Winter Activities In Spokane, WA

Winters in Spokane, Washington, can be pretty cold, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck at home with nothing to do all season. Whether you’re looking for ways to get outdoors despite the low temps or you want to find some fun indoor activities that keep you and the family occupied no matter how cold it gets, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. The team at Spokane Hyundai has put together this list of winter activities in Spokane to help you decide what to do when the cold weather sets in.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Image by Max Kukurudziak | Licensed with Unsplash License

With an average yearly snowfall of 44 inches, there are plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in and around Spokane. In fact, there are five amazing ski resorts within a two-hour drive of the city. Here are some of our favorites:

Mount Spokane

Less than an hour from downtown Spokane, you can be hitting the slopes at Mount Spokane in no time. During the season, you can ski here seven days a week. The slopes are perfect for first-timers and experienced skiers alike. With 52 different slopes to choose from, there’s sure to be one that meets your experience level. They even have 16 night-skiing runs for those looking for a unique wintertime adventure.

49 Degrees North

As the second-largest ski resort in the entire state of Washington, you can’t go wrong when planning a trip to 49 Degrees North. There are more than 80 marked trails for beginners, intermediates, and experts, making this a great place for a group of mixed-level skiers. The seven lifts mean you never have to wait long to get back to the top of the mountain, and this year, the new Doppelmayr high-speed quad chairlift will get you up the mountain even faster.

Schweitzer Mountain

Although Schweitzer Mountain is in Idaho, it’s sure to offer a thrilling skiing experience if you choose to go. This is the largest ski resort in Idaho, and it attracts a lot of people from the state of Washington thanks to its convenient proximity and powdery snow. One thing that makes this resort so popular is its access to such amenities as bars, restaurants, and shops. And with 92 runs, there’s no end to the fun you can have skiing here.

Ice Skating and Snowshoeing

Ice skating and snowshoeing are both great ways to get out and enjoy the winter weather in Spokane. There are plenty of opportunities in the area to do both, whether you live in the city or you’re just visiting. Head to Riverfront Park to ice skate on the Ice Ribbon. This pathway is 16 feet wide and 650 feet long, so there’s room for everyone to have fun. Along the ribbon, you’ll find cozy fires where you can stop to warm up before heading back out on the ice.

If snowshoeing is more your thing, then consider attending one of the events happening this season. In January, you can take cross-country skiing lessons, join a group and go snowshoeing along Newman Lake in the Lake McKenzie Conservation Area, or enjoy great scenery and mead on the snowshoeing and mead-tasting adventure.

Wine Tasting and Bar Hopping

If you prefer to be indoors when the cold weather sets in, you can do some wine tasting or bar hopping to warm yourself from the inside out. Spokane’s Cork District has tons of amazing wineries you won’t want to miss this winter. A few area favorites include:

• Barrister Winery.
• Overbluff Cellars.
• Terra Blanca Spokane.
• Helix Wines.
• Bridge Press Cellars.

Those who prefer beer or cocktails can check out some of the local bars serving drinks that are sure to satisfy on a cold winter’s day. Some of the most popular spots around town are:

• Berserk Bar.
• Volstead Act.
• Night Owl.
• Hogwash Whiskey Den.
• Sapphire Lounge.

Spokane also has a couple of breweries that offer a laid-back atmosphere no matter the weather, including:

• Black Label Brewing Company.
• River City Brewing.
• Lumberbeard Brewing.
• Whistle Punk Brewing.
• Mountain Lakes Brewing Company.

Cooking and Art Classes

Other fun indoor activities you can participate in during the cold winter months in Spokane are cooking and art classes. There are several places around town where you can take cooking classes to learn how to make your favorite dishes or improve your cooking skills. These classes are perfect for individuals and couples, and some even cater to families. You can learn to prepare Italian food, Japanese cuisine, bread, and just about anything else you can imagine. Take a class before the holidays and impress your guests with your fabulous dishes.

Art classes can be wonderful for kids and adults alike. Learning to hone your artistic ability can help you feel more productive and give you a creative outlet when you aren’t able to get outdoors in nature as much as you might like. Painting, drawing, writing, and sculpture classes are all offered at places like the Corbin Art Center and the Spokane Art School. Check them out to avoid getting bored this winter.

Shopping and Museums

There are many opportunities for shopping in Spokane, but one thing you won’t want to miss is this year’s Holiday Market happening in Riverfront Park. This event features vendors who’ll display their unique wares on select dates in November and December. You’ll be able to support local businesses and artisans as well as find the perfect gift for that special someone or yourself.

Visit one of Spokane’s museums, too, if you want to stay out of the cold weather. History museums, art museums, and children’s museums…we have it all. You’ll beat the frosty temps and learn something while you’re at it, so you can’t go wrong.

Well, there you have it, our list of some of the fun winter activities going on in Spokane this season. If you need a new Hyundai to help you get around this winter, check out what we have in stock at Spokane Hyundai. We also have a great selection of used vehicles that are sure to keep you out of the cold and get you where you need to be.