Construction on phase one is currently underway and expected to be completed for the 2023/2024 season. Future developments in the area will include additional skier services like rentals, SnowSports School, and a day lodge; expanded beginner terrain that will increase Schweitzer’s overall skiable acres from 2,900 acres to approximately 3,050 acres; and three new chairlifts.

Schweitzer’s Master Plan & The Base Camp

The Base Camp improvements at Schweitzer are part of the resort’s multi-year master plan that was launched in 2017, and one of the most obvious challenges in recent years is the need for more and better parking.

“To keep up with demand and continue providing an exceptional guest arrival experience, we prioritized looking for solutions that directly affected parking and mountain access,” explains mountain operations director Rob Batchelder.

The vision for Base Camp is to become a dedicated area for day guests, perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and riders, with ample parking and services.

“When fully realized, the development of Base Camp will create approximately eight new runs, three new lifts and an additional carpet catering to beginner and intermediate skiers and riders,” adds Batchelder.

One of the proposed lifts from Base Camp will connect to the saddle area between Down the Hatch and the top terminal of the Stella lift, making it possible to access the back side of the mountain without needing to pass through the main village or ride the Great Escape quad.

One of the key differentiators for this arrival zone is that the lift and the parking will be on similar elevations, meaning when guests arrive to Base Camp, they will not have to walk up a hill to access the lift—a huge benefit for parents with kids.

New High-Speed Quad to Replace Musical Chairs Lift

In addition to the new 1,400 parking spots (nearly four times the capacity of the current Fall Line Lot), the coolest piece of the plan especially for families and beginners is the replacement of the Musical Chairs double chairlift.

In the spring of 2022, a down payment was made with Leitner-Poma for the purchase of a new high-speed detachable quad lift, similar to the Cedar Park Express. Alignment for the new Musical Chairs lift will shift to connect Base Camp to the main village, spanning over Schweitzer Creek and ending near the SnowSports School meeting area in the village. 

“The installation of a high-speed detachable quad will be a major enhancement for all of our guests,” says Batchelder. “Not only will it be easier for beginner skiers and riders to load and unload, the new lift will increase capacity to 2,400 guests per hour (2-3 times the existing capacity), allowing guests to upload and download safer and more efficiently. It will also provide the opportunity to transport ‘foot passengers’ without skis or snowboards to and from the village, even in summer.”

The goal is to have the new Musical Chairs lift operational for the 2023/2024 winter season with access via the Fall Line parking lot, the Village and Happy Trails run, and the new yet-to-be-named run.

Learn more about Schweitzer’s master plan at Schweitzer.com/schweitzer-life/master-plan.

Originally published as “Schweitzer’s Game Changer” in the November-December 2022 print issue.

Find more stories about Schweitzer in the OTO archives.

The post Schweitzer’s New Ski Base area Plan appeared first on Out There Venture.

Honoring the deep community roots of the area, the Crow’s Bench is named after a row of benches outside the local watering hole in nearby Hope, Idaho, that has been a gathering place for local “crows” for a long time.

“[The name] seemed like a really good fit and in keeping with how we all are after a day on the mountain,” says Dig Chrismer, Schweitzer’s Marketing Manager. “We sit around and cackle about our day!”

Natural wood graces most of the surfaces in a classic Alpine or Scandinavian lodge style, and wide windows bring the view of the mountain to your table. The dining room seats 50 with 15 seats at the bar where birds of a feather can gather next to the grand fireplace.

The menu is inspired by a range of Alpine cuisines, including Bavarian, French, and German. “In the Alps, cultures overlap, and that’s where the inspiration is coming from,” says Chrismer. “The chef is excellent, and the options are incredible!”

The opening menu offers starters like Maultaschen forest mushroom dumplings and Charcuterie. The Elk Carpaccio is made with regional Lake County elk loin. Main courses include Roast Game Hen with a German beer glaze—and, of course, there’s Strudel for dessert.  

The twist on the Alpine theme continues with innovative drinks such as Apres Ski and Bayerische Fizz cocktails and Swiss, French, and German regional wines and beers.

Dining is by reservation only (208.255.3051), with preference given to Humbird guests.

Learn more about the Humbird hotel at Schweitzer.

The post A New Delicious View at Schweitzer: Crow’s Nest appeared first on Out There Venture.

Schweitzer’s Starlight Racing event — a popular, antics-filled adult race series at Schweitzer Mountain Resort — returns February 2022 with a theme celebrating the Winter Olympics.

