Snow-Makers Work Hard At Silver Mt.

Sun., Dec. 31, 1995

Graham Vink Travel Editor

How little snow has there been this winter?

So little that, through Dec. 21, crews at the Silver Mountain ski resort had already made more snow - 4.6 million gallons worth - than in the four previous years combined.

That snow-making capacity helped Silver Mountain become the first ski hill in the Inland Northwest to open for the season. For its snow report, call (800) 204-6428.

And if you haven’t made plans yet for a New Year’s Eve celebration tonight, Schweitzer Mountain Resort has a variety of festivities, including four different parties for adults and teens. For information, call (208) 263-9555.

On the trail: The annual Methow Pursuit cross-country skiing race, sponsored by the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association, is Jan. 13-14. For information, or an update on trail conditions in the Valley, call (509) 996-3287.

Gold! Tourists can follow in the footsteps of gold rush pioneers in Southeast Alaska with help from the 1996 Inside Passage Travel Planner.

The free planner includes sample itineraries, a visitor service directory, and photos. Call (800) 423-0568.

Mush! Sled teams of 10 dogs will participate in a 300-mile race that begins just west of Helena and ends at Seeley Lake, Mont. Race activities will begin Feb. 8, with the race commencing Feb. 10.

A microbrew festival will be held Jan. 26 at the Helena Civic Center to raise money for the race. The festival will feature a live band and more than 25 beers. For more information, call the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce at (800) 7-HELENA.

Canadian Rockies: Tour the Canadian Rockies or Alaska/Yukon with Holland America LineWestours. Three tour options for the Canadian Rockies are offered; land only tour, land tour plus three-day cruise, or land tour plus seven-day cruise.

Tours range from seven to 17 days. A $1,000 per couple discount is available if reservations and deposits are made by Feb. 23. Tour prices begin at $2,045 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information or reservations, contact any travel agent.

, DataTimes MEMO: Send information about travel opportunities around the Pacific Northwest to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.

Send information about travel opportunities around the Pacific Northwest to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210.