Side Trips

Skiing & Hot Springs At Lost Trail Pass

Lost Trail Pass is a remote and undiscovered corner of Montana about 80 miles south of Missoula on the Idaho border. This area is heavily timbered but not heavily populated. It's also off the beaten path because most travelers use I-15. This corner of the state is very pretty -- with pine-covered peaks replacing the forbidding rock crags that dominate the skyline farther north.

With Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Lost Trail Hot Springs, and Camp Creek Inn, this pass area is an unforgettable winter vacation destination for those who loathe big crowds and the attendant ski scene.

Lost Trail Powder Mountain ski area recently expanded into a long, steeper area adjacent to the original hill, with five lifts in all. Overall, the runs are mostly intermediate, with lots of light powder. If you like to ski the bumps but aren't a fanatic about it, the moguls develop on the intermediate runs in the afternoon, just in time to wear you out completely. The full-day lift ticket prices are an excellent value at $34 adults, $25 seniors 60 to 69, and $24 children 6 to 12; kids 5 and under ski free and seniors 70 and over are $10. For more information, contact Lost Trail Powder Mountain, P.O. Box 311, Conner, MT 59827. Ski reports are available during the season at tel. 406/821-3211 or online at www.losttrail.com. The ski area is 90 miles south of Missoula at the Montana-Idaho border, a quarter-mile from U.S. Hwy. 93.

Just down the hill to the north from the ski area is the unpretentious lodge and hot springs, Lost Trail Hot Springs Resort, 8221 U.S. 93 S., Sula, MT 59871 (tel. 800/825-3574 or 406/821-3574; www.losttrailhotsprings.com). The lodge arranges summer raft trips, horseback riding, and fishing. It isn't fancy by urban standards, but the food in the restaurant, which overlooks the hot-springs pool, is good, especially if you enjoy basic American grub -- burgers and pizzas. Nightly rates are $65 to $200 for lodge rooms and $80 to $210 for cabins. If you come just to soak, it's $7 for adults, less for seniors and children.