Teams of 21 and older skiers and snowboarders will compete together as part of the resort’s Friday night fun racing series. Expect costumes, prizes, and general silliness as teams put their own spin on this year’s Olympics theme.

Teams consist of 5 racers (ski, snowboard, telemark, and snowbladers are eligible) with bonus points for ages and disciplines. “It’s a pretty fun event,” says Schweitzer marketing manager Dig Chrismer. “Not too serious but seriously fun!”

Learn more at Schweitzer’s website event page.

Find more news & events and stories about Schweitzer.

The post Schweitzer Starlight Race Series: Feb. Friday Nights appeared first on Out There Venture.

Set above the quaint town of Sandpoint, and only 80 miles from Spokane, Wash., Humbird offers a sleek updated take on the classic ski lodge with views of the mountains and nearby Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in the state.

“Humbird represents a real evolution in the lodging scene in North Idaho,” said Tom Chasse, president and chief executive officer of Schweitzer. “We took great care to build a beautiful hotel that will connect guests directly to the outdoor experiences they come here to enjoy. Equally important, we worked to ensure that Humbird will meet the needs of modern travelers by providing spaces where they can relax, recharge, refuel and even stay plugged in as needed.”

The three-story hotel, located in the heart of Schweitzer’s intimate village, offers 31 guestrooms with a mix of room types including single king rooms, double queen rooms and one oversized suite. Each room features an inviting window seat set against a panoramic window offering spectacular views of nearby Lake Pend Oreille.

Designed with travelers’ comfort in mind, rooms include items to aid mountain adventure such as boot dryers, locally roasted Evans Brothers Coffee and mugs hand painted by local artists. Locally produced bath amenities will offer a custom cedarwood and orange scent, formulated with aloe vera, jojoba oil, sunflower oil and avocado oil to help combat the dry winter air. Rooms also come with binoculars to take further advantage of the sweeping views.

The hotel’s design, courtesy of noted Portland, Oregon-based Skylab, is a contemporary take on the classic ski lodge that draws on the heritage of the area and connection to the natural surroundings. Built using mass timber construction, the sleek exposed wood structure conjures images of early mountain lodges with a minimal and modern feel. Inside, the hotel is decorated with historic photos sourced through a partnership with the Bonner County Historical Society & Museum as well as new artwork inspired by the surrounding lake, forest and snow.

Humbird offers ample space to relax including the Glass Room which serves as the hotel’s unique living room. Surrounded by glass on three sides, the Glass Room offers treetop views stretching across multiple states and Lake Pend Oreille. Flexible seating, perfect for relaxing or playing a game, melts into the design of the Glass Room to let the view and modern architecture shine. The Glass Room includes a foosball table and a large retractable projection screen, perfect to watch a movie or host a meeting.

Humbird hotel at Schweitzerl: Exterior rendering (top) and room interior. // Photos courtesy Schweitzer.

A third-floor rooftop deck sits atop the space with open-air views and a 12-person hot tub. Guests can also enjoy the well-equipped onsite fitness center and a heated community outdoor pool.

Located just off the lobby, Humbird’s onsite restaurant, Crow’s Bench, serves upscale Alpine-inspired cuisine. Design elements speak to the region’s lineage of outdoor recreation including globe lights hung above the bar that spell out “pray for snow” in Morse code.

Schweitzer’s Patrol Dogs, who assist Schweitzer’s Ski Patrol with daily duties, will host regular meet and greet sessions at the hotel. The Patrol Dogs will add some furry fun to Humbird’s après scene on select dates by relaxing and playing with guests on the hotel’s outdoor patio.

Phase two of Humbird, which includes a new Wellness Center and an innovative ski and gear storage system, is expected to open this summer. The new Wellness Center at Schweitzer will offer well-appointed therapy rooms for massages and spa treatments as well a tranquil relaxation room.

The facility will also offer ski storage lockers for Humbird guests on a separate floor. The tech centric ski lockers will be controlled by an app, allowing guests unfettered access to their equipment without a wait.

The hotel is named for the Humbird Lumber Company, which was the lifeblood of Sandpoint’s economy and community in the early 1900’s. More than just a place to work, Humbird Lumber Company built an all-encompassing community by attracting new residents to the area, building schools, functioning as the local store and even serving as the title sponsor of the local baseball team. The work and community attracted men, women and families who were hungry for adventure and enjoyed the outdoors, a spirit that is encapsulated in the hotel and is still pervasive among current visitors to the area. 

