Embracing WINTER IN THE NORTHWESTERN STATES

written by Janet Spoon & Jessica McCollam

When snows begin blanketing the land, outdoor enthusiasts are not deterred or forced to spend the winter indoors. Snow skiing and snowboarding are typically the most popular winter sports but ice fishing, snowshoeing, winter hikes, and even tubing attracts locals and destination thrill seekers alike in several regions in the northwestern states. If you prefer admiring idyllic winter scenes from the comfort of the indoors, lodging is offered in every area. Below are some of the top places to get your winter fun on.

SKIING:

From Cozy Cabins to Majestic Slopes Whitefish Mountain Resort, one of the best ski resorts in the US, is in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Glacier International Airport in nearby Kalispell, Montana, provides easy access. The community of Whitefish Mountain Resort Village is full service but has that quaint small-town vibe. Skiing, snowshoeing, guided snowmobile rentals, and snowboarding are offered. Group and private ski lessons are accessible for children and adults. Daycare at the Kid Center makes this resort perfect for the whole family. Or meet up with your group at the top of the mountain, in the Summit House, for fine dining while enjoying panoramic views at an elevation of 6,817 feet. For more information visit this website: https:// skiwhitefish.com.

Discovery Ski Area near Phillipsburg, Montana, offers a wide range of skiing opportunities for the beginner to the expert skier. The front face of the mountain has the perfect gentle runs but also tougher grades to challenge the more advanced skier. They also have adaptive ski equipment for certain types of disabilities. Explore what more this resort has to offer here: https://www.skidiscovery.com/themountain/.

Discover the skiing possibilities at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This area boasts some of the best snowfall in the region. Seniors are not to be left out as Lookout Pass has group activities, meetups, and workshops for the 55+

Snow is Not Synonymous with Slow the Fun crowd. You can find out more on their website: https://skilookout.com.

Also worth exploring is 49° North Mountain Resort near Newport, Washington. Not only can you find skiing and snowboarding but snowshoeing through the wooded trails provides a closer peek into nature and wildlife in the wintertime. The unique activity of skate skiing is also offered at 49° North Mountain Resort. Find out more by referring to this site: https://www.ski49n.com/ mountain-services/nordic-center.

Big Sky Resort in Montana offers distinctive experiences for the winter sports adventurist. Ski the slopes of the Andesite Mountain under the light of the moon and stars aided with a headlamp, experience firstclass Nordic skiing trails, or enjoy an ethereal walk through the Enchanted Forest by the glow of lights carefully positioned along the forest trail. Additional information can be found on the website: https://www. bigskyresort.com/winter-activities.

Activities at Schweitzer Mountain near Sandpoint, Idaho, add a twist to the usual commotion on the snow: tubing. Hermit’s Hollow is a park dedicated to tubers sliding downhill for over 100 yards. And you don’t have to walk back uphill; you get pulled back up to the top! Schweitzer also has a Kids Night Out, night skiing, backcountry tours, and daytime activities for children that help make this the perfect winter destination for families. Check this site for additional information: https://www.schweitzer. com/to-do/winter-activites/.

ICE FISHING:

Getaway into the Serene Ice fishing is an escape enjoyed by many ice fishing devotees. Those seeking to catch ‘the big one’ should try the following top ice fishing spots: Noxon Reservoir in Montana, Priest Lake in Northern Idaho, and Lake Oahe in North Dakota.

SNOWSHOEING:

Encountering Nature Up Close and Personal

Snowshoeing unlocks the mystic beauty of winter like no other. Explore the awe and wonder of winter land by traversing trails through Glacier National Park, Montana, or the trails of the Shoshone National Park near Cody, Wyoming. Snow-dusted trees, mind-blowing vistas, and unsullied wilderness scenes await the snowshoer in an up close and personal fashion. Opportunities abound in viewing and photographing the wildlife of deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and moose along the numerous trails throughout Shoshone National Park.

HIKING:

Dedicated Hikers Take Delight on the Snow-Covered Trails Hikers no longer must sit the long winter out as there are hikes available that don’t require a lot of special winter gear. Trails in the Rattlesnake Wilderness of Missoula, Montana, give hikers access to peaceful and solitary walks along undisturbed paths. It is wise to bring your cramp-ons, trekking poles, and/or snowshoes as winter trails are often covered in ice and snow. Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, offers amazing views of Lake Coeur d’Alene as well as panoramas of the icy, frozen landscape from the vistas dotted along the trails. This trail is 3.3 miles out and back with elevation gain of 700 feet. Every winter from November-February, over 200 bald eagles migrate to the area. An interpretive viewing program during peak migration is offered from December 27-December 31.