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.

Schweitzer Village

Our nationally recognized mountain resort is only 11 miles from downtown Sandpoint, with 2900 acres for skiing, hiking, biking and magnificent alpine views and a resort village featuring premium lodging, dining, bars, fine outdoor clothing and gear, shopping, artists studio, and seasonal activities.

Sandpoint Ranger District

The Village of Sandpoint was incorporated on February 7, 1901. On January 15, 1907 the Village of Sandpoint became the City of Sandpoint. The April, 1907 election moved the City onto a mayor/council form of government – the same form of government we have today.

Bonner County was originally part of Kootenai County, but separated from this larger unit on March 18, 1907. Eight years later, on January 23, 1915, the county was reduced to its present size when the northern half separated to form Boundary County. Sandpoint has been the county seat of Bonner County since 1907.

The Kalispel, Kutenai and other native peoples were the first inhabitants of this area. They lived along the waterways and utilized the area’s abundant natural resources for survival.

Sandpoint is famous for having recreational activities for every season. Some of our Forest opportunities range from, camping, fishing, hunting, berry picking, trail hikes, nature walks, horseback riding, bike riding, ATV/OHV trails, skiing.

Visually the Sandpoint area is hard to beat. Framed by the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains, Sandpoint is located on the north shore of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake. Travelers driving Highway 95 across the Long Bridge into Sandpoint have often reported a feeling of “coming home.”

Priest Lake Chamber

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 bikinggolfingfishingrock 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.

Priest Lake Nordic Center

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/

Pine Street Woods

Pine Street Woods is a unique place where people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to be outside. The wide trails welcome strollers, wheelchairs, or friends walking side by side, and nordic skiers in the winter. Almost a dozen trails make for miles of hiking and biking or cross-country skiing and fat-biking in the winter.

Trails are for non-motorized use. Electric bikes are welcome. Horses are not encouraged at Pine Street Woods because of the numerous off leash dogs and mountain bikes that frequent the property. Also, our access road and parking lot do not accommodate horse trailers.

There are no usage or parking fees. Pine Street Woods is open to all and is supported through generous trail donations and gifts from users just like you.

Pine Street Woods sits adjacent to two other public access properties. Collectively, the three properties comprise the Syringa Trail System. As is the case for Pine Street Woods, the Sherwood Forest and VTT properties are also privately owned, but are not owned or managed by KLT. The owners graciously allow the public to enjoy these special places, only requesting that everyone respect the land, wildlife, and other visitors.

Pine Street Woods Trails »

Printable Trail Map »

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

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 retreatsfamily 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

Looking for a fun and adventurous way to take in the fresh mountain air and beautiful views? Whether you’re a hiker or biker, Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers more than 20 miles of trails with amazing alpine scenery and see-forever views. Start in the village and warm your legs up as you head out to Picnic Point – with only minor climbing – to take in the sweeping views of the mountains and Lake Pend Oreille. From there, your options are wide open. For those looking for a pure downhill biking thrills, Schweitzer has many intermediate to expert options with a chairlift assist to the top; all downhill trails begin at the top of the Great Escape Quad and descend 1700 feet to the Schweitzer Village. Pick up detailed trail maps in the village.

Schweitzer XC Trails

Schweitzer Mountain Resort attracts cross-country enthusiasts looking for scenic beauty and well-maintained trails. The mountain features over 25 kilometers of groomed trails. Single-day fee is $12.

Round Lake State Park

This intimate park, 10 miles south of Sandpoint on Highway 95 and two miles west on Dufort Road, offers seven miles of marked and groomed cross-country trails. Depending on conditions, there may also be opportunities for ice skating, sledding, fishing or a picnic, often served up with a roaring bonfire. $2 per vehicle fee; annual Idaho State Park passes are available for $15. For a map or more information, call 208-263-3489; or click parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/round-lake/.

Farragut State park

With more than 9 miles of groomed trails, Farragut offers easy terrain and great views of the lake. Located on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, about 40 minutes driving time from Sandpoint via U.S. Highway 95, Farragut is a crown jewel of Idaho’s state parks.

Skiing Businesses & Supplies

(888) 863-9066
1413 Upper Gold Creek Rd., Sandpoint
(877) 487-4643
10000 Schweitzer Mtn Rd, Sandpoint

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