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Just Ida-Go! (For the Snow)

January 16, 2020

Ski Schweitzer MountainIdaho Family Ski VacationSchweitzer Mountain IdahoIsn’t it funny the things from our own childhoods that really stick with us?  These things that we say “I’m never going to do that” or “Why would my parents make these choices?”  Making note of all the things we will do very differently when we are a parents, of course.

One such thing was skiing.  My father owned his own business and, being an orthodontist, relied on working with his hands (albeit it in children’s mouths).  We enjoyed fabulous family vacations, don’t get me wrong, but not many ski vacations.  Worried about falling and an injury that would put our family out of work (you see, my entire family worked in the office), he was not riding the lift up with us or coaching my siblings and me down the mountain.  Some of this could also be attributed to his fear of heights.  Sure, they took us on some snowy vacations – I remember taking ski lessons with my sister on a family vacation to Central Oregon.  We were horrible and I’m fairly sure that we crashed each time we tried to exit the lift.  But, if your family isn’t invested in the “ski effort,” it’s really hard to get enough learning hours under your belt to successfully get down the mountain.

Now you see, me being a dismal skier wasn’t the end of the world.  While I did grow up in Northern California, I was hours from the mountains.  I remember a few invitations with friends to join them at their family cabins, but it wasn’t as if snowy peaks were right outside my door nor a weekly ski bus leaving from school on Friday afternoons.  It wasn’t until I went to college in Oregon and met the man pictured in these photos (along side our children), that I started to wish that I was a more experienced (let’s be real, any experienced) skier.

Fast forward a decade (or two), and now we’re raising children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with the cascade mountains as our neighbors.  The ski bus leaves every Friday afternoon from the middle school parking lot.  Their elementary school classmates are members of the ski team.

With a goal of becoming a ski family, we started with weekly lessons at the closest mountain.  And while the convenience was tops (aside from any pass closures), we often found ourselves holed up in the busy lodge as the kids skied through freezing rain and manufactured snow.  On the rare occasion that we did all get out on the mountain, it was a zoo of fellow Seattlites, resulting in long lift lines and crowded runs.  After several years of this, we decided to invest our ski school dollars instead into family ski vacations.

Visit Sandpoint IdahoCity Beach, Sandpoint Idaho

Summer in Sandpoint, IdahoEnter Idaho.  Washington’s closest neighbor to the east, we fell in love with the Idaho Panhandle, specifically the beautiful town of Sandpoint, last year as we were driving through on our way to visit Glacier, National Park.  We loved this little town on the banks Lake Pend Orielle (pronounced Pond-e-ray), snuggly situated between Spokane, Washington and The Selkirk Mountains to the west and Montana (a mere 75 miles east) and The Cabinet Mountains.  In fact, we had such a great time passing through, that we returned later in the summer for one final outdoor hoorah – floating in the swimming hole, hiking in the woods…and driving a mere 20 minutes from town up Schweitzer Mountain to check out the resort; making our plans for a winter return.  In the summer heat (I love this high alpine climate), it was difficult to imagine the place covered in snow and teaming with snow sport enthusiasts.  Yet with obvious construction underway and preparations being made, we could tell that this was a place to return to; and we booked another trip to Sandpoint and our first ski vacation to Schweitzer.

The photos above are taken on a snow-covered City Beach, a central feature of Sandpoint’s small downtown.  In the snow, we had it all to ourselves; however, months earlier it was filled with swimming kids, sunbathers, and a dock full of boats.

Schweitzer Mountain SkiFamily Ski Trip SchweitzerIdaho Family VacationSkiing with kids is not easy.  It is a testament to all of the patience, preparation, and persistence required of parenting.  Do you have everything?  Have you gone to the bathroom?  You’re cold.  Too hot.  Missing a glove.  Oh…and you don’t want to do ski lessons?

Let me assure you.  Ski lessons are a requirement.  Aside from the obvious; we can all make the connection between professional instruction and improved skiing.  Oh, and the fact that parents then get to ski by themselves (we’ll get to more on that in a moment).  Lessons with the Schweitzer ski school team were FUN.  They all had fun, we all had fun.

Our family was greeted by an instructor who immediately recognized us (and not just by the confused looks on our faces, she actually knew our names).  When I signed the kids up for these lessons, I provided score cards from last year’s lessons, so the kids were immediately assigned to groups of their levels.  (Although I had this material at the ready, I’m sure that Schweitzer’s knowledgeable ski school team could adeptly place kids in groups based on their skills).  The kids then spent the morning sharpening their skills before taking a lunch break…in a yurt.  Following lunch, they skied for couple more hours; exploring the mountain (including several trails through the trees, complete with jumps), further perfecting those turns.

