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 reportedly 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. An astounding $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 still operates 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. 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 and all the upgrades at 49 Degrees North, 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 spreads across two states and may be the only one along two time zones. Can anyone confirm that?
Even though its stats are modest -- a 1,150-foot vertical drop and 540 skiable acres -- Lookout reportedly 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. An astounding $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 still operates 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. 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 and all the upgrades at 49 Degrees North, 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 spreads across two states and may be the only one along two time zones. Can anyone confirm that?
