Visit Sandpoint, Idaho>
Spring Activities |
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Skiing & Snowboarding:Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 11 miles from Sandpoint, offers excellent skiing and snowboarding until mid April in typical years, with spring conditions that include plenty of sun. Schweitzer boasts two magnificent natural bowls encompassing 2,900 skiable acres, 2,400 feet of vertical drop, with 69 named ski runs served by a high-speed quad, six-pack and four double chairlifts. There are also groomed cross-country ski trails. 208-263-9555. www.schweitzer.com Golf:About 50 minutes south and west of Sandpoint is StoneRidge Golf and Recreational Community, with an 18-hole championship-level golf course with challenges for all levels of gofers. StoneRidge is on a small lake with two restaurants, a range of lodging and vacation rentals and full fitness facilities. 208-437-3148 or www.stoneridgeidaho.com. Priest Lake Golf is a beautiful 18-hole golf course offering over 6,500-yards of challenging golf on a course nestled among the lush forests and wetlands so characteristic of the Priest Lake region. They have a driving range, putting greens, and restaurant in quiet beauty! (208) 443-2525 Lake Activities:Lake Pend Oreille begins to attract visitors as the days warm. Right downtown, don't miss the Sandpoint City Beach, a splendid park with sandy beaches and a paved strolling path at water's edge. Also, Lake Pend Oreille Cruises begins cruises aboard "The Shawnodese," for individuals, groups and private charters from April through October, as well as jet boat tours and rentals. 208-255-5253 or 888-726-3764. www.lakependoreillecruises.com |
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Other Activities:True North Expeditions is a team of local outdoor enthusiasts who can customize multiple outdoor adventures. SUV tours, hiking, biking, and photo expeditions are a few of their many specialities. They also rent equipment including camping gear, mountain bikes, and pontoon boats. Call (208) 267-0947 to learn more. Hiking trails in the lower elevations become free of snow from mid to late spring. There are a cluster of good choices at this time of year south of town on the lake's west shore. The easy 2.1-mile Mineral Point Interpretive Trail contours along Lake Pend Oreille about 14 miles south of Sandpoint near Garfield Bay, with magnificent views across the lake to the Green Monarchs. A bit further south is the Maiden Rock Trail, a steep 1.5 mile trail that leads down to a Forest Service recreation site on the lake. Also nearby is the Evans Landing Trail, leading 2 miles down to a beach at the landing. Whitewater rafting season on local rivers begins in April as snowmelt swells streams, and generally lasts well into June. The best whitewater thrills are on the Moyie River, 40 miles north of Sandpoint, with a nine-mile run that includes numerous Class III and one -IV at high water. A bit easier for beginners is the Priest River, 30 miles west of Sandpoint, where there is a good eight-mile Class II-III stretch. International Selkirk Loop, a 280-mile driving loop through two countries -- U.S. and Canada -- and two states -- Idaho and Washington -- traverses spectacular scenery. Brochures available at Chambers of Commerce and visitors centers, or by calling (888) 823-2626. www.selkirkloop.org Shopping:Downtown Sandpoint abounds with rare and unusual shopping opportunities. Many shops line First Avenue, which is also home to Coldwater Creek and the new Cedar Street Bridge, a beautiful passive solar marketplace that spans Sand Creek. Visitors will find souvenirs and gifts at Bearweare Graphics and Pend d'Oreille Winery. Two miles north of Sandpoint off Highway 95 is the Bonner Mall including a movie theatre, restaurants, and shops. Also, don't miss shopping in the village at Schweitzer Mountain Resort located 11 miles from Sandpoint. Plus:
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