Strong December has Lookout excited for the coming months
These Santas can slay! Santa Day at Lookout Pass was another success as over 70 fully dressed Santa and Mrs. Clauses made their way to the mountain for a fun day of skiing.
Courtesy photo
MULLAN — “I’m looking out my office window at people having a lot of fun.”
Ski Lookout Pass Director of Marketing Matt Sawyer is loving what he’s watching and why shouldn’t he — the beloved ski hill that straddles the Idaho/Montana border is in the midst of one of its best Decembers ever and all signs are pointing to it getting better.
“We’ve had a really good run so far this year,” Sawyer said. “We’ve received 177 inches of snow to date and I’m not sure on what the record is, but this has been one of our strongest December months ever.”
Last week the mountain hosted its annual Santa Day, where anyone who showed up in full Santa or Mrs. Claus regalia got a discounted rate onto the ski hills.
“We had about 70 people show up in full costume,” Sawyer said. “There were a few others who dressed up, but we were really looking for those people who had the full costume.”
As the snow continued to fly throughout the Christmas week, the mountain was busy as ever, with the exception of Saturday.
“We always see a lower number on Christmas Day, and the locals know that it’s not as busy on that day so we tend to see a few more folks from around the area,” Sawyer said. “But then Sunday was incredibly busy.”
Aside from the quality snow, Lookout’s location is one of its main attractions, but this year traffic has been heavier through the area — something Sawyer says is unexpected.
According to Sawyer, a closed bridge in Canada has forced trucking traffic to utilize an alternate route that brings them down through Montana and then up U.S. 95 through Sandpoint — but inexperienced truck drivers who don't follow the rules of the road have caused issues for those trying to get up the mountain.
“Idaho’s roads have been really well-maintained, but when you have a few drivers not following the rules — like chaining up — it can make it difficult for other drivers,” Sawyer said.
With the frozen precipitation expected to slow down this week as sub-zero temperatures make their way into the region, Sawyer expects the hill to stay in prime condition for skiers and snowboarders, but he hopes visitors will be cognizant of the cold temps for themselves and any children who may be with them.
“You know, the cold is great for the snow conditions, but it can have an impact on the guests,” Sawyer said. “People from Idaho, Montana and Washington know how to dress for these occasions. Just make sure that you bring extra gloves, socks and extra clothes. Especially for the kids, they might accidentally step in a puddle or something like that and you don't want them to be miserable.”
Lookout’s next big event is this Friday, when it has its New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade.
Roughly 100 people ride down the hill with torches that can be seen from the base.
The parade begins at 5 p.m. Anyone age 14 and older who is an intermediate level skier or higher may participate (children must be accompanied by a parent).
For more information on Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, call 208-744-1234 or visit www.skilookout.com.