Meeting set to discuss expanding Lookout Pass Ski Area on Idaho-Montana border

An open house meeting to present proposals for expanding Lookout Pass Ski Area is set for 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Supervisor's Office, 3815 Schreiber Way in Coeur d'Alene.

Proposals call for 15 new ski trails extending into an additional 653 acres of national forest lands.

Two additional lifts would be built.

Ski area officials say the expansion is necessary for the resort to remain economically viable and competitive by offering terrain for a wider range and number of skiers.

A group of backcountry skiers and snowshoers says the Forest Service should prepare a recreation plan for the entire Lookout Pass and Stevens Peak backcountry area before authorizing the expansion.

John Latta of the Inland Northwest Backcountry Association said the expansion will displace snowmobiling which may have a domino effect of diverting motorized traffic into the rare backcountry ski areas that are accessible in a day.

Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/21/3159365/meeting-set-to-discuss-expanding.html#storylink=cpy

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/04/21/3159365/meeting-set-to-discuss-expanding.html

Map of the proposed expansion. Also will be replacing the frontside double chair with a quad at the same time:



For reference, "Mini Bowl" and the "Lunch Spot" are just past the proposed boundary in the lower left.

People who attended the meeting (I didn't) said they are shooting for 2016.

This expansion as it sits will make Lookout Pass the "Go-To" resort for backcountry access. I'm excited for it!