As winter approaches, many are eager to hit the slopes this season, and our local ski resorts are already preparing.
According to their website, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is expected to open on Saturday, Dec. 2. The mountain resort will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on snowpack. Starting on Dec. 13 through Feb. 5, they expect to be open seven days a week.
Mt. Spokane offers skiing and snowboarding for all ages and abilities, with 52 runs and seven lifts across over 1,700 acres of land. There are four beginner classes to take, whether you are entirely new or want to build your skills. Classes are available for anyone four and older. For an in-depth look into the classes offered, click here.
When visiting the mountain, lift tickets range from $45 to $80, depending on age and when you plan to go. You can purchase tickets in advance or at the ticket window. For a full breakdown of lift ticket prices, click here.
If you don’t have your snow gear, don’t worry! Mt. Spokane offers a variety of rentals as individuals and as bundles ranging from $5 to $40, depending on what you need to rent. For a complete list of rental options, click here.
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park is the region’s only nonprofit 501(c)3 Ski Area. All proceeds are invested back into the mountain to keep the resort a wonderful experience for all that visit.
Now, to the largest ski resort in Idaho, Schweitzer Mountain, about 80 miles from Spokane. Schweitzer has set their tentative opening date for Friday, Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving, though official hours still need to be set.
Schweitzer is assessable for all ages and abilities, offering access to 2,900 acres of land with various lifts, including one high-speed passenger chair, three high-speed quads, and six other lifts.
Lift ticket prices for the 2023-2024 season have yet to be posted; however, last year’s prices can be viewed here.
Like Mt. Spokane, Schweitzer offers a variety of classes; prices range from $80 to $1,000, depending on the class type. To find a class that best fits your needs, click here.
Schweitzer offers a variety of rental options. However, the 2023-2024 season prices still need to be set. For last year’s prices and options, click here.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing is available. Schweitzer’s tubing center offers two lanes of fun across 100 yards. Tubing sessions last an hour and a half, and participants must be at least 42 inches tall. You must buy your tickets in advance; when tubing opens for the season, you can purchase them here.
49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, located in Chewelah, about 60 miles north of Spokane, offers over 2,300 acres of lift-accessed terrain.
Last year, the resort opened on Nov. 11, and an opening date is still up in the air this year. We sat down with Rick Brown, the Director of Skier and Rider Services for 49 Degrees North; you can watch that full interview here.
Lift ticket prices for the 2023-2024 season have yet to be posted; when they do, you can find prices here.
You can purchase a season pass now through Nov. 15 on their website; prices range from $25 to $819.
Rentals and lessons are available; however, prices for this season have yet to be posted.
Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho, offers America’s longest gondola scenic rides with stunning panoramic views.
Silver Mountain aims to open on Friday, Nov. 24, depending on snow levels.
While the resort isn’t open, you can pre-book lift tickets on their website. You can book tickets at the door; however, Silver Mountain says booking ahead of time is cheaper. Lift tickets range from $48 to $75, depending on age and when you go.
You can also book snow tubing through their website; tickets range from $15 to $30, depending on age.
Lessons and rentals are also available at Silver Mountain. Lessons range from $65 to $299, with many rental options available.
If you want a break from the snow, or if snow activities aren’t for you, the resort offers an indoor water park.
You must buy your tickets in advance through online or over the phone. The water park is primarily open Friday through Sunday; you can purchase tickets and view their schedule here.
Lastly, Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area sits on the state line of Idaho and Montana, offering beautiful views no matter where you are. The mountain offers 52 trails and over 1,000 acres of skiable acres.
Lookout Pass usually opens mid-Nov. and hopes to be open seven days a week as early as Dec. Last year, they opened for the 2022-2023 season on Nov. 11.
While lift tickets are not available yet, when they are, you can purchase them at the mountain every day or online ahead of time to save $5. Lifts and times may vary because they are weather-dependent.
Like all other mountains listed above, lessons and rentals are available. Lessons range from $60 to $630; depending on the type of lesson, you can purchase lessons here.
Rental costs range from $10 to $219, depending on what item(s) you want to rent. Rentals will be available starting Nov. 17 and can be purchased here.
