Never Too Soon: This Montana Ski Area is Opening

If you're ready to shred already after looking at the fresh snow this past week, there's good ski news in Western Montana.

One of the best ski hills in the Northern Rockies says it's already received enough snow for a limited opening starting this weekend.

That's good news for Montana, and Idaho, skiers anxious to hit the slopes.

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When does skiing start in Montana?

Right now, if you're willing to make the quick trip up to Lookout Pass.

Ski Lookout Pass is announcing some of the runs will be open Friday morning, starting at 10 am, with skiing and boarding possible up to 3 pm in the afternoon.

That's thanks to a couple of big dumps of snow on the border, with as much as 3 feet falling in recent days. That's left 36 inches at the summit and 18 inches at the base, allowing the resort to open Chair #1 Friday, with two chairs and all trails open Saturday and Sunday.

Lookout Pass Ski Area photo

An early start to the season

Lookout plans to have a second-weekend opening next week. That's early for the Western Montana ski season, although about what you'd expect with the La Niña winter that's been forecast.

It's a MUCH different picture than last year when a "snow drought" forced ski resorts to delay openings or call off the entire season.

A skiing bargain

Usually, mid-week tickets at Lookout will set you back $55. But because this is early season skiing, the resort is only charging $30 for adults, and $25 for youth Friday. That increases to $47 and $35 on Saturday and Sunday.