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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Powder lists Spokane as ‘Next American Ski Town’ because it’s affordable


A skier makes his way down a run at Mount Spokane earlier this month, finding the perfect cure for the cold-weather blahs. 
 (Jed Conklin / The Spokesman-Review)
A skier makes his way down a run at Mount Spokane earlier this month, finding the perfect cure for the cold-weather blahs. (Jed Conklin / The Spokesman-Review)

WINTERSPORTS -- The December issue of Powder Magazine lists Spokane as one of four up and coming 'Ski Towns' as opposed to the storied locales of Jackson, Telluride, Mammoth and Sun Valley.

The reason: A Spokane skier doesn't have to be freakin' filthy rich in order to live and ski!

In the story "The Next American Ski Towns," Powder writers list Spokane among Reno, Nevada; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Waterbury, Vermont  as satellite ski communities emerging on relocation radars because traditional ski towns are no longer affordable options for most skiers and riders.

Even Whitefish, Montana, has median listed home prices of $519,000. In Jackson Hole, it's $1.4 million. Spokane fits more skier budgets with a median home price of $175,900.

Powder writer John Stifter points out some of Spokane's other attributes, including being close enough to Mount Spokane to skin up for a sunrise run before work. Spokane's also within an easy shot of Canada, he notes. 

But even for this story, the magazine can't quite let go of downhill skiing's link to big spending.  The two photos about Spokane feature Schweitzer Mountain Resort, which has great skiing terrain but also the highest lift ticket prices in the region. 

And it's probably good that Powder pointed out that Spokane has upscaled to the point of providing ceviche for those who crave raw marinated fish after shredding the slopes all day. It just seems strange in a story about being affordable. 

Thanks to Powder for recognizing what we know.  But really, shhh.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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