Meanwhile, John and I took a few leisurely runs before turning in for an early lunch at The Skyhouse, the lodge atop the mountain.  We shared an order of chicken poutine before heading back out to enjoy the view above the clouds and ski for the remainder of the afternoon.

You may notice that I am on a snowboard.  Well, I met this boy my freshman year of college.  At the time, he was a snowboarder.  After several months of dating, my parents allowed me to join his family on a ski vacation (What were they thinking?? Will I allow my kids this adventure in the coming years?? Only time will tell).  After flailing after him on the mountain and realizing that all of my college friends were avid skiers (many from the Pacific Northwest), I decided to take up the sport in earnest.  As I retell to my children, I took lessons and rode that ski bus (except the one I was on was leaving from my college campus).

Fast forward again to after this college boyfriend and I got married and had three children.  We returned to the snow after a very long hiatus.  And wouldn’t you know it?  He decided to pick-up skiing again.  Now, to be fair, John grew up skiing and is an advanced skier.  And, with our three kids on skis, it makes a lot of sense for him to be on two boards.  But me?  I’m securely strapped into one.  Never really having learned to ski, this is where I feel the most secure.  And while I’m not good (I’ve warned my kids to not expect any of the tricks they see on YouTube), I can hold up the rear.  Which has proved helpful when skiing with kids.

View from the top, Schweitzer Mountain IdahoSnowboard Schweitzer IdahoView from the top of Schweitzer MountainAfter one day of lessons (and a date afternoon for the parents to ski together), we enjoyed 2 more days of family skiing.  I feel like we have finally arrived!  After years of lessons and our fair share of frustrated, cold, and hungry moments (which, still do happen on occasion), we can ski together as a five-some!  At Schweitzer that meant a breeze through non-existent lift lines then dividing into two groups to ride the chairlifts; a parent with each.  The kids can exit the chairs safely (with only a couple of mishaps involving yours truly) and then patiently wait for me and alternatively complain about me being on a snowboard.

The two days that we skied as a family, we experienced fresh snow.  All the more fun for kids that like to head through the trees and practice their jumps.  Which, of course, their father can lead and keep up with.  Me?  I stay safely on those groomed trails.  With the Schweitzer Bowl and the two new lifts on the Outback Bowl, there are plenty of blue runs on both sides of the mountain for families to be entertained all day.  And, during our mid-day break, the staff at the village coffee shop gave our kids the royal treatment, with hot cocoa complete with extra whip and candy canes.  With new snow, no lines, wide open trails (with breath taking views of Pend Orielle), it’s no wonder Schweitzer claims their resort is like having your own private mountain!  Just what we were looking for!

Schweitzer Mountain Village

Another thing I was going to do differently as a parent?  Fly.  Growing up, I just wanted to fly to a destination, like all of the other people (the ones who also spread yellow mustard on their sandwiches).  Instead, we would pile into the family Oldsmobile (later the Suburban) and drive up to the Pacific Northwest, or head east; the desert Southwest and Rocky Mountain states were among our favorite destinations.  Here in lies the irony in parenting…we (John and I) live for a good road trip.  My kids just want to fly, probably to someplace exotic like Hawaii.

So prep that Audible playlist and be sure to pack chains, as adventure awaits east of the Cascades in the beautiful wonderland of the Idaho Panhandle.  Whether you come to bask in the warm summer sun on the shores of Lake Pend Orielle or to hit the slopes at Schweitzer (and why not both?!), this area is sure to make you an Idaho convert as well.

A very special thank you to Schweitzer Mountain for partnering with me on this post.  It is a pleasure to share this ski resort with you, dear reader.  As always, you can expect all opinions to be entirely my own.

 

 

Comments: 1   //   Category: Lifestyle, Travel

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  1. Renee

    January 17, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    This sounds amaZing, i cant wait to bring my family skiing in Idaho. Thanks for sHaring:)

