Lost Trail - Powder Mtn

Skiers and snowboarders looking for a small family feel under the big sky of Montana will feel at home at Lost Trail - Powder Mtn, a family-owned ski area on the Idaho and Montana border. Lewis & Clarke might have lost the pass the resort takes its name from, but motorists will find it sitting near the junction of US Route 93 and Montana State Highway 43. Those driving into the region can use Interstates 15 or 90 to get close.

Missoula County International Airport is the best bet for those flying in from other parts of the country (or international). Butte also has the Bert Mooney public airport that travelers can use to get here.

Finding Alpine Skiing at Lost Trail

The base on Lost Trail - Powder Mtn sits at 6,400 feet (7,000 feet at the lodge). It has a peak elevation of 8,200 feet, giving visitors a verticle drop of 1,800 feet of potentials to work with on the slopes. With a focus on keeping the mountain small, fun, and safe, the mountain resort is open for business on four days of the week during the ski season.

Resting within the Bitterroot Range, this section of the Rocky Mountains receives around 325 inches of snowfall each year. The facilities at Lost Trail - Powder Mtn do not include snowmaking equipment, but natural snow keeps skiers and snowboarders busy from opening day until at least March. Temperatures can get low, so skiers need to bundle (it is easier to remove layers than to add non-existent layers).

As a smaller family-operated facility, the Lost Trail - Powder Mtn ski area is more no-frills than some resorts, so amenities on-site are limited. A day lodge provides the basics, and there is ski in and out yurts for rent. Several establishments and small communities around Lost Trail Pass work hard to meet visitors' needs, though.

More Than a Lost Trails to Ski

The inbounds sections of the Lost Trail - Powder Mtn resort offer guests approximately 1,800 acres to ski and snowboard across. Uphill skiing is permitted, but explorers looking for backcountry skiing must adhere to the resort's Uphill policies. The ski patrol consists entirely of volunteers.

Lost Trail - Powder Mtn does not offer night skiing, but there is plenty to do during the day. Two mountains are crossed over by more than 60 marked trails, with 60-percent of those rated blue and ready for intermediate rippers and shredders. The remainder of the terrain divides evenly between beginner-friendly green runs and more advanced black diamond/double diamond terrain. Runs vary in length, with 2.5 miles being the longest at Lost Trail - Powder Mtn.

Since opening in 1938, the lift systems at the Lost Trail - Powder Mtn ski area have grown to include five double-chairs and three rope tows. Expert skiers have access to the White House, a natural setting to challenge their skills. Two terrain parks, Powder Park for learning and South Central for hot dogging, are also available to use.