Well over a foot of snow is covering the trails and the groomers are busy laying down corduroy. It’s clear that the ski season has begun at Lolo Pass and with it, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests’ snow rangers are preparing for their popular full moon skiing events. On December 13th, January 10th and February 14th, free parking will be available at the Visitor Center, the warming hut at Lolo Pass will be open to the wee hours, hot chocolate and tea will be on tap, and a different band will perform in the warming hut for attendees.
Lead Lolo Pass Snow Ranger James Sapp explained that “Full moon ski events are our most popular events of the year, so we have on planned for every month of winter this year. The hardest part of organizing the event is finding a band willing to perform in the unusual environment of our warming hut.” Despite the unusual venue, Sapp’s team has successfully found three bands to entertain skiers and music fans this year. The bands will perform from 6 PM PST until 8 or 9 PM (depending upon attendance) and rangers will be on hand until late in the evening to sell ski passes, which cost $5 per day or $35 for a season pass.
This year’s performers include a mix of old favorites and newcomers to the pass. On December 13th, The Queens and Mr. G, a Missoula-based cover band of classically educated musicians who work as music teachers and symphony musicians. The Pack Strings, a favorite from last year’s full moon events who perform a mix of original and cover songs will return to the warming hut will perform on January 10th. And on February 14th, the Gravy Ladles, a Missoula band whose sound combines bluegrass, blues, rock, reggae, and funk, will make their Lolo Pass debut!
Though the full moon may provide enough light for skiers, Sapp strongly advises visitors to bring a headlamp, “since we don’t know what kind of weather we’re going to have and if it is cloudy, there may not be enough moonlight that you can safely ski without a headlamp.” He also strongly advises attendees to “dress warmly and in layers and take the same precautions you would with any winter recreation.” While he has not personally seen any animals at the events, Sapp encourages visitors to keep their eyes peeled as “you might see a moose,” one of the many animals that call the Lolo Pass area their home.
And of course, if you are more of a daytime skier, Lolo Pass always welcomes winter recreators and its visitor center is open Thursday-Monday from 730 AM-330 PM PST, with hot chocolate on tap and friendly snow rangers on hand to answer your questions!
