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50th Annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival

Don’t miss our 50th Annual Winter Carnival, February 17-26, 2023! It’s 10 days of parties, parades, fireworks, events and fun in Sandpoint and on Schweitzer Mountain! Go to SandpointWinterCarnival.com»

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Weather in Sandpoint

Sandpoint
66°
overcast clouds
humidity: 87%
wind: 1mph SSE
H 64 • L 60
Weather from OpenWeatherMap

Visit Sandpoint, Idaho

Winter

With an annual average snowfall of 300 inches blanketing the backcountry around Sandpoint, recreationalists answer the call to ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, snowmobile and more. All set amidst the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains surrounding the sparkling waters of Lake Pend Oreille, even the ice fishermen find plenty of prey under the frozen waters that hug the lakeshore.

Art & Film Events

Panida Theater

Sandpoint’s historic performing arts center, The Panida Theater has a rich winter season filled with concerts, plays, fine art films and events.

Craft Breweries

Laughing Dog Brewing

Laughing Dog Brewing is a great place to try a refreshing line-up of great hometown flavors. At 805 Schweitzer Plaza Dr. in Ponderay, just off Highway 95.

MickDuff’s Brewing Company

MickDuff’s Brewing Company is a small craft brewery and bustling, family-friendly restaurant located in downtown Sandpoint at 312 N. First Ave.

Cross Country Skiing

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.

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.

    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.

    Western Pleasure Guest Ranch Trails

    Cross-country skiing and showshoeing on groomed trails at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. 208-263-9066. WesternPleasureRanch.com.

      Horse Rides

      Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

      Enjoy horse riding in the warmer months, and horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch.

      Lake Activities

      Go Fish! Charters

      GoFish_logo_final_smGo Fish! Charters offers hands-on, multi-species fishing on Lake Pend Oreille and Clark Fork River. Experience the excitement and diversity on the Pend Oreille fishery! Go Fish! operates year-round and offers custom charters, including sunrise and sunset trips. Charters depart from Sandpoint and Hope.

      Museums

      Bonner County Historical Museum

      The Bonner County Historical Museum, 611 Ella at Lakeview Park, has numerous displays including Native American artifacts, an extensive collection of Ross Hall photos, a pioneer kitchen and more. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first Saturday of the month (first Saturday free admission day).

      Music Events

      Panida Theater

      Sandpoint’s historic performing arts center, The Panida Theater has a rich winter season filled with concerts, plays, fine art films and events.

      Other

      Ice skating

      There’s usually a narrow window, but when conditions allow, ice skaters flock to the Third Avenue Pier for excellent skating on Lake Pend Oreille; you may also be able to get into a pick-up hockey game. Also, Sand Creek below the Cedar Street Bridge downtown can provide a charming venue for ice skating. The city also frequently clears an ice skating area at City Beach near the mouth of Sand Creek.

        Shopping

        Bonner Mall

        Bonner Mall, two miles north of Sandpoint off Highway 95, features a full-service supermarket, four-plex movie theater, several nationally known retailers, more shops and a restaurant.

        Sandpoint Shopping District

        The Sandpoint Shopping District exists to support & promote, through cooperative marketing efforts, a unique shopping experience which reflects the individual visions and passions of proud local owner-merchants. The district works cooperatively to provide locals and visitors alike with a unique & vibrant shopping environment in downtown Sandpoint.

        Skiing/Snowboarding

        Schweitzer Mountain Resort

        11 miles from Sandpoint, is a world-class ski and snowboard resort, and boasts two magnificent natural bowls encompassing 2,900 skiable acres, 2,400 feet of vertical drop, with 92 runs and trails served by two high-speed quads, a high-speed six-pack, one triple chairlift and three double chairlifts.

        Sleigh Rides

        Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

        Enjoy horse riding in the warmer months, and horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch.

        Snowmobiling

        Sandpoint-area winter trails

        For those with their own ‘cats, the Sandpoint Winter Riders Snowmobile Club recommends checking out Roman Nose peak, the Sundance Fire area near Bonners Ferry, Drew Creek Loop, Pearson Creek, Upper Pack River and Trestle Creek.

          Tours

          MickDuff’s Brewing Company

          MickDuff’s Brewing Company is a small craft brewery and bustling, family-friendly restaurant located in downtown Sandpoint at 312 N. First Ave.

          Wineries

          Pend d’Oreille Winery

          Pend d’Oreille Winery offers tours and tastings of its award-winning wines at 220 Cedar St. downtown.