WINTER GUIDE
Your guide to winter fun
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winter guide
PHOTO COURTESY OF SCHWEITZER
NIICE!
“The Pond”
brings ice skating to the community this winter
by Pam Webb
As winter arrives, so does the anticipation for outdoor recreation. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and ice skating are favorites among local winter enthusiasts. Wait—skating? Yes, ice skating. The community’s first ice rink, dubbed “The Pond” is opening this winter in Ponderay.
A partnership between North Idaho Ice and the city of Ponderay, this seasonal rink is located in Ponderay on Kootenai Cutoff near Highway 200. Admission cost? “It will be affordable for everyone,” said Travis Taylor, a board member of the North Idaho Ice nonprofit. Rental skates will be available for those who don’t have their own, and the city is hoping to have a food truck or two on site as well. The seasonal (read: open air) rink will operate as long as weather conditions are favorable. This is phase one of a project that, in further phases, will provide for an additional covered ice arena at Ponderay’s Field of Dreams.
A local group, consisting of four dads who play hockey,
formed North Idaho Ice Corp. in September 2021 and partnered with the city of Ponderay to make a community ice rink a reality. NIICE is 100 percent volunteer and all monetary efforts go toward establishing a rink.
The city of Ponderay provided the land for the Pond’s location; after construction of the indoor rink, this seasonal rink will be moved onto the Field of Dreams next to the indoor arena to provide for additional ice experiences, like hockey, figure skating, and curling.
Money for the project came from a variety of sources, including the city of Ponderay, along with donations from local businesses and community members, and grants, including major sponsor Spokane Teachers Credit Union. According to Tim Wilson of NIICE, the funds raised expedited purchases for the seasonal rink which included the chiller system, Zamboni, boards, glycol, and rental skates. Fundraising is ongoing to help pay for maintenance and operation costs in order to keep usage fees as low as possible.
THE POND, GETTING CLOSER TO ITS DEBUT. STAFF PHOTO.
The long-range intention for NIICE is to utilize private donations, along with funds from Ponderay’s 1 percent local option tax, to construct an ice arena at the Ponderay Field of Dreams, a 50acre parks and recreation complex near the north end of McNearney Road that opened to the public this summer.
MEDIA + MARKETI
Ice skating enhances winter sports opportunities in the area, which is one of the reasons behind NIICE and the city of Ponderay teaming up together. With no local skating rinks available Travis Taylor, and the other NIICE members, Adam Hall, Tim Wilson, and Derek Secor agreed, “Let’s make this happen.”
Continued development of the next phase of the Field of Dreams, including early phases of the indoor rink, is dependent on the passing of Ponderay’s second local option tax. If it passes as expected, it will generate funds to continue the Field of Dreams project, including the construction of a permanent ice arena.
One reason it has taken so long for an ice rink to become a reality was the lack of a building site. Then the city of Ponderay stepped in. “It’s hard to convince people to donate when there isn’t property,” said City Planner KayLeigh Miller. “The Field of Dreams provided a place for the rink.” Miller sees Ponderay as a logical site for the rink due to its proximity to Schweitzer plus it complements the Field of Dreams vision of a multi-purpose sports complex. “The ice will add another option for outdoor recreation and will provide an alternative activity for locals and for those visiting North Idaho and Schweitzer,” she said.
Ponderay and NIICE are facilitating support for the ice rink for businesses who wish to sponsor the project. “Ponderay businesses are incredibly generous and their support has made these recreational facilities possible,” said Miller. Business support is being recognized at the boards of the seasonal rink.
To learn more, visit www.niicearena.com. A Go-Fund-Me was also established to make it easy for community members to donate. Just search Ponderay ice rink at www.gofundme. com.
Predicting when All Hell Breaks Loose
Like the avalanches they work to forecast, Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center builds momentum under new director
by Kevin Davis
For backcountry recreationists in Idaho’s winter months, avalanches are a clear and present danger. Learning what conditions make avalanches more likely, how to read the slopes and the snow, and practicing practical safety measures is critical knowledge for those who like to get out, and get up. Connecting with the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center is an important first step for those looking for some backcountry adventure. This may come as a surprise, but the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center has been providing avalanche safety information for North Idaho since the mid 1980s. U.S. Forest Service hydrologists Al Isaacson and Bob “Bones” Kasun started alerting the public about periods of high avalanche danger in news releases. In 1992, Isaacson retired, and Bones continued issuing occasional avalanche warnings via a phone hotline.
I met Bones in 1993. We worked together as hydro-technicians for the USFS. Making small talk while fixing stream gauges, he asked me to help him with the avalanche program. I jumped at the opportunity, and that winter we began issuing weekly “Backcountry Updates.” With the arrival of the Internet, we established the IPAC website to issue advisories. By 2000, we began teaching snowmobile avalanche awareness classes. Then in 2006, Bones retired and said, “here you go,” and I became the IPAC director.
At that time John “Oly” Olson, Eric Morgan, and I wrote the forecasts, taught
classes, and collected snowpack data in the Selkirk and western Cabinet mountains. Carol Johnson and Dan Frigard collected snowpack data around Lookout Pass and taught classes. Ed Odegaard collected snowpack data in the St. Joe Mountains.
