Winter Adventures in Priest Lake Idaho

North Idaho is the ultimate nature-lovers paradise. There is year-round outdoor adventure here and they always have something going on. Winter is no exception. From snowmobile races, to endless trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, there is no shortage of winter activities along the International Selkirk Loop. Ready for a snow-filled vacation? Here’s what you need to know about visiting Priest Lake in the wintertime.

ENDLESS ADVENTURE

No matter what time of year you visit Priest Lake, you’ll find loads of adventure. When we were planning our trip, it was hard to pick which weekend to come because there was something going on every week! While most destinations shut down for the winter, the towns along the International Selkirk Loop are always partying. We managed three different adventures in two days here in North Idaho.

Snowmobiling

In North Idaho, snowmobiling isn’t just a pastime, it’s a way of life. It seemed every bar and restaurant we stopped at, people were pulling in on a snowmobile. Talk about a fun way to get around town! The weekend we visited, we attended the Vintage Snowmobile Races. Things kicked off in the most adorable way with the Kitty Kat race with little kids testing out the race track on their tiny snowmobiles. They start them young here in North Idaho! Then it was off to the races…literally. Seeing these vintage snowmobiles was a treat in and of itself, but watching them race around the track, taking sharp curves at fast speeds was awesome! The entire atmosphere was a blast! With vendors and food, it was one giant snow party.

Vintage Snowmobile Races Priest Lake Idaho

Cross-Country Skiing

Another amazing winter adventure that you’ll find all over North Idaho is cross-country skiing. Growing up in Michigan I LOVE cross-country skiing. It’s everything from a long-distance endurance sport to adrenaline-inducing on big slopes and hills. The International Selkirk Loop is full of amazing trails. All around Priest Lake, there are trails that in the summertime make for some incredible hikes, and in the winter are used for all sorts of sports like snowmobiling and skiing. I love that there are trails designated for both, and some just for skiing and snowshoeing so that you don’t have to worry about any noise or danger from the snowmobiles. There is also a variety of trails for each ski level so beginners like us could stay on some easy trails that offered beautiful winter views. You can even find some trails that run alongside the lake for stunning 360 views.

Snowshoeing

If you’re new to winter sports, snowshoeing may just be perfect for you! It’s as simple as walking and hiking, just with the comfort of knowing you’re not going to sink into deep snow, which North Idaho has plenty of. I remember hiking on a trail in Colorado and sinking up to my thighs on parts of the trail, freezing and miserable, watching snowshoers just walk on by. That was the first time I was introduced to the sport. It makes for a pleasant hike and it’s something that anyone can do. Lots of the resorts offer cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals. We rented ours from Hill’s Resort. This is a great way to get outside at any age or skill level.

WHERE TO STAY IN PRIEST LAKE IN THE WINTER

There are loads of beautiful hotels and resorts all around Priest Lake and you really can’t go wrong. But here are some of my favorites.

Elkin’s Resort

Located on 225 acres along Priest Lake, Elkin’s Resort was stunning! With views of the Selkirk Mountains and sandy (or snowy) shores to walk alongside, the cabins here are the perfect place to have a cozy winter vacation. The beautiful restaurant and bar are centered around a giant stone fireplace keeping the place warm and welcoming. And don't get me started on the food! I was absolutely blown away by the delicious award-winning dishes. The Blackened Prawns was one of my favorite foods I’ve experienced in my travels. Pair it with their famous Huckleberry Daiquiri and the lakeside views and this was a wonderful winter stop. And don’t miss the giant fire pits that sit outside the Trapper Creek Bar. Elkin’s Resort also offers loads of outdoor activities year-round and rent out snowshoes for the winter trails. I can’t recommend this place enough.

