Lookout Pass

Another bluebird day in northern Idaho, and I find myself at the edge of the state, parked at the base of the Idaho side of Lookout Pass, planning my first turns in Montana territory too. Lookout has the most convenient access to the freeway I know of in Idaho, basically a private exit with a lot right next to the ramp, and a lift from just above the lot straight to the top.

Only a week before I arrived, Lookout opened their third chairlift, adding a significant amount of intermediate and expert terrain - this terrain is still developing, and the trees do not appear to have been thinned this season. However, there are five or six new cleared trails, and they are excellent.

Apparently this was the first good weather day at Lookout in about two weeks - just my luck. As advertised, Lookout had great snow, and plenty of it, with only a few areas of thin cover in this relatively early part of the season. In the trees, there was ample untouched powder, which kept me busy most of the afternoon. I think Lookout has the most skiable trees I have seen anywhere - most of the woods are very friendly to riding, with your choice of slopes from very flat to moderately steep.

Lookout lacks any extreme terrain that I could see, but has enough to keep most folks content for a day. You will probably ride until the last chair, or nearly so, because the slopes are all just right for cruising. The only thing that might wear a person out would be the terrain park - it is a wacky one, unlike any I had seen before (video at youtube shortly).