The area around Kettle Falls affords ski enthusiasts of all levels accessability to fabulous skiing in all directions. Within a couple of hours drive are no less than eight ski resorts. Few places in the world can boast something similar.
Winter is invigorating, fun and full of adventure. The skies appear bluer and a blanket of white covers the mountains, meadows and hills. The air is crisp and clean and the snow crunches beneath your feet, Mother Nature, has completely transformed the countryside. It's time for skating, skiing, and snowmobiling! Winter sport enthusiasts and families can spice up the cold months with a variety of snow activities sponsored by Washington State Parks' Winter Recreation Program. The Evergreen State is "ever green" only in parts. The Selkirk mountains provide great opportunities for all types of outdoor winter fun. With snow usually falling in November and not melting until March, everyone gets outdoors to enjoy their favorite cold season activities.
Snow mobile enthusiasts have numerous snow parks in the area with miles of designated trails to ride and explore. Cross country skiers can find numerous groomed trails to take along the ridges and around the lakes including Lake Roosevelt. Downhill skiers have two choices - just north of the border is 'Red Mountain' Ski Area in Rossland, BC. East of Chewelah is '49 Degrees North' Ski Area. Both areas are family friendly and full service resorts.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is one of the state's most popular winter activities. This is snowmobiling country. The evidence is as close as groomed trailhead and the sound of whining sleds. Over 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails offer riding through the winter recreation program in the northeast corner of Washington between the Canadian border and Spokane, in cooperation with federal, county, and local agencies, ski areas, snowmobile clubs and private landowners.
Guests staying with Blue Moose Cabins can literally travel about four miles up the road beside the Nancy Creek (located on the property) and find miles of forest land to snowmobile happily for hours. Alternatively they can travel up to Sherman Pass or through to Republic to an abundance of designated motorized winter areas and find even more places to enjoy.
... Play it Safe ...
Always check out snow conditions and weather forecast. When in doubt contact local snowmobilers. (most every community has a snowmobile club or organization that are up to date on the conditions of the area.)
If heading into the mountains, check for avalanche possibilities and sled with someone who is familiar with the terrain. Take along common spare parts for your machine, carry a first aid kit, extra food and water, and most important always let someone know where you are going and what time you plan to return.The winter recreation program provides Sno-parks, cleared parking areas for vehicles in close proximity to groomed and/or backcountry trails. There are two types of Sno-parks, those for snowmobiles and those for non-motorized sports. Their location depends on winter logging activity, snow conditions, movement of big game herds and other factors.Unfortunately, illegal intrusions by snowmobiles into designated areas are on the increase. Sometimes this is due to snowmobilers not knowing where the boundaries are, or that the area is closed. To avoid more area closures and the need for even tighter enforcement please familiarize yourself with the location of restricted areas and respect the boundaries. REMEMBER ... while snowmobiles have little impact on the ground, they have substantial impact on surrounding wildlife. Enjoy yourself but not to the detriment of the wildlife. (Tread Lightly)
No person 12 or under may operate a snowmobile on or across a public roadway or highway. persons 12 to 16 must pass the snowmobile safety education course and carry on their person, at all times of snowmobile operation, a snowmobile safety certificate verifying completion. If under the direct and present supervision of a qualified adult this may not be asked for.
All snowmobiles must be registered through Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) or a licensing agent even if used on their own property. Operators from states not requiring registration must obtain a 60 day registration permit from DOL. A Sno-park permit must be affixed to the towing vehicle on the inside of the windscreen (driver's side) in the lower left corner.
NOTE ... Please stay off newly groomed trails and focus use on narrow corridors through big game areas.
Cross County Skiing
Cross-country skiing on groomed trails is a favorite winter sport. There are mountain top routes, tracks through snow-dusted red rock, historic trails... even some of our snowed-in golf courses get into the act. Backcountry skiers should be well-prepared, and should check weather and avalanche forecasts prior to setting out. The winter recreation program provides Sno-parks, cleared parking areas for vehicles in close proximity to groomed and/or backcountry trails. There are two types of Sno-parks, those for snowmobiles and those for non-motorized sports. Their location depends on winter logging activity, snow conditions, movement of big game herds and other factors. Remember that Sno-park plowing cannot be done without highway plowing. For this reason, under certain weather conditions, some sno-parks may not be cleared for vehicle parking until other areas have been cleared. Keep in mind it is against the law to park on highway interchanges.
Sno-park Permits - for information on purchasing permits, vist http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/nonmotor.asp Proceeds from permit sales are used exclusively to maintain and improve Sno-park facilities. the pay for snow removal, sanitary facilities, trail grooming, trail signing, mapping, parking lot construction, education, enforcement, equipment and Sno-park program administration.
Mt Spokane - Spokane, WA
Mt Spokane, 25 miles from Spokane, Washington enjoys dry snow for nearly the whole season. Since it's a community-owned ski area, it benefits from lots of volunteer labors, like the annual buffing of the slopes with brush cutting tools. Downhill skiing and snowboard runs are available as well as night skiing.
49 Degrees North
49 Degrees North is a favorite for locals in Northeast Washington State. Consistently voted the region's best family resort, 49 Degrees North truly offers adventures for everyone. You will find 2.325 skiable acres on Chewelah Peak, with 54 runs serviced by 5 lifts. The addition of 12 cut runs and the gladed areas of East Basin has doubled the ski terrain. The trails are cut and the access lift built. The vertical is around 1,850 feet. The Chair 2 terrain park is one of the longest in the Northwest. Wide open groomed runs, moguls, desert dry powder, and hundreds of acres of legendary skiing. The summit of Chewelah Park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and ranges. Located on 1.9 million acres within the Colville National Forest '49' (as it is known to locals) is a genuine winter wonderland. The natural beauty of the area attracts visitors year round to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities.
Website: www.ski49n.com
Resort Map
Red Mountain - Rossland, BC Canada
Red Mountain is located in the interior of the province of British Columbia. It sits just 10 minutes north of the Canada/US border and only 5 minutes from the quaint town of Rossland. Red Mountain is actually made up of two mountains, Red and Granite, which provide 1,585 skiable acres amidst the resort's total 4,200 acre area. Both mountains are skiable 360 degrees around. That means you can choose from a virtually endless number of runs with each descent! In addition to Red's famous runs, Red Mountain offers Ski/Snowboard Terrain Park - a beginner area and a cros country and snowshoe loop.
To cross the border, you must have ID. along with your usual driver's licence, birth certificate or photo ID. The immigration officers will ask you routine questions about your personal history, the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay and what you are bringing across the border with you. Be prepared, they have the right and may search your vehicle. Firearms, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, fruit, and meat are of particular interest to them. Please pack carefully. The U.S. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by Jan. 1, 2008, travelers to and from Canada, Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama and Mexico must have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. Currently, a birth certificate and valid drivers license are all that is required to travel within the Western Hemisphere (Canada, Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama and Mexico).
Website: www.redresort.com
Phoenix Mountain - Grand Forks, BC Canada
The hill has a vertical of 800 ft and the nine runs range from beginner to some expert. A T-Bar services the main hill and a rope tow is on the beginner slope.
Salmo Ski Area - Salmo, BC Canada
Salmo provides a variety of skiing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. The bunny hill is perfect for new or young skiers and the area contains varied terrain, including groomed runs, gently sloping runs, moguls, steep slopes, pristine powder, racing courses and even a half pipe for snowboarders. Salmo is also noted for its night skiing and cross-country ski trails as well.
Designed & Maintained by 'Blue Moose Design'
Kettle Falls, WA
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