DESTINATION: SNOW
Locals have long known that the Inland Northwest does winter right. Visitors during the ski and snowboard season will see that Spokane is a great home base for winter adventure, with epic terrain nearby and all the urban amenities a great city can offer.
A short drive north, above the charming town of Chewelah, you’ll find 49° NORTH, with tons of acreage to explore. Closer to Spokane is MT. SPOKANE, which offers great snowboarding along with skiing on both sides of the peak.
Driving East through beautiful Coeur d’Alene, you’ll find North Idaho’s one-of-a-kind resorts. If you keep going on I-90, it’s SILVER MOUNTAIN in Kellogg, accessed by an epic gondola right from the town center. Then, right at the Idaho-Montana border, you’ll hit historic LOOKOUT PASS and its newly opened up terrain.
If you turn left at Lake City instead, you’re headed up to SCHWEITZER just outside the lively town of Sandpoint. The resort’s stunning views on Lake Pend Oreille and its vast amenities draw skiers from around the world.
Keep going, you’re thinking? That’s the way to Canada. Head East and you’ll pull into the rugged old mining town of FERNIE, with its resort of the same name. Just West of there, you’ll find KIMBERLEY in all its Bavarian charm. Near Kelowna, you can’t miss BIG WHITE — one of the five largest resorts in all of British Columbia. Just above Nelson, B.C., and all the food and culture it has to offer is WHITEWATER. The closest of the Canadian resorts to Spokane is RED MOUNTAIN, just 15 miles from the border crossing at Northport, Washington.
Starting on page 7, you can learn more about all these great winter destinations. Hold on to this WINTER GUIDE; it’s your key to making the most of all this 2024-25 season has to offer!
MT. SPOKANE SKI & SNOWBOARD PARK PAGE 7
SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT PAGE 8
SCHWEITZER PAGE 9
LOOKOUT PASS SKI & RECREATION AREA PAGE 10
49° NORTH MOUNTAIN RESORT PAGE 11
WHITEWATER SKI RESORT PAGE 14
KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT PAGE 15
FERNIE ALPINE RESORT PAGE 16
RED MOUNTAIN RESORT PAGE 17
BIG WHITE SKI RESORT PAGE 18
YOUR WINTER ADVENTURE HQ
Every winter, Spokane is right in the middle of it all. You can enjoy world-class mountains with plenty of time left to take in all the urban amenities. PAGE 19
FLY IN, FLY OUT!
The Spokane International Airport keeps getting better, with a new concourse and even more connections to the rest of the U.S. and the world. The second-busiest airport in Washington now has direct flights to Orange County and Everett — along with Dallas and Atlanta. Catch a flight into one of the easiest airports to navigate, and you’re at the front door of all kinds of winter adventure. And downtown Spokane is just 10 minutes away!
Source: Spokane International Airport
Mt. Spokane
53 RUNS 7 LIFTS
NEW FOR 2024-2025
Considering the pride staff take in the terrain parks, it’s no surprise Mt. Spokane was voted Best Place to Snowboard in the 2024 Inlander Readers Poll. With jumps and jibs stretching from the top of the Parkway Express chair all the way down to the bottom of the backside, it’s as big of a park as you’ll find in the region. This year sees the addition of a 692-foot-long tow lift to expedite the process of returning to the top of the Half Hitch portion of the terrain park. Previously, skiers and riders had to return nearly to the lodge, where they would wait in line with everyone else, to get another lift to the top. Now with the Half Hitch Tow Lift, they’ll have a quicker trip back up all to themselves.
TOTALLY TUBULAR
Convenience and quality go hand in hand at Mt. Spokane, where you can find everything you want in a mountain just an hour’s drive from downtown Spokane. Whether you’re bombing down from the historic Vista House at the peak, finding your footing in the prolific ski school down below or flying through the air in one of the mountain’s three terrain parks, there’s something for everyone. Expansions and infrastructure improvements in recent years have only increased the stature of this mountain long beloved by locals.
