Winter Activities

Winter Activities

Discover Our Winter Wonderland

Whether you get your thrill blasting through powder, or you simply want to stay warm lapping our lazy river, everyone traveling to the Silver Valley will find a winter activity they enjoy. With easy access to millions of acres of National Forest Service Land and 2 ski resorts within 25 miles of each other, the wintertime fun is as endless as our dry, fluffy snow. Explore our forests, rivers, hidden lakes, ghost towns, wildlife, and our other natural wonders while enjoying some of your favorite recreational activities. Here's a collection of our most popular winter activities in the Silver Valley and the information you need to do them.

Ski, Snowboard, and Ski Bike

There are few places you'll find 2 ski areas within 25 miles of each other. Each of our fantastic ski hills are referred to as "hidden gems" and "the best kept secrets around". Our regionally-owned ski areas have a pure, small town feel. They are untouched by big ski industry, so it's still quiet skiing. It all feels undiscovered. There's rarely a line at the lifts, which means you spend more time doing what you came to the mountain to do. There aren't many people on the runs either, there's just the right amount. The people you do find are friendly and dang good skiers. We're here to ski, not just to say that we go skiing on our Instagram stories. While on the mountain you'll frequently find opportunities to create your own lines in our deep power runs or through our looming, yet perfectly-spaced trees. There's a bit of everything when it comes to terrain. Whether you're skiing day 1 or day 1,000 you'll find a way to test your limits in our Bitterroot Mountains. Most of our winter days are filled with clouds and snow (and that's how we prefer it), but on the occasional bluebird day the panoramic views from our peaks will take your breath away.


Silver Mountain Resort

With access to two mountains, 73 trails, 1,600 acres of terrain, 2,200 vertical, and 340+ inches of annual snowfall, Silver Mountain Resort is one of the best in the Northwest. The terrain is rated 20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced, and 10% expert. You'll find seemingly endless glades, a terrain park, a tubing hill, 5 chair lifts, and North America's longest single stage gondola here. This family friendly resort is a great destination for those looking for off the hill activities too. Silver's Gondola Village in Kellogg is located right off I-90 in Kellogg and is home to a few shops, a few coffee shops, a restaurant, an ice cream parlor, an art gallery, a spa, and Idaho's largest indoor waterpark. Learn more about the winter fun Silver Mountain has to offer here, or give us a call at the Silver Valley Chamber to learn more. Start planning your next winter getaway today!


Lookout Pass

Lookout Pass isn't technically inside the Silver Valley, it's above it. The ski area is directly off I-90 at an elevation of 4,710 feet on the Idaho/Montana border. With access to 35 trails, 540 acres of terrain, 1,150 vertical, 3 terrain parks, and 400+ inches of annual snowfall, Lookout Pass is the snowiest ski area in North Idaho. The terrain is rated 20% beginner, 50% intermediate, 20% advanced, and 10% expert. Lookout will double in terrain and up their vertical when the Eagle Peak expansion is complete. Lookout Pass is well known for its family-friendly terrain, cheap lift tickets, and the Famous Free Ski School for kids. Learn more about North Idaho's snowiest ski area on the Lookout Pass website, or on the Forest Service's website. We'll see you on the hill.
"One day I skied the Gondola line back into town, taking the sidewalk straight up to Radio Brewing's front door. I went inside in my ski boots, ordered a beer, looked around, and thought to myself, 'Wow. I can't believe I live in such a unique community where a day like this is possible. This small, recreation-based town is really something special.'" 

