The ski and recreation area straddles the border of Idaho and Montana, and its operational footprint is within two different National Forests—Idaho Panhandle and Lolo—so gaining approval took some time. “I’m jumping up and down right now. It’s been a long process … seven years,” said Phil Edholm, Lookout’s president and CEO.

The plan will nearly double Lookout’s special-use permit area from 538 acres to 1,023 acres, which will include 100 acres of new skiable terrain spread across 14 new trails. It also allows the ski area to add two new chairlifts, one of which will be a mile long and transport skiers and riders to a 6,150-foot peak that will increase total vertical from 1,150 feet to 1,650 feet. A 14,000-square-foot expansion to Lookout’s existing lodge and 130 new parking spaces are also part of the plan.

According to reports, Edholm hopes to get two new trails open for next winter. During the summer of 2018, the first new chairlift will be installed, and the remaining 12 trails will be cut. The other new lift could be installed in 2019 or 2020.