Sandpoint Winter Recreation Guide

Sandpoint, Idaho has had so many great articles and accolades that it is hard to believe that right above is one of the world's best ski resorts: Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort. The North Idaho Panhandle is truly a winter wonderland, with several mountain ranges, including the Bitterroot Mountains, Cabinet Mountains, Clearwater Mountains, Coeur d'Alene Mountains, Purcell Mountains, Saint Joe Mountains, and Selkirk Mountains. There are many outdoors things to do for the winter months in Sandpoint and the surrounding winter sports areas, but there is also Shopping, many Events, Art, and great Drives, Tours, & Scenery. Sandpoint and North Idaho also have great Attractions, plus there are scores of Cool Things to Do within 100 miles of Sandpoint. For a great guide, see this 2009 Visitor's Guide, and to learn all about fun winter activities, see the rest of this Winter Recreation Guide.

See the Lights at the Coeur d'Alene Resort

In Downtown CdA, the Festival of Lights starts off with a bang on November 27th, with Fireworks and a Parade. Best to get to the parade for a good spot in the mid afternoon, but get a place to watch the fireworks by about 5 pm. Many will go up Tubbs Hill for the best vantage point. This is a bit of a small hike, and be aware of the weather. We like to skip the parade, and get a good place at Whispers in the Coeur d'Alene Resort, with a toddy or two, and take in the sights with video camera, all nice and cozy. Good, clean windows, and higher up for really cool shots, both down the gullet and off the camera.

Starting Thanksgiving weekend, the Coeur d'Alene Resort hits the light switch with it's Holiday Light show. All during the holiday season you can experience America's largest floating holiday light show and laser extravaganza. Cruise boats take you on Lake Coeur d'Alene to view the animated light displays and holiday scenes along the Coeur d'Alene Resort shoreline, and then a special visit to Santa's workshop.

Other events include breakfasts with Santa, Sunday brunches with Dickens Carolers and Mrs. Clause, Santa Cruises for the very young, a downtown Christmas lighting ceremony, fireworks shows and a lighted parade. The parade starts at 5 pm at 8th and Sherman Ave, downtown Coeur d'Alene. 208-667-5986 or www.cdadowntown.com

November 27-29: Coeur d'Alene - Festival of Trees The incredible event is something the entire family will never forget! The Coeur d'Alene Plaza Shops are transformed into a Christmas Wonderland with carolers, gingerbread houses, and of courses, beautifully decorated Christmas Trees by professional designers. All trees are auctioned off at the end of the event, with the proceeds going to a local charity. Coeur d'Alene Plaza Shops located on Sherman Avenue, downtown Coeur d'Alene. Info: Kootenai Medical Center Foundation 208-666-8733 or  www.thefestivaloftrees.com

Downhill Skiing & Snow Boarding

Within a half day drive of Sandpoint are five great resorts: 49º North, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass, and Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort. If you are in Sandpoint, Schweitzer looms right above the city, and if you drive the speed limit, you can usually reach the slopes in about a half hour. We are so spoiled. Most ski resorts afford spectacular mountain views when weather permits. Unlike other resorts, when skiing Schweitzer, you can see not only the mountain views, but the city of Sandpoint, and the 148 square mile giant Lake Pend Oreille. Schweitzer has garnered many accolades over the years, and has oft been considered one of the great 'undiscovered' ski treats. Then, last year, Skiing Magazine named Schweitzer to its Top 25 Ski Resorts. Schweitzer is also #3 for tree skiing. So, way up here in tiny Sandpoint, Idaho, on majestic Lake Pend Oreille, we have one of the best ski resorts in the world: Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort.

Still, it is nice to have variety, and North Idaho gives winter sport enthusiasts great opportunities to live the perfect ski life of Idaho's noble winter, be it skiiing developed ski resorts and a groomed trails, or off in the hinterlands of Panhandle backcountry. Silver Mountain is fine for downhill, but also added a very cool feature this year: an indoor water park. It is the home of the world's longest single stage gondola. To learn more about each resort, visit Skiing in the Inland Northwest.

Cross country skiing is a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors at a leisurely pace. A wide variety of terrain awaits, including a well-maintained trail system at Farragut State Park. A catalog of Nordic trails is available from the Idaho State Department of Parks & Recreation. Call 208-769-1511 or www.idahoparks.org. The Centennial Trail, which runs from the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene to Spokane, through Post Falls is a favorite for local enthusiasts. Over 8 miles of trails are ready for exploration at Schweitzer Mountain Resort who also hosts two fun Nordic races annually - the Cougar Gulch 10K/5K and the Great Scott 10k/5k. Each winter the Priest Lake Golf Course becomes The Nordic Sports Center at Priest Lake offering some of the finest groomed trails in the area. Plus, Priest Lake is renowned for snowmobiling, and has a fantastic dog sled race.

