Recreation at Lookout Pass, on the Montana-Idaho border, turns from biking to skiing in the winter, when an average of 400 inches of generally powdery snow falls at the ski area here (208/744-1301, www.skilookout.com).

Lookout has a small downhill ski area (with free lessons for kids!) and good cross-country trails. Weekend adult lift tickets cost $30 for a full day, $25 after 12:30 p.m.; midweek the rates drop by three dollars. Many special rates are available for seniors, college students, military, and juniors; kids under six are free.

Alberton Gorge (or Cyr Canyon) is a 20-mile stretch of white water on the Clark Fork River. There are plenty of fishing-access sites along the Clark Fork that can be used to put in and take out boats.

It’s an especially challenging run when the river is high; only experienced paddlers should attempt it before August. Even when the water level drops, it’s not a trip for beginners, although Missoula-based Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures (406/728-7609 or 800/366-6246, www.trailadventures.com, half-day trip $50 adults, $40 children; full day $70 adults, $55 children) runs regular raft trips through Alberton Gorge, as does 10,000 Waves (406/549-6670 or 800/537-8315, www.10000-waves.com, half-day trip $52 adults, $50 children; full day $82 adults, $70 children).

Those who aren’t tempted by the white water may choose to fish this section of the Clark Fork for brown, cutthroat, rainbow, and bull trout.