As the program snowballed, a couple of generous locals recognized we needed help.
In 2012, Scott Rulander and Gary Quinn formed the Friends of the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. Their grassroots mission aims to support avalanche forecasting and provide avalanche awareness to North Idaho, eastern Washington, and western Montana. FIPAC continues supporting their mission and has built a strong, supportive board of directors. IPAC operates as a collaborative effort between the USFS, FIPAC, and state of Idaho partnerships.
In 2016, the Friends group received a grant to support IPAC, and with it hired Jeff Thompson. As the new direc-
tor, Thompson quickly transitioned the program from issuing one forecast per week to two and brought a culture of training and teaching. Like former directors, Thompson filled the role parttime while working as a ski patroller for Schweitzer, where he helped advance their Avalanche Search Dog program with his canine companion, Annie.
In 2017, IPAC made another leap when Ben Bernall joined the team. He integrated forecast coverage in the eastern Cabinet and Purcell mountains in western Montana with IPAC’s existing areas, and brought a wealth of big mountain experience. Since joining IPAC, Bernall and Thompson shared director responsibilities in addition to writing forecasts, teaching classes, and working their “day jobs.” Like an avalanche running down the mountain, IPAC kept growing.
In 2023, the USFS advertised the first full-time permanent avalanche center director position for IPAC. Skeptically I thought, “what person would
come here when they could work in Jackson Hole, Bozeman, or Salt Lake— big avalanche country?” But it happened. On July 1, 2024, I was introduced to the new IPAC Director, Chris Bilbrey.
Bilbrey moved here from Durango, Colorado, where he worked as a forecaster with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center in the San Juan mountains. The San Juans are a vast, rugged, high-mountain range with more land above 10,000 feet than any other mountain range in the contiguous U.S. High mountains adjacent to desert creates a perfect weather scenario for developing a weak snowpack structure, often plaguing stability and elevating the avalanche danger for weeks or even months.
Bilbrey became hooked on backcountry skiing in the late 1990s while attending Fort Lewis College in Durango. For over 20 years he served in positions related to ski area operations, avalanche forecasting and mitigation, environmental science research, and coordi-
CHRIS BILBREY IS THE NEW DIRECTOR FOR IDAHO PANHANDLE AVALANCHE CENTER. COURTESY PHOTO.
nated a community-based avalanche education program. Bilbrey earned his Master’s degree in Land Resource and Environmental Sciences from Montana State University and has been a professional member of the American Avalanche Association since 2011.
Bilbrey has said numerous times, “the verdict is still out whether trading depth hoar for rain crusts is an even swap, but I’ve done my fair share of tiptoeing through the mountains to avoid the unexpected, so I’m up for anything!” (Depth hoar is large snow crystals that form at the base of the snow pack, as in Colorado’s high mountains, where rain crusts occur when rain falls on top of snow and freezes—a frequent occurrence in the Pacific Northwest.)
Bilbrey is excited to explore new mountains and learn their unique avalanche character, and his family already discovered huckleberries. Bilbrey is eager to implement upgrades to the program through professional guidelines and new approaches to forecast-
ing based on industry standards and experiences from several avalanche centers. He understands cooperative relationships are pivotal to building a sustainable forecast program.
IPAC, USFS, and the Friends group are excited to welcome Chris Bilbrey to the team. Filling this critical director position full time helps IPAC take positive steps to address rapid growth in winter backcountry recreation by providing timely avalanche forecasts and increasing public education opportunities. Telling the complex snowpack story through a simple, concise message to varying audiences is an avalanche forecaster’s biggest challenge. Bilbrey says, “It takes a village to raise a family, and we need public observation engagement to help fit the puzzle pieces together and make our forecast products better.”
Learn more by visiting the IPAC website at www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org.
For current avalanche information, observations, and education opportunities visit: www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org.
IPAC issues snowpack updates in November as conditions warrant and regular avalanche forecasting begins in early-December and ends in April.
Thinking about taking an avalanche class? Check out the education page and register for a class starting October 1.
Want to support our mission of avalanche forecasting and education? Friends of IPAC relies on volunteers and donations to operate and assist the avalanche center. Whether you use the IPAC forecast every day or once a year, please consider becoming a “Friend” of IPAC by donating today: www. idahopanhandleavalanche.org/donate/
A GROUP OF BACKCOUNTRY EXPLORERS DIG A PIT TO ASSESS AVALANCHE DANGER. PHOTO BY JIM MELLEN.