Of all the upgrades Mt. Spokane has been making in recent years, one beloved area remained shuttered since the pandemic — until this season. “At Mt. Spokane, we love to play in the snow, so we’re thrilled to reintroduce snow tubing for the 2024-25 season,” recommends Assistant General Manager Jodi Kayler. “In addition to excellent skiing and snowboarding, this is an activity where every member of the family can enjoy the slopes. We know it’s going to be a hit, so book online early as we expect sessions to sell out quickly.”
COME PLAY IN THE SNOW
Silver Mountain
RUNS
LIFTS
At Silver Mountain, you can skip the winding drive up to the top thanks to the scenic gondola. From there, visitors can explore Silver Mountain’s 83 runs, with a wide range of skill levels. If you’re a brand new skier or snowboarder, Silver Mountain has a number of programs to get you ready to zip down the slopes. Need a break? Head over to the Mountain House or down to Gondola Village, where you’ll find a number of restaurants and bars; or take a seat out on the deck right outside the Jackass Snack Shack. If you’re looking to try something new, give snow tubing or snowshoeing a try. While Silver’s main allure is winter sports, it also has a waterpark in Kellogg, adding to the numerous activities that are sure to create fun memories for the whole family.
NEW FOR 2024-2025
This season, Silver Mountain will be unveiling a new arcade at the Gondola Village. Currently under construction, it’s set to power up in December with an array of fun games and activities for all ages. Gus Colburn, Silver Mountain’s marketing coordinator, says that visitors can expect to find miniature bowling and numerous video games there, as well as food and beverages. Additionally, visitors can expect to see more tree skiing in the Chair 3 area, as there’s been a lot of work done to thin out the trees between the Saddleback and Rendezvous runs before the start of this winter season. “There’s going to be some really great tree skiing in there,” says Colburn, “and some good powder stashes to find.”
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GREAT PLACE TO CHILL
Although it reopened in 2022, Colburn feels that Silver Mountain’s Jackass Snack Shack still remains one of the resort’s hidden gems. New for last season, the resort added a 40-by-40 foot deck to the shack as an additional rest area for visitors. While it’s a great spot to grab a bite or drink from Jackass Snack Shack (the name calls back to the resort’s original name, Jackass Ski Bowl), the deck is open to visitors at any time.
Schweitzer
92 RUNS
10 LIFTS
TERRAIN PARK
With 2,900 skiable acres powdered by 300 inches of annual snowfall, Schweitzer has grown from its humble beginnings as a local winter getaway into a full-featured, top-tier resort. To enhance the experience for everyone who works and plays there, in recent years the facility has added the boutique Humbird Hotel, the Schralpenhaus employee housing as well as access for Ikon Pass holders. One thing that’s remained consistent over the decades is its community-centric vibe. Whether you’re snow tubing as a family, adventuring into pristine powder with a small group or getting pampered at the Cambium Spa, the closeknit Schweitzer team strives to make things accessible, fun and welcoming.
NEW FOR 2024-2025
Visitors who are hankering after new amenities will be spoiled for choice this season. Along with a Ski & Ride School for folks who want to be escorted directly to the mountain’s best runs, Schweitzer has expanded its services at the popular Cambium Spa. But this year’s biggest launch is no doubt Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures. Family-friendly guided snowmobile tours are one part of that offering; the other is all-day off-piste cat skiing for intermediates and experts.
“We’ll be operating two 12-passenger snowcats seven days a week, conditions permitting,” says Tom Chasse, Schweitzer’s president and chief operating officer. “It opens up access to more than 4,300 acres of untouched, non-lift-access terrain.”
ELEVATED DINING
Schweitzer is leveling up its dining experience this season with snowcat dinners. The evening starts with a leisurely evening chairlift ride to Sky House, which sits atop the summit of Schweitzer Mountain — 6,400 feet above sea level. You and a limited number of other guests will then tuck into a multicourse gourmet meal. The chef-inspired dishes and wine or cocktail pairings are rivaled only by the high-altitude panoramic views of three states and Lake Pend Oreille below. “It’s an incredible and unique experience,” says Schweitzer’s Marketing Manager Taylor Prather. “When it’s a clear night and a full moon, the view from up there is just spectacular.” After dinner, you and your fellow guests will be chauffeured down the mountain in a snowcat.
