While the cold weather and snow in the Tri-Cities can make for difficult driving conditions, there’s an upside to what winter brings. Traveling a few hours north to Idaho will bring opportunities for skiing and fun family activities.

Schweizer

One of the closest winter playgrounds offering a significant variety of activities for the entire family is Schweitzer Mountain Resort. The well-maintained roads of US-395 and I-90 provide fun-seekers safe travels from the Tri-Cities, through Spokane, and north to Schweitzer in just under four hours. Many skiers may wish to stay in Coeur d’Alene, as it is only 45 minutes from the mountain and has accommodations with all levels of service. Sandpoint has fewer services, but is only 13 miles from the resort. The mountain itself also offers a few ski-in, ski-out hotels with hot tubs, drinks, and cozy rooms.

Holiday Events

Not only is it Idaho’s most accessible ski area to the Tri-Cities, but Schweitzer is also Idaho’s largest ski area. It boasts 2900 acres of skiable terrain. There are 10 lifts (one is a six-passenger lift), so lines are quick moving. The lifts are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. For Christmas revelers, the resort will have many events including “Ski with Santa” on December 23rd and 24th. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be skiing on the beginner and intermediate slopes, throwing candy, and sharing the holiday spirit. On December 31st, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., there will be a New Year’s Eve Tubing Party complete with hot chocolate, snacks, and and LED wand to light the tube slopes. This event takes place at the Hermit’s Hollow tubing center. Tickets are $40.00/person and participants must be 42” tall for safety protocol. Tickets can be purchased on-line at Schweitzer.com.

Events Continued

Another weekend holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 14, the ski mountain will be presenting Northern Lights Fireworks Spectacular at 6:00 p.m. This will start with a ski parade with torches on Jam Session run, a fireworks show at the village, then fun at Taps afterwards. Enjoy the brightness lighting the skies with the white, crisp evening

Other Activities

For those who do not wish to ski or snowboard, but still want to enjoy the beauty of the mountain and its surroundings, there is a foot passenger ticket that can be purchased that will allow you to ride the chair to the Sky House on the summit. This ticket can be purchased for $20.00 and will be good for the day of purchase only. With this offer, those who just want to wait at the top for their family members who are skiing and maybe share lunch and some stories from the slopes.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for miles of slopes to shred, fast chair lifts, fun activities, and comfortable accommodations for a wintry weekend, head north to Schweitzer Mountain Resort and enjoy some Idaho fun!

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