Last Updated on 22nd May 2021 by Steve
Outsiders usually refer to any Washington ski resort as being in the Pacific Northwest. Skiers in Spokane know however that they are in the inland Northwest with a completely different winter climate and choice of ski resorts within a 100-mile radius, even if they may have to pop over the state line into Idaho to visit some of them.
Two of the ski resorts are located to the north of the city in Washington state and within 90 minutes’ drive. Three of the others are to the east in Idaho. Schweitzer can be reached by heading north after the state line and the route to the other two ski resorts – located just off I-90 – leads through Coeur d’Alene.
Ski Resorts in Washington near Spokane
Mt. Spokane Ski Area
As the name suggests, the Mt. Spokane ski area is the closest ski resort to Spokane. The ski area is community-owned and run by a non-profit charitable organisation.
Mt. Spokane has six chairlifts with a good mix of groomed trails for different skier ability levels over the vertical drop of just over 2000 feet and 1400 acres of terrain.
Distance from Spokane: 34 miles
Website: www.mtspokane.com
49 Degrees North Mountain Resort
The 49 Degrees North ski area is run by the same operators as nearby Silver Mountain in Idaho. It is located about ninety minutes drive north of downtown Spokane near the town of Chewelah.
The ski terrain covers 2325 acres with a vertical drop of 1850 feet. The seven chairlifts and a single conveyor lift offer access to mostly intermediate level runs.
Distance from Spokane: 58 miles
Website: www.ski49n.com
More information: Ski resorts in Washington state
Ski Resorts in Idaho near Spokane
Silver Mountain Resort
After crossing into Idaho, Silver Mountain is the nearest ski resort to Spokane. The ski area with 2200 feet of vertical is near the town of Kellogg and is known for its lack of crowds and plentiful powder snow.
Silver Mountain offers seven lifts, including a gondola, and the 1600 acres of terrain is suited to advanced skiers, with challenging runs making up over half of the available terrain.
Distance from Spokane: 70 miles
Website: www.silvermt.com
Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer is the biggest winter sport center within easy reach of Spokane. Located to the north of Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, the 2900 acres of skiing is located just outside the resort town of Sandpoint.
This is another ski area where the extensive terrain is great for the advanced skier and snowboarder. The ten lifts cover a vertical of 2440 feet and the trail mix tilts towards the advanced or expert.
Distance from Spokane: 88 miles
Website: www.schweitzer.com
Lookout Pass Ski Area
Lookout Pass ski area is actually on the eastern border of Idaho on the crest of the Bitterroot mountains but still a relatively easy drive from Spokane.
The small ski area with plenty of annual snowfall (over 400 inches) offers four chairlifts covering just over 500 acres of skiable terrain and is scheduled to double in size if future plans go ahead.
Distance from Spokane: 94 miles
Website: skilookout.com
More information: Ski resorts in Idaho
