
We had a great time cruising the consistently pitched groomed trails that wind through the trees:
And found nicely spaced trees in several places across the mountain:
In operation since 1935, it's one of those old-school ski areas that's right in my sweet spot. Another thing I love about the day areas in this region is that they all seem to have big projects in their future: no resting on their laurels. Just like Mount Spokane installing a new chair on its back side, Lookout plans to open two other peaks and build a new 20,000-square-foot lodge.
No attitude or exorbitant prices; just people out having fun in the snow, including this mono skier:
Finally, it's one of only three ski areas in the U.S. that straddles two time zones!
Even though its stats are modest -- a 1,150-foot vertical drop and 540 skiable acres -- Lookout averages more than 400 inches of annual snow, giving it a reputation for the best lift-served snow conditions in the Inland Northwest region, i.e. no snowmaking necessary. Moreover, it's one of the most affordable ski hills that you'll ever run across. $38 on weekends and holidays, $35 midweek, aimed at making skiing accessible to cost-conscious families.
Base Lodge:
Like so many ski areas in this part of the U.S., Lookout has a handful of Riblet center-pole doubles.
We had a great time cruising the consistently pitched groomed trails that wind through the trees:
And found nicely spaced trees in several places across the mountain:
In operation since 1935, it's one of those old-school ski areas that's right in my sweet spot. Another thing I love about the day areas in this region is that they all seem to have big projects in their future: no resting on their laurels. Just like Mount Spokane installing a new chair on its back side, Lookout plans to open two other peaks and build a new 20,000-square-foot lodge.
No attitude or exorbitant prices; just people out having fun in the snow, including this mono skier:
Finally, it's one of only three ski areas in the U.S. that straddles two time zones!
