FEBRUARY
Skate Ribbon College Night
Show your current student ID to receive free skate rentals with admission ($5.25-$7.25). Students also are entered into a raffle for 49 Degrees North lift tickets and other mountain discounts. Thursdays from 4-9 pm through Feb 27. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com (625-6600)
Night Skiing
Mt. Spokane's night skiing schedule has expanded to four nights a week, every Wednesday through Saturday, through mid-March. The mountain's full-service cafeteria stays open late, and live bands play most Saturday nights. Wed-Sat from 3:30-9 pm, through March 14. $23. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (238-2220)
Free Ice Skating Lessons
Riverfront Park offers weekly ice skating lessons at the Numerica Skate Ribbon, skate rentals included. Register on site; lessons available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Paid lessons also available; see website for details). Sundays at 11 am through Feb. 23. Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. riverfrontspokane.com (625-6600)
Mountain of Love
A special Valentine's Day chairlift speed dating event (wear a ribbon if you're participating), with a live DJ (5-8 pm) in the lounge and a steak and shrimp dinner (4-7 pm; $24.50/person or $49/couple). Fri, Feb. 14 from 9 am-9 pm. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (238-2220)
Ladies' Day
Spend a special ladies-only Friday this with the best female coaches from Mt. Spokane's Winter Sports School. Includes three hours of instruction, coffee, lunch, two drink tickets at the apres party and door prizes. Feb. 14 and, March 13 from 9:30 am-3 pm. $69; add lift ticket for $26 and rentals for $22. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (238-2220)
President's Weekend at Schweitzer
The long weekend offers many family activities, including snowshoeing, tubing, twilight skiing, live music and the "Let it Glow" night parade and fireworks show. Feb. 14-17. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)
Sandpoint Winter Carnival
Activities for this annual festival kick off with the Parade of Lights through downtown Sandpoint followed by an after party, and continue with activities through the coming week, including sleigh rides, live music, a "dessert theatre" show, wine tastings, events at Schweitzer and more. Feb. 14-23. Events in downtown Sandpoint and at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Complete schedule/details at sandpointwintercarnival.com
Night Skiing at 49
Night skiing is great for the whole family and a fun way to see the mountain in a different light. Rentals available at half-day pricing, no lessons offered. Sat, Feb. 15 from 4-8 pm. $5 with three cans of food. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah. ski49n.com
Cross-Country Ski Lessons (Mt. Spokane)
Learn the basics of cross-country skiing at Mt. Spokane Selkirk Nordic Area, taught by Spokane Nordic Ski Association certified cross-country ski instructors. Fee includes skis, boots, poles, ski area fees, instruction and transportation (departs from Mead Yoke's, 14202 N. Market St.). Ages 13+. Offered Feb. 15, 16, 22 and 23 from 9 am-3 pm. $51-$53. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Davey Baird & Freewide World Tour
Hear from Davey Baird, pro snowboarder for Jones, Mons Royale and Backcountry Access, about his tiny house, camper trailer and travels to engage the snowboarding community and compete in the Freeride World Tour. This self-driven snowboarder has placed top three at the World Tour the last three years competing against some of the biggest names in freeride snowboarding. Sat, Feb. 15 from 5:30-6:30 pm. Free. REI Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe St. rei.com/spokane (328-9900)
Mt. Spokane Snowshoe Tour
Learn the basics of snowshoeing during a guided hike on snowshoe trails around Mt. Spokane State Park. Pre-trip information emailed after registration. Includes snowshoes, instruction, walking poles, trail fees, guides and transportation (from Mead Yoke's, 14202 N. Market St.). Ages 13+. Offered Feb. 16 and 23; March 1 and 21 from 10 am-2 pm. $29. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Nice Turns Free Trial Run
This annual clinic is designed to help existing skiers get out of a rut and improve their skills with personalized coaching with a small group at a similar level, intermediate or above. Feb. 16-17. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)
Sunset Snowshoe Hike to Bald Knob Campground
Mt. Spokane State Park staff lead a 2.25-mile roundtrip snowshoe hike on Trail 131 to the Bald Knob campground. Participants can return on the groomed snowmobile trail (Summit Road) for sunset and mountain views depending on the weather. Dogs are welcome on leash. Bring water, snacks, warm clothes, headlamp, extra batteries and snowshoes. Sno-Park permit required. Meet at the Lower Selkirk parking lot. Fri, Feb. 21 from 4-7 pm. Details at rei.com/spokane.
