Lost Trail Powder Mountain
1,800 acres, 69 runs straddling the MT-ID border. Legendary Thursday powder, Indy Pass access.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
11 Dec 2026
Closes
28 Mar 2027
Days open
107
Annual snow
306in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain's summit reaches 8,196 feet, dropping 1,795 vertical feet to a base at 6,401 feet across 69 runs spread over 1,800 acres straddling the Montana-Idaho border. Terrain splits 40 per cent intermediate, and 20 per cent each for beginner, advanced and expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 306 inches. The resort carries Indy Pass affiliation. Eight lifts, including five double chairs, serve the mountain alongside three surface lifts.
Lost Trail sits at the junction of US Highway 93 and Montana State Highway 43 at Lost Trail Pass, with Chairlift 1 running approximately along the Idaho-Montana border and terrain to its south, including Chairlift 2, actually located in Idaho. This border-straddling geography, combined with the resort's legendary Thursday powder days, has built a devoted following among skiers in the Bitterroot Valley and beyond. The evenly balanced terrain split across all four ability levels suits a genuinely broad range of skiers.
The ski area traces its origins to 1938, when it began as a modest, volunteer-operated facility on the Continental Divide. The pass itself takes its name from a local rancher's insistence, informed by his familiarity with the Lewis and Clark journals, when US Highway 93 was built through the area in the 1930s. Ownership of the ski hill changed hands roughly every three years through its early decades until the Grasser family took over.
In 1967, local resident Bill Grasser and business partner Chuck Shuland acquired the property, with Grasser buying out his partner in 1975 after operating the resort together from 1969. The mountain is now owned by Scott and Judy Grasser, continuing more than half a century of family ownership. Adult daily tickets run from 45 to 55 US dollars.
1,798ft
Vertical
69
Runs
1,800 acres
Skiable
306in
Annual snow
Indy
Pass
The Terrain
69 runs across 1,800 acres skiable
Lost Trail Powder Mountain straddles the Montana and Idaho border at Lost Trail Pass, with 69 runs across about 1,800 acres (728 hectares). The base is 6,400 ft (1,951 m) and the summit rises to 8,200 ft (2,499 m), a vertical drop of 1,800 ft (548 m). Intermediate runs make up 40% of the terrain, with 20% each for beginner, advanced and expert. The lift network is simple, with five double chairs and three surface lifts. The high pass location brings deep, dry snow, and Sanity records annual snowfall at roughly 306 inches, which explains its powder reputation across the region.
Most of the main runs and the base area sit in Montana, while Chair 1 follows the state line and the terrain served by Chair 2 lies in Idaho. Open glades, tree runs and powder-friendly pitches make up much of the expert and advanced skiing, and the groomed runs stay mellow enough for beginners and intermediates. It suits powder skiers, families and Indy Pass holders who want a low-key, old-school day without queues. Anyone expecting high-speed chairs or a big village will find none, but those who come for the snow rarely mind the double chairs and the simple, friendly feel of the place.
Terrain split
69
runs
69 runs across 4 grades
Beginner14 runs · 20%
Intermediate28 runs · 40%
Advanced14 runs · 20%
Expert14 runs · 20%
Time it right
When to visit Lost Trail Powder Mountain
The 2025-26 season at Lost Trail Powder Mountain ran from 5 December 2025 to 6 April 2026, a roughly eighteen-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 306 inches. This substantial snowfall total underpins the resort's legendary reputation for deep, reliable powder, particularly on the Thursdays for which the mountain has become known among regional skiers.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions across the resort's evenly balanced terrain. Given the mountain's remote setting straddling the Montana-Idaho border at Lost Trail Pass, the resort draws primarily from the Bitterroot Valley and broader regional skier base rather than national destination traffic, keeping crowds notably lighter than more accessible resorts.
As an Indy Pass resort, Lost Trail draws some visiting skiers holding that multi-resort pass in addition to its core regional base. The resort's genuinely balanced terrain split across beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert skiing suits families and groups with mixed ability levels. School holiday periods bring increased family visitation given this broad terrain appeal.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations and the resort's Thursday powder day reputation is not confirmed in available resort information. More than fifty years of Grasser family ownership, from Bill Grasser's 1967 purchase through to the current Scott and Judy Grasser stewardship, continues to shape the resort's community-focused, family-run character each season. Lost Trail's unusual cross-border geography remains a distinctive point of interest for visitors throughout the winter.
Season 2026 - 2027
11 Dec 2026
Opens
28 Mar 2027
Closes
107
Days open
306 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Lost Trail Powder Mountain
Daily snow reports at Lost Trail Powder Mountain go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
15 in
Snowiest day
12 Mar 2026
115 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
261 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Lost Trail Powder Mountain, and where to stay
Lost Trail Powder Mountain sits at Lost Trail Pass, straddling the Montana-Idaho border at the junction of US Highway 93 and Montana State Highway 43, with a base elevation of 6,401 feet and a summit at 8,196 feet across a 1,795-foot vertical drop over 1,800 acres in the Bitterroot Range. This remote setting places the resort along one of the more scenic mountain passes in the northern Rockies.
The Bitterroot Valley, to the north in Montana, and the Salmon, Idaho area, to the south, both provide lodging and services within a reasonable drive of the resort. Missoula, the nearest larger city, lies a considerable distance north through the Bitterroot Valley. This remote location keeps the resort's visitor base genuinely regional rather than drawing from major metropolitan areas.
US Highway 93 provides direct access to Lost Trail Pass from both the Montana and Idaho sides, making the resort straightforward to reach despite its remote setting. Winter driving conditions on this mountain pass route can include snow and ice, and the substantial snowfall the area receives means chains or traction tyres are often advisable during storms. There is no direct public transport service to the resort.
Missoula International Airport, a considerable drive to the north, is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service. This distance reinforces Lost Trail's identity as a genuinely remote mountain destination reached deliberately by regional skiers rather than a convenient fly-in resort.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Lost Trail Powder Mountain, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Lost Trail Powder Mountain's ski season?
Lost Trail Powder Mountain's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 11 through March 28. That window is roughly 107 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Montana, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Lost Trail Powder Mountain have?
Lost Trail Powder Mountain lists about 1,800 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 69 named runs (728 hectares alongside 1,800 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Lost Trail Powder Mountain?
Trail grading at Lost Trail Powder Mountain breaks down roughly as 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 20% advanced, 20% expert. The advanced and expert share is substantial, so confident skiers and riders will find plenty of steeper fall-line options once they leave the nursery slopes.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Lost Trail Powder Mountain have?
Lost Trail Powder Mountain operates 8 lifts across 2 lift types. The fleet includes 5 double chairs and 3 surface lifts.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Lost Trail Powder Mountain?
Base elevation at Lost Trail Powder Mountain is about 6,401 ft (1,951 m), with the summit around 8,199 ft (2,499 m), giving roughly 1,798 ft (548 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Lost Trail Powder Mountain get each season?
Lost Trail Powder Mountain averages about 306 inches (777 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Lost Trail Powder Mountain accept the Indy?
Lost Trail Powder Mountain is affiliated with the Indy. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Indy, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Lost Trail Powder Mountain lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$25 to US$55, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Lost Trail Powder Mountain before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 1 live mountain webcam, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Lost Trail Powder Mountain so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Lost Trail Powder Mountain have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Lost Trail Powder Mountain. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Lost Trail Powder Mountain located?
Lost Trail Powder Mountain sits in Montana, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026