Winter

North Idaho is truly a winter wonderland.  Our region receives on average about 50 inches of snow over the winter season (mid November ~ Mid March) and the average daytime temperatures are 31.5°.  In the surrounding mountains the snowfall can exceed 12 feet, making our area a premier winter sports destination.

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Winter Activities to Enjoy:

Live a Fantasy

Beginning Thanksgiving weekend the Coeur d’Alene Resort turns up the bright lights with it’s Fantasy in Lights show.  Throughout the holiday season you can experience America’s largest floating holiday light show and laser extravaganza.  Cruise boats take you on Lake Coeur d’Alene to view animated light displays and holiday scenes along the Coeur d’Alene Resort shoreline.  Other events included breakfasts with Santa, Sunday brunches with Dickens Carolers and Mrs. Claus, Santa Cruises for the very young, a downtown Christmas lighting ceremony and lighted parade.  Many area businesses offer special promotions during the Fantasy in Lights show making it a truly memorable family holiday experience.

Ski or Board

North Idaho gives winter sport enthusiasts every opportunity to experience Idaho’s winter beauty at developed ski resorts, and a network of groomed trails.  A wide variety of terrain awaits cross-country skiers, including a well-maintained trail system at Farragut State Park.  A catalog of Nordic trails is available from the Idaho State Department of Parks & Recreation at (208) 769-1511. Downhill skiers can challenge Idaho’s powder snow at Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Lookout Pass Ski Area (the best learning hill in the Northwest) on the Montana-Idaho border, or Schweitzer Mountain Resort above Sandpoint.

Snowmobile

North Idaho has the snow and the terrain to create a snowmobile paradise.  One of the areas fastest growing sports SnoWest Magazine recognized The Silver Country 1000 miles of trails as… “one of the best full service Snowmobiling hotspots in the world…”  With the eminent success of the Snowmobiling projects throughout North Idaho, here’s a recommendation.  Make plans for your visit before the rest of the world gets here! Seventy-five miles north of Coeur d’Alene at Priest Lake find an additional 400 miles of groomed trails.  Ample snowfall marked and patrolled trails along one of the world’s most pristine lakes make this a winter wonderland.  For more info on Priest Lake area (208) 443-3191.  Snowmobiles, full suits and equipment rentals are available through All Season Recreation in Coeur d’Alene, as well as some area resorts.  Snowmobiling regulations and trial maps are available from U.S. Forest Service offices throughout the region or call Silver Country (2080 752-2501.

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For a calendar of Winter events, visit www.fyinorthidaho.com