Lookout Pass Ski Area

The Lookout Pass Free Ski School has been around for over 60 years and has taught approximately 40,000 kids how to ski and snowboard. The Saturday school is run by a group of volunteers devoted to teaching kids both the skills and etiquette they will need for a successful lifelong skiing experience.

When they say free, they mean just that! The lessons last approximately one and a quarter hours and are held on the mountain beginning on the first Saturday in January (January 6, 2007), and continuing for nine more Saturdays.

Kids from 6 to 17 years of age may participate and are placed in classes according to their experience. Each child must supply his or her own ski/snowboard equipment. Rental equipment is available at the ski area. Give yourself adequate time to get outfitted. Lift tickets are not required during the lesson sessions, but are required should the child wish to ski or snowboard during the balance of the day. Beginner Classes begin at at 10 AM, while Intermediate and Advanced Classes begin at 11:30 AM.

On March 10, 2007, at the end of the ten week session, there will be a day of testing followed by a graduation and awards ceremony. There are four levels of achievement: beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert. All kids who participate in test day receive a certificate, and kids who pass their test receive a pin for their level of achievement. In the Silver Valley there are pins that are over 60 years old!

Buses will run from Coeur d'Alene, Silver Valley and Western Montana locations to bring participants to their lessons as in previous years. While the Silver Valley and Montana buses are free for adults and children, there is a $10/person charge on buses leaving from Liberty Lake, Washington, or Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene and Hayden, Idaho. All buses leave Lookout Pass at 3:30 PM PST.