WINTER EVENTS Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr., Mead. gossra.org (979-7499) COLLEGIATE RACES College skiers, snowboarders and snow lovers, get ready for the 2014 races with prizes offered for the best times in various categories. Jan. 18-19. 49° North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah, Wash. ski49n.com (935-6649)
$229
WINTER WONDERLAND
T
hough this annual festival centers around activities for the snow-loving family, one event that stands out by name is the Pacific Northwest Wife Carrying Contest. It’s a real thing, and has been entertaining couples and spectators for years. So guys, get lifting and get a wife-carrying strategy lined up now. The family aspect of the weekend goes much further, with kid’s bouncy houses, face painting, a three-legged race, snowmanbuilding contests and an ugly sweater contest. A barbecue on the deck with a beer tasting hosted by Sam Adams will keep everyone’s (of drinking age, of course) bellies full. Relax and listen to live music by Jimmy Finn the Piano Man in The Loft from noon to 3 pm, and don’t forget to squeeze in a few runs, too. — CHEY SCOTT
FREE SKI SCHOOL Register early for Lookout’s popular free ski school program for kids (ages 6-17), held every Saturday through March 15. Beginners from 10-11:15 am, intermediates from 11:30 am-12:45 pm. Lookout Pass, I-90, Mullan, Idaho. skilookout.com (208-744-1301) MOUNTAIN TOP BREAKFASTS Silver Mountain hosts a new series of early access skiing with a hot buffet breakfast served at Moguls. Saturdays through Feb. 22; gondola loading starts at 7:05 am, with early access to Chair 2 starting at 8:15 am. $30 for advance lift tickets, purchased online. Silver Mountain, 610 Bunker Ave. Kellogg, Idaho. silvermt.com (866-344-2675) DESCHUTES WOODY WAGON WEEKEND A weekend of food, beer, prizes and fun on the slopes, hosted by the Schweitzer Mountain Community Association and Deschutes Brewery. Jan. 17-18, event times vary. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint. (208-263-9555) FUN & FEMALE SNOWSHOE PROGRAM A ladies-only snowshoe adventure through the pristine B.C. mountains, led by the mountain’s female staff members, is a great introduction to the low-impact sport of snowshoeing. Jan. 18 and 25 from 3-4:30 pm. $59 per person. Silver Star Mountain Resort, 123 Shortt St., Silver Star Mountain, B.C. skisilverstar.com (800-663-4431)
225 E. 3rd Ave., Spokane, WA
36 SNOWLANDER JANUARY, 2014
COUGAR GULCH XC SKI RACE This year the race now offers new courses for snowshoe and snow bike, in addition to skiing, with equipment available to
MOUNTAIN GEAR NACHSPEKTAKEL Mt. Spokane teams up with Mountain Gear to host an uphill travel night to the Vista House, then everyone skis down the mountain together. Jan. 24, meet at Lodge 2 at 6 pm. Limited to 50 participants, pre-register with Mountain Gear. Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr., Mead. mtspokane.com (238-2220)
FEBRUARY KAN JAM FREESTYLE FESTIVAL The seventh annual event includes a rail jam, slopestyle and big air contests, open to skiers and snowboarders of all levels who compete for prizes. Feb. 7-9. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr., Mead. (238-2220) GOGGLE PARTY Leave your ski goggles on. A day on the slopes turns into a night in the lodge for an evening of drink specials and chances to win prizes at Noah’s Canteen. Feb. 8. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave. Kellogg. silvermt.com (866-344-2675)
KASLO SNOWMOBILING INVITATIONAL The town of Kaslo hosts this event featuring free activities all weekend, including informational sessions, displays, trail rides, live entertainment and more. Jan. 24-26. Downtown Kaslo, B.C. kaslotourism.com (250-353-2250)
PRIMETIMER LUNCHEON The local 55+ skiing social group meets for lunch and skis on Wednesdays through the ski season. Feb. 12, RSVP requested. Meets at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. primetimerlunch@gmail.com (238-2220)
rent, and different course lengths (5K or 10K). Jan. 18, registration at 8:30 am. $10 entry, must also have a Nordic Pass ($10). Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Sandpoint. schweitzer.com (208-255-3081)
WOMEN’S SNOWSHOE TOUR Trail passes for the mountain’s Nordic trails are offered at a two-for-one special price, making it an ideal outing for mothers and daughters or groups of girlfriends. Jan. 25. 49° North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah, Wash. ski49n.com (935-6649)
SANDPOINT WINTER CARNIVAL The festival celebrates its 40th year with the return of annual favorites including skijoring, community bonfires, a laser light show on the mountain, the canine keg pull and much more. Feb. 14-23. Full schedule online. sandpointwintercarnival.com
