Powder, sunshine, and open terrain. Oh my!
A skier carves through fresh powder following the recent snowfall at Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area.
Courtesy photo
Skiers and snowboarders across the Inland Northwest can expect excellent conditions this weekend following heavy snowfall earlier this week.
Silver Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area and Schweitzer all report new snowfall, cold temperatures and expanded terrain.
Silver Mountain, in Kellogg, is reporting a 51‑inch snow depth, with 3 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours and nearly 9 inches over the past 72 hours. About 80% of the mountain’s terrain is open, with machine‑groomed runs keeping conditions soft and powder fresh.
Lookout Pass, located just east of Mullan, continues to see significant midwinter snowfall, recording 3 inches in the past 24 hours and 14 inches over the past 72 hours. The resort lists a 37‑inch summit base and a 17‑inch base‑area depth. Four of its five lifts are spinning, providing access to 50 of 59 runs, about 85% of the mountain.
“Many are asking, ‘How are the snow conditions?’ Darn sweet with sunshine on tap for the weekend,” according to a recent release from Lookout. “Lots of fresh snow received over the last week. Hope to see you here enjoying all the snow and reveling in the sunshine.”
Schweitzer, in Sandpoint, is coming off one of its strongest storm cycles of the season, reporting 7 inches of new snow in the past 24 hours and 14 inches over the last three days at the village level.
The mountain now lists a refreshed 37‑inch base after recent storms opened more terrain. Six of the resort’s 10 lifts are operating, with 49 of 92 trails available and roughly 1,600 of 2,900 skiable acres open.
With the new snow, Schweitzer is stressing safety for those heading to the mountain.
“With all the new snow, we've been able to open terrain on a rolling basis to ensure guest and staff safety,” said Taylor Prather, Schweitzer marketing and communications manager. “There is plenty of excitement in the air, but safety remains our top priority.”
Forecasts call for continued cold temperatures across the region, helping preserve snowpack and maintain excellent skiing conditions through the weekend.