Chief Joseph Pass

Trails are usually open from December 1st to April 15th, weather permitting. Trails are generally groomed once a week, but may be groomed more depending on conditions. Be sure to check the grooming report before heading out, especially in the early or late season.

Ski Trails

Chief Joseph pass has over 13 miles of ski trails, expertly groomed with a state of the art PistenBully grooming machine. The ski trails are open for use by Skate and Classic skiers, and snowshoers. All ski trails are set with tracks for classic skiing, on one or both sides and have a wide lane for skating. The ski trails can be accessed from the trailhead at Chief Joseph Pass. Dogs are not allowed on the ski trails(but are allowed on the multi use trails, see below).

Trail difficulties range from easy (green) to difficult (black) and are appropriate for every level of skier from beginner to expert. People of all ages and abilities use these trails (toddlers to retirees) for fun and fitness. Every trail junction is marked with a trail map—it’s almost impossible to get lost—and benches are placed at appropriate spots along the trails for those needing a short break or a place to sit while enjoying a snack or the wonderful views.

Multi-Use Trails

Chief Joseph pass has nearly 20 miles of of multi-use trails. The multi-use trails are appropriate for skate skiing, dog sledding, snow shoeing, fat-tire biking, and snowmobiling. The multi-use trails are generally wider than the ski trails, and do not have tracks set for classic skiing. The multi-use trails can be accessed from the parking area just east of Lost Trail Pass. Dogs are allowed on the Multi-use trails.

Touring Trails

The Chief Joseph Pass area features many miles of trails that are marked for skiing, but are not groomed. These trails are appropriate for experienced winter travelers on backcountry skis or snowshoes.

Trail Maps

Click on either map image below to view at a larger scale.

Chief Joseph Ski Trail System – Ski  Trails

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Chief Joseph Ski Trail System – Multi-Use Trails

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Rates

There is no cost to ski at Chief Joseph Pass. Grooming is supported by membership fees, grants, and your donations. If you are not a Club member, please consider making a donation to help fund grooming, either online, or at the trailhead.

Hours

There are no set hours for skiing at Chief Joseph Pass, but there are no lights, so recommended hours are sunrise to sunset.

The Gordon Reese Cabin

Gordon Reese Cabin at night

The Gordon Reese Cabin is located on the CD Trail, approximately .7 miles from the trailhead. The cabin serves as a day-use warming hut for trail users, and is available for overnight rental.

For information on cabin rental contact the USFS Wisdom ranger station, or make reservations online.

The cabin is open from December 1 through April 15.

Location

The Chief Joseph Pass Ski Area is located at the top of Chief Joseph Pass, along the MT/ID state line, 1 hour south of Hamilton MT, 1 Hour north of Salmon ID, and half an hour west of Wisdom MT.

Chief Joseph Pass is adjacent to the Lost Trail Powder Mountain downhill ski area.
View Google Map

The road to Chief Joseph pass is a narrow, windy, frequently snowy mountain road. Please drive with caution, and check road conditions before driving.