-Kelton Enich, Kellogg High School Teacher

Snowmobile & Snow Bike

In the summer, our town of Kellogg is known as Bike City USA, but in the winter our town of Wallace becomes Snowmobile City USA. Both of these towns are full-service towns when you use the I-90 Snowmobile Route. This route connects you to over 1,000 miles of trails featuring world-class high mountain snowmobiling terrain. Wallace itself is extra snowmobile-friendly with their "open streets" ordinance welcoming riders to access trails from anywhere in town. Imagine waking up from your rental property, walking outside, hopping on your snowmobile, and going. That daydream is a possible reality here. No extra driving, no extra trailers, just more of what you love. The Panhandle National Forests boasts snowmobiling terrain for all, with the right guide you can find a perfect day one adventure, and with the right group of friends and gear, you can find the ride of your life deep among our forests, lakes, wildlife, and mountains.  

If you're new to the sport we recommend hiring an outfitter company to plan the whole trip and guide you through Idaho's expansive landscapes. Always remember: never ride alone, always wear protective equipment, don't ever drink and drive, respect private property, and pack emergency essentials. As with any backcountry adventure, always know before you go. Get the gear and safety information you need to maximize fun and minimize risk. Check the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center St. Regis and Silver Valley area Advisory here.

​Also know that all snowmobiles on public land must be registered with the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation on or before November 1 each year. Learn more about snowmobiling in Idaho by reading through the full Ride Guide by Idaho Parks & Rec. They also generously provide an interactive Idaho Snowmobile Trails map. For a detailed map of the Silver Valley region, check out this Panhandle National Forest Snowmobile Trails map. To learn more about Avalanche Information and any travel restrictions in the National Forest, click here.


UTV & ATV

UTVs (utility task vehicle or utility terrain vehicle), ATVs (all-terrain vehicle), and ORVs (off-road vehicle), oh my! The off-road adventures here in the Silver Valley go on and on. With hundreds of miles of ATV trails and old logging roads, we have some of the best terrain in the country to go exploring by OHV (off-highway vehicle) and quads. Learn more about OHV Trail Riding Areas through the National Forest, check out the full map of Idaho Trails through Idaho Parks & Recreation, or book your adventure at Adventure Sport Rentals if you want to start in Kellogg, Pinehurst, or Wallace. Before you go, check out Idaho Parks & Recreation's website to learn about OHV laws and rules, resources include the Idaho Off-Highway Vehicle Brochure, and the OHV Law Enforcement Brochure.

Backcountry Ski & Snowboard

Since the Silver Valley is surrounded by the 2.5 million acre Panhandle National Forest, the opportunities for backcountry adventures are endless here. As with backcountry skiing everywhere, always know before you go.​ Check the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center St. Regis and Silver Valley area Advisory here.

If you're new to the backcountry, we recommend starting your adventure with plenty of research, an avalanche safety course, and perhaps a qualified guide to show you the ropes properly. Idaho's Forests are wild and remote. If you want to go deep in the forest, you'll need a vehicle that can handle the National Forest Roads in the winter - most people access them via snowmobile. Expect zero cell service while you're exploring. Get the information and gear that you need to maximize both safety and fun. You can begin your research, gather information, and connect with locals at Panhandle Backcountry. This online forum is a great place to learn, meet other locals interested in the backcountry, and ultimately plan your next adventure. 

Luckily, the Silver Valley has spots that are great introductions into what the region has to offer. One such area is the forest across the interstate from Lookout Pass, and since it's along I-90 you don't have to worry too much about road conditions. The ascent is easy on your skis or splitboard thanks to our historical rail grades that slowly climb the summit. Do beware that most of our land is also frequently accessed by power sport enthusiasts. Have fun, shred our snow, and be safe.

Cross-Country Ski

Nordic Skiing has never been more accessible than what you'll find in the Silver Valley. Our beloved Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes provides 73 miles of 10' wide pavement path. The Fourth of July Pass and the Mullan Road Historic Site are just west of the Silver Valley off I-90 and have about 12 miles of groomed Nordic Trails. Thanks to the Panhandle Nordic Club, the US Forest Service, the Idaho State Parks, and the Recreation Department the 4th of July Nordic Ski Area is cooperatively managed and maintained. The best part is all of this is free to the public. As with anytime you venture into the backcountry know before you go and always practice safety first. If you go Cross Country skiing on public lands, do keep in mind that many of our lands are also frequented by power sport enthusiasts. For current availability on Nordic skiing at one of the Silver Valley's ski areas, please contact Silver Mountain or Lookout Pass directly.

