NOVEMBER
Learn to Skate
Learn to skate with coaches from Lilac City Figure Skating Club at sessions for adults and kids ages 5 and up. Classes teach fundamental skills, including safe falling, gliding, stroking forward and backward, stopping, turns and beginning spins and jumps. Wednesdays from 6-7 pm and Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 am through Dec. 14. $20/drop-in, $99/six-week class; $148/private lessons. Eagles Ice-A-Rena, 6321 N. Addison St. (489-9295)
U of Idaho Outdoor Equipment Sale & Swap
The University of Idaho's annual gear swap offers new and used gear for sale. Attendees are also welcome to bring their stuff to sell or barter ($5 fee). Thu, Nov. 7 from 6-8 pm. Free to shop. University of Idaho Student Recreation Center, Multi-Activity Court, Moscow campus. (208-885-6810)
Winter Camping Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, get experience managing the freezing temperatures and staying comfortable outside in the cold, including tips and tricks for setting up camp in the winter and sleeping warm, even on the chilliest of nights. Offered Thu, Nov. 7 and Wed, Dec. 11 from 5:30-7:30 pm. $20/$40; registration required. REI Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe. rei.com/spokane (328-9900)
Ski & Snowboard Waxing Workshop
Learn how to choose the best wax for the conditions, and have expert guidance as you clean and wax your personal equipment. Experts recommend waxing your alpine gear every five trips to the mountain. Offered Thu, Nov. 7 from 5:30-7:30 pm; Sun, Nov. 10 from 2-4 pm; Thu, Dec. 5 from 5:30-7:30 pm; Sun, Dec. 8 from 2-4 pm. $35/$55; registration required. REI Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe. rei.com/spokane (328-9900)
SARS Ski Swap
The winter recreational equipment and clothing sale benefits the Schweitzer Alpine Racing School's programs for more than 200 local athletes ages 5 and up, offering new and used items and experts on hand for shopping assistance. Sat, Nov. 9 from 9 am-2 pm. $2/person; $5/family. Bonner County Fairgrounds, 4203 N. Boyer Ave., Sandpoint. sars.net
Snowshoeing Basics
Join experienced REI staff for a class focusing on the appropriate selection of gear as well as the basics on what you need and where to go to get started. Sun, Nov. 10 from 2-4 pm and Thu, Dec. 5 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Free, registration required. REI Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe. rei.com/spokane (328-9900)
State Parks Free Access Day
Visit any Washington State Park without the required Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year). Includes day access locally to Riverside, Mt. Spokane and Palouse Falls state parks. Mon, Nov. 11. parks.state.wa.us/281/Parks
Silver Mountain Winter Job Fair
Come to Noah's Loft to interview for all positions at the mountain this season. Employment includes a free season pass, discounts throughout the resort and more. Tue, Nov. 12 from 5-7 pm. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, Idaho. silvermt.com (866-344-2675)
Cross-Country Skiing Basics
Join REI to discuss the fundamental differences between backcountry, telemarking and touring ski styles. In addition, the session covers proper clothing and information on where and how to get started in this winter activity. Wed, Nov. 13 from 6-7:30 pm. Free, registration required. REI Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe. rei.com/spokane (328-9900)
Banff Mountain Film Festival
The festival's 2019-20 World Tour features a collection of films that explore the mountain world, highlighting new landscapes and remote cultures, exciting adventures and adrenaline-packed sports. Nov. 15-16 at 7 pm, Nov. 17 at 6 pm. Ticket price TBA. Bing Crosby Theater, 901 W. Sprague. bingcrosbytheater.com
Inlander Winter Party
The Inlander's annual winter season kickoff hosts local retailers offering deals on winter clothing, gear and accessories, plus more than a dozen regional resorts. The event also features more than 40 varieties of craft beer and cider, live music, activities and more. Fri, Nov. 15 from 4-9 pm and Sat, Nov. 16 from 10 am-7 pm. $10 admission (good both days; kids under 12 free). Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. winterparty.inlander.com
Tri-Cities Ski Swap & Gear Sale
Snow sport lovers in southeastern Washington can get ready for the season at this annual outdoor gear and clothing sale. Nov. 22-24; Fri 5-9 pm, Sat 9 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-3 pm. Free admission. Holiday Inn Event Center at HAPO Center, 4525 Convention Pl., Pasco, Washington. theskiswap.com (522-1443)
Thanksjibbing
