1. Lolo Pass Visitor Center

A Beacon Basin training facility is installed and operable at Lolo Pass. The Beacon Basin was installed through cooperative efforts of the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation, private donations, and the U.S. Forest Service. The training opportunity will be available 24/7. Snowmobilers will have to walk from the parking lot to use the site. You must have a transceiver to use the site.

Winter hours of operation at the Visitor Center are Friday through Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Pacific Standard Time. Day and season winter recreation passes can be purchased at the Visitor Center during hours of operation. Passes can also be purchased at Lolo Hot Springs, REI and The Trail Head. Season passes cannot be purchased at the Visitor Center when it is closed, but you can purchase an after-hours day pass at the front door.

Organized groups who want to use the site for an educational or training program need to contact Buffie Cerutti at the Powell Ranger Station (208) 942-3113 regarding special use permit requirements.

2. Snowbowl Ski Area

The Snowbowl beacon park is located at the cutoff to the backcountry towards Point Six, just off the trail to Nutcracker. The control box is located on-site (there is a sign, a stand and a yellow waterproof box). You must purchase a lift ticket or have a ski pass to access this park.

3. Lost Trail Ski Area

New for 2009/2010 is a Beacon Basin training facility at Lost Trail Ski Area on Highway 93 at Lost Trail Pass. The training opportunity is available to anyone who coordinates with the Ski Patrol at Lost Trail. Please send a message to Steve Porcella at to arrange your Thursday – Sunday. Please note that you must have a transceiver to use the site.

Learn More

Learn more about this unique training facility and equipment (PDF) »