High winds close Silver Mountain
<p>A skier blasts through 17 inches of fresh snow Monday at Lookout Pass Ski Area.</p>
Extreme weather conditions forced Silver Mountain to close Monday.
The resort reported gusts of up to 50 mph, heavy snow and zero visibility. It plans to re-open Thursday.
Schweitzer Mountain also report strong gusts Monday. Winds and white out conditions at the summits have forced the resort to limit operations today to the Basin Express, Musical Chairs and the Musical Carpet.
Lookout Pass is offering free skiing Wednesday through Friday to season pass holders from any mountain.
"We want to offer to anyone who hasn't skied with us before the opportunity to experience our consistent snow conditions, world class grooming, legendary powder, and wonderful family atmosphere our guests at Lookout Pass have enjoyed the past 75 years," wrote Bill Dire Jr., marketing director.
The weather forecast is calling for more snow the rest of this week throughout North Idaho.
Lookout had a base of 92 inches of snow and 167 inches at the summit, with temperatures in the 20s.
Schweitzer reported 87 inches of snow at the lower elevation, 95 at mid-mountain, and 138 inches at the upper elevation. Total season snowfall is at 264 inches.
Silver Mountain reported 102 inches at Kellogg Peak and 79 inches mid-mountain. Total snowfall so far is 273 inches.