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Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted t Each day I’ve intended to post here. I greeted the new year feeling inspired with a renewed intention for my account; to share with you the goodies I love, wear, try. Unfiltered and honest. That’s what I’m here for. But then...2021 arrived feeling much like her older sister, 2020. Instead, I’ve avoided a lot of social media; choosing to tune into various news outlets and into my family. So, HERE WE ARE. A post proving that I got dressed yesterday, wearing some of my new favorites (these @flamingosshoes white boots!) and steady stand-bys (year 2 wearing this @notmondaymercantile beanie on repeat). I took the kids out after school to run a couple of errands and connect with a business I love to support; we made plans for a spring share. Man, it felt good to get out! And now, I’m posting early before I’ve read the morning news. So, it’s happened. 
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Please stay safe, remain respectful, and true to yourself. Social media is a beautiful way to connect, create, and inspire...but can also be a dangerous rabbit hole of misinformation and an opportunity for people to behave in a way they ordinarily wouldn’t in person. Off my soap box. Have a lovely Friday!#wordsfrommyheart #realoutfitgram #flamingosshoes #whiteboots #notmondaymoments
Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you Happy New Year my dear friends! I’ve missed you all but enjoyed a nice long break. Heading back home after some snow time and I’m feeling re-energized (for now). Isn’t it funny how a change in the calendar can make you feel different? Are you a “new year, new you” kinda gal or more indifferent? I do like a good reset. Even though we’ll be doing more of the same early this year, I’m feeling more optimistic. For now. Cheers to 2021!
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Also, posted in stories a nearly identical photo of us from last January at the top of @schweitzer_mountain. While the photos look the same, it’s fun to think that we now are Sandpoint homeowners! A positive outcome of 2020. #newyearonthemountain #snowbest #schweitzermountain #skifamily
Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all Snow plus a Christmas sweater...I’m checking all the boxes this year. Thinking of everyone not able to spend time with loved ones this year. I’m so grateful for our little family but really missing my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, my in-laws.  Over a year seems far too long to be apart; but we all need to continue to be safe. It matters. #christmassweater #christmas2020 #staysafestayhome #vintagesweater
Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions ma Let’s make merry! Although holiday traditions may look different this year; we have an opportunity to get creative and share in new experiences. Like the new-to-me homemade marshmallow recipe, @thekirstyfiles and I have the pleasure of bringing to you in partnership with @pacific_place. We encourage you to invite a few pals to a zoom date, pop a bottle of bubbly, and create these delicious confections together. I promise they’re relatively fool proof (I pulled them off!) AND a sugar-high afternoon spent with friends (even virtually) will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit! Tune in to Pacific Place’s IGTV or YouTube to see the full tutorial, including my gaff when my marshmallow began moving into the “hard ball” territory (note: this recipe does require a candy thermometer and the ability to read it!). Cheers to making the most out of holiday 2020! #homemademarshmallows #pacificplaceseattle #craftingtogether
Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a frie Ooooh...how I love a good shopping day with a friend. The belly laughs, chit chat, and groans (as we tried on a number of jeans) provided the escape from reality that I needed. Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you miss something until you get to enjoy it again!
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Other things I love? Soft luxury cashmere, designer denim that fits like a glove, and packable hats (yes, packable!). All can be found @willaseattle; a small, women-owned boutique located in the heart of the Queen Anne neighborhood in Seattle. Be sure to check out our stories as @thekirstyfiles and I share holiday-perfect gifts for your sister, mother, girlfriends...yourself! Lucky for Kirsty and I, our husbands also know the lovely owner, Liz (and she has our wishlists on file)! 
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Also very near and dear to my heart, Willa is the epitome of shopping local. The shelves are stocked with unique, small business designs; including many Seattle businesses. When you shop local, you not only support your community but also curate a look all your own!
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Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for you Continued chronicles of dressing stylishly for yourself, aka #stayathomestyle. Sure, 2020 may be the year of the sweatpant (combined with a sleeping bag-like coat, as seen here). And yes, a mask chain is this year’s hottest accessory. BUT I still take care to actually get dressed each day. And while lipstick may no longer be a part of my daily routine (I mean, was it ever??), it’s still important to be pulled together..if only for my own mental health. And even if no one else sees it but the grocery clerk. #whatmamaworemonday #sweatpantsseason 
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On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope t On the eve of Black Friday sales bonanza, I hope to inspire, remind, urge, and even beg you to ignore all of the crazy cyber sales that have been creeping into your inbox for the past week and instead SHOP SMALL this holiday season. Yes, perhaps it’s less convenient and even less of a “deal” but this pandemic is putting an even greater strain on the small and local businesses that are the absolute life blood of our communities. And, in addition to supporting an entrepreneur and neighbor, you’ll likely find more creative, individual, and unique gifts for your loved ones by shopping a small business.
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Thanks for reading! I began this blog in early 2014 as an outlet to share my styling tips and tricks, and disseminate shopping wisdom. I am honored when readers make a connection; whether it’s learning how to make the latest fashion trend your own or finding the perfect new addition to your wardrobe. Thank you for stopping by and spending a few minutes of your day sharing in my passion for fashion and style! ~Jenn

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