If it’s going to be cold, there might as well be snow on the ground. And if there is going to be snow on the ground then there ought to be enough to enjoy the outdoor recreation of activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Skiers and snowboarders were thrilled last weekend as Lookout Pass announced that the slopes were open. The resort opened on Friday, Nov. 19, and was the first ski area to announce an opening for the 2010-2011 season. The slopes were covered with eight to ten inches of new snow Thursday night and had more come down on Friday according to the news release. That’s on top of a base depth of 12 to 20 inches. 

Skiers and snowboarders had the chance to hit the mountain Friday, Saturday and Sunday with reduced ticket rates in effect. Lookout will reopen on Thanksgiving Day and continue through the weekend.

Lookout Pass is the original Idaho ski area having documented skiing and a homemade rope tow in 1935.  The local ski pioneers chose Lookout Pass because of the abundant snowfall and excellent snow quality which they could access by jumping on the Northern Pacific railcars as they proceeded east from the mining towns of Wallace and Mullan, Idaho.  These ski adventurers would hop off the railcars at the summit and utilize a highway storage shed as a warming hut that they nicknamed “Buzzards Roost”.

Lookout Pass has operated every winter season since 1935 and has a reputation for legendary powder, earliest openings and longest season in the region.  The region’s “Favorite Family Ski Area” has recently received a major expansion approval and has completed the first four phases of a five phase Master Development Plan.

Lookout’s original historic base lodge is the second oldest ski lodge in the northwest.  The cedar interior offers delightful warmth reminiscent of vintage lodges of the 1940’s. Lookout Pass also straddles the Idaho/Montana state line which means you can ski in two states off various runs.

The mountain is conveniently located on the I-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line. Drivers get off at exit zero and have only a minimal distance to travel before they are in the parking lot. The area is open regularly from Thursday to Monday each week during the season.

With the National Weather Service predicting a big winter, it’s sure to be a great season. For snow updates prior to visiting lookout, visit http://www.skilookout.com/new/snow-report.php.