Visit Sandpoint, Idaho>
Winter Activities |
||
 |
|
 |
Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding:Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 11 miles from Sandpoint, is the leading ski and snowboard resort in the Inland Northwest. 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 Cross Country Skiing:Round Lake State Park. South of Sandpoint 10 miles on Highway 95 and two miles west on Dufort Road, this intimate state park offers more than just seven miles of marked and groomed cross-country trails. Depending on conditions, you may also put on the ice skates, jump on a sled, grab the fishing pole, or enjoy a picnic. There is a $2 per vehicle fee; annual Idaho State Park passes are available for $15. For a map or more information call 208-263-3489. Schweitzer XC Trails. You can get your kicks, and great glides too, on the well maintained cross-country trails at Schweitzer Mountain. The mountain features over 25 kilometers of groomed trails with terrific views over Lake Pend Oreille. Phone 208-255-3081 or get trail maps at www.schweitzer.com. Farragut State Park. Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, about 40 minutes driving time from Sandpoint via Highway 95, Farragut is one of the crown jewels of Idaho state parks. It offers more than 9 miles of groomed trails with easy terrain and great views of the southern end of the lake. 208-683-2425. |
||
Snowmobiling:The Sandpoint Winter Riders Snowmobile club (Rick Hoffman 208-263-4930) recommends checking out Roman Nose peak, the Sundance Fire area near Bonners Ferry, Drew Creek Loop, Pearson Creek, Upper Pack River and Trestle Creek. Priest Lake Winter Recreation Trails, The Priest Lake Ridgerunners Snowmobile Club (Elkins) 208-443-2432, Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce 208-443-3191, U.S. Forest Service and Priest Lake State Park offer a detailed map of the Priest Lake trail system. Recommended trails include 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 Priest Lake Ranger Station at 208-443-2512. Licenses. Registered out-of-state snowmobilers are required to purchase an Idaho sticker. Call Bonner County Division of Motor Vehicles 208-265-1430. Safety regulations. Know the Snowmobile Operator's Code of Ethics. Be in good physical condition. Make sure your equipment is in top running condition. Know how to make basic repairs. Have a plan, stick with it and let someone else know where you are going. Check the weather forecast and be ready for fast-changing conditions. Carry a survival kit. Carry an avalanche transceiver. Avalanche advisory - 208-765-7323. Shopping:Downtown Sandpoint abounds with rare and unusual shopping opportunities. Many shops line First Avenue, which is also home to Coldwater Creek on the Cedar Street Bridge, a beautiful passive solar marketplace that spans Sand Creek. There is also good antique shopping at arcade of shops in the mini mall at Foster's Crossing, Fifth and Oak, plus Marketplace Antiques at Fifth and Church. Bonner Mall, two miles north of Sandpoint off Highway 95, has many stores, a four-plex movie theater, restaurant and full-service supermarket. Open seven days a week, with frequent events. Heaven The Spa, offers Spa Packages, Spa Parties (3-6 people), Luxury Facials, Couples Massages, Deep Tissue & Hot Rrock Massages, Holistic Body Spa Treatments, Facial & Body Waxing, Nail Services, Make-up and Permanent Makeup. We also offer premiere skincare (Dermalogica, Murad, Dr Hauschka, Cellex C, Jane Iredale, Gerda Spillman, etc), spa products and other gift items. Gift Baskets and Gift Certificates available! www.heaventhespa.com Other:Ice skating. When the conditions are right, Sand Creek below the Cedar Street Bridge downtown is a fine place for ice skating. The city also clears an ice skating area at City Beach near the mouth of Sand Creek. The Panida Theater, our historic performing arts center, has a rich winter season with concerts, plays, fine art films and events. See the Sandpoint Events page for current happenings. www.panida.org Sleigh rides. Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, 16 miles northeast of Sandpoint, offers sleigh rides in a rural setting for groups and couples. Call 208-263-9066. www.westernpleasureranch.com Bonner County Historical Museum, 611 Ella at Lakeview Park, has many 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 winter. 208-263-2344 Pend d'Oreille Winery offers tours and tastings of its award-winning wines, at 220 Cedar St. downtown. www.powine.com |
||