Winter Adventure
Free Reign
Jump off the chairlift and cut your own cross-country trail
Good Times
Four must-see events worth braving the cold
Showshoeing When I Shouldn't Be
Most winter hikes are peaceful, commonplace affairs. Just not this one
Saving the Slopes
If you love your ski resort so much, why don't you buy it?
Safety Net
Don't go bumbling alone into the winter wild
Winter Warriors
Meet the maniacs and moms who bike through the cold in the Inland Northwest
Warm in Winter
During the upcoming Camping Winter Overnight Adventure, sponsored by Mountain Goat Outfitters and FLOW Adventures, experts will demonstrate how to make the best out of any camping trip — including one in the frigid wilderness. Learn how to stay warm and have fun in freezing temperatures.
Camping Winter Overnight Adventure • Friday-Sunday, Jan. 28-30 • Cost: $149 • Starts at Mountain Goat Outfitters. Camping location TBA • 12 W. Sprague • Call: 625-6200
Crossing By Moonlight
Spokane Parks and Recreation and Mountain Gear team up every year to put on an evening of cross-country skiing by moonlight on Mount Spokane. A day or two shy of the full moon, the upcoming dates are sure to be well-lit. Shoosh through deep snow as the moon lights the way. After the exercise, fill up on spaghetti at the Selkirk Lodge.
Cross-Country Moonlight Ski & Dinner • Saturdays, Jan. 15 and Feb. 19, from 6-9 pm • Cost: $41 • Selkirk Lodge-Mount Spokane State Park • 26107 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr., Mead, Wash. • Call: 625- 6200
Avalanche!
When most of us head to the mountain for some fresh powder and cold air, we don’t worry about being buried alive under a thundering mass of snow. We’re just enjoying the activity at hand. PEAK Adventures doesn’t necessarily want to dampen our enthusiasm; they just want to make us a little more aware of the dangers that surround us, so we can enjoy ourselves in peace.
They’ll cover snow stability, warning signs, rescue equipment, avoiding terrain traps, and more. For the ski enthusiast who likes to go back-country. Or just a protective parent.
Avalanche Awareness Course • Saturday, Jan. 29, • Cost: $200 • Silver Mountain Resort • 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, Idaho • Visit: http://www.peaksnowcats.com • Call: 208-818-9408
Winter Flair
The best of the best come out during the Sandpoint Winter Carnival.
Despite the cold temperatures and all the snow, locals and tourists alike will enjoy everything the ski city has to offer, with smiles on their faces.
Foodies will enjoy the Taste of Sandpoint event on Thursday. For a few dollars apiece, you can enjoy small bites from various local restaurants. (Watch for former Nixon writer and film and television personality Ben Stein, who we’ve seen sampling at food joints around town.)
A beautiful torchlight parade will occur on Schweitzer Mountain on Saturday. Watch in awe as the snow-covered mountain lights up under a barrage of fireworks.
A competition where dogs pull kegs will be on Sunday. From the largest breed to the smallest Chihuahua, see the pooches tug some beer.
Sandpoint Winter Carnival • Thurs-Sun, Jan. 13-16 • Cost varies • Various locations, downtown Sandpoint, Idaho • Schweitzer Mountain Resort • http://www.sandpointonline.com • (208) 263-9555