Humbird is part of the resort’s multi-year master plan launched in 2017. This winter, Schweitzer also debuted several on-mountain improvements including new on-mountain dining and RFID technology to make getting on the slopes easier than ever. As part of the plan, Schweitzer will also debut a number of new residential real estate options, including 5-Needles at White Pine, a 26-unit expansion to an existing base-area condominium complex that is currently sold out and expected to complete construction within the next year.  

Winter rates at Humbird start at $450. For more information, including reservations, please visit www.humbirdhotel.com.

Schweitzer open year-round for four-season recreation opportunities: Located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle, the new Humbird hotel (bottom right, artistic rendering), provides ski-in/ski-out access. // All photos courtesy Schweitzer.

The post New Humbird Hotel Opens at Schweitzer appeared first on Out There Venture.

The Beercat is one of 10 Barrel’s famous mini-pubs that’s built into a custom built on a 1987 Spryte snowcat. Pro-snowboarder and DIY master Mike Basich created The Beercat. He designed and built a new base and custom bar for the snowcat (see video below).

The Beercat is carefully designed to bring suds slopeside to resort goers, allowing for a thirsty skier to drink a beer with a very unique “drink beer outside” spin from 10 Barrel Brewing. Think snowcat + beer = beercat, the ultimate mountain beer delivery system. 

The Beercat mobile snowpub makes it way from Mt. Shasta, California, to Schweitzer, in Sandpoint, Idaho, for President’s Day weekend, February 19-21, 2022. The Beer Cat will be parked in the village on Friday (for display only) and Sunday, with beer flowing from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturday, the mobile pub will be on Schweitzer’s slopes, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., for skiers and riders to find. (Fun!)    

On Sunday, The Beercat will be parked in the village for all the festivities of Schweitzer’s Let it Glow Parade and Fireworks.        

The following weekend, The Beercat will be at Silver Mountain, February 25-27. This winter, day tickets are sold exclusively online on a first-come, first-served basis for all Saturdays, Sundays, and during holiday periods. Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.

Other Northwest stops include Pebble Creek Ski Area in southeastern Idaho, near the town of Inkom (south of Pocatello); and Crystal Mountain Resort in southeast of Seattle, near the town of Enumclaw and Rainier National Park, March 26-27.

Learn about more upcoming events and other outdoor news.

The post 10 Barrel Beercat Coming to Schweitzer & Silver Mt appeared first on Out There Venture.

Whenever another parent tells me they’ve never been skiing, I recommend they try cross-country skiing. It’s easy to learn and relatively inexpensive. Also called Nordic skiing, it’s said that if you can walk, you can learn to cross-country ski.

The traditional classic style is easiest to learn and has a relaxed pace, making it best for beginners and families with varied fitness levels. Skate skiing is faster, more strenuous, and requires different gear and a different type of groomed trail.

You can become acquainted with the basic technique by watching the 13-minute video on REI’s YouTube channel called “Classic Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started,” created in collaboration with Professional Ski Instructors of America.

If your family is willing to give it a try, here are four steps to make that happen.

1. Ensure you have proper base layers and outerwear for winter weather.

Every family member needs waterproof outerwear and other winter clothing to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Visit the Spokane Nordic Ski Association (SNSA) website for a list of essentials.

The key is to dress in layers—you’ll get warm while skiing, but get chilled when you stop and rest. Be fully prepared.

2. Make an easy plan for where to go.

The younger your children, the easier you need your first day to be—meaning less drivetime, maximum fun, and a way to warm-up and get dry. Cold, unhappy kids are an adventure joy-kill.

For max simplicity and ease, I recommend visiting a Nordic ski area that offers rentals on-site.

• 49 DEGREES NORTH NORDIC CENTER: rentals, lessons, and 25K (15 miles) of trails; pass required.
• MT. SPOKANE STATE PARK NORDIC SKI AREA: Fitness Fanatics rental trailer is located near the area’s Selkirk Lodge and trailhead for 60K (37 miles) of trails; Sno-Park Permit and special groomed-trail sticker required.
• SCHWEITZER: rentals from the Demo Center, located in the Village; 32K (20 miles) of trails; pass required.

3. Rent gear in town and ski at a local park.

If there is snow in town and you don’t want to drive to a mountain, rent gear at a local shop and visit a park with (or without) groomed trails. Shop employees can help figure out the sizes you need, and SpokaneNordic.org also has tips for fitting XC ski gear.