MOONLIGHT DINE & SKI Enjoy an evening dinner at the summit before flying back down the mountain. Jan. 18. Time/price TBA. Whitefish Mountain Resort, 3889 Big Mountain Rd., Whitefish, Mont. skiwhitefish.com (406-862-2900)
ADVANCED SKATE SKI CLINIC Improve skills and learn new techniques to improve speed and stability in a threehour clinic. Jan. 26. $39, includes clinic and trail pass. 49° North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah. ski49n.com (935-6649)
NIGHT SKIING FOOD DRIVE One of only four night skiing opportunities at 49° this year, featuring lit runs on both upper and lower mountain areas. Bring at least two cans of food to get a lift ticket for only $4. Jan. 18. 49° North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah, Wash. ski49n.com (935-6649)
SNOW DREAMS This annual winter deck party has been voted one of the best on the continent. This year, it’s co-hosted by Kokanee. Jan. 25. Fernie Alpine Resort, 5339 Ski Hill Rd., Fernie, B.C. skifernie.com (250-423-4655)
Lookout Pass Winter Carnival • Sun, Jan. 19 • Most events free • Lookout Pass • I-90 at Mullan, Idaho • skilookout.com • 208-744-1301
JANUARY
EVERGREEN CUP The Fast Blast ski races are hosted by the Forty-Nine Alpine Ski Team (FAST). Jan. 24-26 at 11 am and 1 pm. 49° North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah, Wash. ski49n.com (935-6649)
USASA STOMP GAMES This year’s competition offers several events for all ages of skiers and boarders, including the slopestyle, alpine races and banked slalom. Jan. 31-Feb. 2. $25 entry fee per event. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint. (208-263-9555)
NORTHERN LIGHTS The mountain comes alive with bursts of color and light during the annual torchlight parade down the mountain, a spectacular fireworks show and an afterparty in the Village. Jan. 18, parade at 6 pm. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint. (208-263-9555) GONE TO THE DOGS DAY Head up to Chewelah Peak for a day of Nordic skiing with your furry best friend, allowed to ski with you on the lower trails of the Nordic Center just for this special event. Jan. 19. 49° North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah. ski49n.com (935-6649) PNSA CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS The Spokane Ski Racing Association hosts the Pacific NW Ski Association qualifying races for the 2014 Western Region U16 Championships. Jan. 18-20. $46-$50/ day competitor fee. Mt. Spokane Ski and
BAVARIAN BREWS/BRATS & MUSIC FEST After a long day on the slopes, relax and refuel with a juicy Bavarian-style bratwurst and a stein as you enjoy live music in the lodge. The annual media team races and appreciation day also take place. Jan. 26. Lookout Pass, I-90, Mullan. skilookout.com (208-744-1301) PRIMETIMER LUNCHEON The local 55+ skiing social group meets for lunch and skis on Wednesdays through the ski season. Jan. 29, RSVP requested. Meets at Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. primetimerlunch@gmail.com (238-2220) NORDIC SKI CLINICS Learn the techniques of “skate skiing” or improve your abilities in a weekend clinic. Jan. 31-Feb. 2. $65/day session, includes clinic, rental and ticket. Registration due by Jan. 19. Schweitzer, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint. schweitzer.com (208-22-3070)
MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL Don’t forget your gold, green and purple beads to wear atop your snow gear as you hit the slopes this weekend. After a day outside, cozy up in the lodge for a night of live music and New Orleans-style celebrating. Feb. 15-16. Lookout Pass, I-90, Mullan, Idaho. (208-744-1301) FAMILY FESTIVAL The B.C. resort’s annual weekend festival includes ice skating, ski races, karaoke, hockey, s’mores parties and more. Feb. 15-16. Kimberley Alpine Resort, 301 North Star Blvd., Kimberley, B.C. skikimberley.com (250-427-4881) LADIES DAY The annual program includes a lift ticket, rentals, continental breakfast, four hours of instruction, lunch, wine and cheese tasting and an end-of-day massage. Feb. 19 from 9 am-4 pm. $99. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr., Mead. mtspokane.com (238-2220, x215) SECOND HARVEST FOOD DRIVE Ski the NW Rockies and KREM 2 host a food drive for Second Harvest Food bank, offering free lift tickets for all who donate a minimum of three nonperishable food items. Feb. 21. Lookout Pass, I-90 at Mullan, Idaho. skilookout.com (208-744-1301)
MORE EVENTS
Visit Inlander.com for even more.