Access Projects

Backcountry skiing/snowboarding in Montana happens primarily on Forest Service lands due to the relatively high elevation and large amounts of snowfall.  However, forest roads are often impassible to cars and trucks in the winter, and combined with the laborious nature of winter backcountry travel, the opportunities for safe backcountry skiing day trips are fairly limited to near plowed parking areas. Dangerous conflicts arise when over-snow vehicles (OSVs) travel at high speeds in the same areas as backcountry skiers, or when OSVs “high-mark” on slopes where skiers are present, increasing the chances of avalanches.  

Lolo National Forest Plan Revision

After nearly 40 years, the Lolo National Forest is updating their Forest Plan.  We see this forest plan revision process as an important step in creating safe, non-motorized backcountry skiing and riding opportunities in the select locations below.  40 years ago, backcountry skiing wasn't yet popular, and snowmobiles were far less powerful and prevalent than they are today.  With growing winter recreation pressure on our public lands, we need to protect the tiny handful of spots on the Lolo that are suitable for backcountry skiing.

While most of the Lolo is currently open to motorized winter recreations, we are requesting that less than 10,000 acres – only 0.6% of lands available to motorized users - to be protected for non-motorized.  These areas include the most popular and accessible locations our community currently uses:

  • Lolo Pass is the most popular backcountry ski and snowboard destination close to Missoula.  The pass is also a destination for snowmobilers, creating a potential use conflict.  While the vast majority of snowmobile use is on the Idaho side of the pass, motorized use is currently permitted in the places where people ski/ride at the pass, creating the potential for use conflict and significant safety concerns. 

  • Morrell Mountain in the southern Swan Mountains is a popular backcountry ski/snowboard destination.  This area sees around 1000 non-motorized user days per year through two yurts run by Montana Backcountry Yurts.

  • Saint Regis Basin is to the south of Lookout Pass along the crest of the Bitterroot Divide.  This basin has some of the best backcountry skiing/snowboarding in western Montana with a deep inland northwest snowpack. Saint Regis Basin is the only basin that is feasibly accessible by non-motorized backcountry skiers/snowboarders on Lookout Pass for day trips, while extensive snowmobile opportunities are available in adjacent basins. 

  • Marshall Mountain is a former ski resort located just 10 minutes from Missoula.  While the base and some of the ski terrain is being purchased by the City of Missoula, much of the area above the former ski area lies on Forest Service land regularly skied by backcountry skiers/riders.  It is not uncommon to see a nearly full parking (80+cars) lot full of backcountry skiers/riders.  Snowmobile use is rare in the area, but is currently allowed

  • Wisherd Ridge has traditionally been the most popular backcountry ski/riding area near Missoula.  The area has easy access from Missoula, deep snowpack, and some of the best terrain in the region including steep bowls and glades.  However, over time and with improvements in OSV technology, snowmobiles have begun high-marking in the bowls, creating use conflict. This recent increase in use has  largely displaced backcountry skiers/riders in that area. 

To learn more about the Lolo Forest Plan Revision Process, go to: Lolo National Forest | Forest Plan Revision | Forest Service