Enjoy winter recreation at Farragut

Just 20 miles north of Coeur d’Alene, the 4,000-acre Farragut State Park lies between rugged mountain ridges and along the crystal clear waters of the largest lake in Idaho – Lake Pend Oreille. When the snow cooperates, the park becomes a winter wonderland with cross country ski and snowshoe trails, a sledding hill and miles of snowmobile runs. The park is offering a free ski day next Saturday.

Access from I-90: North on U.S. Highway 95 for approximately 18.3 miles, then right on Highway 54 for approximately four miles to the ranger station.

Trails: Five groomed cross country ski trails, (1K, 5K, 7K and 10K), totaling more than six miles; a couple miles of snowshoe trails on three courses, and approximately seven miles of snowmobile trails.

Elevation: Averages 2,054 feet above sea level with minor elevation changes.

Use: Moderate.

Trail condition: Well-groomed conditions, depending on snow depth.

Difficulty: Ski trails are rated “Easiest” and “More Difficult” on the trail map.

Restrictions: No pets on groomed trails or sledding hill and must be leashed in all other areas; no motorized vehicles on ski, snowshoe trails, sledding hill and the rifle range; $4 parking fee to enter park (waived for skiers on the “Free Ski Day” on Jan. 8); parking only in designated plowed parking lots; ski in clockwise direction to avoid oncoming skiers; no walking/snowshoeing on groomed ski trails; snowmobiles allowed between sunrise and 10 p.m. and only north of Highway 54; sledders and tubers are asked to walk on one side of the runs to avoid collisions and to keep the runs smooth.

What to see: Wildlife, forests and spectacular Lake Pend Oreille.

Special features: Ski trails are marked with color-coded poles corresponding to distance – the top color on the pole matches the trail you are skiing; shelters and restrooms are on the 5K ski trail.

Preparation: Free trail maps are available at Farragut State Park, 13550 E. Highway 54, Athol, ID 83801, 683-2425. The park’s Web site is http://www.idahoparks.org/parks/ farragut.html

Gear: Layered winter clothes and snowshoes or cross country skis (skis can be rented from ski shops in Hayden and Coeur d’Alene). Dressing for changing conditions and carrying drinking water and a first-aid kit are always good ideas.

Note: Next Saturday’s “Free Ski Day” waives the $4 daily parking fee (the $25 Annual Passport allows day use of all Idaho State Parks and cross country skiing at Priest Lake, Round Lake, Winchester and Farragut) and offers free beginner cross country ski lessons and refreshments inside the visitor center. Day skiing is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a guided night ski tour is featured from 7 to 9 p.m. Meet at the visitor center and bring a headlight or flashlight for night skiing.

Nordic, also called cross country skiing, is a great way to have fun while exercising. A study at Montana State University reported a burn of 551 calories per half-hour for a 154-pound cross country skier. That’s 176 more calories than running at a 10-minute-per-mile pace and 267 more than biking uphill, according to MSU’s graduate student Owen Murphy, who conducted the study. Although generally not as fast-paced as downhill skiing, Nordic skiing provides a better aerobic workout, higher calorie burn (294 calories per half-hour for downhill skiing) and eliminates costly lift tickets and lines.