Lookout Pass
As the resort prepares to celebrate its 90th season in 2025, Lookout Pass continues to prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. New additions and improvements are coming once again this season to a mountain that has long drawn loyal customers to its family-friendly atmosphere and mammoth snowfall totals. It may seem like you’re a bit far from home when the clock on your phone switches to Mountain Time as you cut back and forth across the Montana border, but Lookout is just a one-road trip away with Exit 0 on I-90 leading directly into its parking lot.
NEW FOR 2024-2025
It’s another year of expansion at Lookout Pass with the addition of three new gladed areas to explore, Silver & Gold, Bigfoot Glades and Thunderbird Glades. These will bring the mountain’s total to eight areas open to tree skiing. Improvements have come to the previous five glades as well, with the removal of standing and fallen dead timber over the summer to open things up and make flying through the trees safer and more enjoyable. With more terrain coming once again this season, Lookout has prepared for an increase in demand with an expansion of the parking area and the addition of permanent restrooms at the base of Chair 5, which opened just two years ago.
THE GOLDEN TICKET
Season passes promote mountain loyalty, but they shouldn’t lead to mountain monotony. Fortunately at Lookout, there’s a cure for the latter. “The Golden Ticket at Lookout Pass allows any season pass holder at any mountain in the world to come up to Lookout Pass and enjoy a half-price lift ticket Monday through Thursday, excluding our holiday periods,” says Matt Sawyer, Lookout’s director of marketing. “We always have room on the mountain Monday through Thursday, so it gives guests a chance to come up and ski with friends.”
Experience Deep Powder & Impeccable Grooming at Idaho’s Oldest Ski Area
Celebrating 90 Years of “Sick Days”!
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NEW FOR 2024-2025
To follow up on vast additions out on the mountain over recent years, including a new High-Speed Quad, extensive snowmaking and new runs, Eastern Washington’s largest ski area (2,325 acres) has been busy readying their new Experience Center. The 7,000-square-foot tensioned membrane building will be the new home to all Snowsports School and Rental Operations, as well as the Tuning & Repair Shop. Not only is it cozy and incredibly energy efficient, but it will deliver a much smoother, more streamlined experience, reducing stress and anxiety, especially for those new to the sport, getting everyone out to the fun on the slopes faster!
“ONE WITH NATURE”
49° North Mountain Resort continues to build on its success by delivering an unforgettable guest experience every year. The team at 49° North doesn’t rest during the off-season and diligently works to improve the resort through projects large and small — from building improvements to vegetation clearing. Creating the best experience is top of mind for Director of Skier and Rider Services Rick Brown, with the mantra for his team being “to create the best experience we can offer guests, and we want to offer them the best value we can.” The forecast looks excellent this year, so you can expect an early opening and long season to shred through the fresh powder at 49° North.
Bring the whole family because 49° North offers a truly memorable experience with beginner and children’s trails, Gold Shoot and Fools Gold. The wide, gentle trails wind around through a winter forest creating an amazing experience that makes you feel “one with nature,” Brown says. A collaboration between 49° North, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Spokane Tribe and Eastern Washington University elevates the experience with new animal characters and an opportunity to learn some Salish. The woodland creatures share their names in the Salish dialect of both the Spokane and Kalispel people along with English, creating an opportunity to learn about the culture and language of local tribes.
The best kept secret this side of the Rockies CHEWELAH.
If you’re looking for a picture perfect mountain town with fun things to do everywhere you turn, make plans to spend time in Chewelah, Washington.
