Skiing & Snowboarding
By 'shoe, ski, ride or diagonal stride, enjoy winter at your best pace
Ski or snowboard Schweitzer, the Inland Northwest’s biggest and best ski mountain. Or take to the trails or backcountry by snowshoe or XC ski. You’re invited to discover just how magnificent winter can be.
This intimate park is a family favorite. Located a dozen miles south of Sandpoint, Round Lake offers seven miles of trails that are relatively flat and easy, suitable for walks and biking, as well as a host of other outdoor activities.
Visitors often spot wildlife, as Canada geese pass over the park’s towering pine, hemlock and larch trees and ospreys plunge for perch. Hikers will discover beaver lodges and may see a glimpse of a resident moose, while along the lake in summer you may hear a chorus of bullfrogs and spot ducks and Red-winged Blackbirds among other birdlife.
The 58-acre lake is stocked with rainbow trout and has a good bass fishery. There’s fine fishing for kids, right from the dock or by paddle craft on the lake; no gas motors are allowed. The lake also makes for a refreshing swim in the warm months.
There are 16 serviced campsites and 35 standard sites. There are guided walks and ranger programs in summer; in winter, depending on conditions, there are opportunities for ice skating, sledding, fishing or a picnic, often served up with a roaring bonfire. As well in winter, trails are marked and groomed for cross-country skiing.
For a map or more information, call 208-263-3489; or click parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/round-lake/.
Priest Lake is an ideal year-round family and adventure vacation destination. Nature’s spectacular backdrop coupled with the myriad of recreational activities make Priest Lake an unforgettable experience. Discover Idaho’s crown jewel while enjoying biking, golfing, fishing, rock climbing or snowmobiling and choose to stay in any of our hospitable resorts, cabins or vacation homes for an upcoming group activity, wedding, conference or seminar location for a vacation that will only tempt you to stay longer.
A well kept secret in Bonner County, Priest Lake Nordic Trails have something to offer for everyone and have been making some exciting expansions and reopening of formerly loved trails. Groomed trails are located at Indian Creek State Park, the golf course, Hanna Flats, and the newly reopened Chipmunk Rapids.
Hanna Flats, the golf course and Chipmunk Rapids will require an Idaho Park N Ski sticker. At $25 annually this is a great deal. You can a sticker at Hill’s Resort or Tamrak. But since you might want to ski at Chipmunk first, get yours online. Go to: parksandrecreation.idaho.gov. At the top of the page click Registration and Permits, then Park N Ski Annual. Under the “Use Area”, click the drop down menu and select Hanna Flats, area 19. That way some of the money funnels back to Priest Lake Nordic Club for grooming expenses.
You can find Priest Lake Nordic Club at Facebook and Instagram by entering @priestlakenordic as well as more trail information at Chamber of Commerce website: https://priestlake.org/activities/nordic-sports/
During the summer months, guest ranch vacation packages include lodging in one of our lodge rooms or log cabins, daily horseback rides, three country gourmet meals daily, evening entertainment and access to all guest ranch amenities. During the fall, winter and spring, enjoy a Bed and Breakfast stay in a lodge room or rent a cabin for a cozy get away. Two hour guided horseback rides are available in the Fall and Spring. When the snow flies, enjoy an old fashioned sleigh ride. Group retreats, family reunions, dinner parties and holiday gatherings are also available. We specialize in personalizing your dude ranch stay to fit you. Relaxing or riveting… it’s all up to you.
Schweitzer, our premier mountain resort, is justifiably famous for its outstanding skiing and snowboarding. But those winter prime-time months aside, the other seasons offer a plethora of attractions for visitors.
Just strolling around the mountain village yields amazing views from the rarified vantage of the alpine environment. More than 20 miles of trails for hikers and bikers offer wonderful vantage points for the see-forever views.
Chairlift rides operate during the summer season – which typically kicks off mid-June – for the ultimate in viewpoints atop Schweitzer peak itself. And right at the peak is the magnificent Sky House restaurant and day lodge.
In the village area are a plethora of activities, including a zip line, climbing structure and mountain bike rentals, including e-bikes. Horseback rides with a local outfitter are also available.
Schweitzer offers variety of events during the summer season, stretching into fall. Get all the details on activities, events, dining and lodging on the mountain at Schweitzer.com.