Nordic centers open at 2 sites

While nordic trail systems at Mt. Spokane, Schweitzer and Deer Creek Summit have been groomed for weeks, two additional cross-country trail systems are scheduled to open this weekend:

49 Degrees North will have an open house Saturday, starting at 11 a.m., to dedicate the new yurt at its expanded 15-kilometer groomed trail system and 5K snowshoe trail. Info: www.ski49n.com or call toll free (866) 376-4949.

Priest Lake Golf Course Nordic Center 10K trail system is groomed on Thursdays or Fridays. The clubhouse is open on Saturdays, plus Sundays on holiday weekends. Info: www.priestlake.org.

Avalanche update: High winds this week have created unstable snow on slopes throughout the region and forecasters are rating the backcountry avalanche danger as high.

Rich Landers