Schweitzer can be a kid’s
HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH
by Dig Chrismer
‘Get them on the mountain young.” That’s the advice most everyone in a ski town will share with parents of young children knowing full well that happy Junior on the slopes usually means happy parents shushing right behind them—a picture-perfect postcard of winter familial joy and harmony. Yeah, no. We all know how that turns out. Mom or dad launches their progeny out on the slopes with high expectations of success but, more often than not, there are a few tears from the adult on the slopes as they realize just how hard teaching anything to anyone related to you really is. This is where Schweitzer Ski and Ride School comes in. When we are as fortunate as we are to call Schweitzer our winter playground, a quick call to the experts is the way to go. Book a half day or full day lesson (available for kids ages 5 to 12 years old) to help sweet Cindy Lou get comfortable in her ski boots, master how to stop, and learn how to get back up when she falls down. The Ski and Ride School has an amazing hot chocolate spot that works wonders as
motivation and before they know it, the kids are learning, laughing, and embracing the family sport. Once you know they’re hooked, check out the multi-week lesson programs like Funatics and Mountain Xplorers, great ways to keep building the stoke and keeping the family engaged on the mountain throughout the winter. For more details about all the lesson offerings, visit www.schweitzer.com
That all sounds great you may say, but what happens when, after a full day of lessons, these little bundles of joy ski or snowboard the entire mountain right up to last chair, then slam a hot chocolate, and gaze up at you with twinkling peepers to ask, “What are we doing next?” Or perhaps your little toddler only took two runs and then emphatically declared, while throwing frozen mittens to the floor, that skiing is stupid. What’s a parent do to keep them in mountain mode? Simple: try all the other Schweitzer things.
Thing Number 1
One of Schweitzer’s great options for off the slopes ad-
PHOTO
venture is to head over to the Hermit’s Hollow Tubing Center. Located just past the off-load for the Creekside Express Chairlift, the tubing center offers two groomed tubing lanes with over 100 yards of sliding fun. Cue laughter and giggles as you race your kids down to the bottom where the tow rope is ready to keep the giggles fresh as no kid (or adult!) will have to hassle with walking back up. More hot chocolate and a space to warm up are also available, making the one-and-a-half-hour session fly by. Please note that all tubers must be at least 42” tall to participate and children 12 and under should be accompanied by an adult. Tickets must be pre-purchased online at www.schweitzer. com or visit the Activity Center in the lower level of the Humbird. Or call 208-255-3081.
Thing Number 2
A favorite of parents on vacation at Schweitzer is the Kid’s Night Out program. Let your hot-chocolate-hyped kids enjoy games, activities, dinner, and snacks with other hot-chocolate-hyped kids while you, their tired but happy parents, are free to enjoy an adult evening on the mountain. Here’s how it works: On most Saturdays (and some additional Fridays and holidays) reserve a spot for your child by 2:00 p.m. (right around the time they are getting that second cup of hot chocolate!). You can sign up any time by calling the Children’s Center (208-263-8824). A credit card deposit of $25 to $50 is required when you register, and plan to drop off at the Children’s Center in the Lakeview Lodge by 5:45 p.m. Then, you go have dinner and enjoy some adult conversation at any of the Schweitzer owned outlets. When you pick up your children from the Chil-
dren’s Center, provide receipts from your evening at one of those spots to receive your full deposit back. Basically, for each dollar you spend in the Schweitzer village, a dollar comes back from your deposit. Kids between 4 months and 11 years of age are welcome to sign up, but space is limited. Cost per child is $15 plus a $25 deposit for 1 child, or $50 for 2+ children (immediate family only.) For more details or to sign up, call the Children’s Center at 208-263-9555 ext. 2271.
Thing Number 3
Looking for an activity the family can do together? Schweitzer’s Activity Center, located on the lower level of Humbird, has you covered with arts and craft packets you can pick up to take back to a comfy living room or welcoming kitchen table. Put together with the entire family in mind, these craft packets are a nice way to help focus attention, connect generations, and help even the most unartistic member of the family tap into their creative side. The Activity Center also has games to borrow and special themed Party Pails like Indoor Energy Busters or Craft Time. Prices
ABOVE PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHWEITZER and projects vary so stop by for more details or call 208-255-3081.
Some Other Things
During the holidays and on select weekends, the staff of the Activity Center will gather young and old in the village for s’mores around the campfire. A nice warm fire with friends all around is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with other families enjoying the winter season on the mountain. Check the daily Activity Information sheet for what’s happening off the slopes during your visit to Schweitzer.
A Final Pro Tip
Make sure to feed the Things, aka those kiddos. Hunger and cold are two reasons any day on the mountain can go south so make sure they are always dressed warm enough for the activity they are doing and offer kid friendly options for lunch or snacks that provide enough nourishment to sustain those energetic balls of love you created. Independently owned Powderhound Pizza offers pizza by the slice, while Schweitzer’s Chimney Rock Grill in the Selkirk Lodge offers casual, sit-down dining with great burger and sandwich options, and the Lakeview Café in the day lodge offers easy favorites like fries, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders. Winter menus are subject to change so visit Schweitzer’s dining webpage at www.schweitzer.com. for all the details on hours and offerings.
Winter for Kids
Other kid-friendly activities
I NDOORS
Those searching for a spot in Sandpoint to take the kids for non-outdoor fun, head over to Travers Park and the newly opened James E. Russel l Sports Center. With both tennis and pickleball courts, each day will feature a 90-minute ‘open gym’ time where community members can use the courts at no cost. They just need to sign a waiver and register with the city. In addition, the city’s rec department will be offering other events for kids at the center, to include movie nights and programming for teacher in-service days, when students won’t be at school but parents still have to work.
Also check out the back corner of the Cedar Street Bridge where you’ll find Creations. Comprised of a play area with its own sailboat and arching tree house, Creations offers a safe place for indoor play as well as a focal point for artistic creativity. Art supplies abound so let your kid’s imagination wander with paints, pencils, and everything in between. There’s no charge to let your little ones create, just consider a donation to this local nonprofit organization.