Delta 'KAN' PHI College Knight
College night at Mt. Spokane, offering $12 lift tickets for students with a current ID, along with $2 Rainier and food specials in Foggy Bottom Lounge. Fridays from 3:30-9 pm, Feb. 21 through March 13. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (238-2220)
University of Idaho Alumni Day
Wear your U of Idaho gear to show your school spirit, and enjoy beer specials, an outdoor barbecue and discounted tickets with a valid alumni ID. Fri, Feb. 21. Lookout Pass, I-90 at Exit 0, Mullan, Idaho. skilookout.com
Mastering the Mountain Clinics
This coed session is designed for intermediate or advanced skiers/riders who'd like to learn new skills while exploring the mountain. Offered Tue, Feb. 18 and Tue, March 17 from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. $59. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah. ski49n.com (935-6649)
Get the Girls Out
The fifth anniversary of this event brings the spirit of the luau to the mountain with activities for all ages and abilities, including crowning a "Queen of the Greens," hunting for the elusive "Golden Girafficorn," runs down the NASTAR course, a raffle and more. Sun, Feb. 23 from 8 am-5 pm. $10-$40. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com or shejumps.org (208-263-9555)
Fat Tuesday on a Sunday
Celebrate at Lookout with party beads, gumbo, barbecue and drinks. Sun, Feb. 23. Lookout Pass, I-90 at Exit 0, Mullan, Idaho. skilookout.com
Fat Sunday Fish Fry
Celebrate Mardi Gras on the mountain with a Southern-style buffet, live music and more in Foggy Bottom Lounge. Sun, Feb. 23 from 11:30 am-2 pm. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (238-2220)
Mega Demo at Schweitzer
At least 20 brands are represented with over 400 pairs of new skis and boards. Test gear and help support the Panhandle Alliance for Education. Sat, Feb. 29 from 8 am-3 pm. $40-$95. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)
Uptown Throwdown
Silver Mountain and Radio Brewing are inviting the region's best skiers and boarders to uptown Kellogg, blocking off the street for rails, boxes and jumps. Beer is flowing and music bumping as judges determine who's got the most style. Sat, Feb. 29. Radio Brewing Co., 319 Main St., Kellogg, Idaho. silvermt.com
MARCH
Telemark Festival
An event for telemark skiers looking to sharpen their skills, meet other enthusiasts and explore the mountain, and for those curious about telemark skiing to try it out. Festivities include telemark lessons from certified PSIA instructors, swag and a telemark tour. Sun, March 1 from 8:30 am-3 pm. $49. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah. ski49n.com
Wild Skills Ski Junior Ski Patrol
A day camp at Schweitzer for young girls to learn mountain safety and first aid while working with the strong women and men of the ski patrol community. For intermediate to expert skiers/snowboarders ages 8-17 who identify as female. Sun, March 1 at 9:30 am. $45. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)
Moonlight Snowshoe Hike
Quietly explore the meadows and woods around Mount Spokane. Guides, transportation (departs from Mead Yoke's, 14202 N. Market St.), headlamps, walking poles and snowshoes all provided. Additional information emailed after registration. Ages 16+. Fri, March 6 from 6-9 pm. $29. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Sunrise Snowshoe Hike to Bald Knob Campground
Mount Spokane State Park staff lead a 2.25-mile roundtrip snowshoe hike on Trail 131 to the Bald Knob campground. Participants can return on the groomed snowmobile trail (Summit Road) for mountain views depending upon the weather. On-leash dogs welcome. Bring water, snacks, warm clothes and snowshoes. Sno-Park permit required. Meet at the Lower Selkirk parking lot. Sat, March 7 from 8-11 am. Details/registration are rei.com/spokane.
Doug E. Fresh Banked Slalom
This annual event, hosted by the Ski Shack team and Silver Mountain, offers prizes to top competitors who hit the hand-dug course, which weaves its way down the terrain park with the finish line ending next to the Grand Teton Brewing beer garden. Proceeds support kids who've lost parents, in loving memory of Doug Johnson. Sat, March 7. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, Idaho. Silvermt.com
Boyd Hill Sortanatural Snowskate Banked Slalom
Snowskates are binding-free skateboards for the snow. This annual event consists of timed runs on a technical banked course. Local snowskate maker Boyd Hill utilizes equipment manufactured in conjunction with Spokane master ski builder TJ Sneva. Sat, March 7 at 10 am. Lookout Pass, I-90 at Exit 0, Mullan, Idaho. skilookout.com
Cross-Country Ski + Moonlight Dinner
Wander peacefully through the woods on snowshoes and then enjoy a meal of lasagna, salad, bread and more from Greenbluff Fresh Catering. Cost includes equipment, dinner and guides; some cross-country ski experience is recommended. Sno-Park and Discover Pass required. Ages 18+. Sat, March 7 from 6-9 pm. $50. Meet at Mt. Spokane State Park Selkirk Nordic Lodge. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Ski Bum Prom Night
Ski under the lights and dance the night away at 5,600 feet. Night skiing (3-9 pm) tickets are $15. There's also live music in Moguls and drink specials from Grand Teton Brewing. Wear your classiest retro ski bum attire and get awkward snapshots with your date. Sat, March 7. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, Idaho. silvermt.com
Cross-Country Ski Lessons (49 Degrees North)
Learn to cross-country ski and tour the trails of the 49 Degrees North Nordic Area with the mountain's certified ski instructors. Ticket includes equipment, trail pass, instruction and transportation (departs from Wandermere Rite Aid, 12420 N. Division St.). Additional information emailed after registration. Ages 13+. Sun, March 8 from 9 am-4 pm. $55. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Last Night of Skiing Retro Party
Wear your neon spandex and party in the Foggy Bottom Lounge after the final night skiing run of the season. Sat, March 14 from 3:30-9 pm. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (238-2220)
Sheimo Cup
An annual event sponsored by Hale's Ales to benefit 49's FAST racing program. The course is open from 10 am-2 pm; each competitor gets two runs, with prizes awarded for the fastest turns by age category and discipline. Race your friends, family and other people on the mountain during this fun event. Sat, March 14. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah. ski49n.com
Bring a Friend Day
Season pass holders can bring a friend for one free lift ticket, or buy two tickets for half off. Fri, March 20. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (238-2220)
Hawaiian Daze
The annual end-of-season event includes the pond skim, deck barbecue, poker run, costume contest, live music and more. Sat, March 28. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah. Ski49n.com
2,400 Feet of Schweitzer
The endurance-testing vertical challenge starts at Sky House and finishes at the Outback, and lets participants experience a sunrise load and racing before Schweitzer opens to public traffic. Teams of skiers, boarders and telemarkers ride for prizes, bragging rights and to fundraise for Cystinosis research through the local nonprofit 24 Hours for Hank. Sat, March 28 from 5:30 am-9 pm. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com / 24hoursforhank.org ♦
