Winter Highlights
Making the Most of Year 'Round Recreation

Snow lies deep in the higher elevations here in the winter, so skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers and other lovers of all things white look forward to the time when moist clouds from the Pacific provide the region with most of its yearly water and transform the mountains into playgrounds.

At the top of everybody's list is 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, the ski resort east of Chewelah off the Flowery Trail Road. Offering downhill skiing, snow boarding, and groomed cross country ski trails, 49 is a great place for families to introduce their kids to the joys of winter, and for the adventurous to test their skills on some of the more challenging runs. With over 2,300 acres of skiing, a comfortable lodge, dining, daycare, and skilled ski instructors, 49 has everything a skier needs to enjoy a day on the slopes, except long lift lines!

49 is in the midst of a serious expansion with a new chairlift that will open up Sunrise Basin on the east side of the peak with twelve new runs for the 2006-2007 ski season. Skiers are going to love the new terrain, which will offer something for everyone, including more spectacular views of the region.

Cross country skiers are looking forward to the expanded trail system that is currently underway. The main trail from the East Basin road to Chewelah Peak has been a regional favorite for years, with its gradual climb to the summit and 6.5-mile glide back down. (Hint: You can also take the chairlift to the top.) And the resort is in the process of adding 17 additional miles of trails designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Diagonal and skate skiers are also going to love the additional trails, which are being phased in over the next five years.

For more information, check the website at www.ski49n.com, call toll free at 866-376-4949, or email ski49n@ski49n.com.

Cross country skiers and snow shoers are blessed with hundreds of miles of backcountry trails to ski and a series of Sno Parks with groomed trails besides. Sno-Parks include Sherman Pass on Highway 20 between Kettle Falls and Republic, Boulder-Deer Creek between Orient and Curlew, Geophysical just ten miles north of Newport, and Frater Lake 20 miles east of Colville on Highway 20. Permits are required, but affordable, and are available at all Forest Service offices, along with maps and other information.

Snowmobilers will love the ORV trail system at the Little Pend Oreille Lakes, and there are numerous other roads and trails that are closed by snow in the winter that are prefect for snow machines.

For more information about these and other trails, check out the Colville National Forest at www.fs.fed.us/r6/colville/ or call the Three Rivers Ranger District at (509) 738-6111; the Newport Ranger District at (509) 447-3129; or the Republic Ranger District at (509) 775-3305.

PHOTOS: (top) 49 Degrees North Ski Resort, courtesy of Mike Peters. (bottom) Snow hut at Frater Lake, staff photo.

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