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We have so many great ski
resorts: Silver Mountain, Mount Spokane, and 49 Degrees North to name a
few. Our own local stop is Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, and we beamed
with pride last year when Schweitzer was named to Skiing Magazine's Top 25
Ski Resorts, and #3 for Tree Skiing. 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 affords rolling hills great for cross-country skiing, also called
Nordic skiing. 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 lake, with views that make the
heart sing.
Many of the smaller resorts
offer cross-country skiing, such as
Diamond T Ranch. Also, you don't have to go to a ski resort for this
exercise. For instance,
Farragut State Park (208-683-2425) with 9.4-mile groomed trail system
25 miles south of Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille, and
Round Lake State Park (208-263-3489) located 10 miles out of
Sandpoint, also has 3 miles of various groomed trails for diagonal stride
and are good venues.
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, and near MacArthur Lake, the
Roman Nose and its Alpine lakes is a favorite destination, though this
takes a bit more stamina.
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 or at the Alpine Shop at 213 Church (208-263-5157).
Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort
is, of course, one of our best cross-country ski area. Schweitzer is a premier
resort, rated in the Top 25 Ski Resorts, and named in Ask Men as one of
America's Top 10 Resorts this year. Plus, Sunset Magazine just named
Sandpoint in its Top 10 Resorts for 2008-09. While great for diamond runs, strap on the long boards for a real
treat.
Schweitzer Mountain Nordic Ski Trails
Schweitzer Mountain Resort
 10,000
Schweitzer Mtn. Rd.
Sandpoint, ID 83864
Send an Email
www.schweitzer.com
Nearest City:
Sandpoint
Location: Northern Idaho, 11 miles E. of Sandpoint
Directions: Hwy. 95 N. of Sandpoint about 2 mi. to
Schweitzer Rd. and turn left, continue to Boyer Ave. Turn right onto Boyer
and follow the signs 9 mi. to Schweitzer.
With
a dazzling view of Lake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer Mountain Resort lies
high in the Selkirk Mountains, where abundant snowfall buries the slopes
in more than 300 inches of white delight annually. Facilities include
overnight lodging, a day lodge, gift shops, a market, restaurants,
cafes, bars and a chapel.
Season: Winter
Hours: Daily, 9am- 4pm
Fees: Nordic trail fee, $10
Priest
Lake Area Nordic Ski Trails
Priest Lake State Park
314 Indian Creek Park Rd.
Coolin, ID 83821
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Phone: (208) 443-2200
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Fax: (208) 443-3893
Send an Email
www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov
Nearest City:
Priest Lake
Location: Northern Idaho, 33 mi. N. of Priest River
Information
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
Bonners Ferry Area Nordic Trails
Bonners Ferry Ranger District
44 miles of trail
6286 Main St.
Bonners Ferry, ID 83605
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Phone: (208) 267-5561
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Fax: (208) 267-6754
Website
Nearest City:
Bonners Ferry
Location: Northern Idaho, N. of Coeur d'Alene
Information
There are numerous trails near Bonners Ferry for Nordic skiing or
snowshoeing in winter. When snow closes the auto tour route at the
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, the scenic 4.5-mile route is also
open for Nordic skiing. Contact the Bonners Ferry Ranger District for
trail maps and more information.
Season: Winter
Hours: Daylight
Fees: Free
Round
Lake State Park Nordic Ski Trail
Round
Lake State Park
Box 170
Sagle, ID 83860
Send an Email
www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov
Nearest City:
Sandpoint
Location: Northern Idaho, 10 mi. S. of Sandpoint
Information
The
trails in this park 10 miles south of Sandpoint are great for beginner
and intermediate skiers. The 3-mile trail generally follows the forested
shoreline of the lake. The trail is groomed when weather conditions
permit. Vault toilets, an ice skating area and a plowed parking area are
provided. This is not a park and ski area, but ice fishing is available
when the lake is frozen over.
Season: Winter
Hours: Daylight
Fees: $4 vehicle entrance fee
Farragut State Park Nordic Ski Trails
Farragut State Park
13550 E. Hwy. 54
Athol, ID 83801
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Phone: (208) 683-2425
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Fax: (208) 683-7416
Send an Email
www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov
Nearest City:
Bayview
Location: Northern Idaho, N. of Coeur d'Alene
Information
Farragut State Park provides 7.5 miles of groomed ski trails designed to
offer excellent opportunities for beginner and intermediate skiers and
to provide outstanding views of the park and mountains surrounding Lake
Pend Oreille. Snow conditions vary due to the low elevation of the park.
Picnic shelter, rest rooms and a plowed parking area are provided.
Season: Winter
Hours: Daylight
Fees: $4 Motor Vehicle Entry Fee
Stoneridge Resort Nordic Ski Trail
StoneRidge Golf & Recreation
364 Stoneridge Rd.
Blanchard, ID 83804
Send an Email
www.stoneridgeidaho.com
Nearest City:
Spirit Lake
Location: Northern Idaho, N. of Post Falls
Information
Nordic skiing at a resort north of Post Falls. Facilities and lessons
available at the resort complex.
Season: Winter
Hours: Daylight
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