Have older kids (or maybe even you) who are crazy about Legos? Check out the new Lego Build Studio at Creations. There are open room hours and membership options, as well as a variety of community building and family activities. This vibrant space is open to kids of all ages who want to create in 3D thanks to those amazing little blocks. 334 N 1st Ave Suite 213. (208-255-1782) www.creationsforsandpoint.org
PonderPlay is a new indoor play space that offers an option for kids to get some needed playground time when a temperamental winter shows up in Sandpoint. The play space is open 5 days a week (closed Tues. & Wed.) and costs only $10 per child for all day play. That’s right—pop out for lunch then come on back for the afternoon. Open year-round, this climate-controlled indoor play area is perfect for children 12 & under at an affordable price point. 1314 Wright Way. (208304-PLAY) www.ponderplaynw.com
When the weather outside is frightful, a favorite destination for kids and their families is 7B Lanes, a bowling alley and arcade room at 120 S. Division. Food and drink are available on site. The venue is closed on Tuesdays during the winter. 208-255-2695.
If those options don’t get you excited for off slope adventure, check out the calendar of events from the East Bonner County Library. The calendar on their website lists events, programs and classes, with lots of good things for kids and families to do all year long. 1407 Cedar St. (208-263-6930) www.ebonnerlibrary.org
OUTDOORS
If skiing and snowboarding just aren’t on the agenda for an afternoon adventure, but there’s still a desire to be out in a winter wonderland, two great options are available for the family. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch offers horse drawn sleigh rides with refreshments afterwards in the main lodge. Reservations required and prices start at $35 per person for adults, $30 per person for kids ages 6 to 12. Kids 5 and under are free. (Minimum of $140 required.) 1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd (208-263-9066) www.westernpleasureranch.com
Another fun (and free!) option is the Pine Street Sled Hill
Just minutes from downtown Sandpoint, this is the original spot to go sledding and thanks to a community effort to save the property, access is free to the public with sleds available to borrow. Enjoy a little cardio as you hike the hill and then relish in the laughter as you sled back down. A Sandpoint classic that’s inspired kids for generations. Located at Pine Street Woods, 11915 W Pine St. (208-263-9471) www.kaniksu.org
Finally, don’t miss The Pond, the new ice rink opened this year in Ponderay. A seasonal rink was constructed on Kootenai Cutoff near Highway 200 for use while a larger, enclosed arena is being built at the Field of Dreams. The scheduled opening is Thanksgiving weekend, and it will be open through February, weather permitting. Learn more at www.niicearena.com.
PHOTO BY WOODS WHEATCROFT. by Dig Chrismer
While there’s nothing quite like a powder day lapping your favorite lift, there are so many other days (and ways) to enjoy Schweitzer. From soaking in summit views with a cup of hot hearty soup at Sky House, to base area activities like tubing, spa, or après - Schweitzer is a hub for winter fun - all days, all ways.
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Dining With 15 different dining locations, there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to cuisine. Ski or ride to four different onmountain locations, or simply stroll into one of 11 options near the Village. Enjoy a grab-n-go breakfast at Mojo Coyote Cafe, a high-energy après at Taps, and an upscale meal at Crow’s Bench, all within walking distance from the slopes.
Lodging Wake up with a view you won’t forget! With easy access to the lifts and all the creature comforts, Schweitzer’s lodging offerings are some of the best in the area. Take advantage of awesome amenities like the rooftop hot tub, modern co-working space, family game room, and more. There’s no dreamier place stay and play this winter.
Cambium Spa offers cuttingedge therapies and restorative treatments for all. Enjoy weekly yoga classes, drop-in sauna or sound lounge sessions, or a full day recovery complete with facials and massage. Built in 2023, Cambium is the ultimate place to rev up, reboot, and tune in at the mountain.
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300’’Average Annual Snowfall
2,900 Skiable Acres 1,200 Tree Skiing Acres
10 Lifts 2 Open Bowls 92 Named Runs
6,400’ Summit Elevation 2,400’ Vertical Drop
2.1 miles Longest Trail: Little Blue Ridge Run
3 Terrain Parks
32 km of Nordic Trails 2 Tubing Lanes
2 Fireworks Shows: Presidents’ & MLK Weekends
15 Dining Options
1963
Schweitzer offers a wide variety of activities and events to keep you entertained including full moon snowshoe tours, Nordic skiing, tubing, live music, fireworks, and more. Whether you are here for a day or a week, stop by the Activity Center, located in the lower level Humbird, and let our staff help you make the most of your stay.
When the snow melts, the mountain turns into a summer playground with hiking, biking, ziplining, scenic chairlift rides for lunch at the summit, and more. Explore over 40 miles of trails and one of the region’s longest single track mountain bike rides with 4000’ of vertical from top to bottom.
More Winter, Outdoors Activity Guide
bySandyCompton
OUTDOORS
Lift Assisted Skiing & Boarding
Schweitzer, located twelve miles from downtown Sandpoint, is our premier ski and board destination, but there are plenty of other nearby places to visit if you want a change of pace.
