Lost Trail Powder Mountain

Big snow on the Continental Divide, small prices.

A family-owned area on the Montana–Idaho line at the head of the Bitterroot Valley, where storms drop more than 300 inches a year. Double chairs, low prices and mostly intermediate runs make for relaxed powder days. Finish with a soak at Lost Trail Hot Springs just down the road.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,800 ft

Summit

8,200 ft

Skiable terrain

1,800 acres

Trails

69

Lifts

8

Average snowfall

300″ a year

Longest run

1.2 mi

Terrain mix

• Beginner 20%
• Intermediate 60%
• Advanced 20%

What’s here besides skiing

• Terrain park
• Cross-country
• Hot springs
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• Opening dayEarly-to-mid December (typical)Usually

  Opening Day

  Opening depends on snow.

• Pond skimLate March (annual)Usually

  Skiesta

  Spring send-off in pajamas: a pond skim (plus one for kids), food trucks and a DJ.

Where to stay

• lodgeTriple Creek Ranch

  All-inclusive luxury ranch with private cabins in the woods.

  45 min drive
• innMountain Spirit Inn

  Small inn in the town of Darby.

  35 min drive
• innCity Center Motel

  Simple motel in downtown Hamilton.

  50 min drive
• cabinLost Trail Hot Springs Resort

  Cabins and lodge rooms with a hot-spring-fed pool and hot tub.

  10 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Lost Trail Hot Springs · 10 min drive

  Hot-spring pool and hot tub open to day visitors; pool hours change with the season.

• Chief Joseph Pass cross-country trails · 5 min drive

  Groomed cross-country trails at the pass, just around the corner from the ski area.

• Big Hole National Battlefield · 30 min drive

  Visitor center and trails at the site of an 1877 battle of the Nez Perce War.

• Bitter Root Brewing · 50 min drive

  Hamilton brewpub with a scratch kitchen.

Après and nightlife

• Lost Trail lodge

  Local beef burgers, famous fries, beer and wine at the base.

• Bitter Root Brewing

  Beer and food in Hamilton on the drive home.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) · about 1 hr 45 min drive
• Spokane · about 5 hr
• Salt Lake City · about 6.5 hr

Directions in Google Maps