A good old Coeur d’Alene, Idaho winter just can’t be beat!
Okay, so maybe you think the title is a bit bold. But take it from two people who live close enough to visit often. Quite often!
There are so many great things to do in Coeur d’Alene in winter that you won’t even think about the crowded beaches on a hot day.
Picture yourself looking over a snow-covered mountain lake while drinking a nice cup of warm coffee. The windows are frosted and Christmas is coming.
Not convinced yet? Keep reading.
Things to Do in Coeur d’Alene in Winter
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to do in the snowy Coeur d’Alene, Idaho winter.
Many things we list here are winter specific, but we also have a huge list of other things to do in Coeur d’Alene that could also be done when the snow falls.
Infinity Pool (Hot Tub Edition)
That’s right, an infinity pool hot enough to be enjoyed in the winter.
We called the Coeur d’Alene Resort and confirmed that you do in fact need a reservation to use the infinity pool. When booking, make sure to get the Hot Winter Nights package.
Walk in the Park
Since hiking Tubbs Hill in the wintertime might not be the best idea, we have the perfect alternative. Taking a nice walk in the parks of Coeur d’Alene in winter is just as good as the summer!
Areas like McEuen Park and the Coeur d’Alene of Coeur d’Alene Park are perfect for winter strolls.
Winter Hikes Near Coeur d’Alene
If you’re willing to drive to the other side of the lake, the hiking trails on Mineral Ridge offer a great option for winter activities.
This, will he highly depended on snow conditions and may require things like snowshoes and trekking poles. Mineral Ridge is actually a fairly frequented trail in the winter months and a good pair of boots may be enough. Just be safe out there.
The views of Lake Coeur d’Alene on this hike are certainly breathtaking.
Downhill Skiing
Depending on how far you’re willing to driving, Coeur d’Alene in the winter has quite a few options.
Our recommendation is Silver Mountain in Kellogg, ID. Not only is it the closest to Coeur d’Alene, but it also has North America’s longest gondola.
Other downhill skiing options near Coeur d’Alene include Schweitzer near Pend Oreille, ID, and Lookout Pass just east of Silver Mountain on the Montana/Idaho border. If you head west into Washington you can even visit Mount Spokane for another ski hill option.
Holiday Shopping
Downtown Coeur d’Alene has a ton to offer, even in the winter. The charming and walkable Sherman Ave is the perfect location. There’s even a year-round Christmas store called Christmas at the Lake.
Winter Lake Cruise
Take a winter cruise across Lake Coeur d’Alene through the spectacular holiday light display. The Journey to the North Pole is an amazing adventure and not just for families.
Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing
Winters in Coeur d’Alene also offer great snowshoe and cross country ski locations. Likely the most famous would be Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. This is a paved trail used for nordic winter sports when the snow falls.
Other trails include the 4th of July Pass or Lookout Pass Nordic Ski Area.
Indoor Water Parks
Even when it’s not summer, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho winter visitors can experience the thrills of an indoor water park.
At the Triple Play Family Fun Park located just a few minutes north of town is the Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park. They also have bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and more.
If you’re planning on skiing at Silver Mountain and need even more fun for the kids, you can also check out the Silver Rapids Indoor Water Park.
Firework Shows
The Coeur d’Alene Resort offers two firework shows in the winter months.
Thanksgiving Fireworks
Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the resort hosts a grand firework show to kick-off their holiday light show right. This event involves a parade, official ceremony, and ends the night with fireworks.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
On New Year’s Eve, the resort hosts not one but two firework shows!
For those with kids or an early bedtime, there is a 9 pm show. But don’t worry because they also ring in the new year right with booms and flashes of light when the clock strikes midnight.
Christmas in Coeur d’Alene
November’s Lighting Ceremony
The lighting ceremony is a Coeur d’Alene tradition that is growing every year. The event its held on the first Friday after Thanksgiving.
Things kick-off with a parade and end with a truly spectacular fireworks show.
Holiday Light Show
The Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show boasts over a million lights from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day.
Spread out onto Lake Coeur d’Alene, winter lights shine bright and provide Christmas spirit for all!
If a giant floating Christmas tree isn’t enough to grab your attention, maybe a lake cruise will. Keep reading to learn more.
Holiday Cruises
See Lake Coeur d’Alene in the winter!
A holiday cruise is a key part of Coeur d’Alene Resort’s light show. You’ll visit Santa’s workshop and journey to the north pole. Actually, the cruise is called Journey to the North Pole and is ran by the Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises company.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance especially if your visiting on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.
Christmas Store
The local downtown shop called Christmas at the Lake is open year-round. This Christmas store is the perfect spot to find a cheerful ornament for the tree or a nice festive decoration.