New Lookout chair lift system debuts

The lines cut into the north slope of Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area Wednesday morning were among the first ever made on that part of the mountain.

The six new runs down 1,000 vertical feet were previously untouched by skiers and boarders save for the odd backcountry skier, but they are now open to the public via a new chair lift system — the North Star Chair — that began running Wednesday.

The runs expand the mountain's expert ski territory with three black diamond runs and three additional intermediate runs.

Silver Valley resident Greg Marsh was one of those skiers to make first tracks Wednesday morning.

"For years (Lookout has) been famous as a family ski area," he said, "But this lift adds a whole new dimension to the mountain."

Marsh is a Lookout Pass season pass holder, and an expert skier with nearly 40 trips to the mountain logged last season.

He said he still found the resort's new terrain challenging.

"It's really steep and pretty hard," he said. "Boy, I was literally over my head on Big Dipper (one of the new available runs)."

The North Star Chair — a doubles lift that takes skiers up the north side of the mountain — would have been constructed last year, but resort management could not find sufficient funds until this season.

Lookout Pass marketing director Jim Schreiber said the lift opened at the best possible time, with combined high seasonal snow accumulation, and a large number of snow enthusiasts who want to get a chance to try their new Christmas equipment.

Schreiber said there's plenty of snow for everyone, with about 7.5 feet of snow at the summit.

"You gotta remember we're the little guy," he said. "This mountain is out here on the border of Montana and Idaho, and we price our tickets so people can come up here as much as they want."

Lookout Pass ticket prices vary, but adult weekend tickets cost $30 for a full day.

The resort's free ski school — which is open annually to 6 to 17 year-olds giving them an opportunity to ski or snow board with lessons free — will begin Jan. 12.

Tom and Janet Marchan of Post Falls warmed up in the lodge with their 11-year-old son Grant. Tom said they had tried to take runs all over the mountain.

"We haven't discovered this new lift," Tom said.

"It's probably because it's snowing so hard," Janet added.

The week after Christmas is the peak season for most area ski mountains, said Cathi Jerome, Silver Mountain Resort media director.

"The day after Christmas it really kicks into full gear," she said.

Jerome said Silver Mountain is experiencing the best snow of the season.

The resort's entire 1,600 acres are now open, and well covered, and night skiing will begin Dec. 28, 29 and 31 from 3 to 8 p.m.

Night tubing is also offered at the same time on the resort's new snow-tubing runs.

"This year we have some great holiday snow conditions," Jerome said. "People are really loving it."

Schweitzer Mountain Resort's 84 runs on 2,900 acres are all open, and resort management reports excellent skiing conditions, with more than 80 inches at the summit.