History of
Lost Trail

In early September of 1805, Clark endeavored to follow the Salmon River’s path to the Columbia, only to find himself crossing the challenging Lost Trail Pass. Along with his Shoshone guide, Toby, they journeyed ahead and quickly realized that the tales they’d heard about the Salmon River weren’t mere stories. The river’s treacherous turns gave it the ominous title: “The River of No Return.”

Opting for Lost Trail Pass instead of braving the dangers of “The River of No Return,” Clark and Toby found themselves in a precarious situation. They had hoped to traverse the Salmon River, but with that path closed to them, their only choice was a treacherous mountain pass. Their journey became even more challenging when they lost their way on the Idaho side, leading to several missteps and tumbles for their horses as they aimed for Montana. This harrowing experience gave the pass its memorable name: Lost Trail.

Zooming ahead by 162 years, we find Bill Grasser and his business associate acquiring the Lost Trail Ski Area. In a short span, Bill took sole ownership, ensuring that the ski area remained in the Grasser family. For more than 50 years, under Bill’s vision and dedication, Lost Trail has stood as a beacon of affordable, family-friendly skiing, going against the grain of commercialized ski resorts. Bill’s dream was to offer top-notch snow experiences without burning a hole in the pockets of the local communities of Montana and Idaho. Today, with a legacy of over 80 years, Lost Trail remains a favorite, boasting excellent snow conditions, pocket-friendly ski rates, and a warm, family ambiance and slopes.

Currently, Lost Trail Ski Area proudly stands at an elevation of 7,000 feet, straddling the Montana and Idaho border. Equipped with 5 Double Chair Lifts and 3 Rope Tows, skiers have access to more than 60 defined trails. It welcomes visitors from Thursday to Sunday, as well as on significant holidays. Truly, Lost Trail is Montana’s prized snowy haven. Head there if you’re after the perfect snow experience! Go for the Snow!