Silver Mountain Resort (www. silvermt.com) is in Kellogg, Idaho, on I-90 83 miles southeast of Sandpoint. Silver offers seven lifts (including a gondola that transports guests to the base area) accessing 1,600+ acres; 73 named trails, a terrain park and Kellogg and Wardner Peaks. Silver’s vertical drop is 2,200 feet.
Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area is at the Idaho/Montana border on I-90, 100 miles southeast of Sandpoint. Familyfriendly Lookout, where you can ski two states in one run, has one double, two triples and two quads; a terrain park, 56 trails, many glades, 1,023 skiable acres and 1,650 ft. vertical. (www.skilookout.com).
Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is 72 miles southwest of Sandpoint (www.mtspokane.com). It boasts seven lifts, 52 runs, and a terrain park on 1,704 acres, with a vertical drop of 2,000 feet. They offer night skiing on weekends.
49° North is 72 miles from Sandpoint, 25 miles west of Cusick, Washington on the Flowery Trail. 49 has a patrolled area of 2,325 acres, with 1,871 feet of vertical, 88 marked trails, seven lifts, three basins,
and two peaks, plus two terrain parks. (www.ski49n.com).
Community-owned Turner Mountain Ski Area is 23 miles north of Libby, Montana (84 miles from Sandpoint via US 95 and 2), with a mile-long double riblet serving 20 runs (90 percent expert or upper intermediate), and a 2,110 foot vertical drop. Turner is open Friday through Sunday regularly, but the entire mountain can be rented for a private party on other days. (www.skiturner.com).
Whitewater Ski Resort is 13 miles southeast of Nelson, British Columbia (make sure you have a passport, REAL ID, or Star Card to cross the border), 141 miles from Sandpoint via U.S. 2, Washington 20 and 31, and Nelway Highway north of
the border. With 3,247 skiable acres (1307 inbounds), and a 2,014 ft. vertical drop, the resort has five lifts and 97 runs. (www. skiwhitewater.com)
Other Skiing and Snowboarding
Schweitzer has added cat skiing to its quiver, taking over the area within their private holdings. The resort also offers gates at certain points in the boundary rope that self-powered skiers and split board riders are allowed to use. Most of the so-called side-country lies west of the area boundary, although Big Blue on the north is a popular destination for hikers.
Selkirk Powder, which had the cat skiing service at Schweitzer for 21 years, received a new cat-skiing permit for 6,250 acres of abutting the north boundary of Schweitzer in the Selkirk Mountains. That said, nearly unlimited options for alpine touring exist on federal and state public lands surrounding Sandpoint. Call Sandpoint Ranger District (208-263-5111), Bonners Ferry Ranger District (208-2675561) or check www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf for maps and current conditions. Call Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center toll-free at 866-489-8664 or visit www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org for the latest backcountry winter conditions.
Cross Country Skiing
Sandpoint Nordic Club provides information on groomed trails at www.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF SCHWEITZER
A SNOWBOARDER SHREDS THE TERRAIN. SCHWEITZER PHOTO
sandpointnordic.com. The club maintains 7K of beginner-to-intermediate trails at Pine Street Woods (choose Recreation from the top tab at www.kaniksu.org) west of Sandpoint, with rentals available, and their website offers information on other area trails. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch (www.westernpleasureranch.com), located north of Sandpoint on Highway 95, has 10K of trails; and Idaho state parks at Round Lake, Farragut, and Priest Lake all have maintained trails. Right in town, the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail (www.pobtrail.org), located just beyond the Seasons at Sandpoint near City Beach, offers a very flat, ungroomed 5K out-and-back lakeside jaunt, and the shore beside the trail is also open for skiing because of winter low lake levels. Many of the ski areas listed above also offer Nordic skiing, some groomed. And many unplowed Forest Service roads offer uncrowded skiing if you don’t mind breaking trail.
Snowshoeing
Depending on your taste for adventure and condition level, snowshoeing can be an entry level snow sport or a mega-test of fitness. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness offers a series of volunteer-led winter hikes focused on the West Cabinets along the Idaho/Montana border east of Sandpoint. They range from a relatively benign trek along unplowed Lightning Creek Road to a 4,000 foot vertical ascent (and descent) of Star Peak, and a variety in between. Check their website for specific hikes at www. scotchmanpeaks.org. Trails at Pine Street Woods, as well as the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail, are also suitable for snowshoeing in winter, while Round Lake State Park offers beautiful snowshoeing around the lake.
Winter Sleigh
Rides
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch offers sleigh rides in a rural setting for groups
Activity Guide
and couples. 208-263-9066 (www.westernpleasureranch.com).
Snowmobiling
There are myriad riding possibilities in the Selkirk and Cabinet ranges, with many unplowed roads to choose from and big open spaces, especially in the Northern Selkirks. For the inside info, contact Sandpoint Winter Riders at 208-263-0677 (www.idahosnow.org) or Priest Lake Trails & Snowmobile Club at 509-466-3331 (www.priestlake.org). A Forest Service parking lot five miles up Trestle Creek Road (14 miles east of Sandpoint on Idaho 200) provides access to the Trestle/ Lightning Creek loop and numerous side roads. Pay attention to signs about parking restrictions, as snow plows need to be able to access the roads as well, and many areas of roadway have been marked for no parking. East and west of Priest Lake there are literally hundreds of miles
of designated snowmobile routes and dozens of access sites on both federal and state forest lands. for maps, permits and closure information, visit www.fs.usda.gov or www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov. At both sites, search under the activities tabs.