Whitewater
This season, Whitewater is expanding its iconic playground with an additional 60 acres of inbounds terrain. This exciting new area includes great runs and thrilling glades that add a fresh dimension to the resort’s many offerings. Skiers and snowboarders can now explore Whitewater’s first south-facing open alpine terrain in the iconic Ymir Bowl, delivering a perfect blend of challenging steeps and breathtaking views of Ymir Peak. Accessible via the Raven Chair, this terrain expansion reinforces Whitewater’s commitment to providing an unparalleled mountain experience.
What do you get when you add over 40 feet of annual snowfall, delicious pow chow, and an unbeatably friendly community? You get the pure, simple, and real deep experience that defines Whitewater Ski Resort. Tucked in the stunning Selkirk Mountains, this hidden gem offers the ultimate ski vacation experience. The snow is bottomless, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the American dollar goes even further up in the Kootenays. Despite its continued improvements to enhance the on-mountain experience, Whitewater remains uncrowded, independent, and true to its roots, with an unmatched vibe you simply won’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking for an authentic, unforgettable ski getaway, you’ll find it at Whitewater this winter.
Whitewater Inlander Ad - Oct 2024 - saved as outlines.pdf 1 10/07/2024 7:18:47 PM
SEAMLESS TRAVEL FROM SPOKANE
Book your journey with Kootenay Charters, your direct connection from Spokane International Airport to the legendary slopes of Whitewater Ski Resort. Operating six days a week throughout the winter season, Dec. 13 through April 7, this shuttle service makes your journey to Nelson safe, smooth and effortless. The shuttle departs from Spokane International Airport at 2:30 pm, arriving in Nelson at 7 pm. Visit the Whitewater website to book your Kootenay Charters shuttle and start planning your ultimate British Columbia Powder Highway winter getaway.
Kimberley
80
5 LIFTS
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NEW FOR 2024-2025
Take a break from the slopes and enjoy one of the Family Fun Activities offered at Kimberley Alpine Resort. On the s’mores fat bike or snowshoe tours, your guide will lead you through a two-hour adventure into the winter wonderland forests around the Trickle Creek Golf Course, including a pit stop at a view point where you warm up by the fire, enjoy a hot drink and cook up a s’more or two. There’s also a mountain top s’mores snowshoe tour that starts at the top of North Star Mountain and leads to the Kootenay House log cabin. Cross-country s’mores tours are another option, along with ice skating or just warming up by the plaza campfire where you can toast some marshmallows.
UP-TRACKING ADVENTURES
If you’re looking for the best combination of sun and fluffy Purcell powder of any resort in Canada, Kimberley Alpine Resort has you covered. Yes, there’s an average snowfall of 13 feet each season and more than 1,800 acres of terrain, including North America’s largest glades, but there’s so much more. The town of Kimberley, recently named Best Small Town in B.C., is a big part of the experience, too. If you’re looking for a place to get away from traffic and all those things marked “urgent,” Kimberley offers stunning scenery and a relaxed atmosphere that lets you make the most of your winter getaway.
7.6334 in” x 4.1125”
“Skinning… is the fastest-growing segment in the industry,” Nick Sargent, president of SnowSports Industries America, told the New York Times. What is that exactly? It’s skiing, but uphill. And if you want to get in on the action, Kimberley is embracing the trend, being the first resort in the region to offer a self-guided up-track, and it’s free for season pass holders. Call it uptracking, skinning or ski touring, it’s a wicked cardio workout getting up the hill on skis — but there are fresh tracks as your reward. Kimberley Resort has implemented special regulations for all participants to keep the upstart sport safe for all.
Fernie
RESORT
145 RUNS 10 LIFTS
Epic snow. Big lines. Vast mountains. A historic town complete with stories and legends. Interesting characters. Passionate people. This is Fernie. Where legendary skiing and snowboarding fuse with real stories from locals, pioneers, ski bums and freeskiers in one of the most classic Rocky Mountain ski towns in North America. Featuring the most snow, the most runs and the biggest vertical in the Canadian Rockies, along with five alpine bowls, state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming equipment and an exceptional beginner’s area, a powder day at Fernie will be the best skiing of your life.
