Amid challenges such as warm temperatures and strong winds that caused power outages across the region, all three ski areas in North Idaho remain open. However, operations are limited in some cases.

Silver Mountain Resort has faced a rough start to the ski season, with five total days on skis so far and just three with chairlifts spinning. The last day of ski operations was Dec. 7.

“We’ve had some big rain events, heat waves and windstorms that have wreaked havoc on our snowpack,” Gus Colburn, Silver Mountain marketing manager, said Tuesday. “Like many others in North Idaho, we lost power to the mountain for a few days and our lift mechanics dealt with electric issues stemming from the loss of power.” 

Silver Mountain reopened Tuesday for tubing and scenic gondola rides and will stay open seven days a week through April, weather permitting. Ski terrain will open as soon as there’s enough snow. 

“Right now, it is still too thin to ski on, but we are optimistically waiting for snow to return to the mountain so we can get the chairlifts spinning again,” Colburn said. “We can’t wait to welcome our Silver Mountain family back to the mountain and get on the slopes.” 

Though Schweitzer reported a similar slow start to the season, the resort village is in full swing with dining, lodging and programming through the holidays. 

Schweitzer opened top-to-bottom skiing off the Great Escape lift Monday and, after receiving another inch of snow overnight, expanded Tuesday with another route from the top. As of Tuesday afternoon, five trails were open and three lifts were spinning.

Snowmaking efforts continue on lower-elevation terrain as conditions permit, with a priority focus on Creekside Express and the beginner area. 

“It’s been a challenging start to the season, but we are feeling more optimistic now that temperatures have lowered and we’ve seen a few inches of fresh snow over the last couple days,” Taylor Prather, marketing communications manager for Schweitzer, said Tuesday. 

For everyone's safety, it’s essential to respect closures. 

“Patrol is working hard to keep areas roped off for safety, so our ‘duck a rope, lose your pass’ policy is emphasized purely due to hazardous conditions off-piste,” Prather said. 

At Lookout Pass, 22 trails are open, which equates to about 350 acres of sliding, and two lifts are operating.

Matt Sawyer, Lookout Pass marketing director, said he has skied every day the trails have been open. Lookout Pass is now open seven days a week.

“I’m having fun and can’t wait for the next day’s flakes to fall,” he said.

There’s plenty of winter left, Sawyer said, and most people don’t visit the mountains before Christmas.

“So stay positive and make plans to get out on the slopes this winter,” he said.

    After a slow start to the ski season, Schweitzer has received several inches of snow in recent days. Photo via Schweitzer.