Area ski hills and resorts are holding their breath, hoping Mother Nature delivers the most precious commodity: snow. 

Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass and Schweitzer all had high hopes of fully opening over the holiday weekend, but conditions didn’t cooperate. Forecasts show several snowstorms headed this way, including the flurry that blanketed North Idaho on Monday. 

LOOKOUT PASS: Waiting for 28 Inches 

Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area Marketing Director Matt Sawyer said early November snows didn’t continue through the month, leaving the mountain short of what’s needed for a strong opening. 

“We are waiting for more snow,” Sawyer said. “We have 8-10 inches at the summit and 4-5 here in the base. We just need more to offer a quality product. Simple as that.” 

The ski area typically gets more snow earlier than surrounding resorts, but this year has been slower than usual. Sawyer noted that delayed openings stretching close to Christmas are not unheard of in North Idaho. Unlike other ski hills, Lookout does not have the infrastructure or budget to operate snow-making machines to help improve conditions. 

"All our snow here at Lookout Pass is truly heavenly sent," Sawyer said.

The mountain needs about 18 inches of snow at the base to open partially, but ideally another foot for a full opening. 

“Ideally, 28 inches of snow that doesn’t melt in the base area would create a nice strong opening,” Sawyer said. “Wetter or heavier snow is usually better for building a denser, more durable base than real dry powder.” 

For now, crews are targeting Dec. 5 or Dec. 12 for opening, depending on snowfall. Sawyer urged guests to stay off trails while crews prepare the mountain. 

“We do ask that guests stay off all our trails,” he said. “They are not open to the public to hike up. It could be dangerous as we have people out working on the mountain to get it open for all.” 

According to Sawyer, Lookout Pass employs an average of 140 people during ski season, but that number may fluctuate depending on how busy the mountain is or if they're having a special event.

Sawyer acknowledged that powder hounds may be eager after last season’s early start, when Lookout opened Nov. 8. 

“We know many of our most passionate guests are looking to get turns in now,” he said. “Try to be positive and know once it gets underway, we will be looking to enjoy fresh tracks just as much as they are.” 

For updates, visit www.skilookout.com. 

SILVER MOUNTAIN: Bunny Hill Only 

Silver Mountain Resort was open this past weekend, but offered very limited terrain. 

“We were very excited to be one of only two resorts in the entire state to be open for skiing and snowboarding this past weekend,” marketing manager Gus Colburn said. “Although Easy Street was the only run open, our Silver Mountain family was happy to be welcomed back and given the opportunity to slide on snow.” 

Easy Street, also known as the “bunny hill,” is the mountain’s easiest run. Silver Mountain’s popular tubing attraction was nearly sold out for the weekend. 

Silver Mountain Resort is one of the Silver Valley's largest employers, providing approximately 500 jobs for approximately during the peak of ski season. That number shrinks to roughly 150-200 during the non-ski season. 

"There's a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff that people don't think about," Colburn said. 

According to Colburn, tubing will be open seven days a week. Skiers and snowboarders will need to be patient as runs open gradually with the weather, but the resort plans to operate on weekends moving forward. 

“We see some snow in the forecast, so depending on the amount, type, and area it falls, we will look to open as much terrain as possible this weekend,” he said. 

For more information, including current snow conditions and ski reports, visit www.silvermt.com. 

SCHWEITZER: Snowmaking Saves the Day 

For those eager to hit the slopes, Schweitzer announced Monday that its opening day will be Wednesday, Dec. 3. 

The recent cold snap and low humidity allowed the mountain to run it's snowmaking machines at full capacity, according to a release from Schweitzer. 

“With some of the best snowmaking capabilities in the region, we are thrilled to get people sliding on snow this week,” Schweitzer COO Tom Chasse said. “Although it’s a late start to the season, there’s a lot of excitement as we head into another La Niña winter, with plenty of cold temps and fresh snow projected.” 

The Basin Express lift will operate from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., providing access to Midway, an intermediate trail. No beginner terrain will be available at opening. 

Additional lifts and terrain will open as conditions permit. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.schweitzer.com. 

    This was the view from Silver Mountain's Easy Street on Sunday morning. Silver was one of two ski hills that were open, even in a limited capacity, over the weekend.