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.
- Visit Website »
- 208-263-9191
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.
- Visit Website »
- 208-263-9222
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.
- Visit Website »
- 208-255-4351
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.
- Visit Website »
- 208-683-2425
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.
- Visit Website »
- 877-487-4643
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.
- Visit Website »
- 208-263-9066
Lake Activities
Go Fish! Charters
Go 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.
- Visit Website »
- (208) 597-5020
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).
- Visit Website »
- 208-263-2344
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.
- Visit Website »
- 208-263-9191
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.
- Visit Website »
- 208-263-4272
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.
- Visit Website »
- 877-487-4643
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.
- Visit Website »
- 208-263-9066
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.
- Visit Website »
- 208-255-4351
Wineries
Pend d’Oreille Winery
Pend d’Oreille Winery offers tours and tastings of its award-winning wines at 220 Cedar St. downtown.
- Visit Website »
- 208-265-8545