For guided snowmobile tours call Schweitzer at 208-263-9555 or Selkirk Powder Company at 208-263-6959.
Three Idaho state parks within close range of Sandpoint are Farragut, at the far end of Lake Pend Oreille near Bayview (208-683-2425): Round Lake, on Dufort Road, nine miles south on US 95 (208-2633489) and Priest Lake (208-443-2200), at the north end of the lake. All three offer winter camping spots, including RV spaces. Priest Lake and Farragut have cabins for rent. The Idaho state lands on the east side of Priest Lake are full of snowmobile routes. Round Lake and Farragut offer
BONNER COUNTY HAS LOTS OF WIDE OPEN SPACES FOR SNOWMOBILING. PHOTO BY AMY PETERSON
WESTERN
PHOTO BY AMY PETERSON
PHOTO BY DON OTIS
cross country ski loops. www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov.
Winter Walking
Sandpoint offers miles of cleared flat paths for winter walks: the Pedestrian Long Bridge alongside Highway 95 over Lake Pend Oreille; paths along the Sand Creek Byway; Travers Park on West Pine Street; City Beach and the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail downtown; Sandpoint-Dover Community Trail along Highway 2 West; Lakeview Park, through and around the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society Arboretum; and overlooking Sand Creek at the Healing Garden next to Bonner General Health. If you’re looking for some vertical, Mickinnick Trail just north of town via Great Northern and Evergreen Roads and Gold Hill Trail accessed from Bottle Bay Road offer cardio and some great views. Wear your Yak-tracks.
Wildlife Viewing Areas
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, 30 miles north of Sandpoint near Bonners Ferry, has more than 2,700 acres populated by abundant wildlife and birds. Hiking trails to a waterfall and around a pond, and auto tour routes. www.fws.gov/kootenai (208-267-3888).
Other Wildlife Management Areas include McArthur Lake WMA, 18 miles north of Sandpoint on US 95, one of the oldest migratory bird refuges in the U.S. Pend Oreille WMA, administered by Idaho Fish and Game, has 25 units arrayed around Lake Pend Oreille, including Trout Creek, Pack River Delta, Gold Creek, Sunnyside, Morton Slough, and the Clark Fork Delta. These areas are open to the public for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fishing, not to mention some great bird watching. Visit www.idfg. idaho.gov. WaterLife Discovery Center on Lakeshore Drive offers interpretive trails and self-guided tours of fish habitat and an interpretive area on the Pend Oreille River. www.fishandgame.idaho.gov (208769-1414).
Ice, Charter, and Fly Fishing
There’s great ice fishing on Lake Pend Oreille at the north end of the Long Bridge in front of Condo del Sol, and in some of the bays along the south side of the Pend Oreille River. Ice fishing is also popular on smaller lakes: Cocolalla, Mirror, Gamlin, Shepherd, Round, Antelope, and Priest. Lake Pend Oreille’s deeper waters rarely freeze. Even in midwinter, charter fishing boats pursue its trophy rainbow trout. Fly fishermen work over the lower
Clark Fork River in all seasons.
Ice Skating
The big news for North Idaho skaters is the long-awaited opening of a seasonal ice rink in Ponderay at The Pond, located at Kootenai Cutoff and Hwy 200. The open-air rink will be open late November through February, weather permitting. Rental skates will be available. This rink is in addition to the indoor rink currently planned for construction at Ponderay’s Field of Dreams sports complex, and will be moved to become an auxiliary to that rink when the indoor rink is completed. www.niicearena.com.
When conditions are right, ice skaters can also flock to Third Avenue Pier, Sandpoint City Beach, or Sand Creek below the Cedar Street Bridge. Pick up hockey games might happen at McArthur Lake, 22 miles north of Sandpoint on Highway 95, or on Chuck’s Slough on the west side of Sandpoint. All ice skating in local waters is at your own risk—ice should be at least 4 inches thick for use by a group of people. An old saying is “Thick and blue, tried and true; Thin and crispy, way too risky,” which isn’t a lot of help when snow covers the ice.
Further afield
Ice skating is also available outside the area in Coeur d’Alene at the pop up arena near McEuen Park, located at 504 E. Front Ave. Coeur d’Alene on Ice is sponsored by Numerica. Weather permitting, the venue is open mid November through February, and is mostly open 7 days a week. Because the ice can fill quickly, it’s recommended you buy your tickets online at www.cdaonice.com to ensure availability.
The Ice Ribbon at Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane, Washington is a 645foot trail that dips and climbs around the
Activity Guide
park. Watch the skaters from nearby BBQ place The Bearded Ginger. Skate rentals are available. Helmets are provided free upon request. Firepits are available for watchers and skaters alike, www.sptmag. com/skateribbon (https://my.spokanecity. org and search under the Riverfront tab. Sledding
This year will mark the second year that Sled Hill, operated by Kootenai Land Trust, will be open to the public. Located just west of town on Pine Street, this was a traditional winter playground for Sandpoint dating back to the 1930s. www. kaniksu.org
As part of the new playground improvements at Sandpoint’s Travers Park, large earth berms have been created to allow for sledding as snow permits.