7.6334 in” x 4.1125”
NEW FOR 2024-2025
The off-season has been action-packed with several projects. With the biggest brushing and mowing program in recent years, the team was on the mountain from May through the fall. This will provide earlier and better access to all your favorite spots, both on and off-piste! There has been some major machine work in multiple locations on the mountain, resulting in improved flow to the terrain. We can’t wait for our guests to check out the team’s handiwork! Two brand new Prinoth Stage 5 snowcats (one free cat and one winch cat) have been added to our grooming fleet bringing more of that beautiful corduroy for skiers and riders to carve. These two beauties are the most efficient machines in their class. Meow! Three new energy- and water-efficient snowmaking lance guns have also been added, making the most of snowmaking weather windows. And keep your eye out for improvements in the base area, including a new “Legendary Fernie” arch for your photo ops!
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FERNIE GUIDED EXPERIENCE
Want to become a Fernie Insider? A good place to start is to take a little geography lesson, and the Fernie team is ready to help. The ski and snowboard pros at the Winter Sports School offer an amazing, guided program — the Fernie Guided Experience — which allows you to get the most out of your time on the mountain. Top-notch guides will show you around to all the secret nooks and crannies, the best grooming, and the deepest powder on the mountain.
RED Mountain
119 RUNS
8 LIFTS
NEW FOR 2024-2025
The pay-per-run cat skiing that RED reintroduced last season is now back in full swing and more accessible than ever. Pre-planners can purchase tickets in advance, while more spontaneous types can simply pay cash directly at the pickup area atop Grey Mountain. The snowcat will then bring you and just a handful of other passengers close to the 6,772-foot peak of Mount Kirkup where you’ll have roughly 250 acres of untracked snow below you. The three black-diamond runs lead back to the Grey Mountain chairlift, making it easy to return to the heart of the resort or hop on the cat again. “You can just add those single-ride opportunities to your day of resort skiing,” says RED General Manager Andrew Lunt. “It gives you that backcountry experience without being too far away from civilization.”
COZY CABINS
There’s a phrase that folks at RED Mountain like to use to describe themselves: “fiercely independent.” According to Erik Kerr, RED’s Sales and Marketing Director, it’s an ethos that dates back to the resort’s origins as a recreation spot for gold-rush miners in the 1890s. That history makes it Canada’s second-oldest ski resort, and its subsequent expansions to 3,850 skiable acres now put it among the 10 largest in North America. Adding to its laid-back, indie charm is a wide range of skiing — back- and crosscountry, and cat — plus a nice balance of runs for all skill levels.
As one of the stops on the famous Powder Highway, a circular route that winds through British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies, RED is always looking to offer unique experiences. The Constella cabins were added to the resort’s lodging only two years ago and remain one of its best kept secrets. Each of the half-dozen cabins on the backside of Granite Mountain Peak sleeps five and is connected to a communal clubhouse where guests can chat, play games and enjoy an included dinner for the evening. The following morning, says Kerr, “you get first tracks because you already rode up the lift yesterday afternoon!”
Big White
NORDIC SKIING
TERRAIN PARK
Big White is unveiling a $20 million investment in its facilities this season. In the main village you’ll now find a new hard goods store with ski and snowboard equipment, a new candy shop, a new Italian restaurant, a new bakery, a new clothing shop and a new souvenir store. One of the most popular of the customer-facing additions might be the state-of-the-art Kids Centre. The new space has been designed to provide three- to 12-year-olds with a welcoming, kid-sized environment for daylong ski instruction. “Of course,” Ballingall says, “our staff enjoy the same things that our customers do,” which is why Big White has also constructed new 148-bed employee accommodation with seamless skiin, ski-out access and incredible views. On the slopes, everyone can also look forward to improved grooming processes.
