You never know when the snow will actually stop falling in this part of the country, but for skiers and riders, sadly, the season must eventually come to an end. While there should still be plenty of great days here in March, it’s never too early to start planning the inevitable melt down. Diehards are prepping their spring-condition skis and boards—the ones you don’t mind getting dinged by a suddenly exposed rock or fallen tree limb. While conditions might tend to deteriorate, that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of fun to be had.
All of our area mountains enjoy celebrating another successful season by throwing family friendly end-of-the-season bashes. Costumes, contests, food and drink are all present, and those who attend will find the last few days are more about camaraderie amongst fellow outdoor enthusiasts than searching for those last few secret stashes of powder on the mountain. Any day now, it might start looking like spring, but don’t forget there is still snow to be found and plenty of fun to be had on the mountain.
Silver Mountain
Kellogg, Idaho
Spring Carnival - March 30
Kick off your spring break with a toboggan relay, pond skim, barbecue and outdoor party! Enjoy outdoor music and a barbecue starting at 11am on the Mountain House patio.
The Toboggan Relay is free to enter and will be held in front of the Mountain House. Teams of four race head to head in single-elimination rounds with one person towing another person in the toboggan to the hand-off point, where both people change out with the other half of their team. The team that crosses the finish line first wins a $100 gift card. Costumes are highly encouraged.
The Pond Skim is free to enter and is held right next to the Mountain House, at the top of the bunny hill. There is a $50 gift card prize for the best male costume and best female costume, and $100 gift card for best crossing. Competitors have 45 minutes to put in their best crossing. Don’t forget your helmet.
April 20 - Leadman Triathlon
The Annual Leadman at Silver Mountain Resort is an exciting individual or team competition for those who prefer a rowdy adventure course and might be a bit softer than the traditional Ironman athlete!
The race begins at Kellogg Peak on Silver Mountain when the gun is fired! Competitors run about 200 feet to click into their gear for an approximate 1 mile ski/board to the mountain bike transition point. At that stage, competitors find their riding gear and mountain bikes and brave a mostly downhill dirt course to the city of Kellogg where the run initiates. After the 7- to 11-mile bike ride, the runners take off for a 4- to 5-mile run to the finish line at Gondola Village at Silver Mountain Resort. The fastest times are under 50 minutes, and the last racers cross the finish line in about two hours. One-hundred percent of the net event proceeds benefit community projects sponsored by the Kellogg Rotary Club.
Schweitzer Mountain
Sandpoint, Idaho
April 6 & 7 - Schpring Fling
With the biggest village around, you’ll always find something going on at Schweitzer—including their awesome end-of-the-year party. Details are still being finalized, but expect the Pond Skimming event to be back as well as the Cardboard Box Derby. Live music will be going on, and The Big LeBREWski beer fest will feature unique brews to sip on for those 21 and up.
Lookout Pass
Idaho/Montana Border
April 14 - Hawaiian Luau
Parrot heads will love the constant Jimmy Buffett background music at the lodge in this family friendly party. Bartenders will even have an outdoor Snow Bar serving classics and island cocktails. Kids always have a great time at the Coco Nut Bowling Contest, which gets going at 2pm. The height of fun and entertainment is undoubtedly the Cardboard Box Derby. Couples, individuals and families parade down the hill in their own homemade cardboard box car. If you want to participate, sign up in advance. Remember, only cardboard and duct tape can be used in construction. Prizes will be handed out in several categories.
April 21 - Easter Egg Hunt
In an always competitive yet fun event, 50 Easter eggs will be placed around the mountain. Most will have candy in them while some will have a special announcement indicating you won an additional prize, which you can then claim at 3pm on the back deck. One Lucky winner will get a season pass provided that egg is indeed found. Other winners will get lift ticket vouchers for next winter or a Trail Pass for the Hiawatha for this summer. Others could win a T-Shirt or other fun prizes.
April 21 - Pond Skimming Competition
Come and attempt to skip, surf and glide across the chilly pond. Icy Dips await those who do not possess the skill to navigate the water to safety. Bring a towel and change of clothes just in case! Beach music will be blasting all day, and everyone on the mountain is encouraged to put on their best island wear. Those with a Hawaiian shirt get a free lei or party beads.
Mt. Spokane
Mead, Washington
March 24 – Free Ski Day
As the season winds down at Mount Spokane, the mountain is teaming up with KREM 2’s Tom Sherry for a ski-for-free day benefiting the Mead Food Bank. All you have to do is bring eight cans of food to the ticket window, and you’ll be given a free ticket Sunday, March 24. Protein and fruits are most in need.
March 30 - Hawaiian Days
The final week of March you’ll find the lodge at Mount Spokane decorated up like an island paradise. The culmination of the week is the annual pond skimming competition on Saturday, March 30. Enjoy food and drink specials, as well as costume contests, live music and prizes. Pull up a seat and watch as brave skiers and riders try not to get soaked. Additional details can be found at MtSpokane.com.
49° North
Chewelah, Washington
March 23 - Hawaiian Dayz
Another beach-themed party will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 49° North. A special barbecue menu will be available, and you can watch or participate in the annual Slush Cup events. Costume contests, season pass specials and prize raffles are up for grabs as well, so dress the part!
March 30 - Oyster Feed
We all know some of the best oysters come from the Washington Coast, but you don’t have to head all the way over to enjoy these tasty bites. The mountain’s annual all-you-can eat Oyster Feed is a seafood lover’s delight with a whopping 1,000 pounds of delicious Blau oysters shipped fresh from the coast for the party.