Schweitzer offers Hermits Hollow Tubing Center, including night tubing over the Christmas holidays and during night skiing on Friday and Saturday nights through the first weekend in March.
SKATING CAN BE FINE AT THIRD AVENUE PIER. PHOTO BY WOODS WHEATCROFT SLED HILL,
Activity Guide
INDOORS
Art Galleries
More Winter, Indoors
Athletic Clubs
Truly an arts town, Sandpoint has numerous galleries and artists’ studios. Downtown take a walking tour; on First Avenue check out ArtWorks, and Hen’s Tooth Studio. Art lovers may also visit the newly opened Heather’s Colors, located at 110 Main St., and Lisa V. Fine Art Studio at 109 Main St, along with the Pend Oreille Arts Council at 313 N. Second Ave. The Chris Kraisler Gallery is located at 517 N. Fourth. You’ll find the Sandpoint Center, which serves as a special exhibit gallery for POAC, at 414 Church St. And there is art galore at the Old Power House, at 120 E. Lake St. There are many satellite gallery locations that host revolving art exhibits year-round. www.artinsandpoint.org (208-263-6139). At Schweitzer, the Artists’ Studio in the White Pine Lodge features local artists.
Museum
Enjoy many fine displays depicting old-time Bonner County at the Bonner County History Museum. It’s open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission on the first Sat-
urday of the month year-round, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located in Lakeview Park, 611 S. Ella. www.bonnercountyhistory.org (208263-2344).
Movies
Sandpoint Cinemas is a six-plex theater inside the Bonner Mall on Highway 95, featuring new releases weekly (208-263-7147). The historic Panida Theater downtown at 300 N. First shows foreign and independent films, plus film festivals (www.panida.org).
Greater Sandpoint has a plethora of opportunities, but the most comprehensive is Litehouse YMCA, 1905 W. Pine St., with a 25-meter indoor pool, courts, a weight room, group classes, and a sauna and spa. Open daily, with facilities reserved for vulnerable populations from 10 a.m. ‘til noon on Wednesdays and Fridays. www.ymcainw.org (208-263-6633). Tennis anyone? The James E. Russell Sports Center at Travers Park, 2016 Pine St, is open for pickleball and tennis this winter. Book in advance, or show up for a daily, 90-minute open community session. Special events will also be scheduled: check the calendar at the city’s webpage (www.sandpointidaho.gov).
Shopping
Downtown retailers are going all out in the Sandpoint Shopping District, where shoppers will discover a fine array of eclectic shops and galleries with clothing, art, and gifts galore. www. DowntownSandpoint.com. Find fine retailers at www.sandpointshoppingdistrict.com. Antiques abound at Foster’s Crossing on Fifth between Cedar and Oak streets (208-263-5911); and MarketPlace Antiques & Gifts, open daily, at 502 Church St. (208-263-4444). Just out of town, Bonner Mall in Ponderay has stores large and small; it’s on U.S. Highway 95 north of Sandpoint (208-263-4272).
Spas
Get pampered at Wildflower Day Spa, www.thewildflowerdayspa.com (208-263-1103) or at Schweitzer Mountain check out the Cambium Spa in the heart of the village (208-255-3074) or, with treatments by appointment, Solstice Wellness Spa (208-2632862).
GALLERY AT PEND OREILLE ARTS COUNCIL. PHOTO COURTESY POAC ONE OF THE PERMANENT DISPLAYS AT THE BONNER HISTORY MUSEUM. PHOTO
LODGING Sandpoint + Schweitzer
SCHWEITZER LUXURY VACATION RENTALSDAUGHERTY MANAGEMENT
Best Western Edgewater Resort 208-263-3194 or 800-635-2534
Beyond Hope Resort 208-264-5251
Cabin in the Cedars 208-263-1212
Cedar Street Hotel & Suites 208-263-9581
Daugherty Management 208-263-1212
Dover Bay Bungalows 208-263-5493
FairBridge Inn & Suites 208-263-2210
Humbird at Schweitzer 877-487-4643
Lodge at Sandpoint 208-263-2211
Pend Oreille Shores Resort 208-264-5828
Selkirk Lodge
208-265-0257 or 877-487-4643
Sleep's Cabins
208-255-2122
Twin Cedars Camping and Vacation Rentals
208-920-1910
54 x x x x x Downtown Sandpoint on the lake. Indoor pool, sauna, fitness room, hot tub. All rooms with lake view.