Since 1985, three generations of the same family have overseen Big White, a 7,000-acre resort in the Okanagan Highland that’s been proudly family owned and operated since its founding six decades ago. “Corporations normally chase a share price, whereas families tend to have a much longerterm view of the development of the resort” says Big White Ski Resort Senior Vice President Michael J. Ballingall. That multigenerational mindset is likewise reflected in the staff and clientele, who Ballingall sees returning year after year. What keeps them coming back is the 295 inches of annual snowfall, easy ski-to and ski-from access throughout the resort, abundant lifts, regular upgrades and one of the largest night skiing areas in Western Canada.
STRETCH YOUR BUDGET
Aside from the fact that you rarely have to unclip your bindings to get around Big White, there’s one other perk that often comes as a pleasant surprise: the cross-border exchange rate. Historically, the US dollar tends to be about 30% stronger than the Canadian dollar, but the local price of goods is about the same in both countries — that is to say, an $18 USD burger will cost around $18 CAD (≈ $13 USD) in Canada. “When you look at how much further the American dollar goes, it actually blows people away,” says Ballingall.
When the snow falls, Spokane turns into a cozy haven — perfect for enjoying arts events, incredible restaurants, shopping local boutiques and settling into the perfect lodge vibe. Thanks to its location, Spokane is also the ideal place to relax while others hit the slopes.
WINTER STARTS HERE!
“I love being in Spokane during winter,” says Rose Noble, CEO of Visit Spokane. “While my friends head out to the nearby resorts for a day of skiing, I grab a seat by the fireplace or a window at one of our charming lodges with a glass of wine, watching the snow fall. Whether you’re an avid skier or a lodge girl like me, Spokane has something special.”
For those seeking the perfect après, Spokane has you covered.
After the slopes, there’s so much more to enjoy in Spokane beyond skiing. You can dive into the local food scene with delicious dining options, explore artisan shops downtown, or unwind at one of many cozy wine bars.
With powder-filled resorts within an hour or two, Spokane offers an easy getaway for those who love adventure. If you’re looking for that perfect cozy après vibe or just wanting to take it slow, you can enjoy Spokane’s walkable downtown, take in a show or relax with a book by the fire. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a couple’s retreat or a weekend with friends, Spokane’s winter charm is the perfect destination to hit the mountains and so much more.
APRÉS SKIING
You’re a little sore, but energized. That’s where aprés ski comes in! Local resorts are ready to satisfy. Up at Schweitzer, there’s plenty on offer in the village and down in Sandpoint, but TAPS is where it’s at for live music with 20 beers — on tap of course — and food from Sam’s Alley.
Over at Silver Mountain, head down to Gondola Village or just hang in the Mountain House at MOGULS LOUNGE, with a full service bar and plenty of microbrews. At Lookout Pass, the LOFT PUB & GRUB has great views, killer brats and the game on TV.
BOOMTOWN BAR at 49° North has an extensive menu — and watch their schedule for live music. And while it’s more midski than aprés, the NO-LI MOUNTAIN TAPHOUSE is a fun pit stop on top of the Parkway Express lift on Mt. Spokane.
Sometimes it’s a way-homer — a stop that’s right on the way home. If you’re coming from the north, check out the legendary BIGFOOT PUB & EATERY, a North Division icon featuring great food and live music. Or if you’re coming back from Idaho, the PICCOLO KITCHEN AND BAR is right off the freeway in Liberty Lake, with a great Happy Hour and brick-oven-fired pizzas. Also in Liberty Lake is SNOW EATER BREWING CO. with a great patio if you’re still in your ski bibs. More great microbrews can also be found at Spokane’s UPRISE BREWING in Kendall Yards.
But if you really need some aprés-juvenation, how about a massage or full-on spa experience? Out at Northern Quest Resort & Casino, check out LA RIVE, where you can revive in a super-luxe, relaxed setting. Or URBANNA in downtown Spokane might be the ticket. It’s a 21+ spa where you can book a group party and have a glass of wine with your massage.
