By Lindsay Box

Spokane has 5 ski resorts nearby - making it easy for outdoor adventurers to find fresh powder and scenic mountain views. Whether skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or tubing - there are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors this winter. With COVID policies in place, there are a few things you’ll need to know before you go this season:

Plan ahead. Do you need to buy lift tickets before you go? Can you go during the week?
Pack it all. Many lodges and indoor spaces are closed, so you must suit up, eat, and do all the things in your vehicle.
Wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands. Duh.
Stay home if you are sick. Again, duh.

That said, here are the nearest ski resorts and a list of how they are staying safe with COVID precautions:

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, located only 28 miles from downtown Spokane, provides 1,425 acres of skiing & snowboarding accessed by 5 double chairlifts.

They have COVID restrictions and guidelines in place, including:

You must wear a mask and socially distance in lift lines.
To limit capacity, lift tickets must be purchased in advance.
All indoor spaces are closed, except to use the bathroom and purchase food.
The parking shuttle also has limited capacity.

49 Degrees North

49 Degrees North is Washington State's 2nd largest ski resort located in the Colville National Forest. It is a favorite family-friendly resort with full service alpine ski area, 1,850 vertical drop, five chairlifts, and one surface lift.

They have COVID restrictions and guidelines in place, including:

You must wear a mask in any indoor space, at the base, in lift lines, and in outdoor settings when you are unable to socially distance.
To limit capacity, lift tickets must be purchased in advance. However, season pass holders are not required to make reservations.
Seating dining is closed, but there are outdoor dining and take away options.

Silver Mountain

With two mountains offering a variety of terrain and blanketed by over 300 inches of snow, Silver Mountain is another family fun destination. Located right off I-90, families can enjoy an indoor waterpark and luxurious lodging after a day on the slopes.

They have some COVID restrictions and guidelines in place, including:

You must wear a mask in all indoor spaces, except when seated to eat or drink, and outdoors when social distance cannot be maintained.
You must get your temperature taken to enter the waterpark and reservations must be made in advance.
Lift tickets are limited on weekends and holidays and reservations must be made in advance. Midweek non-holiday tickets can be purchased at the window or online in advance.
Dining is open and available, but physically distanced.

Lookout Pass

Lookout Pass has a reputation for legendary powder, early openings, and a long season. It gets an average snowfall of 400 feet of light, fluffy, powdery Northern Rockies snow. It’s a skiers paradise each winter.

They have some COVID restrictions and guidelines in place, including:

Masks are mandatory inside all buildings, outside in lift lines, and anywhere outside where you are unable to social distance.
Access to indoor spaces is limited, but restaurants and bars are still open with limited seating/capacity.
Lift tickets may be limited on the weekends and holidays and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Schweitzer Mountain

Schweitzer Mountain has 2,900 acres of terrain, 300 feet of snow per year, and 10 lifts. The ski resort is open 7 days a week and offers a variety of winter sports and activities; traditional downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, and the non-traditional, snowcat skiing.

They have some COVID restrictions and guidelines in place, including:

Face masks are required in all indoor and outdoor spaces and social distancing is encouraged.
Restaurants and other food options are open, but with limited capacity.

For a comprehensive guide to what new things to expect, check out Out There Outdoor’s article on “What’s New for this Season.”