Mt. Spokane - This is the mountain that I grew up on and where I learned how to ski and snowboard. When I was a kid a season pass was $49 and because it is so close to town we could always talk a parent to drive and pick up a car load of kids. When you factor in that the mountain has night skiing until 10p.m. there were days that we would ride for over 12 hours. The lodge ("fingers crossed, the paperwork is in place to build a brand new facility") offers food and a bar as well as all other amenities you would expect at a ski lodge. I have ridden just about every ski area on the west coast and Mt. Spokane is always a good time. Season Pass-$469. Weekend $45 - Weekday $32. Opens at 9, night skiing until 10. 30 miles from downtown Spokane.
49degrees North - 49 is fast becoming one of the best hills in the region. It seems every time they petition the Forest Service for more acreage, they get it. There are big enough drops to scare even an advanced skier and long rolling runs to those who just like to cruise. The town of Chewelah is located at the bottom of the hill and has many lodging, dining and drinking options. Season Pass $675. Weekend $51, Weekday $45. Opens at 9 and offers limited night skiing. Located 50 miles north of Spokane,WA.
Silver Mt.- The old Spokies will remember this hill as JackAss. It rises out of the famous mining town of Kellogg, ID. This was one of the most poisoned superfund locations on the planet, now - it is a destination resort. It has one of the longest gondolas in the world that whisks from I-90 to the lodge at the top of the mountain. It is so nice to skip the sketchy driving on snowy mountain roads and the gondola ride is the perfect amount of time to get dressed and enjoy the views. The one thing that bothers me about this hill is the amount of cat tracks, it tends to cut up the free flowing feeling that we all love about skiing. You can hike Wardner Peak on the back side if you like gnarly backcountry conditions. Season Pass $599. Weekend $53, Weekday $50. Located 75 miles east of Spokane on Interstate 90.
Schweitzer - The best mountain in our region!!! If I could afford to get a season pass and ski here a few days a week I would do it. I have always said this is next Aspen and it looks like my prediction years ago is coming true. The mountain sits above the town of Sandpoint,ID - a four season destination. The town sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and is the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Downtown you can find fine dining or a pickled egg from behind the bar of some run down tavern. For me it is to hard to make it up for the opening, then ride powder all day and try to safely drive all the way back to Spokane. It is hard to justify spending the money to stay the night so Schweitzer trips are few and far between. If I was specifically coming to the region to ski I would happily spend the money because it is an experience that rivals the greats like; Jackson Hole, Big Sky or Mt.Bachelor. Season Pass $1000. Day Pass $65. Located 1.5 hours from Spokane, this drive can be nerve racking under winter conditions. You head east from Spokane to Couer D' Alene,ID and then head north another 45 minutes to Sandpoint, I have had this drive take well over two hours before.
Look Out Pass - Lookout has flown under the radar for years, recent improvements and future plans will put this hill on the map. It is always the first to open and the last to close, because of its location it is never that crowded. If you want a sure bet after a storm head to Lookout for face shots. It is located 90 miles east of Spokane and straddles the Idaho/Montana border. Season Pass $309. Weekend $35, Weekday $32.
Heli/Cat - Peak Adventures - This is somewhat new to the region, I believe it is because we are surrounded by great ski hills. I know they have been trying in the Selkirks for years and it has never quite taken hold. Peak Adventures runs a great operation but may get hosed due to some permitting problems and might have to skip this season. You will have to check their website frequently if this is something you want to do. $325 a day for cat skiing with Peak Adventures
