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Winter Activities in Coeur d'Alene

When staying with us in the Winter, you'll find there are an endless number of things to do. So bring some warm clothes and make plans to enjoy the Coeur d'Alene area in Winter. Then come "home" the the warmth and comfort of American Country Bed and Breakfast.

Watch the Eagles Soar - Toward the end of November, migrant populations of beautiful Bald Eagles arrive at Wolf Lodge Bay at the east end of Lake Coeur d’ Alene. The Lake waters are rich with Kokanee Salmon that have spawned, offering the eagles abundant winter food. The eagles can be easily viewed from I-90 near Wolf Lodge area. You can also take an eagle-watching cruise by calling 1-800-365-8338 ext. 7143 for reservations.

Ski Silver Mountain - Home of the world's longest single stage gondola, it ascends upward for three miles to reach 6,300 feet in 20 minutes. Located in Kellogg, 800-204-6428, It is the closest to Coeur d’ Alene. Terrain parks feature a half pipe, three fun boxes, benches, table top jumps and many rails. Silver Mountain also rents snowshoes for a trail network. The Gondola opens at 8 a.m.

Ski Schweitzer Mountain Resort - overlooks the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend O'reille. Famous for it's massive bowls and breathtaking views, and six passenger lift, it is undergoing a 10-year transformation to a four-season destination resort, 800-831-8810, The resort grooms 25 miles of cross-country trails daily. The terrain park and garden feature a 300 foot half pipe with 12 foot walls, 13 rails, seven tabletops, two spines and two jumps.

Skiing the Lookout Pass Ski Area - near Wallace on the Montana-Idaho border provides a great place for beginners and family fun, 208-744-1301 It has 18 runs and snowboarders won’t believe the “B-52” Terrain Park complete with huge launches, banks, and a 1,111-foot-long natural quarter-pipe.

Cross-Country Skiing - A well maintained trail system at Farragut State Park awaits cross-country skiers. Cross-country skiing can also be found along the Centennial Trail, which runs from the east end of Lake Coeur d’Alene to Spokane, through Post Falls. Visit Outdoor Idaho for more information.

Snowmobiling is another winter sport that has found popularity in this area. You can snowmobile on well-groomed trails higher than 7,000 feet. The two major areas include Roman Nose in the Selkirk Mountains and Canuck Basin in the Purcell Mountains. Take a look at these websites for more ideas on where to take advantage of this fun sport: www.bonnersferrychamber.com or www.sandpointchamber.com or www.priestlake.org and www.priestriver.org

Fantasy Light Cruise to the North Pole - Take a 40 minute lake cruise starting November 25th through January 7th, to the North Pole, and view the unique holiday light displays along the water. More than a million lights sparkle in the moonlight. It is the largest on-the-water resort holiday light show in America. Treat yourself to a magical visit to Toyland and don’t miss Santa. Boats leave nightly from the East side of the Boardwalk Marina at the Resort. For reservations, phone 208-664-7268.

Winter Carnival - January 12th -15th, is a long week of pure fun, celebrating the best of the snowy season…indoors and out. It takes place in Sandpoint, approx. 46 miles to the North on Highway 95, all around town and on Schweitzer Mountain, too. The mountain is the scene of fireworks displays, a torchlight parade, bonfire and snow sculptures. The “Parade of Lights,” in downtown Sandpoint, gives onlookers a great view of fun floats created by businesses and community organizations.

Sleigh Rides - As soon as the snow flies, Western Pleasure Guest Ranch begins offering scenic horse-drawn sleigh rides powered by their draft teams. Enjoy a 2 mile loop trail of dense forests and fantastic views of the Selkirk Mountains. Perhaps you’re looking for that romantic setting to pop the big question, try a one-horse open sleigh ride. Enjoy hot drinks and freshly popped popcorn in front of a crackling fire afterwards or check out their dinner packages. The ranch is about 60 miles from our B & B. Call for availability 208-263-9066.

Ice Skating - Explore a 100-acre park in the heart of Downtown Spokane and enjoy ice-skating at the Ice Palace. While you are there, you might enjoy the gondola SkyRide over the falls. The ride travels a 2,500 foot loop to the other side of the Spokane River, beginning from the southwest corner of Riverfront Park. The average ride is 15 minutes. Call 509-625-6600 for more information. Riverfront Park is also the home of the beautiful 1909 Looff Carrousel.

Ice Fishing - Cold weather brings good ice fishing opportunities at many of the lakes in the area. Keep watch of the Panhandle Region fishing report.

Polar Bear Plunge January 1, 2006 Put on that bikini or Speedo and jump into the frigid waters of Lake Coeur d’ Alene from Sanders Beach, Brrrr……Get your blood pumping for 2006! Only 10 minutes from our front door to the beach.