Mount Spokane

by Ted S. McGregor, Jr.


Mount Spokane has always been Spokane's favorite winter getaway. Where else can you go night skiing after work? Only an hour from downtown Spokane (okay, we know, most of you make it up there in, like, 45 minutes), Mt. Spokane has made significant strides in recent years as a non-profit ski resort. Mount Spokane 2000 took over the resort's lease with Washington State Parks back in 1997, and ever since the hill has revitalized itself as one of the biggest learning hills in the area. That doesn't mean there's not challenging terrain for you after you've learned to get off the chairlift without falling; it's just that thousands of kids learn to ski at Mount Spokane every year.


And the new management has brought steady increases to ticket sales, which has brought upgrades to the lodges and the mountain. An increase in the number of skiers has also led to the renovation of the nearby Bear Creek Lodge (formerly Kirk's Lodge), which offers great packages and the closest thing to ski-in, ski-out accommodations the mountain has to offer.


With lots of space to spread out on, from Chair One to the backside, Mount Spokane is often one of the least crowded local resorts, and its night skiing is an annual favorite (night skiing starts on Dec. 19 this year).


This is the year to try something new at Mount Spokane. If you are just starting out on a snowboard or skis, or you want to learn, Mount Spokane has an offer too good to refuse. Starting this winter, Mount Spokane is teaming up with Dynastar to offer new ski and snowboard equipment. The sets include Dynastar Agyl skis, boots, bindings and poles, or an Original Sin snowboard, boots and bindings. The cost is only $169 to enjoy brand-new equipment all winter long. If, at the end of the season, you decide that you cannot live without the equipment, you can buy it for just $200 more. Call the sport shop, as availability is limited and time is short for getting your order in for this season.