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Back Country Skiing & Snow Boarding

 

Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, was named to Skiing Magazine's Top 25 Ski Resorts, and #3 for Tree Skiing. So, if you want to snowboard, there are few runs as fun. The back side of Schweitzer and the Colburn Bowl has great new terrain to flip powder from. Sandpoint and North Idaho are famous for the mountain views, and while our ranges don't usually top 7,000 feet, there are advantages over the higher level mountain ranges. The lower ranges means that there are many accessible areas that can be found on snowmobiles or hiked to. This is granite country, and the fantastic outcroppings of rock seemed formed by the Great Artist himself...er, herself?. Plus, the Idaho Panhandle is the land of the giant lakes, which adds to the visual experience to the nth degree.

Perhaps one of our best venues is the Selkirk Powder Company, which offers jaunts into the hinterlands on snowcats and snowmobiles. 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.

Selkirk Powder Company
Lakeview Lodge, Schweitzer Village
Sandpoint, ID 83864

  • Phone: (208) 263-6959
  • Toll Free: (866) 464-3246

Send an Email
 www.SelkirkPowderCompany.com
 Nearest City: Sandpoint
Location: Northern Idaho, at Schweitzer Mountain Resort
 Directions: Schweitzer Mountain Rd from Highway 95

Priest Lake Winter

Priest Lake Nordic Center has miles of groomed trails (208-443-2525), offers spectacular scenery, plus connects to miles more of trails to Hannah Flats.

Priest Lake State Park
314 Indian Creek Park Rd.
Coolin, ID 83821

  • Phone: (208) 443-2200

  • Fax: (208) 443-3893

Send an Email
 www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

 Nearest City: Priest Lake
Location: Northern Idaho, 33 mi. N. of Priest River

The Indian Creek Unit of this state park is 40 miles north of the community of Priest River on the east shore of scenic Priest lake. A plowed parking lot, restrooms, and a gift shop service the 5 miles of groomed trails. The Lone Star trail provides scenic views of the lake and is rated for skiers who have beginner to advanced ability. The Old flume loop offers beautiful scenery and is rated for beginners to intermediate skiers.

Season: Winter
Hours: Daylight

 Fees: $4.00 motor vehicle entry fee

Roman Nose Lake

Near MacArthur Lake, the Roman Nose and its Alpine lakes is a favorite destination, though this takes a bit more stamina.

At the National Forest Entrance near Trestle Creek is another great area. Don't just go to this entrance for some backcountry fun. Drive a little further on Highway 200 to experience the best part of the International Selkirk Loop. This follows several miles of the 111 miles of coastline of Lake Pend Oreille, and the views are spectacular. There are several places to pull over and take in the view.

Tour the backcountry on National Forest lands; contact Sandpoint Ranger District (208-263-5111) or the Bonners Ferry Ranger District (208-267-5561) for maps and more information or look up the Idaho Panhandle National Forests website.

Rental gear is available at Schweitzer's Ski and Ride Center (208-255-3070) or in Sandpoint at the Alpine Shop at 213 Church (208-263-5157), or at Outdoor Experience at 314 N First Ave. (208-263-6028).

Each of the ski resorts has offerings, so to learn more about all the area resorts, check out our Skiing & Snow Sports page.