10 Fun Winter Activities in Spokane, Washington
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Brrr, it’s cold outside. Time to wrap up in a blanket and wake me when spring is here. Right? Not in the Spokane area!
With so many outdoor activities in which to participate, winter is just another word for fun. From downhill skiing to snowshoeing, there’s very little reason to hibernate indoors all winter!
If you’re looking for some fun outdoor winter activities in Spokane, you won’t want to miss these!
Looking for more things to do in Spokane? Head over to our Events page for all the latest!
The Best Outdoor Winter Activities in Spokane, WA
Downhill Skiing
With five ski resorts less than two hours from Spokane, pack your skis and head to the slopes. With Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park the closest at less than an hour away, you can spend the day skiing any of the 52 designated runs.
With the peak at 5,889 feet, Mt. Spokane is the tallest spot in Spokane County. Fans of night skiing can enjoy any of the 16 available runs. Mt. Spokane also offers lessons for inexperienced skiers.
Don’t let the name fool you, but Children’s Choice Tubing Hill is open for kids of all ages. With 90-minute sessions available, it’s a fun way for a family or friends to enjoy the mountain without learning to ski. After each run, a tow brings tubes back to top for your next downhill ride.
Prefer just the tubing to skiing? You can do that on Children’s Choice Tubing Hill, too! And don’t have to take our word for Children’s Choice Tubing Hill as being a top outdoor winter activity in Spokane – Only in Your State calls it an ‘epic snow tubing hill in Washington’ that will ‘give you the winter thrill of a lifetime’!
Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area is about two hours east of Spokane at the Idaho/Montana border features 35 runs. The longest run stretches 1.5 miles. The resort recently added new four-person chairlifts.
Originally named Jackass Ski Bowl after a donkey, the ski area eventually became Silver Mountain Resort. With a gondola that takes visitors from Kellogg at the foot of the mountain to the ski resort, Silver Mountain is open for winter and summer activities.
Reaching about 6,300 feet at its peak, Silver Mountain has 73 designated runs, from beginners to experts. The resort also features racing teams for children ages 5 to 17.
About a 90-minute drive from Spokane, Schweitzer Ski Resort near Sandpoint, Idaho, features nearly 3,000 acres of ski terrain, including some of the best tree courses in the United States. With 92 named runs and open bowls, Schweitzer Ski Resort offers winter sports enthusiasts an impressive spot to play. The resort also features Nordic skiing routes.
With 82 runs, 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort challenges skiers with nearly 3,000 acres of fun. First-time skiers can take a short lesson before hitting the slopes.
More Ways to Enjoy Winter in Spokane
Looking for the best places to shop local this holiday season? What about winter activities, or how to prepare for your first winter in Spokane? We’ve got you covered below!
Ice Skating
Perhaps one of the most fun outdoor winter activities in participate in and watch, ice skating is a big deal in Spokane!
Spokane-area skating fans enjoy a unique skating experience with the Numerica Skate Ribbon at Riverfront Park. Instead of skating in a small oval, ice skating enthusiasts have fun covering a 650-foot long route that includes inclines to provide a different skating experience.
Fire pits are located around the attraction, so people can relax and enjoy a warm drink or snack during their visit. In addition, you can grab a hot coffee or hot chocolate at the Ice Ribbon, or warm up from being outside in the large and spacious cafeteria area.
The Ice Ribbon also offers a variety of discount and free-skate days, plus movies on ice and ice skating lessons.
Not a great skater but want to learn how? In the past, Lake City has offered skating classes through the City of Spokane. You can check their website to view their latest learning to skate group lessons and more!
Indoor skating fans can enjoy public skating at Eagles Ice Arena. Home to hockey games and figure skating competitions, Eagles Ice Arena offers 90 minutes of daily skating fun daily during winter months. The arena is also available to host birthday parties where attendees can enjoy ice skating.
Coeur d’Alene is home to the Frontier Ice Arena and offers public skates four days a week. Check the website for hours and admission.
Cross Country Skiing
If you’re not a skiier, cross-country skiing offers another opportunity to enjoy outdoor winter activities in Spokane! Spokane offers cross country skiing when the city receives at least six inches of snow and it remains cold.
