Jeff's Corner - Mt Spokane, Washington

Mt. Spokane is a nonprofit ski area in Mount Spokane State Park, about 20 miles north of Spokane, the largest city in eastern Washington. It is decided no frills -- even the trail maps they pass out were printed in 2005.

Mt. Spokane rises up above the city and is the first in a series of high peaks spreading across far eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle. This area can be thought of as part-Cascades, part-Rockies. The snow which falls here falls heavy and dense, though not as deep and not as dense as that
which falls further to the west. The area, however, is colder than the Cascades, meaning rain is unlikely in the winter.

Since the area is so close to working class Spokane it does at times have a bit of a city feel to it. Most visitors are boarders and the parking lot scene can be ugly at times. The bar is usually pretty crowded. Some skiers have an attitude, though it's nothing to ruin your day.

I skied here on a Saturday in February. The base was 76 inches. The snow and coverage were excellent. It began to snow as the sun set and made for a magical evening.

About half of Spokane's terrain is open at night, including most of the front side and all of the vertical -- which is nearly 2000 feet. Night skiing on weekends is $22 including tax.

The ski area has two base areas, the newer and better equipped being upcanyon from the first.

Skiing here is on five chairlifts. There is one lift dedicated to beginners. The frontside terrain is a mix of beginner, intermediate and expert, though the expert is not terribly steep. The backside is all expert.

All services are in Spokane, which is served by shuttle. The area has rentals, bar, cafeteria and lessons but apparently does not have a ski shop. Signs at the base warn that vehicles left in the state park, and at the parking lot, after 11 pm will be towed.

The area is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Jeff Schmerker
Waynesville, NC

Twilight view from the summit of Mt. Spokane.