Huckleberry Drinks at Elkins Resort in Priest Lake Idaho

Blackened Prawns at Elkins Resort in Priest Lake Idaho

Hill’s Resort

Another lakeside gem, Hill’s Resort is the ultimate in rustic luxury. Their cabins offer both forest and lake views and are available year-round. The fine dining restaurant overlooks Priest Lake and offers some of the best meals around. The Brie and Garlic Appetizer followed by a beautifully cooked steak and paired with delicious wine was the perfect way to end a day of adventure. Hill’s Resort also offers shoreline cross-country skiing and over 400 miles of snowmobiling trails. You can rent skiis or snowshoes at the resort and head straight out from your cabin.

Steak and Wine at Hill's Resort in Priest Lake

Cavanaugh’s at Priest Lake

With three types of luxury lodging alongside Priest Lake, Cavanaugh’s is another option. Their large cabins can sleep up to 14 people and offer some of the best views of the lake. The top-notch dining at Cavanaugh’s offers old-fashioned comfort food and a cozy atmosphere with two wood-burning fireplaces. The grilled cheese and tomato soup was the perfect end to a wintery adventure day. Contact the resort for more information on available dates and booking.

Woman Laughing at Fireplace with an Old Fashioned Drink

The Inn at Priest Lake

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly hotel, check out The Inn at Priest Lake. Their comfortable rooms and ideal location are the perfect way to explore this region. The lobby has a beautiful stone fireplace, reclining couches, and board games to keep the whole family entertained. Only a few miles from the lake, you’ll find Cavanaugh’s restaurant and some stunning mountain vistas. Across the street from the Inn, is The Mooseknuckle - a Priest Lake staple. This hometown bar has some of the best pizzas and Idaho Nachos, and you HAVE to try their cheese curds, complete with a spicy honey sauce that’s to die for.

Cheese curds from the Mooseknuckle Priest Lake Idaho

WHAT’S THE WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS LIKE IN PRIEST LAKE IN THE WINTER

If you’re flying in, you’ll most likely land at Spokane Airport which is about 2 hours from Priest Lake. The country roads that wind up to Priest Lake are easily manageable in the winter and I was relieved that while hilly, there were no steep drops off or huge descents to worry about.

While the weather does get chilly in the winter, the average temperatures are around 25° degrees which is ideal for outdoor adventures. North Idaho also gets a decent amount of sunshine year-round and if you’re lucky like we were, you’re weekend will feel like about 45° and perfect, in fact, I got a little sunburnt!

One note of caution, there is a lot of ice here - and I mean a LOT! While the roads are kept up nicely, the sidewalks and parking lots ice over for the winter. I highly recommend boots with good traction or even spikes if you’re walking far. When I visited, I had a broken foot in a walking boot and I found the ice very challenging. But if you plan ahead and go slowly you’ll be fine.

If you’re worried about the roads here in North Idaho, don’t be. Make sure to get an all-wheel drive vehicle and take your time when it’s snowing and you’ll be fine. Worst case scenario, if something happens, Idahoans are some of the most helpful people I’ve ever met! We pulled onto the side of the road to capture some drone footage and almost every car stopped to see if we were alright or needed help. In fact, the local sheriff stopped to offer us his cell phone number in case we needed anything all weekend. Someone is always around to help if you have car trouble.

OTHER WINTER ADVENTURES IN NORTH IDAHO

With only a weekend here in Priest Lake, we barely scratched the surface of winter fun here in North Idaho. If you’re looking for more adventure options in the winter, check out downhill skiing at Schweitzer Mountain or Silver Mountain Resort. You could also continue along the International Selkirk Loop up to Bonners Ferry for some ice skating. Sandpoint offers Snowcat tours as a way to summit mountaintops from the comfort of a warm cabin. And if you’re really into adrenaline adventure, you can go Heli-skiing in the Selkirk range. From easy beginner adventures like ice fishing or snowshoeing to extreme winter fun, there is so much to do here in North Idaho. With the quieter crowds and cozy resorts, Priest Lake is the perfect snowy destination.

To learn more, watch the full episode below.

This blog and video were sponsored in part by a grant from North Idaho Tourism Alliance and Idaho Tourism. Click to learn more about the International Selkirk Loop and Priest Lake.