• SPOKANE: Daily rental packages are available from Fitness Fanatics and REI. Spokane Parks & Recreation groom trails at city parks (no fee required to use) as well as Riverside State Park—see my.spokanecity.org/recreation/outdoor/groomed-trails. Or head to any local snow-covered field in a park and break your own trail.
• NORTH IDAHO: Ski Shack in Hayden and the Tri-State Outfitters and Vertical Earth stores in Coeur d’Alene rent XC gear. Groomed trails are available at 4^th of July Recreation Area, Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (start at trailheads in Heyburn State Park or in the cities of Kellogg or Wallace), and Priest Lake.
• PERMITS REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC LANDS: Find out the requirements to park at your chosen trailhead.
• For Washington public lands, in most cases you will need a state parks Discover Pass or Sno-Park Permit and Groomed-Trail Sticker.
• For Idaho, a Park N’ Ski permit is required for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Priest Lake State Park, Priest Lake Golf Course, 4th of July Pass Recreation Area, and Palouse Divide (permit also valid in Oregon).

4. Before you leave home…

Prepare a backpack with a stash of hand-warmers, snacks, water bottles, and extra, dry clothes for the trail. Bring a thermos of hot water to make hot cocoa on the go, whether you drink during a rest-stop along the trail or leave in your vehicle to enjoy upon return.

Nordic Ski Lessons

If your family enjoys Nordic skiing and wants more, then consider taking lessons. Spokane Nordic Ski Association (SNSA) offers private and group lessons, a Nordic Kids program, and also partners with City of Spokane Parks & Recreation and Fitness Fanatics to offer weekday evening lessons in town. SNSA also hosts an annual Winterfest, every January, offering inexpensive lessons.

Additionally, Schweitzer and 49 Degrees North offer Nordic ski lessons.

Find more stories about cross-country skiing in the OTO archives.

The post Cross-Country Ski Beginner Guide for Families appeared first on Out There Venture.

One early morning in Schweitzer’s lower parking lot, a group of mostly skiers circled up for an Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center Avalanche 1 course. Being one of the only snowboarders in the course, it was easy to spot the other soft-boot powder chasers, and that is where I met Emma Hall for the first time.

Over the next two days, Emma’s riding, attitude, and ability to learn and perform the recently acquired avalanche skills were incredible. In hindsight, I can’t image what it must have felt like for 15-year-old Emma (now 16) to take the course solo with a group of mostly male skiers twice her age.

A few weeks later, I spoke with Emma’s dad Adam Hall at Silver Mountain’s Doug E Fresh Banked Slalom event, and he talked about her passion for learning more about the backcountry and that Emma wasn’t the only teenage shredder in the family. It turned out younger sister Maddie Hall (14 years old) is just as passionate and driven to spend time up on the mountain.

The Halls’ home mountain is Schweitzer, and they are currently sponsored by the highly-respected 7B Skate Shop in Sandpoint. The past year both sisters have been working closely with a couple different snowboard manufactures to get partnerships started.

After competing in regional banked slalom races and getting multiple podium finishes, the two were invited to this year’s highly exclusive Dirksen Derby at Mt. Bachelor, Ore.

Meet Emma Hall (Age 16)

Emma’s relaxed and confident demeanor makes her seem in control of her snowboard destiny. Her love is big mountain riding, chasing powder, hitting cliff drops, and exploring the backcountry.

Attending online public school through the Connections Academy, Emma is stoked to take advantage of being home schooled this year so that she can go up to the mountain every day. I asked her if she has thought about college, and her reply said it all: “I am living in the moment. College, I am not for sure.”

The goal she does have in mind, she added, is to become a backcountry snowboard guide, and she has her sights on being a certified American Mountain Guide Association guide.

Meet Maddie Hall (Age 14)

Chatting with Maddie you’ll sense right away the fire inside her to be the best snowboarder she can. No doubt this will help her out as she continues to enter contests and hitting rails and jumps in the park.

“Park laps are fun,” she says, “but it depends on the day.” If there is new snow, she says, you can bet she’ll be out riding powder.

Snowboard Heroes

The sisters agreed their snowboard idol is Elena Hight, because of what she has accomplished in her career.

To my surprise, their second most inspirational rider was Jeremy Jones. Emma and Maddie said they respect his backcountry riding and say he is a “Rad Dad” just like theirs, which led the sisters to add that the most influential snowboarder to them is their dad.

