Discover some fun while lucky friends ski
It happens to the best of us: sidelined for the ski season by a non-skiing injury. Given a choice, I certainly wouldn’t have picked this season of all seasons to be unable to ski.
But it’s happened, alas, and although this is supposed to be a ski column, this week it’s going to be a support circle for those who, against their will, can’t ski this year, and who get to listen to their friends’ tales of a great day on the slopes – in sunshine no less.
Our first instinct is to stay away from the ski areas, but then we’re reduced to staying at home and moping. I am discovering there is still plenty to do while my friends and family are out on the slopes. It sure beats cabin fever and the cold, snowy, sunny atmosphere has its share of healing properties.
A day at Silver Mountain could include a scenic gondola ride. Sure, typically, it’s a mode of transportation, but ride it for the scenery. If you are able to go do something, you can snowshoe the 3-mile trail around the Mountain Haus. It’s a mellow hike, with more active options if you are so inclined. Rentals are available at Silver for $10 per day.
Moguls in the Mountain Haus is a comfortable bar with a great selection of microbrews and delicious fish tacos. With a book, a Gonzaga game or Olympics coverage on the TV, I, too, can boast about a great afternoon.
The Winter Games of Idaho will take place at Silver next weekend. If you caught the Olympics coverage of the exciting half-pipe and snowboardercross competitions, you may be interested in seeing this type of competition live. The schedule is listed at www.silvermt.com.
The party of the year for the ski resort will take place Feb. 25: Mardi Gras & Microbrew Party starts up at Moguls with live blues and reggae by Milonga and moves down to Terrible Edith’s at the Gondola Village.
Last week, I went up to Schweitzer so my family could ski and I enjoyed some downtime with a coffee and pastry at the Mojo Coyote Cafe. I brought my laptop because the Village has wireless Internet access for $9.95 a day. When my family was done, we headed over together to the Chimney Rock Grill for a delicious lunch.
I could have opted for a massage at Heaven the Spa, and then headed over to Taps for some weekend afternoon acoustic music or to watch the Olympics. Other activities for the non-skier include a snowshoe hike through Hermit’s Hollow or a cross-country ski tour on the trail system. Selkirk Powder Company offers scenic snowmobile tours from the summit of Schweitzer. Hermit’s Hollow Tubing Hill is open.
Exciting events for spectators at Schweitzer include the Outrageous Air Show with aerial jumps on March 3-4. The World Cup Telemark Finals will be something to watch with the world’s top telemark racers coming to Schweitzer.
Finally, Lookout Pass, 49 Degrees North and Mt. Spokane all have base lodges with their own special character and historic significance. Mt. Spokane offers free wireless Internet in Lodge 2. The recently expanded base lodge at Lookout Pass makes a great place to kick back, watch the Olympics, sample the microbrews and enjoy the views from the Loft Pub & Grill.
The Boomtown Bar at 49 Degrees North is a cozy bar to have a beer and exercise that right arm while everyone else is out in the cold.
The ski resort wants the whole family to come up and play. They recognize that many families have someone who doesn’t care to ski.
If they don’t cater to that one person, they risk losing the whole family as a customer. Each year, we’ll see them innovating with more and more activities geared toward that non-skier/snowboarder.
Fortunately for me, I am able to take full advantage of it by catching up on my reading, and by staying current with the latest trends in mountain cuisine and microbrews while my companions brave the elements and try to stay warm in all that wonderful snow.