It’s Saturday April 11th as I share this end of ski season post. It’s pouring outside at the Beanery where I’m writing and enjoying a coffee. Lookout Pass Ski Area is in its final hours of operation for the season. The lifts are scheduled to stop at 1pm tomorrow, April 12th.
For me, I was done skiing on Thursday April 9th. I taught a small school group in the morning and then took a couple of runs on Chair 1 (the main chair) before it got too warm and soft. The kids had a great time learning to ski and then I enjoyed taking some personal runs in just a long sleeve shirt.
Last weekend, we celebrated the end of the season on April 4th. See my video below, partially shot with my new “toy” – a DJI Osmo 8.
Even on Thursday the 9th, there were bare spots and rocks to avoid. Overall the skiing was still pretty good even then – and frankly, A LOT better than many other ski areas. This year, many (most?) ski areas out west closed in March due to lack of snow and above normal temperatures (ALL WINTER.)
Lookout Pass Ski Area EXCEEDED my expectations – consistently
This was my first season skiing and ski instructing at Lookout Pass. I chose Lookout Pass after doing my “homework.” Lookout is a relatively low elevation ski area. The base sits at about 4800 ft. elevation. In prior years, this has been a concern. Lookout however is in a unique location.
Lookout Pass Ski Area sits on a mountain pass that separates Idaho and Montana at 47.5 degrees north. It is west of the Continental Divide, but still receives effects from Arctic air that typically stays east of the Divide. Even though Silver Mountain (also situated in the Silver Valley) and Schweitzer (a big mountain) are relatively nearby, they are in more of a “banana belt” climate, frequently experiencing rain and fog during the winter months.
Lookout Pass Ski Area in contrast, receives snow and colder air when other nearby ski areas are struggling. Anecdotally, while riding our chairlifts, I consistently heard reports from skiers who visited other ski areas in the region that we were consistently in FAR better shape than our “peers.”
Fog, an ongoing issue in the inland Pacific Northwest was truly a rarity all season. Even on foggy days, it was never as thick at Lookout as I have experienced at Whitefish Mountain. I had one day at Whitefish (Big Mountain) where visibility was limited to TWO chairlifts in front of you as you rode the lift up. Frankly, those conditions give me vertigo once my feet are back on the ground.
Planning to Return…
I’m already planning my return to the Silver Valley by mid-Autumn. I will break camp here in the Silver Valley by the end of April. My plan is to head east into the Intermountain West. This will return me to higher elevation AND Mountain Time. Having grown up in ‘Jersey, I like being just 2 hours earlier than “real time.” I’m also looking forward to returning to living at 6000 ft. elevation (give or take a thousand!)
In the Silver Valley, no one lives much above 3000 ft. and my campsite was at 2200 ft. The good news is the snow falls at Lookout Pass and not so much near my campsite about 30 miles from Lookout Pass.
Of note, I can count ZERO days this winter where I had to use my snow rake to clear the roof of my 5th wheel. Further, I didn’t even have to shovel even once!
A few more thoughts on Lookout Pass and Lodging Options
Between a full teaching schedule and limited snowfall, there are significant areas at Lookout I have not yet skied! I hope to explore these areas next winter. The steepest terrain is found off Lift 3 which I have yet to explore. Further, there is LOTS of gladed terrain into which I did not venture this season. With enough snow next season, it will become my “playground!”
If you’re considering a visit to Lookout next winter, feel free to reach out to me. I can get you with our ski school if you’d like to arrange for a lesson with me. I can also suggest lodging and other recreational options in the region. The closest lodging can be found in Wallace (which is also the center of the Universe – but more on this soon!) Wallace is about a 15 minute drive from Lookout. Mullan even has some lodging options. Mullan is less than 10 minutes from the ski hill.
There are a few RV parks in the region that remain open year-round and I can suggest a few if you plan to arrive with your camper.
The entire Silver Valley is VERY historic. I plan to use my Osmo 8 to show off Wallace and perhaps some other areas before I depart for the summer.
Additional recreation can be found in snowmobiling, cross country skiing, swimming at Mullan’s aquatic center, and swimming and indoor recreation at Coeur D’Alene’s Kroc Center.
UNCROWDED
Ok, last thought (really!) Lookout Pass Ski Area is RARELY crowded. Even on powder days (and yes there were a few), you won’t wait more than a few minutes at Lift 1 and almost never elsewhere on the mountain. Lookout is not part of Ikon, Epic or any other pass program. When you check their lift rates (and for that matter, lesson and rental rates), it is VERY affordable for individuals AND families.
Upcoming Posts and Adventures
is already live and I’m working on Parts 2 and 3 (coming soon!) Additionally, I’m going to offer “my take” on an other RV nightmare that was highlighted by Liz Amazing.
In May, as I head east through Montana, I will enter some “uncharted territory” and will inevitably have a few things to share! As always, I will be searching for lakefront camping opportunities and perhaps some boondocking as well.
As always, I invite you to check out my “recommended and tested RV accessories” if you are traveling – or planning to travel in the near future. Also, if you’re in the market for an RV camper (of any type), please check out my Concierge RV Buying (and Selling) Service where I become your “guide by your side who also has your back.”
Want to be notified of future posts as they arrive? Sign up for my free newsletter to be notified of upcoming posts.
