Silver Mountain

A smaller resort than Schweitzer, and much closer to civilisation, is Kellogg, Idaho. A small mining town in north central Idaho, about 40 minutes from Couer D’Alene, Kellogg has the honour of running the longest gondola ride in the world, which culminates at the day lodge of Silver Mountain.

Essentially composed of two resorts, the new Silver Mountain lift system and the incorporated Jackass Ski Bowl provide a superb set of runs, although the intermediate rider is better catered for than freestylers or super euro-carvers. In fact, the only real downside to this hidden gem of a mountain is the fact that it is infested with cat tracks linking one run to the next. Easy on skis, a real drag on a board. However, to be fair to the resort management, they are dealing with the problem by getting rid of a lot of the cat tracks.

Overall, the mountain offers a fair selection of long steeps with generally great snow and weather conditions. The seven lifts are quick and easy to negotiate and mercifully lift lines are tiny. Slope facilities are a bit suspect, the day lodge is far less impressive than that at Schweitzer, and the food is both mediocre and extortionate. But a major plus is the very low lift prices, with a day pass from only $24 bucks during the week.)