Head to Silver Mountain for snowshoe outing

Kootenai County’s unusually warm and dry weather pattern this season requires dedicated winter sports lovers to go higher and higher to find snow. Fortunately, there is an option to climbing to the peaks of the snow-capped mountains looming over the valley – the world’s longest gondola is just a quick drive east on I-90 from Coeur d’Alene.

February snows added to the base and for about one-third the cost of a skiing lift ticket, the high-speed gondola delivers snowshoers to the Mountain Haus, where a three-mile trail begins at the 5,700-foot level

Access from I-90: From Coeur d’Alene, drive east on I-90 to Exit 49 and follow the ramp to the right to the gondola base.

Length: Round trip of three miles.

Elevation: 5,700 feet above sea level with minor elevation change on the trail.

Use: Light.

Trail condition: Snow is deep in the trees, with thin spots in exposed areas.

Difficulty: The high altitude adds to the aerobic workout, so snowshoers should be in good shape. After a fresh snow, trail-breaking may be necessary for the first user of the trail.

Restrictions: The gondola ride, from the base to the Mountain Haus and back, costs $12.95. Resort officials recommend checking in with Ski Patrol at the Mountain Haus before hitting the trail and again when leaving. Always stay on the trail and in bounds.

What to see: The high elevation offers good views. Silver Mountain plays host to the Idaho Winter Games this weekend, with boardercross, skiercross, halfpipe and slopestyle competition on display.

Special features: Snowshoes may be rented at the Silver Mountain Haus for $10. Three restaurants, from the cafeteria-style Mountain House Grill, to Mogul’s Lounge, boasting 12 microbrews on tap, to Alpenrose, a full-service dining room with views of the slopes, make this trek even more fun.

Preparation: Call Silver Mountain at (800) 204-6428 (hit “0” when prompted) and make certain the snowshoe trail is open. Visit the Web site www.silvermt.com for an update on snow conditions and see the live Web cam. Warm-up exercises and stretching are helpful to minimize muscle strains.

Gear: Dress for changing conditions and carry plenty of water (this activity causes you to use a lot of fluids) and snacks. Insulted boots (waterproof preferred) are a must and gators are a great accessory.

Note: Snowshoeing provides a great cardiovascular workout and tones your entire body. Heart muscles, as well as leg muscles, are strengthened and it improves delivery of oxygen to muscles. According to the American Hiking Society, snowshoeing burns more calories than running or cross country skiing and is a great low-impact form of exercise.

For downhill skiers and snowboarders, Stephen Lane of Silver Mountain Resort, reports that about 75 percent of the mountain’s runs are open this year and conditions are good. Adult full-day ski lift tickets are $39 for a full weekend day or $35 during the midweek. The resort is offering half-price lift tickets to holders of season passes to any other ski resort, even if that resort is closed.