Missoula Events

Lookout Pass receives “most snowfall on the planet”

Part owner Hans Reifer is almost 80 and still teaching classes at Lookout. “This area has unbelievable snow,” says Reifer, who has taught skiing all over the United States for the past 50 years. Photo by MICHAEL GALLACHER/Missoulian

Lookout Pass received the most snow in the world this week.

That’s what news outlets are reporting today, after [...]

Pacific Northwest National Wife-Carrying Contest this Sunday at Lookout Pass

I love quirky stuff like this.

This Sun., Jan. 16, is the 2011 Winter Carnival at Lookout Pass, located 90 miles west of Missoula on Interstate-90.

Forget skiing! There’s going to be a snowman contest, scavenger hunts, face painting, balloon animals, 3-legged race (no skis!) and outside volleyball. I dig that.

Don’t forget special apperances by Captain Hot Chocolate, [...]

Lookout ski area offers buffet on Christmas Day

Merry Christmas everyone! May your holidays be full of merriment and powder days. I’m skiing somewhere on Sunday, so I’ll be sure to report back. You do the same — send me a message or leave [...]

The story behind the story and an incredibly embarrassing double ejection

I wrote a story for the Missoulian’s outdoors page (comes out Thursday!) about Lookout Pass’ 75th anniversary season. It’s a look back at the ski area’s humble beginnings and a look forward at what is likely to be a dynamic future full of changes and expansion.

Looking down the mountain at the base of Lookout Pass [...]

At 80 years old Lookout Pass owner still teaches, skis the pow

I had the honor to ski with an incredible man today.

Hans Reifer’s business card at Lookout Pass says “Senior Trainer,” but it might as well say mayor. Hans is 79 years old and skis at Lookout Pass every day it’s open.

On Friday, he darted into the powder unafraid, like a man half his age. When he’s [...]

Lookout Pass opens Friday ahead of schedule

Forget El Nino or La Nina, what’s the Spanish word for “open”?

Western Montana’s 2010-2011 ski season commenced Friday with the opening of Lookout Pass, located on the Idaho – Montana boarder along Interstate 90. Ten inches of wet snow fell on Lookout Pass Wednesday night and two more inches on Thursday, said Bill Dire, Jr., Lookout [...]