The city has opened about five miles of Riverside State Park for cross country skiing. Of course, cross country skiing is weather dependent, so you’ll want to check the website before heading out for fun. The trail starts at Seven Mile Trailhead. A Discover Pass is required for parking.
Indian Canyon also offers cross country skiing over a nearly 2-mile long course. The trail features two routes – one for beginner and one for experienced cross country skiers.
Dwight Merkel is the city’s third cross country ski route.
The cross country trails are also available for fat bike tire riding.
Must Have Winter Essentials
Electric blanket
You’ll want to get an electric blanket for winter in Spokane (or maybe a couple) that has auto shut off features (just in case you fall asleep with them on!)
Check it out >
Snow brush and ice scraper
This is very similar to the one we bought a few years ago, and for the most part it’s still going strong! One broke but the other has survived four winters so far!
Check it out >
Winter emergency kit for your car
This is a great option to keep in your car, especially if you make long trips over the pass or have to drive a lot for work.
Check it out >
Snowboarding
Surfing on snow. Is there any other way to describe this sport? It takes a lot of skill and talent to navigate the area’s mountain trails on a snowboard. While the area’s five ski resorts offer snowboarding runs, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is the closest location to enjoy the sport.
With four terrain parks, Mt. Spokane offers snowboarding enthusiasts a fun, yet challenging, experience.
Progression Park is located at the top of chair lift three and features small, progression-structured rails and tables. It’s an excellent spot for beginners.
Gnarwood Park features natural features, such as logs, as part of its run. Half Hitch Terrain Park challenges shredders with rails, hits and jumps. It’s a great run for freestylers.
Lamonga Park can be accessed from Half Hitch Terrain Park and features larger jumps and rails.
Snowshoeing
You don’t need to be a skiing enthusiast to enjoy time in the snow. In fact, hikers often change their winter routine to include snowshoeing. The activity is easy to learn and once you find your favorite shoe, off you go.
Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboarding Park is an outstanding spot for snowshoeing. With plenty of trails available, you can enjoy your time in nature without worrying about running into skiers.
As you explore Newman Lake at McKenzie Conservation Area, about an hour northeast of Spokane. Along your hike, you may see eagles and other wildlife.
Not sure where to get started? Let this ‘Six Spokane Area Snowshoe Hikes‘ from Out There Outdoors be your guide!
This list includes some of our top recommendations for fun activities year round, including Dishman Hills and Bowl and Pitcher.
Looking for more things to do in Spokane year round? Make sure to visit our ‘Best Things to Do in Spokane’ recommendations here!
Winter Activities in Downtown Spokane
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy winter fun in Spokane, winter season in downtown Spokane is where it’s at. With activities for the whole family and easy parking, there’s something for everyone this time of year.
A few fun winter activities to keep your eye on for the entire family include:
- Lighting the Christmas tree at Riverfront Park – November 25
- Riverfront Market – Small Business Saturday on November 25
- DJ Night on the Ice – throughout the month of December. Grab some hot cocoa and enjoy the beautiful skating rink!
- Just a short walk away is the Historic Davenport Hotel, where you’ll find Christmas Tree Elegance from November 28 to December 10
- Terrain’s Brrrzaar, an annual event, at River Park Square on December 16
If you want to shop local, it’s easy with all of the downtown Spokane events around local businesses! For even more holiday fun, check out our article on Holiday Markets and Events Around Spokane.
Need some inspiration for local and regional gifts? Take a look at our list of the best gifts from Washington state!
Looking for More Winter Events Around Spokane?
Find even more fun outdoor winter activities around Spokane over at our Events page here!
Spokane Winter Trip Planning Resources
Visiting Spokane this winter? Use our handy resource list of places to stay around Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, with hotel options from Booking.com and unique home stays from VRBO!
Enjoying Outdoor Winter Activities Around Spokane
Regardless of the sports activity you enjoy during the winter, the Spokane area is perfect for having fun. From ice skating to downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing, dress warmly and head outdoors.
What’s your favorite outdoor winter activity in Spokane? Let us know in our Facebook group, Getting to Know Spokane!
