Alpine Adventures: The Top Ski Resorts Near Spokane Valley
The Pacific Northwest is packed with alpine adventures, and Spokane Valley is perched at the peak of action. With five ski resorts within a 90-minute drive, this region is a hotspot for winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re after panoramic mountain views, legendary tree skiing, or a post-snow soak at an indoor water park, these resorts are primed for epic escapes into the altitude. So, bundle up and hit the slopes with the Valley as your base camp for days of cruising and carving through the region’s best runs.
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park
Just a snowball’s throw away from Spokane Valley, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park stands as a top choice for skiers in the region. Only 28 miles from town, this community-owned, nonprofit ski resort offers over 1,700 acres of pristine powder. With six chair lifts and 52 runs, skiers of all levels will find their groove, from gentle slopes for beginners to thrilling tree skiing for the seasoned shredder. Plus, the on-site ski school offers two holiday camp sessions for ages 4-15, running Saturday through Monday on Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30—making it the perfect family weekend getaway to celebrate the approaching holiday or a fantastic gift to follow.
Silver Mountain Resort
Silver Mountain Resort awaits just 60 miles from Spokane Valley in the winter-cloaked mountains of Northern Idaho. With over 1,600 skiable acres and five chairlifts serving 73 unique trails, every skier will uncover a terrain that suits their style. The resort also boasts the largest gondola system in the United States, spanning a breathtaking 16,350 feet and inviting you to savor the panoramic views during a leisurely 16-minute ascent. After conquering the slopes, slip into the warmth of Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark, where the temperature is a perfect 84 degrees year-round. Each stay at Silver Mountain Lodging includes access to this indoor oasis, perfect for families seeking a change in the snow-capped scenery.
49º North Mountain Resort
Tucked away in the heart of the Colville National Forest, 65 miles north on U.S. Route 395, 49 Degrees North combines the charm of a local resort with breathtaking natural landscapes. This resort is the second largest in Washington state, featuring 2,325 skiable acres, seven chairlifts, and over 80 trails to explore. The standout feature is undoubtedly the expansive tree skiing—hundreds of acres featuring diverse pitches for both tight turns and wide arcs. And best of all, lift lines are a breeze, with waits typically under 30 seconds. With around 300 inches of snowfall annually, the mountain stays well-coated, supplemented with new snowmaking equipment along some of the most popular runs to keep the good times rolling.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Idaho’s largest ski and snowboard resort, Schweitzer Mountain, is located just under 80 miles from Spokane Valley. With over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain and 92 trails, Schweitzer offers ample room for everyone to explore. Renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the town of Sandpoint, Lake Pend Oreille, and even the distant Canadian peaks, Schweitzer is celebrated as one of the best family-friendly ski destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Families can enroll kids ages 5-12 in group lessons that make learning to ski fun and engaging in a peer-oriented environment. Each session lasts two hours, with options for full lessons consisting of two sessions or half-day lessons featuring just one session. Private lessons are also available for those seeking personalized instruction. Meanwhile, parents can engage in their own lessons, creating a shared adventure for the whole family.
Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area
Carve out memories that straddle two states and time zones at Lookout Pass Ski Area. Located just 85 miles east of Spokane Valley, this unique resort sits on the Idaho-Montana border, making it one of only four ski areas in the U.S. that spans two states. Plus, with free parking and conveniently located just 200 yards from I-90’s Exit 0, getting there is a breeze. Lookout Pass is renowned for its plentiful powder, boasting the most annual snowfall in Idaho at 400 inches, making it a favorite for those eager to kick off the ski season. With just 34 trails across its 540 acres of terrain, Lookout Pass embodies the charm of a local resort, where you can easily explore every curve and corner of the mountain. =.
From Slopes to Slumber
As the day winds down and the mountain air grows crisp, retreat to the welcoming warmth of a Spokane Valley hotel, where cozy accommodations await. Enjoy easy on-and-off access to the freeway and free parking, allowing you to maximize your time on the slopes and under soft sheets. Settle in with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and relive the day’s alpine adventures–tomorrow holds even more.
