It's January, which means there's one fantastic wintertime place to be: Schweitzer Mountain Resort! Snowstorms have been lining up, bringing the season's snow total to 95 inches (and still counting!). Family-friendly events are piling up, too, starting with the Winter Trails Day Saturday, Jan. 10. Learn to cross-country ski or skate ski with complimentary lessons on the mountain. Reserve a space by contacting Schweitzer's Activity Center at 208-255-3081.

    Then there's the Northern Lights celebration (North Idaho style!) Saturday, Jan. 17, with a torchlight parade, lodge party, and fireworks (photographed, above). And the all-new Smokin' Aces Slopestyle competition Saturday, Jan. 24, might just be the challenge you're looking for as skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels throw down their best tricks. Come on up and have some fun!

   It's difficult to imagine anything more serene than a summer hike in the great outdoors. But what about trying a trek through snowy forests and along icy creeks in wintertime? While the idea is intriguing, some folks may find the idea a bit intimidating.

    Volunteers at Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness host a series of wintertime hikes, making outdoor adventures more enjoyable for those who find comfort in knowing there's an expert amongst them! The first outing is the Aldo Leopold Birthday Hike up Lightning Creek on Sunday, Jan. 11, and there are more that follow into February and beyond. Check out the schedule on the Visit Sandpoint Sports and Outdoors calendar.

    Yes, we're definitely in the midst of winter. Time to put a positive spin on the season, and enjoy all of the fantastic indoor delights of Sandpoint!

    One gorgeous venue that's a must-visit is the Pend d'Oreille Winery at 301 Cedar St. Enjoy a glass of their delicious, award-winning wine, plus there's live music every Friday night - and sometimes on Saturdays, as well. Go to the Visit Sandpoint Entertainment Calendar to view a full list. And just across the street, MickDuff's Beer Hall, 220 Cedar St., has launched a new Third Friday Live Music event featuring talented regional musicians. As MickDuff's explains, the Third Friday celebration is a "Canadian thing." Come down and check it out, eh?

   Excitement is in the air as organizers put the finishing touches on this year's Sandpoint Winter Carnival, arriving Feb. 11-22. There's fun for everyone: a Parade of the Lights on Feb. 13, skijoring competitions at the fairgrounds and fireworks at Schweitzer ... even a gourmet "Winter Bites" tasting event on Feb. 19 plus a K-9 Keg Pull downtown. Check it all out - and start planning! - at SandpointWinterCarnival.com.