Start off the winter season during the first night of operations at 49 Degrees' terrain park. Bring three cans of food with your entry ($10). Also includes live music and more. Sat, Nov. 23. 49 Degrees North, 3311 Flowery Trail Rd., Chewelah. ski49n.com (935-6649)
Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet
Fuel up for opening day (also Nov. 28) with a buffet-style dinner at Noah's Loft: herb roasted turkey, honey glazed ham, roasted sirloin and all the traditional sides and desserts. Thu, Nov. 28 from 3-9 pm. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, Idaho. silvermt.com (866-344-2675)
Big White Opening Weekend
Head north of the border to celebrate both the start of the skiing season (Nov. 28) and the holidays as the resort turns on its colorful lights during a celebration (Sat. Nov. 30) with a laser show, caroling, live music, fireworks and more. Nov. 28-30. Big White Ski Resort, 5315 Big White Rd., Kelowna, B.C. bigwhite.com (250-765-3101)
Schweitzer Opening Day
The mountain kicks off the 2019-20 winter season, weather permitting. Check in closer to this date for the latest weather and operations updates. Fri, Nov. 29. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)
Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Kick off the holiday season with a parade through Kellogg ending at the resort for a tree lighting in the gondola village, fireworks, a visit from Santa and more. Sat, Nov. 30. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, Idaho. silvermt.com (866-344-2675)
DECEMBER
Let's Go Snowshoeing!
Join Holly Weiler from the Washington Trails Association for a fun and informative class on how to get ready for snowshoeing, covering equipment, preparation and places to go. Tue, Dec. 3 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Free. East Side Library, 524 S. Stone St. spokanelibrary.org (444-5331)
Backcountry Skiing: Beyond the Groomed
Join REI staff for an inspiring and educational presentation on how to use the ski skills you already have to make the transition to backcountry skiing. This session covers backcountry specific skills, needed equipment and safety considerations in order to enjoy backcountry travel on skis. REI Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe. rei.com/spokane (328-9900)
15th Annual Backcountry Film Festival
Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE)'s annual fundraiser screening event supports getting underserved youth in our community unplugged and connected to their winter wildlands. Fri, Dec. 6 at 5 pm. $7-$25. Panida Theater, 300 N. First Ave., Sandpoint. panida.org (208-255-7801)
Nice Turns Free Trial Run
This annual clinic is designed to help existing skiers get out of a rut and improve their skills with personalized coaching with a small group at a similar level, intermediate or above. Offered Dec. 8, 14 and 22; Feb. 16-17. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)
Winter Skills and Local Trails
Learn from REI experts how to enjoy the outdoors even in the colder months with this introductory class on essential winter skills. This session covers everything from safety to winter activities to try, along with an overview of local trails and nearby mountains to conquer with the help of nonprofit partners. Tue, Dec. 10 from 6-7:30 pm. Free; registration required. REI Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe. rei.com/spokane (328-9900)
Winter Conditioning
Looking to improve your performance in snow sports, or stay injury-free this winter? Join the team from from Therapeutic Associates Spokane PT for a class on the basics of strengthening, stretching and injury prevention for your snow sports. Class covers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter running. Thu, Dec. 12 from 6-7:30 pm. Free, registration required. REI Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe. rei.com/spokane (328-9900)
Moonlight Snowshoe Hike
Quietly explore the meadows and woods around Mount Spokane. Guides, transportation (departs from Mead Yoke's, 14202 N. Market St.), headlamps, walking poles and snowshoes all provided. Additional information emailed after registration. Ages 16+. Offered Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 7 and March 6 from 6-9 pm. $29. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Community Day Fundraiser
Schweitzer's annual day of giving back, with $10 lift tickets available all day. Details TBA. Fri, Dec. 13 from 9 am-3:30 pm. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)
Night Skiing Kickoff
Mt. Spokane's night skiing schedule has expanded to four nights a week, every Wednesday through Saturday, from mid-December through mid-March. The mountain's full-service cafeteria stays open late, and live bands play most Saturday nights. Offered Wed-Sat from 3:30-9 pm, Fri, Dec. 20 through Sat, March 14. $23. Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, 29500 N. Mt. Spokane Park Dr. mtspokane.com (238-2220)
