Shoshone County ski hills ready for season

All signs are pointing toward this year’s ski season being one for the books and Shoshone County’s two ski hills are excited for the coming weeks.  

According to Marketing Director Gus Colburn, Silver Mountain Ski Resort will open on November 23.  

“All weather projections are pointing towards a La Niña pattern, which means it is predicted to be colder and snowier than average,” Colburn explained. “Right now, we have a 10" base of snow at the mountain house, with more on the way soon.”  

Colburn was excited to announce a new pass at Silver Mountain aimed directly at those who now enjoy 4-day school weeks.  

“With the rising popularity of 4-day school weeks, we have put together a Friday-Only pass to keep students active throughout the winter,” Colburn said.  

The new pass comes with a reduced price for kids and adults that gives them access to the mountain every Friday, with the exception of December 27.  

Silver Mountain leans heavily into the holiday season, including the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the resort’s Gondola Village. Visitors can enjoy fireworks, caroling, cocoa, cookies, and even an appearance by Santa Claus during the event on Thanksgiving weekend.  

The Christmas Tree Lighting festival is Saturday, November 30, at 5 p.m.  

For more information or to purchase passes, visit www.silvermt.com.  

Ahead of this weekend’s season-opening, the snow is flying like crazy at Lookout Pass. 

“With the recent snowstorms depositing 14 inches to 36 inches of snow on the mountain, and with more snow pending, the mountain is ready to welcome skiers and riders,” said Lookout Pass General Manager Brian Bressel. “Stoke is indeed high, and we’ve got enough early-season snow to offer a fun product for our enthusiastic early-season diehards.” 

According to Marketing Director Matt Sawyer, Ski Lookout Pass will have most of the 14 trails on the front of the mountain open and available Friday, with a few runs groomed just prior to opening. Skiers and riders should expect early-season conditions with the potential for bare or thin areas to develop and potential obstacles to exist. 

“With more snow in the forecast, the start of the promising La Niña winter is adding a nice pre-Christmas glimmer to what is being touted by many forecasters as ‘A winter to remember,’” Sawyer said. 

The mountain will be closed Monday through Thursday, with plans to reopen next weekend. 

For more information, visit www.skilookout.com.