Picture this: Scrabbling up a steep mountainside, an old mining town scrambles to find a new identity. Noting the proximity to a ski area (or two), outdoor recreationists—and their wallets—come calling. Dark taverns morph into lively microbreweries; gastropubs replace smoky diners. And like that, “ski town” status begins to materialize. It’s a scene that’s played […]
Wallace, Idaho: Ski Town Evolution Read More »
There are many great places to find wildlife tracks this winter, including our two local wildlife refuges. Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, located in the channeled scablands southwest of Spokane, offers a variety of habitat from the many ponds and upland forests in which to find animal tracks. Turnbull is known for a herd of Rock
Where to Look for Animal Tracks in Spokane and North Idaho Read More »
Gear Rentals: Fitness Fanatics (rent in store or on site at Mt. Spokane’s Selkirk Lodge); Mountain Gear; REI Spokane; 49 Degrees North Nordic Center; Vertical Earth (Coeur d’Alene). Lessons: Find lessons for all ages with one of these programs—Spokane Nordic Ski Association, Spokane Parks & Recreation, 49 Degrees North Nordic Center, Sandpoint Nordic Club.
Gear, Lessons, and Permits to Cross-Country Ski in Spokane and North Idaho Read More »
In December, the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation announced Tabitha Wiltse as the new executive director. Wiltse is an accomplished runner and a true fan of the Centennial Trail. She previously worked as the gift officer for Children’s Village in Coeur d’Alene, and her nonprofit work also includes the Boys and Girls Club. “One of
Tabitha Wiltse: New Director for the North Idaho Centennial Trail Read More »
Epic powder days! On hot summer nights we dream about bouncing through the deeps. We pine over forecasts and snow reports. We count up our sick days, or as I like to call them, mental heath days. Powder days can be elusive as storms move too far north or south, or other life plans get
Epic Spokane and North Idaho Powder Days Read More »
If you have a 5th or 6th grader who loves to ski or snowboard or one who’d like to learn, you’ll want to take advantage of the free skiing program offered by the Idaho Ski Areas Association, a.k.a. Ski Idaho. The Idaho Peak Season Passport lets 5th and 6th graders ski or board 18 mountains
5th & 6th Graders Ski Free at Idaho Resorts Read More »
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, Mead, Wash. Spokane’s closest resort has seen its fair share of growing over the last few decades, but a surprising part of that growth has been in how the mountain is used. Mt. Spokane’s Brenda McQuarrie says that folks are using the mountain more diversely now, with interest in
How Spokane and North Idaho Ski Resorts Are Evolving Read More »
If your children, or perhaps your entire family, are brand new to the world of alpine winter sports, then this article is especially for you. Local resort learn-to-ski programs and ski schools can help you reach your goal of becoming a ski or snowboard family who has fun together on the mountain after one season.
Learn To Ski Programs in Spokane and North Idaho for Kids & Families Read More »
Autumn is so fleeting, and the opportunities for soaking up fall foliage so few, that it’s good to have a handful of quick-hit hiking ideas in your back pocket—and backyard. The five hikes below make for great after-work or foul-weather treks. Each showcases the diversity of fall color on display in the Inland Northwest, from
Local Color—Spokane, North Idaho, and Western Montana Fall Hikes Read More »
Fall’s cooler temperatures and the colors of the changing season make it a great time to mountain bike. Here are several recommended trails for experiencing the seasonal glories of the Inland Northwest. Coeur d’Alene The Beauty Bay Loop near Coeur d’Alene leaves from near the Beauty Bay Campground. Trails 257 and 257C join the Carlin
Favorite Fall Singletrack: North Idaho & Spokane Riders Top Trail Picks Read More »
