Winter Is Here & the Mountains Are White! January brought beautiful snow to Northern Idaho and with it comes great skiing opportunities for all levels of winter lovers. Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint continues to deliver deep powder and scenic downhill runs across 2,900 acres—plus roughly 32 km of groomed Nordic (cross-country) trails right from the base for classic or skate skiing adventures. Wikipedia+1 Not far away, Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg offers varied downhill terrain with a long season and family-friendly vibes perfect for a day on the slopes. silvermt.com For a classic Idaho ski experience, Lookout Pass Ski Area on the Idaho-Montana border brings fun runs and abundant snow each season. And for those who enjoy exploring winter scenery at a slower pace, groomed Nordic and cross-country skiing is also available locally through places like the Sandpoint Nordic Club trails and regional Park N’ Ski areas. sandpointnordic.com+1
📍 Useful links for planning your ski outings:
• Schweitzer Mountain Resort: https://schweitzer.com/ • Silver Mountain Resort: https://silvermt.com/ silvermt.com
• Lookout Pass Ski Area: https://skilookout.com/
(Plus check local Nordic trail maps via the Sandpoint Nordic Club or Idaho Park N’ Ski program.)
What’s New in North Idaho Real Estate
🏠 What’s New in North Idaho Real Estate — Heading into 2026, the Northern Idaho housing market continues to show strength and steady activity. Recent reports show that home prices in Kootenai County remain on an upward trend, with the median price for single-family homes climbing year-over-year and sales activity staying solid. Buyers are still active, and although inventory remains tighter than many would like, more homes are coming to market compared to last year, giving buyers slightly more options. Local experts note that demand—especially from families and relocating residents from states like Washington, California, and Oregon—remains robust, helping to support the market’s resilience even amid broader economic shifts. New construction is also an important part of the picture, particularly in communities like Rathdrum, where builders are helping ease inventory shortages. Overall, this market remains dynamic, offering opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors alike as we begin the new year.s ago,” said Rivera. “It’s chaos—in the best way—and the content writes itself.”
New and Exciting Restaurant Scene in North Idaho
New Eats in North Idaho! — The local dining scene continues to grow with fresh flavors and fun new spots perfect for date nights, weekend brunches, or grabbing dinner after a day on the slopes or exploring town. Recently opened in downtown Coeur d’Alene is Twigs Bistro, a chef-driven, vibrant restaurant and bar serving creative dishes and craft cocktails with beautiful lake views — a fantastic addition to the waterfront dining lineup.
In nearby Post Falls, community-loved food experiences continue to expand with Eats on Spokane Street, a new outdoor food truck court featuring local favorites like delicious tacos, smoked salmon, and charcuterie in a lively, social setting with live music on weekend evenings.
Also in Post Falls, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has opened (and celebrates with classic Texas-style smoked meats and sandwich deals) bringing slow-smoked barbecue to North Idaho’s growing food culture.
If you’re looking for globally inspired flavors, Emran Restaurant brings Afghan cuisine to Coeur d’Alene, and fan-favorite local spots like El Jefe's Grill Mexican BBQ continue to delight with bold Mexican BBQ. These new and thriving dining options give everyone more to explore across our region!