It can be hard to go skiing when you’re a college student. Whether budget or distance gets in your way, or you just want to find the perfect powder day, here is a guide to skiing as a student on the Palouse.
If you’re unsure where to start, a good bet is the Outdoor Program located in the University of Idaho Recreation Center. There, you can find $20 bus rides to Lookout Pass, cheap rentals, tune ups and the occasional ski trip hosted by fellow students.
An Alpine Ski Package, which includes boots, skis and poles, will cost you $32 for two days. The Snowboard package costs the same. As ski/snowboard season depends on weather, most ski areas don’t have a set end-date but instead are projected to be open until mid-April.
Lookout Pass
Two and a half hours away and partially in Montana is Lookout Pass, one of the oldest ski areas in Idaho. They are dedicated to keeping prices low, with $64 weekend lift tickets and $150 season passes for college students. Lookout gets several inches of dry powder weekly, making for amazing skiing on a budget! The Idaho-Montana border runs directly through the area, giving you the opportunity to ski in two states in the same day.
Schweitzer
Located just north of Sandpoint is Schweitzer. It’s known for its high-quality skiing and variety in terrain. A day ticket for a college student costs $126 and season passes start at $1,399. Schweitzer offers countless activities and attractions, including luxury lodging, a day spa and a handful of bars. It also offers gorgeous views of the mountain range and two bowls, meaning double the terrain and double the runs. Although the pricing is steeper, Schweitzer is jam-packed with activities and amenities to make your time worthwhile.
Silver Mountain
Slightly closer to Moscow than Lookout Pass is Silver Mountain Resort, a good middle-of-the-road budget-wise. What makes it stand out from the others is the indoor water park hosted at the resort. The water park is a complimentary addition if you book a room at the Silver Mountain Lodge, though day tickets for skiing are also available for $35. Weekend lift tickets are $67 for college students and a season pass is $509. As it is close to Lookout Pass, it sports the same fabulous powder and snow conditions.
Abby Laurent can be reached at arg-life@uidaho.edu