The State Parks Annual Passport is $25 (plus tax) and is good for day use at all of Idaho's state parks. Cross country skiing at Priest Lake, Round Lake, Farragut and Winchester Lake state parks is offered at no additional charge. Passes are available at any state park or locally at 2750 Kathleen Avenue, Coeur d'Alene.

The Park N' Ski Pass is $25 (plus tax) and allows you to park and ski at 11 back country sites across the state. Passes can be purchased at regional offices of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as most cross country ski shops statewide.

Snowmobiles & Overland Snowmobiling and Cats

There a many places in the US that have restricted snowmobiling, and for a short while, we had some issues. North Idaho has the perfect snow and terrain to offer  some of the best snowmobiling in the world. Snowmobiling is one of the area's fastest growing sports. SnoWest Magazine recognized The Silver Valley's thousands of miles of snowmobile trails as "one of the best full service snowmobiling hot spots in the world," and Priest Lake has some of the best views that can be seen from the seat of a 900cc. Contact the Priest Lake Trails & Outdoor Recreation Association at 208-443-3309. To learn more check out Snowmobiling Priest Lake. However, you can find places for snowmobiling off Rapid Lightning Creek, Trestle Creek, and so many other areas.

Seventy-five miles north of Coeur d'Alene at Priest Lake find an additional 400 miles of groomed trails. Trails are mostly on forest service roads ranging in elevation from 2,500 to 6,500 feet. Ample snowfall and marked and patrolled trails along one of the world's most pristine lakes make this a winter wonderland. 443-3191. A history of timber and mining in the Coeur d'Alene area has left an extensive network of trails through the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. www.idahowinter.org.

Winter Riders in Sandpoint has great info (208-263-5868).

Peak Adventures offers survival training and avalanche training, but their forte is Cat Skiing. Very cool stuff here.

As mentioned before, the Selkirk Powder Company offers great guided tours. This the snowcat-skiing and snowmobiling outfitter takes you to the best locations in the Rockies and Pacific Northwest. With it's headquarters right on the summit of Schweitzer Mountain Resort, SPC skis and snowmobiles in 4,000 acres of epic terrain directly behind the burgeoning 3,000 acre ski resort. Prompt access to your full day of guided skiing begins at or before 9am. You can expect up to 8 runs and 10,000 to 14,000 vertical.

Boundary County has ample snowmobiling opportunities. There are many well-groomed trails higher than 7,000 feet. The two major areas include Roman Nose in the Selkirk Mountains and Canuck Basin in the Purcell Mountains. Visitors to Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint can enjoy guided snowmobile tours through the backcountry.

Kellogg offers thousands of miles of groomed trails with a vast choice of lodging and tourist services. Wallace encourages driving snowmobiles inside the city limits and has a number of annual snowmobile events. 753-7151.

Snowmobiling regulations and trail maps are available from U.S. Forest Service offices throughout the region. Machine and equipment rentals are available locally. With the eminent success of snowmobiling projects throughout North Idaho, here's a recommendation: Make plans for your visit before the rest of the world gets here!

Ski & Snowmobile Links

Idaho State Snowmobile Association - Region 1

Specialty Recreation & Marine, 772 Kathleen Ave, Coeur d'Alene, 888-567-5664

Helmet Outlet, 5648 Governmentt Way, Coeur d'Alene, 208-762-3668

Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer, 9551 Hwy 95, Hayden, 208-772-8179

Silver Mountain Resort, Kellogg

Dog Sledding

For over thirty-five years the US Pacific Coast Championship Sled Dog Race has been held at Priest Lake. Each year 75 to 100 teams from around the country and as far away as Alaska and Canada gather on the west side of the lake for the competition. 509-447-5744 or Inland Empire Sled Dog Association  Last year we had them on my radio show: North Idaho Arts & Adventure. Having owned Samoyeds, I was particularly interested in the teams with Sammies. We have one team from Athol, and though Sammies aren't perhaps the best pulling dogs, they sure are the most beautiful. Anyway, great event to attend.

Hiking, Snowshoing, & Walking the Area

There are few places that are groomed well enough to venture out without some help to walk on the snow. However, there are a few. For instance, off Brisboys is a trail at the second entrance off Lakeshore that is not known to most, but is fabulous. Others that don't always require special gear are the 2-miles of path on the Pedestrian Long Bridge that runs alongside the Long Bridge (Highway 95). This is one of the best because of the views of Lake Pend Oreille.