FOOD & NIGHTLIFE
Down in the lowlands, you’ll find all kinds of ways to fill in the rest of your winter getaway. You could time your trip to one of the Best of Broadway shows at the First Interstate Center, like BEETLEJUICE (Dec. 31-Jan. 5) or ANNIE (Feb. 28-March 2). Or check out a TRIVIA NIGHT from Spokane’s own Bent Trivia, with events at local breweries and restaurants on the regular.
Build a meal around one of Spokane’s tasty options, like DURKIN’S (great burgers), THE STEAM PLANT, (look for the two huge smokestacks on the skyline) or at PURGATORY (the brisket sliders are spot-on). All three are also known for their top-shelf craft cocktails.
Looking for a happy hour with live music? Check out ZOLA, which has its stage regularly popping with local acts. For touring shows, check the schedule at THE CHAMELEON featuring bands and singers from across the PNW and beyond. And for something more interactive, you can ice skate at the NUMERICA SKATE RIBBON inside Riverfront Spokane — on special nights, groove to the sounds of a live DJ. The ice ribbon is open from Nov. 23 through the early springtime.
If it’s just a charcuterie level of hunger you need to satisfy via a prefunc on a busy night, take a visit to the Perry Street neighborhood, where PACIFIC TO PALOUSE WINE BAR has plenty of savory goodness — including lots of Cougar Gold cheese. Over at MARYHILL WINERY TASTING ROOM AND BISTRO, there’s an abundance of wine to sample at their Kendall Yards location, and don’t miss their yummy platters, which are some of the best in the city.
FREE DELIVERY
Getting the gang back together for a friends reunion? While winter sports can be the highlight, be sure to add Spokane shopping destinations to the mix. RIVER PARK SQUARE is a great place to start, with a mix of hot national retailers and local shops, all in the heart of downtown.
If you need some ski or cold-weather gear, just north of downtown you’ll find REI; or with two locations (one north, one south), it’s SPOKANE ALPINE HAUS, which has been outfitting local skiers since 1976.
Meanwhile, the vintage scene is bigger than ever, with a good concentration in the North Monroe District, where you’ll find one of the latest additions, STATIC AGE VINTAGE. Another fun district for vintage, furniture and decor is SPRAGUE UNION, just east of downtown. And when you get hungry, you’re in luck because one of the best hangouts in town is right there, THE UNION TAVERN, with great food and a bar salvaged out of an old Montana mining town. Over in another historic district, Browne’s Addition, you’ll find THE ELK, a mainstay pub-style restaurant in an old pharmacy.
Don’t miss the Historic Davenport Hotel, where you can enjoy the legendary landmark’s three latest additions: the swanky LOBBY BAR; the GRAND ESPRESSO LOUNGE; and a new, expanded gift shop, THE EMPORIUM. During the holidays, also take in the spectacular holiday trees of CHRISTMAS TREE ELEGANCE (Dec. 3-15, also on display at River Park Square).
Spokane’s also got a thriving comedy scene, centered on the Spokane Comedy Club. Something funny’s always going on, so check their schedule. One highlight is Spokane native KELSEY COOK’s homecoming (Feb. 13-15). Bigger venues get in on the act, too, from the Bing Crosby Theater to Northern Quest Resort & Casino. One of many shows scheduled at the First Interstate Center for the Arts is JOE GATTO (Dec. 7), best known from the TV show Impractical Jokers.
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Deeper
Winter is wonderful in Sandpoint, Idaho... and not just for the whoppin’ 300 inches of deep powder our epic mountain, Schweitzer, collects each year. With 2,900 acres of varied terrain and 92 named runs, Schweitzer is the biggest ski mountain in Idaho. But with so much more to do around our town, winter goes even deeper in Sandpoint. We hope to see you here!
epic trails
The snow doesn’t slow us down! Enjoy the abundant fat bike, nordic, & snowshoe trails at Pine Street Woods, Schweitzer, & more.
Music & More
The arts and entertainment scene here is simply amazing. Any given week find live music bustin’ out all ‘round town, plus major events all winter.
Wine & dine
The excellent restaurants, breweries, cafes, and taverns in Sandpoint offer something for everyone. Come hungry, leave happy!