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    Idaho, USA

    Lookout Pass

    540 acres, 38 runs on the Idaho-Montana border. Idaho's snowiest resort, right off I-90.

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    Live Lookout Pass conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

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    Live Lookout Pass conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

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    Season 2026 - 2027
    Opens
    27 Nov 2026
    Closes
    18 Apr 2027
    Days open
    142
    Annual snow
    424in
    Snow record
    17in
    2026-27 so far
    11% of a typical winter156in
    Explore 2 winters of snowfall→
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Lookout Pass straddles the Idaho-Montana border, with a summit at 5,650 feet dropping 1,148 vertical feet to a base at 4,502 feet across 38 runs spread over 540 acres. Terrain splits 47 per cent intermediate, 32 per cent advanced, 13 per cent beginner and 8 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 424 inches, among the highest totals of any Idaho ski area. Four lifts, including two double chairs, one quad and one triple chair, serve the mountain, which carries no major multi-resort pass affiliation.

    Lookout Pass is one of only a handful of ski areas in the country where skiers can cross a state line on the mountain itself, a novelty tied directly to its position on the historic pass. The resort's substantial snowfall total, well above most of Idaho, has built its reputation as a reliable deep-snow destination despite its comparatively modest acreage. Its lodge and facilities carry genuine historic character rather than modern resort styling.

    Scandinavian skiers first used the pass in the early twentieth century, riding Northern Pacific freight cars to reach the terrain, before the area was officially established as an alpine ski area in 1935. A tow rope built the following year from car parts salvaged off an abandoned wreck on the old Yellowstone Highway, now Interstate 90, and on 24 February 1938 the Idaho Ski Club officially opened Lookout Pass Ski Area to the public. Its lodge, built in 1941, is the second-oldest ski lodge in the Pacific Northwest.

    The resort's free ski school for children, founded in 1942, has introduced more than 60,000 kids to skiing and snowboarding and is recognised as the longest-running program of its kind. Lookout Pass became a commercial venture in 1991 under Lookout Associates LLC, which has operated and expanded the resort since. Adult daily tickets range from 60 to 75 US dollars, with season passes from 399 dollars, reflecting a historic, community-rooted mountain rather than a high-priced destination resort.

    1,148ft
    Vertical
    38
    Runs
    540 acres
    Skiable
    424in
    Annual snow
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    The Terrain

    38 runs across 540 acres skiable

    Lookout Pass straddles the Idaho-Montana border on the Interstate 90 corridor, with 38 runs across about 540 acres (219 hectares). The summit reaches 5,650 feet (1,722 m) and the base is at 4,500 feet (1,372 m), for a vertical of roughly 1,150 feet (350 m). Intermediates hold 47% of the terrain, advanced skiers 32%, beginners 13% and experts 8%. Four lifts serve it: two doubles, a triple and a quad. The area is small by acreage, but it picks up around 424 inches of snow a year, so conditions often outdo what the numbers suggest.

    The Eagle Peak chair opened higher terrain in 2022, with runs more than a mile long, some groomed and some left natural, and the peak itself sits close to the state line. Bigfoot Glades is the gentler tree zone, while Thunder Glades steps up to black diamond skiing among the trees. The original front side carries the classic cruisers and the beginner slopes. Lookout Pass suits intermediates and advanced skiers chasing deep snow without a long road trip, and it offers an easy day for families who prefer a small, friendly mountain.

    Terrain split
    38
    runs
    38 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner5 runs · 13%
    Intermediate18 runs · 47%
    Advanced12 runs · 32%
    Expert3 runs · 8%
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    Time it right

    When to visit Lookout Pass

    The 2025-26 season at Lookout Pass ran from 28 November 2025 to 20 April 2026, a roughly twenty-week season supported by average annual snowfall of approximately 424 inches, among the highest totals in Idaho. This substantial snowfall gives Lookout Pass a longer and more reliable natural season than many nearby resorts. Season dates can shift slightly depending on early and late-season storm activity.

    Midwinter, from December through February, typically delivers the deepest and most consistent snowpack, with the resort's straddling of the Idaho-Montana border adding storm exposure from both sides of the pass. Weekday visits tend to be considerably quieter than weekends, and the resort's location directly off Interstate 90 makes it accessible for both regional day-trippers and travellers passing through.

    The resort's free ski school for children, running since 1942, remains a defining part of its seasonal programming, having introduced more than 60,000 kids to the sport over more than eight decades. This long-running educational focus shapes much of the resort's midwinter and holiday-period activity. School holiday periods bring increased family visitation given the program's prominence.

    Late-season conditions into April typically benefit from the area's exceptional snowfall total, often extending good coverage later than lower-snowfall Idaho resorts. Specific event programming beyond standard operations and the long-running ski school is not confirmed in available resort information. The mountain's historic character, including its 1941 lodge, continues to shape the atmosphere of the season for visitors.

