Uphill Policy

Stay safe and thank you for your support!

Lost Trail Ski Area Uphill Travel Policy (Rev. #2 10/22)

(Proceed at your own risk! No Ski Patrol during non-operational hours.)

As written in the Lost Trail Ski Area Operating plan regarding uphill travel please reference the specific policy language below:

-Lost Trail Ski Area (LTSA) promotes keeping the back country open to off-site users. HOWEVER, uphill travel is restricted during LTSA’s operational hours. LTSA offers backcountry access by allowing users to purchase a “one ride” lift pass. One ride lift passes may be purchased at any ticket window or the main office.

-Chair 4 runs from 10:00am-3:30pm, Thursday through Monday from mid-November (snow provided) through February and Thursday- Sunday during March and April. In addition, we are open everyday for the winter holidays. Please check for any weather closures if you plan to use Chair 4 to access the backcountry before purchasing a one ride or day pass. 

-On days LTSA is closed or after lifts are closed for the day, the only way to access the back country is via our Saddle Mountain Up Hill Route (SMUHR). The SMUHR trail is open to non-motorized up-hill traffic on days that LTSA is not open (Tuesday through Wednesday). For those late arrivals to ski the backcountry, the SMUHR is also open to up-hill traffic from 5pm to 3am on days that LTSA is open. Be aware, equipment may be operating.

-If lifts are operating, the SMUHR is CLOSED to up-hill traffic and you must purchase a one-ride or day lift ticket to access the backcountry from LTSA.  

-Returning and traveling through LTSA: off-site users must return down the SMUHR through LTSA during non operational hours or when the lifts are not running. During operational hours all open trails are acceptable downhill routes.

-Ski trails and other ski area improvements are designated for use by guests via downhill travel utilizing but not limited to alpine skis, telemark skis or snowboard equipment. These trails and improvements are constructed to be accessed via the resort’s ski lift system. Alternative use of trails and improvements are prohibited or restricted for safety considerations as listed below:

-Use of the LTSA’s alpine ski trail system for alternative winter activities such as uphill access is restricted due to hazard and safety concerns except on the SMUHR. 

-All users within the Special Use Permit Boundary are required to purchase a season pass, day pass or one ride lift ticket for downhill activities within the permit area.

We ask that backcountry enthusiasts to please respect our Uphill Travel Policy. LTSA sells powder…skiing & snowboarding is our business. Our feature product is the snow produced by Mother Nature. LTSA operates under a Special Use Permit to provide untouched slopes for all our guests. LTSA’s goal is to provide untouched powder with endless snow face shots for our patrons. We ask all snow enthusiasts who like to hike, skin or post hole our mountain to please enjoy until end of day on the second Wednesday of November before each season. LTSA always hopes to open the first week in December or sooner, snow permitting. After the second Friday in April, uphill travel within the Special Use Permit Boundary may resume unless closed for special events. Please visit www.losttrail.com for closures.

        Let’s all enjoy a safe family place to recreate together this season. 

***LTSA holds a Special Use Permit through the United States Forest Service (USFS). Through this permit, LTSA has established this Uphill Travel Policy.The USFS has approved, sanctioned and ultimately enforces this policy.***