Winter Activities

With an annual average snowfall of 300 inches blanketing the backcountry around Sandpoint, recreationalists answer the call to ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, snowmobile and more. All set amidst the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains surrounding the sparkling waters of Lake Pend Oreille, even the ice fishermen find plenty of prey under the frozen waters that hug the lakeshore.

Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding

Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 11 miles from Sandpoint, is a world-class ski and snowboard resort, and boasts two magnificent natural bowls encompassing 2,900 skiable acres, 2,400 feet of vertical drop, with 87 runs and trails served by two high-speed quads, a high-speed six-pack, one triple chairlift and three double chairlifts. 208-263-9555; Schweitzer.com

Cross Country Skiing

Farragut State Park. Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, about 40 minutes driving time from Sandpoint via Highway 95, Farragut is a crown jewel of Idaho’s state parks. With more than 9 miles of groomed trails, Farragut offers easy terrain and great views of the lake. 208-683-2425. For a map or more information, call 208-263-3489; or visit ParksandRecreation.Idaho.gov

Priest Lake Nordic Center. Groomed Nordic trail system. 208-443-3191. PriestLakeGolfCourse.com.

Round Lake State Park. This intimate park, 10 miles south of Sandpoint on Highway 95 and two miles west on Dufort Road, offers seven miles of marked and groomed cross-country trails. Depending on conditions, there may also be opportunities for ice skating, sledding, fishing or a picnic, often served up with a roaring bonfire. $2 per vehicle fee; annual Idaho State Park passes are available for $15. For a map or more information, call 208-263-3489; or click ParksandRecreation.Idaho.gov.

Schweitzer XC Trails. Schweitzer attracts cross-country enthusiasts looking for scenic beauty and well-maintained trails. The mountain features over 25 kilometers of groomed trails. Single-day fee is $12. 208-255-3081; Schweitzer.com.

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Cross-country skiing and showshoeing on groomed trails. 208-263-9066. WesternPleasureRanch.com.

Snowmobiling

For those with their own 'cats, the Sandpoint Winter Riders Snowmobile Club recommends checking out Roman Nose peak, the Sundance Fire area near Bonners Ferry, Drew Creek Loop, Pearson Creek, Upper Pack River and Trestle Creek. For the destination-worthy Priest Lake winter recreation trails, the Priest Lake Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club at Elkins (208-443-2432), Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce (208-443-3191), the U.S. Forest Service and Priest Lake State Park all offer a detailed map of the trail system. Recommended trails include the North End Trail, Two Mouth Loop, Boulder Trail, Beaver Creek to Beaver Pass and Reeder Bay. Maps are $1 and support the Priest Lake Groomer Association. Contact the Priest Lake Ranger Station at 208-443-2512.

Shopping

Downtown Sandpoint abounds with rare and unusual shopping opportunities. Many shops line First Avenue, including Coldwater Creek‘s flagship store. Bonner Mall, two miles north of Sandpoint off Highway 95, features a full-service supermarket, four-plex movie theater, several nationally known retailers, more shops and a restaurant.

SPA

The Spa at Seasons is a luxury spa located in downtown Sandpoint and offers the latest in massage, facial, nail and therapeutic techniques. Visit SpaatSeasons.com for more details.

OTHER WINTER ACTIVITIES

Ice skating. There's usually a narrow window, but when conditions allow, skaters flock to the Third Avenue Pier for excellent skating on Lake Pend Oreille; you may also be able to get into a pick-up hockey game. Also, Sand Creek below the Cedar Street Bridge downtown can provide a charming venue for ice skating. The city also frequently clears an ice skating area at City Beach near the mouth of Sand Creek.

Performing arts. The Panida Theater, Sandpoint’s historic performing arts center, has a rich winter season filled with concerts, plays, fine art films and events. See Sandpoint Online’s  Events Calendar for current happenings, or visit Panida.org.

Sleigh rides. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 16 miles northeast of Sandpoint, offers sleigh rides in a rural setting for groups and couples. 208-263-9066; WesternPleasureRanch.com.

Museum. The Bonner County Historical Museum, 611 Ella at Lakeview Park, has numerous displays including Native American artifacts, an extensive collection of Ross Hall photos, a pioneer kitchen and more. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday in the winter. 208-263-2344; BonnerCountyHistory.org

Wine Tasting. Pend d'Oreille Winery offers tours and tastings of its award-winning wines at 220 Cedar St. downtown. 208-265-8545; POWine.com.

Local breweries.
Laughing Dog Brewing is a great place to hang your hat and try a refreshing line-up of great hometown flavors. At 1109 Fontaine Road in Ponderay, just off Highway 95. 208-263-9222; LaughingDogBrewing.com. Also MickDuff’s Brewing Company is is a small craft brewery and bustling, family-friendly restaurant located in downtown Sandpoint at 312 N. First Ave. 208-255-4351; MickDuffs.com

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