They treasure their dad’s love for snowboarding and for passing it on to them and point to his supportive and motivating approach to sharing the sport with them in a way that also gave them room to grow on their own.

The Hall sisters’ energy, passion, and drive is the core of what it means to be a snowboarder, and their energy and love for riding snow is contagious and exactly what the Inland Northwest snowboard culture needs.

T. Ghezzi is Pacific Northwest raised and believes we should respect the land, spend time in nature, explore, adventure, hike, and never stop the pursuit to ride powder.

Editor’s update: At the Dirksen Derby, December 17-18, 2021, Maddie ranked 3rd in the Grom Girls division (age 10-14), and Emma ranked 5th in the Teen women’s division (age 15-19). Event results available online.

This story originally appeared in the November-December 2021 print issue.

Find more stories about snowboarding and other notable young snowboarders and skiers in the OTO archives.

The post Sister Shredders, Emma & Maddie Hall appeared first on Out There Venture.

According to the North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund, or NIMSEF, skiing and snowboarding is simply too expensive for many North Idaho families.

NIMSEF formed to help get as many of these kids as possible up on the mountain each winter to enjoy the fun, active sport of skiing and snowboarding.

NIMSEF rightfully points out that the benefits of introducing kids who might not normally get the opportunity to ski or snowboard goes beyond having fun on the mountain.

The non-profit organization believes that not only do alpine skiing and snowboarding provide kids with a lifelong activity, but also with a sense of belonging to an active community and a feeling of accomplishment and pride.

NIMSEF gives children more than just one day on the mountain. Each participating child gets a Schweitzer season pass, ski bus pass, equipment rental, and enrollment in Schweitzer’s 8-week Funatics all-day lesson program thanks to Schweitzer greatly discounting the cost for each participant.

Funatics is a multi-week ski or snowboard program for kids ages 7-12 where participants get to stay with the same instructor and group of students, explains Schweitzer marketing manager Dig Chrismer. “It’s a really good way for kids to set a foundation of skills and work to improve throughout the season. They often start out as beginners, and two years later they can be skiing black diamonds.”

NIMSEF board president Jeff Rouleau, a Schweitzer ski instructor, started the program in 2010 after getting the following eye-opening “thank you” letter from one of the many 4th graders in Bonner County that took advantage of an annual free ski and lesson day at Schweitzer: “Thank you for the best day of my life. I probably won’t see any of you ever again. So goodbye.”

All children ages 7-17 who qualify based on economic need and live in Bonner and Boundary counties can apply for the program, which has grown from 22 participants in the first year to 100 participants last season.

One of the great things about the program is that each kid is responsible for raising at least $50 toward their program by selling raffle tickets, which helps teach them a positive work ethic.

Donations are critical to keep these programs growing and will make a huge difference to local North Idaho kids.

Learn more about the North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund, donate, or help a child apply at nimsef.com.

Originally published as “Sandpoint Group Helps Less Fortunate Kids Make Skiing & Snowboarding a Life-Long Passion” in the September-October 2021 issue.

Learn about Inland Northwest programs that provide free youth lift tickets:

• Ski Idaho 5th/6th Grade Passport Program
• Ski NW Rockies 5th Grade Ski Free Passport

Read more family and youth-related snow sports articles in OTO’s Family Winter Sports Guide archive.

The post Sandpoint Group Provides Ski Access For Local Kids appeared first on Out There Venture.

The COVID-19 pandemic is picking up steam this fall like a deep-winter storm cycle, yet our regional ski and snowboard resorts are feeling positive about being able to provide a safe experience this season. From adding online, limited contact ticket sales to expanded outdoor hangout areas, mask requirements and social distancing for indoor spaces, and group size limits for lessons, this season that could see a return of La Nina is shaping up to be one we will never forget. 

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

“At this point, we are looking forward to opening for the winter season on Friday, Nov 27,” says Schweitzer marketing manager Dig Chrismer. “The long-term forecast is calling for a “La Nina” weather event this winter which could mean significant snowfall in our part of the world. The last time we had a strong La Nina was in 2010/11 when we ended the season with 171” of snow still on the summit!” 

In response to COVID, Schweitzer will require all guests to use masks while indoors and to practice social distancing like all of our regional resorts. “We really hope that all of our visitors will take the pandemic seriously and make the right decisions about travelling [to Schweitzer from outside the Inland Northwest] if there is a larger spread this winter,” says Chrismer. “We hope that everyone will work together to mitigate the spread of COVID…all do our part to keep each other, our staff, and our guests healthy.”  