Dover Bay resort has nine miles of fabulous paved paths, and many are groomed in the winter. These are free to the public, and the scenery is outstanding. Here is a map of their Master Plan.

One of our favorite charities was the forming of the Bonner Healing Garden. We sponsor their website. Even in the dark of winter, it is a place to sooth the soul.

The new Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail was donated much by the Ross Hall family, and goes approximately two miles to a place called Black Rock along Lake Pend Oreille. Park next to the water treatment plant next to Seasons at Sandpoint. You don't have to use the trail. The railroad often plows the roads along the tracks for service purposes, so you can walk the small peninsula between the lake and Sand Creek.

Try some of the area parks. City Beach isn't bad, but there are many to choose from. To learn more about area parks, visit our Parks & Camping.

Strapping on a pair of snow shoes and making first tracks in fresh snow on a sunny winter day is as good as it gets for North Idaho outdoor recreation. If you're a novice or enjoying an outing with younger family members, the Centennial Trail is ideal. Park at the trailhead on Northwest Blvd. at I-90 Exit 11 in Coeur d'Alene and hike a flat trail along the Spokane River, through Coeur d'Alene City Park along the lake. Another popular route begins at Silver Beach on Lake Coeur d'Alene Road, I-90 Exit 15 at Sherman Avenue, with parking, year 'round restroom facilities and a stunning view with no changes in elevation.

Coeur d'Alene's Tubbs Hill is a short loop trail (3.2 miles) accessible from downtown that winds through a 120-acre natural park jutting out from the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Start your hike at the south end of 3rd Street by the Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Falls Park in Post Falls is right in town. Exit 5 off of I-90, south a block to 4th Avenue and west two blocks. The park has family friendly trails and scenic overlook platforms to best view the wide open gates of the hydroelectric plant at the Spokane River falls.

For more advanced snowshoers, the following offer a backcountry hike. The winter wonderland scenery of North Idaho makes it worth your while. Don't forget to bring a camera!

Gold Hill - 2 miles south of Sandpoint on US 95. turn east on Bottle Bay Road, 4.8 miles to the trailhead located on the right.
Length-3.7 miles one-way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-3400 feet
Elevation gain/loss-1200 feet
Panoramic views

Trail to Chimney Rock - a popular climbing destination. Getting to the trailhead in winter may require a 4-wheel drive vehicle. From Sandpoint-north on US 95, 13 miles to Pack River Road, turn west onto Road 231, 16 miles to West Branch Road 2653. Turn left and then a half mile to trailhead at bridge.
Length- 5 miles one way
Difficulty-last 2.5 miles are most difficult
Highest elevation- 6720 feet
Elevation gain/loss 1820 feet
The first 2.5 miles are along an old road, the last 2.5 miles are somewhat steep.

Moose Lake - from Sandpoint head east on Hwy 200 then 12 miles to Trestle Creek Road, turn left onto Road 275 then 16 miles to Lighting Creek Road 419, turn left and then 1.5 miles to Moose Creek Road 1022, turn right and 2 miles to the trailhead. This is also a trailhead for Blacktail Lake Trail 24 and Lake Estelle Trail 36.
Length- 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty-moderate
Highest elevation-6160 feet
Gain/loss-1240 feet

Depending upon snow conditions, accessibility may be limited to the backcountry areas. There are no restrictions to snowmobiles for both Moose Lake and Chimney Rock.

Sledding

The local sledding hills of yesteryear are still part of the fabric of North Idaho small town life. Some are maintained by local parks departments, some are just part of the neighborhood. For a fun family day in the snow, here are some local favorites:

Coeur d'Alene - Cherry Hill Park is located at 15th Street and I-90. Generations of children have enjoyed this popular sledding hill which is now part of the park. For all ages, paved parking lot adjacent.

Post Falls - Black Bay Park, just north of the main parking lot off of E. Third Ave., has good sledding hills in the winter months.

Kellogg - Locals enjoy sledding and tubing at Silver Mountain and at Kellogg City Park, across from the football field.

Sandpoint - Schweitzer Mountain is a great place to sled or tube. Great Northern Park is a new 7-acre park which is slated to have a sledding hill shaped by the time the snow flies. For the younger children, Hickory Street Park has a small hill.

Priest River - Right in town is a sledding park off of Highways 2 and 57.

Clark Fork - Locals bundle up for sledding at the ball park on the north side of the pond.

Ice Skating

Traditionally, Sand Creek was the place that Sandpoint locals skated, though last year many could be seen by the Long Bridge on Lake Pend Oreille. There are many places to skate, such as the smaller lakes. To learn more about area lakes, check out our Lakes Guide. For streams and rivers, go our Rivers Guide.