With winter in full swing, there are so many fun activities from sledding and snowboarding to ice skating and skiing. For those skiing fanatics, there's nothing better than the feeling of gliding through soft pillowy snow while the cold breeze hits your face. According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), the U.S. ski industry recorded 60.4 million skier visits—marking the fifth busiest season on record—during the 2023-2024 season. We'll see how the 2024-2025 season compares!You may have a slope that you visit every season, but if you're looking for a travel destination that's perfect for skiing, we have a recommendation you won't want to miss.Brian Miller, cameraman for the award-winning Places to Love on PBS and right hand man to travel guru Samantha Brown, has a mountain he has visited for over 60 years and says you should too.Related: The U.S. Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Samantha Brown
Miller recommends that people visit Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint, Idaho. Located in the North Idaho panhandle (approximately 90 minutes from Spokane, Washington), and 70 miles from the Canadian border, this is the perfect skiing destination for families and solo travelers. "The mountain opened for skiing in 1963 and has been growing every since," he tells Parade. "My folks started me skiing there in 1963 so I’ve been going for over 60 years now! I love that it has something for everyone, truly a family resort with skiing/boarding for everyone."
Miller's Secrets About This 'Perfect for Skiing' Destination
Many people go skiing during the holidays whether that's Christmas or Thanksgiving, but if you can get to the mountain at a different time, that's your best bet. "I’ve had mid-week/off-holiday runs where I’m almost all by myself on the slope," he tells Parade. "Don’t count out the spring skiing—we get some gorgeous days and generally they stay open until Easter."Aside from less crowds, you may even find that the prices for some of the hotels and lodges are cheaper during this time. The same applies for flights if you plan on taking a plane to Idaho to visit. Pay attention to the details
Pay attention to the details
According to Miller, all the lifts have fun names, but to sound like a local, learn to call them by their original numbers. "Extra points if you know what “Ski the 7B” is referring to," he says. Related: The Caribbean Travel Destination Everyone Should Visit at Least Once, According to Getaway Guru Samantha Brown
Brian Miller's family photo on Schweitzer MountainCourtesy of Brian Miller
Miller's Top 3 Travel Tips for This Snowy Destination
For a mid-run hot chocolate or beer, you can either stop at the Rowdy Grouse or on the ‘Back Side’ at the Outback Lodge. "If I’m in the mood for a fancier sit-down meal, the Crows Nest has awesome options...for après skiing, I love sitting by the fire in Chimney Rock or grabbing a quick beer at Pucci’s Pub," Miller explains. "If I'm eating in Sandpoint, I always try to hit The Hydra for a steak or Eichard’s on Cedar Street."2. Lodging options
While Miller stays in his family owned cabin, he mentions there are a lot of hotels in town to choose from during your visit."The Humbird just opened and looks very nice," he says. "For the budget-conscious traveler, the K2, or a little higher end as well, The Lakeview Lodge is a long-time favorite."
3. Participate in other activities aside from skiing
While skiing might be your main focus for your trip, Schweitzer Mountain has all the amenities of a larger resort which you can also engage in. "It has gorgeous views of Lake Pend O’ Reille and provides skiing, boarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing," Miller tells Parade.
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