Bike, hike or ride your way through winter in North Idaho
Whether you’re looking to stay active or just want to get out-of-doors, you don’t have to ski or snowboard to welcome winter. With 4-5-inch tires and mountain-bike-like frames, “FAT BIKES” are a great way to cruise through winter, says Coeur d’Alene Bike Co’s Chris Caro. They’ll rent you a fat bike by the hour or daily, up to seven days and when you return, visit their Post Ride bar next door to Coeur d’Alene Bike Co, and celebrate your first fat ride.
Nearby, Vertical Earth has two fat bikes: medium and large. “Trail grooming has begun at Pine Street trails in Sandpoint, and will start at Canfield in Coeur d’Alene, Riverside in Spokane and Farragut in the next week,” reports owner Mike Gaertner. Join Vertical Earth for their free, weekly, evening fat bike rides on Canfield Mountain throughout the winter.
Vertical Earth doesn’t just rent bikes; how about SNOWSHOES for $20 a day? For an easy intro, try the Centennial Trail, along Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, or Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. In town, Tubbs Hill gets you climbing, while Fourth of July pass (visit fs.usda.gov and search Fourth of July), Lookout Ski Area and Silver Mountain all welcome snowshoers. At Schweitzer Mountain, try a hosted snowshoe hike on the mountain.
Get your fill of both snowshoes and fat bikes at the duathlon sponsored by the Trail Maniac Foundation at Farragut State Park, Feb. 1.
The holidays may be over but the sledding h
as just begun. Rent a radical sled from Summer Snow Outfitters. They have Polaris one- or two-seat trail snowmobiles for rent, which includes helmets, maps and instruction. Don’t have your gear? No problem. Rent gloves, hats, pants, even boots. Pick up your sled or have it delivered locally. It’s all good.
For the ultimate adventure, rent an ATV or UTV from Adventure Sport Rentals, located conveniently nearby to the Fernan Saddle trailhead. Rent a single, double or quad machine, trailer included and get to snowbound places others only dream about.
Special Events
Mac & Cheese Festival
JANUARY 18
Tickets are nearly sold out — so don’t delay getting yours if you want to indulge in a day of cheesy goodness. Sample creative takes on our favorite comfort food or book a mac and cheese themed dinner cruise or overnight stay.
Uncle Nearest Whiskey Dinner
JANUARY 16
Join the folks at Honey for a three-course whiskey dinner hosted by Uncle Nearest. Watch a short film and hear the incredible story of the great whiskey maker the world never knew. Plus enjoy whiskey flights and custom cocktails. 6:30-9:30 pm; Honey Eatery and Social Club.
Fun Home
JANUARY 17 – FEBRUARY 2
Fun Home took home three Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score in 2015. See Lake City Playhouse’s adaptation of this wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. $23-25; Fri 6:30 pm, Sat 7:30 pm, Sun. 2 pm; Lake City Playhouse.