Ticket sales will also look different this year, says Chrismer. Schweitzer will not be offering day-of lift ticket purchases at the ticket window and will be calculating an approximate number of visitors for any given day of the season (based on historical data and season pass sale numbers) to then offer limited, date-specific lift tickets for sale. “Those tickets will be on sale starting November 9 and once a day is sold out, it’s sold out. Our goal with this approach is to accommodate all of our season passholders and Schweitzer lodging guests as a priority.” Check for program and COVID updates at Schweitzer.com.  

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

Spokane’s closest ski area has been working throughout the year to create protocols to ensure the health and safety of the community. “We’ve had to rethink every process on the mountain—from concessions to lift lines. Following state regulations, face coverings will be required, as well as distancing protocols. There may be a few changes mountain-wide that we all will need to adhere to—but the experience will make it all worth it,” says assistant general manager and marketing director Jodi Kayler. Mt. Spokane’s mission is more important than ever, adds Kayler. “With less options for entertainment for families and individuals, we are dedicated to providing a safe place for people to recreate. This is the year to hit the slopes and create a lifetime of memories.” Visit MtSpokane.com for the last operation updates.

Silver Mountain Resort 

Since Silver shut down on March 16 due to COVID-19, the mountain has done extensive planning to reopen safely for the coming season. Like other resorts, face coverings will be required in all indoor spaces (except when seated to eat or drink), as well as when guests are outdoors when 6 feet of physical distance isn’t possible. Masks will also be required while riding and waiting in line for the gondola, and guests will self group with their own travelling party (singles will be placed with other singles in numbers that allow for distancing). Gondola cabins will also receive extra cleaning after every ride. Physical distancing will also be encouraged in the lift line, and lift attendants will not require guests to ride with people who are not in their group.  

Lift tickets will be limited on weekends and holidays at Silver as well and must be purchased online for these busier periods. However, the resort reports, midweek non-holiday tickets sales “will be business as usual” with ticket window and online purchase options. Plenty of precautions are also planned to make the lodging experience as safe as possible, and temperature testing of all guests will occur at Silver Rapids Indoor Water Park, where capacity will also be limited and ticket sales will all be online. Season passholders can expect unlimited access on the mountain. Check out the entire COVID plan at Silvermt.com. 

49 Degrees North 

“We are pretty lucky that we have so much terrain that even on busy days we never seem to be crowded,” notes Rick Brown, the director of skier and rider services at 49. He says the ski area isn’t planning on limited ticket sales, but that limited availability because of COVID could happen on some holiday weekends. A new online sales system will also launch this season that will improve the guest experience by streamlining ticket and lesson purchase transactions. Tickets purchased online will be available for pick up at the ticket window. 

49 will also be following the Washington State Safe Start guidelines, with social distancing encouraged, face coverings required in indoor spaces except while dining and in more crowded outdoors spaces. Check online for updates throughout the season at Ski49n.com. 

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

“We are certainly encouraging guests who can, to visit midweek to avoid any congestion on the weekends and over typically busy holiday periods,” says Lookout’s director of marketing & sales Matt Sawyer. Social distancing and mask wearing indoors and in crowded outdoor locations will be required. “No brown bagging will be available inside,” adds Sawyer. “Please use your vehicle to eat lunches you brought from home.” Lookout will sell day passes at the area on a first-come, first-serve basis. “We hope that we don’t have to limit the number of people using the area, but…there may be a few days when we either reach an imposed capacity limit or we feel we’ll reach a limit that we are uncomfortable exceeding and could stop selling lift tickets.” Lookout is also exploring the options of remote ticket booths in the parking lot and the addition of Porta Potty’s in strategic locations. More info at SkiLookout.com/Covid-19. 

Whitefish Mountain Resort 

Given that the U.S./Canadian border doesn’t look likely to open anytime soon, nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana will probably see even more powder-chasing Spokane and North Idaho skiers and snowboarders paying them a visit this season. If you’re thinking about a trip to Whitefish, rest assured that the resort will be following CDC guidelines during the pandemic. Increased sanitation will be in the works and masks will be required indoors and in lift lines. The resort doesn’t, however, plan to limit ticket sales or require a reservation to ski. More info at Skiwhitefish.com/covid-faq. 

The post Skiing in the COVID Era appeared first on Out There Venture.