It may only be mid-October, but fresh snow is already blanketing Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass Ski Area, fueling hopes for early openings and long seasons among skiers and snowboarders. 

Last weekend, the first major snowstorm of the season swept in from British Columbia, dropping several inches of snow at elevations as low as 3,000 feet. 

In Kellogg, Silver Mountain Marketing Manager Gus Colburn reported Tuesday that Kellogg Peak received 10 inches of snow, several inches more than forecasted. 

“The frosted peaks were a welcome sight this weekend, about a week earlier than our first snow last year,” Colburn said. “Our crews are busy getting the mountain ready for opening day, which is scheduled for Nov. 28. If the snow continues to pile up, we won't rule out an early opening, so keep an eye on the website and our social media for up-to-date news.” 

At the Idaho-Montana border, Lookout Pass Ski Area Marketing Director Matt Sawyer echoed the excitement and said an early opening is possible. 

Lookout Pass, located on Interstate 90 at 4,700 feet elevation, sits just 1,000 feet below Silver Mountain’s Mountain Haus. During the storm, the ski area received nine inches of snow at the summit and four inches at the base. 

“I would look for a Nov. 21 or 28 opening day,” Sawyer said. “Our guests understand that all our snow is heavenly sent, so our opening could be earlier if the weather Gods deliver. We've mowed most of the slopes on the front side and quite a few on other lifts so we could open with 20 to 24 inches of good snow.” 

Meteorologists are predicting above-average snowfall this season, which bodes well for area riders. 

Last year, Lookout opened on Nov. 8, earlier than most local and regional hills. If the region sees a few more storms like last week’s, Sawyer said he may consider moving up the opening date. 

“If conditions are right, we will always look to open as soon as possible and prudent,” Sawyer said. “Base elevation helps a bit here, too.” 

Both ski areas are currently selling season passes and special pricing packages, including Lookout’s three-pack lift tickets and Silver Mountain’s Friday-only passes designed for families with four-day school weeks. 

For more information, visit www.skilookout.com and www.silvermt.com.