Idaho, Washington info

[Poke]

New guy here looking for info about Schweitzer, 49° North and Silver Mountain. A non-skiing buddy just moved to Spokane, the offer of a free room and free use of his truck is too good to pass up.

Understanding that each and every season is different, what are the odds of finding good snow in early March at the above mentioned areas? Also, are there any crazy passes to cross when heading from Spokane to Sandpoint? Any roads in particular to avoid?

Always been fascinated by the snow ghosts, and now I may get to see them, on the cheap no less.

Thanks in advance for any and all info.

 

[Admin]

Welcome, Poke. It's always fun at this time of year to see new faces show up!

New guy here looking for info about Schweitzer, 49° North and Silver Mountain.

The info's a bit dated, but:

Schweitzer: http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index. ... le&sid=140

Silver Mt.: http://www.firsttracksonline.com/index. ... le&sid=139

We're considering sending a writer up there this year to re-do those pieces as they're six and nearly seven years old now, respectively, and big changes have taken place at both resorts.

A non-skiing buddy just moved to Spokane, the offer of a free room and free use of his truck is too good to pass up.

By saving room and ground transport, is there any reason to not go??? You get to see a part of the world you've always wondered about, and if the skiing's good it's a bonus. With La Niña in place this winter odds are the snow will be at a minimum respectable.

Understanding that each and every season is different, what are the odds of finding good snow in early March at the above mentioned areas?

From our own resident snowfall expert, Tony Crocker:
http://members.aol.com/crockeraf/nrocnet.htm

 

[Tony Crocker]

La Nina should favor these areas. March is likely to have spring conditions if it hasn't snowed recently, as altitude is low by western standards and Schweitzer's main exposure is east. January and February are on average best. Don't overlook Red Mt. across the border while you're out there.

 

[ChrisC]

I skied Schweitzer late last March (after a multi-week heat wave) and the skiing was quite good. The main bowl faces East and South and corned up on the south facing aspects -- even with minor snow squalls (2-6")/temp 30F . The other bowl faces East and North. There was a lot of wind-loaded snow in areas. It's a nice mountain.

Spokane to Sandpoint is an easy trip via low elevation roads. Silver is even easier since it's off Interstate 90. Both 49North and Schweitzer trips gain some altitude as you snake your way up to the bases, but a truck could handle it.

The snow ghosts were gone by late March, but some should still be around earlier in the month.

 

[Poke]

First off, thanks for the welcome.

Secondly, thanks for the info. Lots of good stuff already helping me to plan my trip. Searches of past threads have also been quite helpful. Keep 'em coming.

In return, I'll offer any and all info I can to those folks planning a week at Central PA's finest, Ski Roundtop :roll:

 

[Idaho Cliff]

Poke,

You may already be aware, but there are several other options not too far from Spokane including Mount Spokane, and Lookout Pass.

Lookout Pass is just east of Silver Mtn. Somewhat smaller, but enlarged somewhat this year with a new lift. It IS on Lookout Pass, but being on I-90, it’s usually well plowed and sanded. There’s some info at: http://www.firsttracksonline.com/boards ... okout+pass and also at:
http://www.skilookout.com/ and http://www.visitidaho.org/winter/alpine ... tpass.aspx

Mount Spokane info is at: http://www.mtspokane.com/ and http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.as ... XFA027-027

Have a good trip,
/s/ Cliff

 

[Tony Crocker]

I skied Schweitzer late last March (after a multi-week heat wave) and the skiing was quite good.

I can tell from altitude/exposure when an area is likely to go to spring conditions. Figuring out whether it will be good spring conditions seems to require first-hand experience. My recent skiing at Portillo and Valle Nevado being Exhibit A. Snow depth is likely part of it. We know that Schweitzer got hammered in November/December last season and probably had a deep base.

 

[ChrisC]

I skied Schweitzer late last March (after a multi-week heat wave) and the skiing was quite good.

I can tell from altitude/exposure when an area is likely to go to spring conditions. Figuring out whether it will be good spring conditions seems to require first-hand experience.

Well, I did not mean to imply it is always good in late March. Your NASJA? trip/non-trip proves it.

However, as a place to stop between Banff and the Spokane airport - why not? My experience at similar Red Mt. was just so-so earlier in the week - hence I left...but after a few days, things recovered. Very weird day with snow loaded by winds on lee side - East/Northeast bonanza with 6" or more - but scoured south faces in corn.

Is that typical? no. March is hard. It worked. But solar will soften anything S during this month.