    Season 2026 - 2027
    27 Nov 2026
    Opens
    18 Apr 2027
    Closes
    142
    Days open
    424 in
    Annual snow
    The record

    Historical snowfall at Lookout Pass

    Daily snow reports at Lookout Pass go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.

    18 in
    Snowiest day
    5 Jan 2026
    17 in
    This winter · 2026-27
    so far
    156 in
    Typical winter
    average of complete seasons
    Explore historical snowfall →
    Winter totals
    in
    Past wintersThis winter
    Getting there

    Getting to Lookout Pass, and where to stay

    Lookout Pass sits directly on the Idaho-Montana border, with a base elevation of 4,502 feet and a summit at 5,650 feet across a 1,148-foot vertical drop over 540 acres. The resort's position on Interstate 90 places it in the Silver Valley region of northern Idaho, within a landscape shaped by the area's mining and railroad history.

    The nearby towns of Mullan and Wallace, Idaho, offer lodging and dining options for visitors, with the broader Silver Valley providing additional services along the I-90 corridor. Spokane, Washington lies within a comfortable driving distance to the west, extending Lookout Pass's practical catchment area beyond Idaho into the Inland Northwest. The resort's direct highway access makes it a convenient stop for travellers moving between Idaho and Montana.

    Interstate 90 runs directly past the resort, providing straightforward access from both directions without need for secondary roads. This direct highway location is a significant advantage over more remote Idaho ski areas, though winter driving conditions on I-90 through the pass can still include snow and ice during storms. There is no direct public transport service to the resort itself.

    Spokane International Airport, roughly 90 minutes to the west, is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service. This makes Lookout Pass reasonably accessible for fly-in visitors despite its remote mountain-pass setting. Most visitors, however, arrive by car along Interstate 90 from either the Idaho or Montana side of the border.

    Where to stay

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    Hotels and lodges near Lookout Pass, powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

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    4 Nov 2026
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    4 Nov 2026
    Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast

    Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast

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    3 Nov 2026
    Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings

    Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings

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    1 Nov 2026
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    Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches

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    31 Oct 2026
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    Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street

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    31 Oct 2026
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    30 Oct 2026
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    What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass

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    30 Oct 2026

    Lookout Pass Lift Tickets

    Lookout Pass lift tickets & passes

    Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Nov 27, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Lookout Pass typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.

    Our lift ticket pricing was last updated on Sep 28, 2026.

    Day passes start from US$5, with peak rates up to US$75.

    Prices on the go

    Check Lookout Pass lift tickets anytime. Opens to this page.

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    Prices on the go

    Check Lookout Pass lift tickets anytime. Opens to this page.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
    7 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Adult Day Ticket (18-64)

    US$58up to US$75 peak

    Full-day lift access at Lookout Pass for the 2026/27 season, less than 90 minutes from Spokane or Missoula on the Idaho-Montana border. Advance-reservation rate shown; midweek non-holiday is the lowest confirmed rate, holiday period is the highest. Confirmed 2026-27 holiday periods: Dec 18-Jan 3, Jan 15-18, Feb 12-15. Ticket-window (walk-up) rates run $4-10 more per ticket.

    Buy pass
    Youth 7–17

    Youth Day Ticket (7-17)

    US$47up to US$58 peak

    Full-day lift access for youth 7-17 at Lookout Pass for the 2026/27 season. Advance-reservation rate; midweek non-holiday to holiday period range.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–79

    Senior Day Ticket (65-79)

    US$48up to US$62 peak

    Full-day lift access for seniors 65-79 at Lookout Pass for the 2026/27 season. Advance-reservation rate; midweek non-holiday to holiday period range.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–6

    Child Day Ticket (6 & Under)

    US$5

    Lift ticket for children 6 and under at Lookout Pass for the 2026/27 season - free when an accompanying adult purchases a lift ticket that day (either at the window or via advance reservation); $5 if the supervising adult is not purchasing a ticket.

    Buy pass
    Senior 80–99

    Senior Day Ticket (80+)

    Free

    Free full-day lift access for seniors 80 and over at Lookout Pass for the 2026/27 season, with valid ID.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–24

    College Student Day Ticket (With ID)

    US$55up to US$69 peak

    College student lift ticket at Lookout Pass for the 2026/27 season, with valid student ID. Advance-reservation rate; midweek non-holiday to holiday period range.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–99

    Military Day Ticket (Active, With ID)

    US$55up to US$69 peak

    Active-military lift ticket at Lookout Pass for the 2026/27 season, with valid military ID. Advance-reservation rate; midweek non-holiday to holiday period range.

    Buy pass

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Lookout Pass day pass cost?+
    Lookout Pass day passes range from US$5 to US$75 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Lookout Pass lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Lookout Pass lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Lookout Pass, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Lookout Pass lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Lookout Pass - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Lookout Pass lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Lookout Pass offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Lookout Pass directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Lookout Pass.

    More Lookout Pass intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.

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