Cross over the border, give Mt. Spokane a try

With lighted night runs visible from the Coeur d’Alene valley, Mount Spokane looms over North Idaho, inviting skiers to venture across the border for some great Washington skiing.

A 360-degree view of three states, two Canadian provinces, and rivers and lakes entice skiers to the summit, where they can warm alongside a roaring fire in the historic Vista House.

The Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park slogan, “operated by skiers and riders for skiers and riders,” is reflected in the nonprofit organization’s reasonable lift ticket prices.

It’s easy to understand the lure of this mountain. Small enough to keep lift lines short but large enough to offer plenty of terrain, this area is also progressing with the times by adding new features this season.

Five double chairlifts whisk skiers up the mountain at a rate of 4,920 per hour to explore 44 runs with a vertical rise of 2,000 feet. Mt. Spokane General Manager Brad McQuarrie reports about 100 inches of snow has fallen on Mt. Spokane already this season. Average annual snowfall at the ski hill is 120 inches.

Access: From U.S. Highway 95 and I-90, go west on I-90 for 19.3 miles to the Sullivan Road exit. Go north on Sullivan for 2.4 miles, left on East Wellesley Avenue for .3 miles, right on North Progress Road for .8 miles, then right on North Forker Road.for approximately 7.6 miles to East Mount Spokane Park Drive, which ends at the ski hill after about 10 miles.

Area: 1,250 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding.

Elevation: Summit elevation is 5,889 feet above sea level and the base is 4,200 feet.

Use: Moderate to heavy.

Trail condition: Well-maintained trails.

Trail ratings: Easiest, 23 percent day and 26 percent night; more difficult, 32 percent day and 60 percent night; most difficult, 45 percent day and 14 percent night.

Lift ticket prices: Adults (18-69): 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $35 WH*/$29; 1-4 p.m., $32 WH*/$26; 4-9:30 p.m., $19; Youth (7-17): 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $29 WH*/$25; 1-4 p.m., $26 WH*/$22, 4-9:30 p.m., $19; Child (6 and under): Free; Super Senior (70+): all times, $17 WH*/$15; Chair 5 only: $15.

WH* = Weekend and holiday rates; week rates listed otherwise. Tickets purchased Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday include night session when available. Check the Web site for special offers.

Restrictions: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, except for holidays. Check the operations calendar, www.mtspokane.com/calendar.htm, for more information. View the daily ski report at www.mtspokane.com/skireports.htm. Stay within boundaries, ski with courtesy, obey rules and be safe. Tube sliders must be at least 42 inches tall.

What to see: Fun skiing and great views.

Special features: New this year is the moving and expansion of the “Half-Hitch Terrain Park,” offering 25 acres, with a 1,300-foot elevation drop, of rails and snow features for snowboarders and free-style skiers. The tubing hill, located at Lodge 1, just downhill from the parking lot, offers fun for nonskiers, with tubes provided. A daily sliding ticket costs only $5 for the season. For those who can’t leave their laptops behind, a wireless “hot spot” Internet connection is set up in Lodge 2. Food and beverage service is available in both lodges. Baked goods and hot drinks are available at the Vista House.

Preparation: Visit the Web site www.mtspokane.com for snow conditions and current information or call (509) 238-2220.

Gear: Warm ski clothing and ski or boarding gear. Rentals include boots (the new, Lange two-buckle boots are featured), poles, boards and skis.

Note: The Vista House was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1947, the first double chairlift in the world was built at Mount Spokane. Skiing or snowboarding sessions for ladies only are featured the second Wednesday in February and March; $99 buys a lift ticket, lessons, rentals, continental breakfast, lunch and video analysis, topped off with wine, cheese and a mini massage.