84 x x x Located on the Hope Peninsula. RV sites, tent sites, restaurant, cafe, showers, marina and private venues available. www.beyondhoperesort.com
2 x Two cute cabins, 400 feet apart from each other on beautiful Sunnyside. Minutes from Lake Pend Oreille and under 15 minutes to downtown Sandpoint and Schweitzer. Up to 4 guests: www.airbnb.com/h/CabinInTheCedars Up to 6 guests: www.airbnb.com/h/LittleHouseInTheWoodsBnb
74 x x x x Located in downtown Sandpoint and within walking distance to restaurants, taverns and shopping. Newly remodeled rooms with free WIFI, fitness center, seasonal swimming pool, hot tub and laundry facilities. www.CedarStreetHotel.com
100 x x x x Sandpoint’s luxury vacation home rentals, with properties on the lake and the mountain. See ad on page 5. www.staysandpoint.com
19 x x x x x Waterfront bungalows at Dover Bay in Marina Village. Fully furnished, lake and mountain views. Fitness center, marina, hiking/biking trails. www.doverbaybungalows.com
60 x Free breakfast with waffles, 24-hour hot tub, free wireless internet. Family suites. At the base of Schweitzer Mountain, two miles from Lake Pend Oreille. www.fairbridgesandpoint.com
31 x x x x x New intimate boutique hotel puts you at the center of Schweitzer Village with ski-in/skiout access and stunning views. Amenities include a rooftop hot tub, coworking space, Glass Room gathering room, ski locker access, and dining at Crow’s Bench. www.humbirdhotel.com
25 x x x x Accommodations for retreats and banquets. Lakeside with swimming and docks. Views of lake and mountains for an unforgettable Idaho vacation. www.lodgeatsandpoint.com
50 x x x x Fully furnished condos and on-site athletic club on Lake Pend Oreille. Stay and play packages. www.posresort.com
70 x x x x x x Mountain accommodations, stay-and-play packages. Spectacular mountain and lake views. Outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. See ad on back cover. www.schweitzer.com
2 x x Sleep’s Cabins have been a beloved part of the community and a landmark on Lake Pend Oreille since the 1930s. Perfect for family vacations. www.sleepscabins.com.
10 x x Vacation rental homes, bell tents, RV sites and a camping cabin amongst two beautiful acreages on Lake Pend Oreille and in the Selle Valley, both with outdoor hot tubs. www.twincedarsvacations.com
CEDAR STREET HOTEL & SUITES IN DOWNTOWN SANDPOINT
SLEEP’S CABINS WATERFRONT VACATION RENTAL
Nightlife Activity Guide
Live Music
Live music and more is available at the Hive, right in the heart of downtown on First Avenue. Check the calendar for electrifying concerts, along with nonprofit and educational speakers, special celebrations, and more. It’s a small, intimate venue with a powerful punch. Also available for private events. 208920-9039 www.livefromthehive.com. With live music, theatrical performances, fundraisers, and more is the Heartwood Center, 615 Oak St., located in one of the area’s premiere historical buildings, the former Catholic church. Check the calendars for current performance information. 208-263-8699. www.heartwoodsandpoint.com. The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint hosts events yearround in a performance space designed for sound and featuring what may be the only Bosendorfer grand piano in the Pacific Northwest in its Little Carnegie Concert Hall. For an evening’s entertainment on the classical end of the scale, it’s hard to beat. 208-265-4444. www.sandpointconservatory.com.
Breweries & Pubs Downtown
See brewing in action at MickDuff’s Beer Hall, the production and tasting room, open daily at 220 Cedar St., (208-209-6700) or visit their family restaurant at 419 N. Second Ave. www.mickduffs.com (208-255-4351). For craft beers, try Eichardt’s Pub & Grill at 212 Cedar St. www.eichardtspub.com (208-263-4005). Taste handcrafted ales at Laughing Dog Brewing at 805 Schweitzer Plaza Dr. 7 days a week from noon to 8 p.m. www.laughingdogbrewing.com (208-2639222). Matchwood Brewery, at 513 Oak St., offers a craft beer for every taste, with eight beers on tap. www.matchwoodbrewing.com (208-718-2739). Utara Brewing Co., 214 Pine St., offers 11 “core” beers and a small bites menu. www. utaraidaho.com (208-627-5070).
Wineries & Wine Bars
Pend d’Oreille Winery features tours, wine tasting, and a gift shop. Open Tues.-Sat. 12 to 8 p.m. 301 Cedar St. www.powine.com (208-265-8545). Wine and dine at Barrel 33 at 100 N. First Ave. Offering wine, cider, and beer tastings along with a carefully curated menu.
Theater
Downtown’s historic Panida Theater offers local and global film festivals, movies and presentations, local dance recitals and professional dance performances, comedy, educational and informative speakers and presentations, local and touring artists for music concerts, and performances by local players in compelling live theater... and more. Located at 300 N. First Ave. (208) 263-9191 (www.panida.org).
LEVI HILL PERFORMS AT THE MUSIC CONSERVATORY OF SANDPOINT. COURTESY PHOTO
LIVE MUSIC AT EICHARDT’S. PHOTO BY ROBB MATTOX
PANIDA
Winter is wonderful in Sandpoint, Idaho... and not just for the whoppin’ 300 inches of deep powder our epic mountain, Schweitzer, collects each year. With 2,900 acres of varied terrain and 92 named runs, Schweitzer is the biggest ski mountain in Idaho. But with so much more to do around our town, winter goes even deeper in Sandpoint. We hope to see you here!
epic trails
The snow doesn’t slow us down! Enjoy the abundant fat bike, nordic, & snowshoe trails at Pine Street Woods, Schweitzer, & more.
Music & More
The arts and entertainment scene here is simply amazing. Any given week find live music bustin’ out all ‘round town, plus major events all winter.
Wine & dine
The excellent restaurants, breweries, cafes, and taverns in Sandpoint offer something for everyone. Come hungry, leave happy!