Snowshoe

All the areas open to Cross-Country Skiing are also open to peaceful Snowshoe adventures, which means the Silver Valley is overflowing with fantastic winter trail options for you to explore. You'll find some additional paths at both Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass depending on snow coverage and time of the year, it's best to call them directly for the most accurate information. Another popular trail in the winter for snowshoeing is the Pulaski Tunnel Trail and it's a great option if you are looking for a foot-traffic-only destination. Learn more about other Panhandle National Forest trails. As with any other outdoor sport always know before you go and be safe. 

Snow Tube & Sled

Where there's a public hill and snow, there's an opportunity to go sledding. Keep an eye on the children, bundle up, and always respect private property. We also recommend for your little shredders (sledders) to gear up with helmets. Otherwise, go out, have fun, and make some cherished family memories. Sometimes the weather in the lower parts of Silver Valley doesn't agree with our plans to go sledding, but thanks to Silver Mountain's Snow Tubing Hill there's always snow, hills, and tubes anytime you want a thrill. The best part? There's a magic carpet so you don't have to hike up through the snow in between laps. 

Stay Warm & Swim

Maybe winter's not your thing, you don't care for the snow, or you miss the warmth of the summer sun. The Silver Valley has your cure with Silver Rapids, Idaho's largest indoor waterpark at Silver Mountain Resort. It's always 84 degrees inside, and the water's fine. Surf's endlessly up on the continuous Flow Rider Surf Wave. If relaxation's your thing, then you can try lapping the lazy river or soaking in one of the hot tubs. Maybe you're looking for some fun, the winding slides can put a smile on anyone's face. Once you get hungry there are plenty of food options at the Lunch Bucket downstairs, and if you're thirsty and over 21, the Trestles bar upstairs can fix you up some delicious (and boozy) drinks. 

Winter Camping

If you're looking to extend your love of camping into another season, the Silver Valley could be one of the best places to dip your toes into cold weather camping. The Forest Service campgrounds are closed during the winter, but the National Forest's campsites are open if you're able to access them. As with most sports in the great winter outdoors, always do your research first. We recommend reading through Kevin Callan's Complete Guide to Winter Camping (or a similar resource guide) before planning your travel and trip. Always get the right gear first, make a plan, and start small by trying a night trip before the week-long snowshoeing and backpacking adventure of your dreams. If your soul wants to experience the serenity of camping during a North Idaho winter, seeing untouched blankets of snow and hearing the subtle sounds of nature, the Silver Valley is a great place to get out and do it, as long as you do it right.

Winter Cycling

Kellogg is Bike City USA, but that doesn't mean all the fun has to happen during the summer, the fun can continue even when cooler temps roll in too. There are plenty of places and ways to enjoy your love of biking year round, especially here in the Silver Valley. With the right equipment, our same beloved summer trails can be extremely fun through the snow. Rent a fat bike or grab your old mountain bike and hit the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes for an all new kind of scenic ride. True, Silver Mountain's Bike Park is only open in the summer, but there are plenty of other National Forest Roads and Trails for you to explore on your bike if you're feeling brave and bold. You could also consider swapping your car out for your bike during your daily commute if you're looking for an extra form of exercise, or if you want to cut down on your carbon footprint. If you've never biked in cold weather before, the thought sounds intimidating, but with the right gear and knowledge you can get back in the saddle. This article has many of the tips you need to make sure you have a great time and stay warm.
Try one of our winter activities?

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We'd love to see how much fun you had.

Silver Valley
​Winter Photo Gallery

A special thanks to photographers Chance Keso and Nathan Dugan for their image donations.
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