Cross-Country Ski Lessons (Mt. Spokane)
Learn the basics of cross-country skiing at Mt. Spokane Selkirk Nordic Area, taught by Spokane Nordic Ski Association certified cross-country ski instructors. Fee includes skis, boots, poles, ski area fees, instruction and transportation (departs from Mead Yoke's, 14202 N. Market St.). Ages 13+. Offered Dec. 22, 29 and 31; Jan. 5, 25 and 26; Feb. 15, 16, 22 and 23 from 9 am-3 pm. $51-$53. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Mt. Spokane Snowshoe Tour
Learn the basics of snowshoeing during a guided hike on snowshoe trails around Mt. Spokane State Park. Pre-trip information is emailed after registration. Includes snowshoes, instruction, walking poles, trail fees, guides and transportation (from Mead Yoke's, 14202 N. Market St.). Ages 13+. Offered Sat, Dec. 21 and 28; Jan. 5 and 18; Feb. 16 and 23; March 1 and 21 from 10 am-2 pm. $29. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Dress Like Santa, Ski Free
Bring your red Santa suit, hat, white beard and black belt, or a Mrs. Claus outfit, to the mountain and wear it to qualify for a free lift ticket for the day. Santas are then requested to join in the mountain's annual Santa Downhill ride at noon. Sun, Dec. 22. Lookout Pass, I-90 Exit 0 at Mullan. skilookout.com (208-744-1301)
Ski With Santa
Make some turns with Santa who stops by for a quick break to visit good girls and boys of all ages. He'll hit the slopes one last time for the holiday balloon parade on Christmas Eve. Dec. 23 from 1-4 pm and Dec. 24 from 1-5 pm. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd., Sandpoint, Idaho. schweitzer.com (208-263-9555)
Santa Skis at Lookout
Kids are challenged to find Santa on the slopes before the big day and make a run with him. He'll also hand out treats and take photos. Dec. 24 starting at 10 am. Lookout Pass, I-90 Exit 0 at Mullan. skilookout.com (208-744-1301)
Christmas at Silver
Spend the holidays on the lifts or in the Silver Rapids Waterpark, and see if you can catch Santa himself taking a turn or two after a long night of work. Wed, Dec. 25. Silver Mountain Resort, 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, Idaho. silvermt.com (866-344-2675)
SheJumps Into Cross-Country Skiing
Back by popular demand, this event is hosted by Fitness Fanatics and Spokane Nordic to offer a day of cross-country skiing to skiers of all ages and abilities, with mentors and rental gear available. Sat, Dec. 28 at 10 am. $20. Mt. Spokane Nordic Center, 26017 N. Mt. Spokane State Park Drive. shejumps.org
JANUARY
Youth Winter Adventure Camp
Kids (ages 9-12) can learn to cross-country ski and snowshoe at Mt. Spokane State Park, as well as spend time building snow caves and searching for animal tracks. Transportation, snowshoes, skiing equipment, trail passes and instruction provided. Bring a sack lunch. Offered Jan. 2-3 from 9 am-4 pm. Departs each morning from Mountain Gear, 2002 N. Division. $69. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Cross-Country Ski + Moonlight Dinner
Wander peacefully through the woods on snowshoes and then enjoy a meal of lasagna, salad, bread and more from Greenbluff Fresh Catering. Cost includes equipment, dinner and guides; some cross-country ski experience is recommended. Sno-Park and Discover Pass required. Ages 18+. Offered Jan. 4, Feb. 8 and March 7 from 6-9 pm. $50. Meet at Mt. Spokane State Park Selkirk Nordic Lodge. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Cross-Country Ski Lessons (49 Degrees North)
Learn to cross-country ski and tour the trails of 49 Degrees North Nordic Area with the mountain's certified P.S.I.A ski instructors. Ticket includes equipment, trail pass, instruction and transportation (departs from Wandermere Rite Aid, 12420 N. Division). Additional information emailed after registration. Ages 13+. Offered Jan. 11 and 19; Feb. 9 and March 8 from 9 am-4 pm. $55. Register at spokanerec.org (755-2489)
Avalanche Awareness
Whether you ski, snowshoe, snowboard or snowmobile in the backcountry, recognition of avalanche danger is an essential and potentially life-saving skill. This session introduces and explains where and why avalanches occur and provides a basic approach to managing risk in the backcountry. Learn to access local avalanche bulletins and weather reports, recognize basic signs of avalanche danger, and learn simple ways to help avoid avalanche danger. Thu, Jan. 16 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Free; registration required. REI Spokane, 1125 N. Monroe. rei.com/spokane (328-9900) ♦
