Snow Sport Report

Alpine skiing

This should be the year’s first big skiing weekend since New Year’s. Most area ski resorts are expecting plenty of new snow, including Schweitzer, which already had 7 new inches by Thursday noon. Even Mount Spokane is planning on re-opening tomorrow if the area gets the expected barrage of snow.

Schweitzer is offering $5 ticket coupons to Bonner County students for afternoon skiing. Students must attend morning classes for the ticket.

Nordic skiing

Telemarkers rule this weekend: Dual-slalom races at Silver Mountain Saturday and Schweitzer Sunday.

With all of the expected new snow this weekend, beware of avalanche conditions. Panhandle Avalanche Forecast: (208)-765-7379.

British Columbia has had great snow, while this area’s had none, but an ugly layer of depth hoar is making the slopes unstable. A skier died in an avalanche at Stagleap Provincial Park last weekend, and two more backcountry skiers survived begin buried near Whitewater Ski Area.

Methow Valley has great snow and groomed conditions. Mount Spokane might be able to get out the BIG groomer today. Info: 238-4025.

Newport Ranger District will probably groom some trails next week. Info: (509)-447-7300.

Snowmobiling

Mount Spokane still isn’t grooming for snowmobiles, but there is enough snow in the Baldies. Recent conditions have been icy. Most snowmobiling action is in high country near Priest Lake, Lookout Pass and Grassy Mountain area northwest of Kellogg. , DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Compiled by Vince Dice and Rich Landers