MULLAN — Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area held its annual food drive last week and to say it was a success may be a dramatic understatement.

Skiers and snowboarders were given a free lift ticket for a donation of four cans of non-perishable food for the local food bank, and by the end of the day Lookout Pass had handed out well over $45,000 in free lift tickets.

Matt Sawyer, director of marketing and sales for Lookout Pass was thrilled with the turnout and spoke of the generosity of the people who gave and why it was so rewarding to reward that giving.

“If you are enjoying a good meal today, count your blessings,” Sawyer said. “For those that made a donation today, we count you as a blessing. Thank you for giving and for your support, you are warming hearts this holiday season.”

Lookout has had excellent skiing conditions, which also helps when you are offering free skiing in exchange for food donation.

“Lookout Pass Ski Area received over 35 inches of fresh snow in the past three days,” Sawyer said on Thursday. “Lookout Pass lived up to its No. 1 powder place reputation and offered up the most snow in Idaho for the event.”

The thousands of people who got on the hill on Thursday, made for an impressive sight, especially to locals like Mitch Alexander, who believed it was the most people he’s ever seen on a regular weekday.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many people up here on a Thursday,” Alexander said. “It’s absolutely fantastic. There’s fresh powder, it’s like skiing on a pillow!”

Sawyer and his staff would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.