The Best Skiing Near Spokane
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Written by Dig Chrismer
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Where is the best skiing near Spokane? Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
Schweitzer Mountain is not just the best skiing near Spokane, it’s also the best skiing in the west.
Bet you'd never guess that the best ski resort in the west is actually only 80 miles from Spokane, Washington? No, seriously. Yes, Eastern Washington may not appear to have majestic mountains or be the first place you’d think of as a winter wonderland, but if you are looking for the best kind of skiing - great snow, no crowds, and good value for your dollar, look no further than Spokane and the best ski resort in the west, Schweitzer Mountain Resort.
First, off - Spokane is easy to get to.
The Spokane International Airport is served by 6 major airlines and is the second largest airport in the state of Washington. With direct flights to over 17 destinations throughout the US, Including Portland, San Francisco and Seattle, Spokane is an easy travel destination whether you are coming from the east or west coasts and point in between. Once you arrive at GEG, choose from one of the 8 car rental companies available or local ground transportation services and set your map app for Schweitzer!
Schweitzer is easy to get to.
From Spokane, traveling to Schweitzer is easy as you head east on I-90 then north on 95 . You are just 2 short hours away from the best skiing near Spokane or in the western United States without having had to navigate any tricky mountain passes or congested highways. Depending on the time of day that you travel, you may catch some unforgettable views of Lake Pend Oreille and the charming town of Sandpoint as you head to the mountain. Stop in the town for a quick bite to eat or a stroll through some of the boutiques and shops on 1 st Avenue.
But don’t panic - everything you need is here at the resort.
From ski-in/ski-out accommodations, to village dining and even a small market & liquor store, they have all your basic needs covered on the mountain. Looking for a great hotel with an outdoor pool and hot tubs? They’ve got one! The Selkirk Lodge has a variety of room styles to fit your needs and keep you close to the action. Need something a little larger? Check out the condo-style options of the White Pine Lodge with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units offering full kitchens, living rooms and that awesome ski-in/ski-out experience. Plus, if you stay in either lodge, breakfast is included every morning of your stay! You’ll need to fuel up because it’s time to hit the slopes!
Schweitzer is the largest ski area in Washington and Idaho
with 2900 acres of terrain for every ability level. The mountain has 92 runs served by Idaho’s only high-speed six-pack chairlift “Stella.” The resort also has two high-speed quads, one triple chairlift, three double chairlifts, 1 T-Bar, and 1 conveyor lift. Schweitzer announced plans this fall to replace one of the double chairs serving the Outback and North Bowl with 2 new lifts in the summer of 2019 . The two chairs, one detachable quad and a fixed grip triple, will give better access to the Snow Ghost area of Schweitzer and 4 new gladed, North facing runs.
The skiing is amazing.
Seriously. You’ll be amazed by the steep chutes in the South Bowl , the impressive glades like Wayne’s Woods and Kohli’s Big Timber in The Outback , and corduroy fans will love the high angle grooming on B-Chute or Kaniksu. Cruise wide-open Vagabond down to The Outback restaurant near Stella for a midmorning snack or stop into Sky House at the summit and take in 360 degree views of three states, Lake Pend Oreille and Canada while enjoying scrumptious bites to eat as you refuel by the fireplace in The Nest. . Spend the day at Schweitzer Mountain and You’ll agree it’s not just the best skiing near Spokane it’s the best in the west.
Did we mention the hot tubs?
With little crowds and quick lifts, you’ll be looking forward to a hearty dinner at Chimney Rock Grill and then a nice long soak in one of the 3 outdoor hot tubs that are available to our lodging guests. Then the best part? You can wake up and do it all over again!
Yes, all of this is yours to experience near Spokane, Washington. Get off the congested runs at other resorts and head to something off the beaten track at Schweitzer this winter.