Why My Family Loves to Ski Silver Mountain Resort, Idaho

Photo courtesy Silver Mountain Resort

A Brave Ski Mom interview with Jodi (with some help from her ski buddy Kim), a Brave Ski Mom from Liberty Lake, Washington.

One resort. This season. Your choice?

Silver Mountain Ski Resort in Kellogg, Idaho.

Why Silver Mountain Ski Resort?

First of all, it has great snow and an easily reached location. Kellogg, Idaho is in northern Idaho off of I-90, between Spokane, Washington (75 miles) and Missoula, Montana (130 miles).

Silver Mountain is a great family hill. Children of all ages and levels enjoy this hill. For beginners, the magic carpet is an easy start. Intermediate skiers have a wide variety of runs to choose from. The advanced skier can enjoy back country powder trails and steep groomed trails.

Silver Mountain is an all season resort. Besides wonderful skiing, they offer a top ten rated indoor water park, golfing, snow tubing, and mountain biking.

Photo courtesy Silver Mountain Resort.

What else makes Silver Mountain a good choice for families?

Silver Mountain is big. It offers two mountains, 73 trails, 1,600 acres of terrain, and 2,200 vertical feet. It rarely feels crowded. Plus, the lift lines run quickly and smoothly. The ski instructors have instructed for years. I highly recommend the whole team of instructors.

Photo courtesy Silver Mountain Resort.

Anything you would change to make Silver Mountain even better?

I do wish Silver Mountain had NASTAR racing. We have enjoyed this at other resorts.  Also, the lodge can get crowded between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m.  It is best to avoid having lunch at this time.

Do you have any “secrets” to share?

Photo courtesy Silver Mountain Resort.

Season pass holders enjoy free admission to the water park 4 times a year and a 10% discount on lodging.

At the end of the ski season Silver Mountain offers a race called the Silver Cup. The Silver Cup is an annual J3 – J7  (ages  7 – 14) race event featuring competitors from all over the Northwest and Canada. The Silver Cup includes a giant slalom (GS) on Saturday and a dual GS on Sunday. On both Saturday and Sunday, the race ends with awards and trophies for all participants.

Do you have any advice for families coming to Silver Mountain?

The gondola is a 15-20 minute ride one way. It is best to pack everything you will need for the day up with you so you limit your ride up and down the mountain.

Where do you like to eat?

Wildcat Pizza has great pizza and calzones. For more of a variety, Noah’s Canteen offers a wide range of menu choices and full bar.

Where do you like to stay?

Morning Star Lodge is the best choice for families. It is located in the gondola village and in the heart of Silver Mountain Resort. There are plenty of room options and nice amenities.

What makes Silver Mountain unique?

Silver Mountain Resort has North America’s longest gondola – a 3.1 mile journey from Kellogg to the Mountain House.  Getting to the gondola is easy because it is right off of the Interstate. Park at the village and take the gondola to and from the ski runs.

Silver Mountain is a great value for season pass holders and visitors. Always watch the website for specials on lodging and ski passes. I love how Silver Mountain has something to offer for all seasons.  You can ski during the day and hit the water park in the evening.

Photo courtesy Silver Mountain Resort

What is your favorite memory of Silver Mountain?

It is hard to choose just one.  I never get tired of hearing “That was awesome. Can we do that run again?”  Also, you can’t beat the view from Silver Belt on a sunny day and the snow on Wardner Peak on a powder day.

What are your best family skiing tips?

My kids started skiing at ages 4 and 6. My best tips are:

1.  If you can, pay for private instruction.
2. I believe in used gear until kids are ready to be aggressive, independent skiers.
3. Helmets are a must for the whole family!

Do you have a favorite memory about skiing with your family? 

I started at the age of 6 with my dad. One of my favorite memories was skiing with my dad and my kids. They loved to show grandpa around their ski hill and how well they could ski.

Photo courtesy Jodi Auth.

What is your favorite thing about family skiing?

Skiing is about quality time with my family. Instead of spending our weekend running errands, we are spending it together doing something we love. We are lucky to share a passion for skiing as a family. I have watched my kids grow to be strong and confident skiers.

The Brave Ski Mom Adds…

Jodi’s and Kim’s families together on the gondola. Photo courtesy Jodi Auth.

Thanks Jodi and Kim!

My kids would love so many things about Silver Mountain: The 3 mile gondola to the skiing, the water park and, of course, the skiing. Silver Mountain has 73 trails spread across 1,600 acres on two mountains. Other cool numbers? 2,200 vertical and 300 inches annually!

Jodi touched on most everything you will want to know before skiing Silver Mountain. But for more information, including lift tickets, tubing and cross-country skiing, please visit the Silver Mountain Resort website. 

Enjoy!

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