Silver Mountain Ski Resort - Kellog, Idaho

Address:Kellog, Idaho
Tel: (208) 783-1111

Prospectors discovered ample deposits of silver in the panhandle of Northern Idaho years ago and the Silver Mountain ski area pays homage to that heritage. Skiers and snowboarders strike it rich when they come to the Silver Mountain ski area which is actually two mountain peaks together, each rising up 6,300 feet into the crisp, winter sky. Riding the gondola straight from the parking lot up to the base lodge puts you in contact with the 2,200 foot vertical drop which combines sixty-seven named trails, deep glades, off-piste terrain, and bountiful bowls, making this ski area a gem in Northern Idaho waiting to be polished.

Over 1600 acres of terrain are blanketed with Mother Nature's goodness with an average of 300 plus inches of powder a season. These are dotted by trails of all levels from beginner slopes to double black runs. Seven chairlifts, although somewhat antiquated and shaky, whisk riders back and forth all day long. Take note that Silver Mountain is sometimes shut down due to high winds and it is advised to check with the mountain before heading in so that a drive is not wasted. When the snow is right though, this is some of the lightest, driest powder to be found in the entire Northwest! Dress in layers because it can get bitterly cold and guests will want to be able to shed and add layers as the day comes and goes.

Park junkies will be stoked to ride the jibs, table tops, and jam through the rail parks which feature a 40 foot battleship and 35 foot downkink rails. There are over 30 different features that are changed and reshaped weekly, as well as a groomed halfpipe to catch air on.

Lessons are customized to the student's needs and desires and include powder, steeps, all-mountain terrain, freestyle, and bumps clinics. Women also have a specialized program designed just for them with emphasis on fun and style. Reservations are strongly recommended for both child and adult lessons. There is a fantastic family lesson package called "EZ 1-2-3" which is a beginners' package for three people that includes lessons, lift passes, and rentals, which can save a decent amount of money for bigger groups. Silver Kids, for children aged 6 to 13, is a great way for children to be with peers while learning to ski or snowboard safely. Full day programs include lunch and both half and full day programs offer hot chocolate and snacks to keep the energy up. Miner's Camp is a fully licensed day care center for little ones aged two to six.

Rates for access to Silver Mountain are made easy by having youth, adult (18-62), senior (62+), and college prices while children 6 years and younger ski or ride free with a paying adult. There are full or half day passes which start at noon, as well as special holiday rates. High-performance demo ski equipment, as well as standard ski and snowboard packages, are available from the rental shop on site at both adult and youth prices. There are clothing cubbies available, as well as a bag check available for equipment for a small fee. You can also use the free outdoor check, but be careful not to lose the tags to either check or else you will have to convince the staff that the equipment really is yours.

Gondola Village, onsite, is the hub of eating, lodging, and après ski activities. Noah's arcade keeps idle hands busy, Silver Rapids indoor water park is a way to splash the hours away, as is slipping your way down the snow tubing park's 100 foot lanes or melting away any aches at the spa. Noah's Canteen and Mogul's Lounge serve up micro-brewed beers, drink specials, and weekend entertainment, while the Snack Shack, Mountainhaus Lodge, and Alpenrose, serve piping hot appetizers, tantalizing steaks, pasta dishes, and delicious pastries with hot and cold drinks.

Morning Star Lodge offers convenient ski and stay packages and features both rooftop and ground level hot tubs, a workout room, a community room with a big screen TV, and a large kitchen. Featuring studio, 1, or 2 bedroom units and family suites with lofts, guests at Morning Star will appreciate the close proximity to the slopes.

Visitors to Silver Mountain also have the choice of nearby Spokane, Missoula, Cours d'Alene or Kellogg where they will find over 600 rooms to choose from in a variety of settings from B&Bs to franchised hotels and inns. There are also over 100 types of eateries to please every taste bud, from the Orient to down home steakhouses.

Silver Mountain is one of the easiest ski resorts to get to, with no mountain driving. It's location right off the interstate is highly convenient, not to mention no need for parking as you ride the world's longest gondola straight to the lodge, Silver Mountain is a favorite among locals and soon among your family's favorites as well. Pan for silver this winter at Silver Mountain and strike it rich.

Recently named by Ski Magazine as one of "Skiing's Biggest Secrets." Located right off north Idaho's I-90, Silver Mountain Resort is easily one of the nation's most accessible winter ski destinations. The resort's Gondola Base Lodge is only ¼-mile off the highway, an hour's drive east from downtown Spokane, WA. Offering 1,500 acres and 67 trails of varying terrain, over 300 inches annually, and over 2,000 vertical feet of the region's finest skiing and snowboarding and scenic rides on the world's longest gondola.