Silver Mountain - An Affordable Gem in Idaho

🏔️ Silver Mountain Resort Overview

Tucked away in the Idaho Panhandle, Silver Mountain is one of the best-kept secrets in U.S. skiing — and it’s got the stats to back it up. With North America’s longest gondola (a scenic 3.1-mile ride from town to summit), 2,200+ feet of vertical, and deep inland Northwest snow, Silver feels way bigger than its price tag.

Skiers and riders will find long, rolling blue runs, steep and fun black diamonds, and terrain that caters to both progression and adventure. It’s not a mega-resort — and that’s exactly the point. You get a laid-back vibe, uncrowded slopes, and seriously solid snow conditions without the mega-resort prices.

💰 Why It’s So Affordable

Silver is a budget traveler’s dream — and here’s why:

  1. Weekend Lift Tickets start around $74/day — one of the best walk-up prices in the country.

  2. It’s included on the Loveland Season Pass — so you might ski here for free.

  3. It’s on the Indy Pass — making it accessible to pass holders looking to explore.

  4. Stay in charming Kellogg or the lakefront gem of Coeur d’Alene — both offer great value and easy access to Silver’s slopes.

⛷️ Terrain Overview: Why You’ll Love Silver Mountain

Silver Mountain flies under the radar — but when it comes to terrain, it punches well above its weight. With 2,300 acres and 2,200 feet of vertical, it offers a legit big-mountain feel without the big-mountain crowds or costs.

Expect long blue cruisers, steep black runs, and a great mix of intermediate and advanced terrain to keep you coming back for more. While it doesn’t offer the sprawling bowls of neighboring Schweitzer, Silver makes up for it with underrated steeps, tree runs, and that classic Inland Northwest snow. It’s the perfect destination for skiers who want quality laps without breaking the bank.

🚗 Getting There: Easy Access from Spokane

Silver Mountain is just over an hour from Spokane, WA, making it one of the most accessible big-mountain resorts in the Northwest. Spokane International Airport (GEG) offers affordable flights and major airline options, so it’s easy to fly in and hit the slopes the same day.

The resort itself is located in Kellogg, Idaho, right off I-90 — no winding mountain roads required. It’s the kind of trip you can pull off over a weekend without needing to burn all your PTO.

SkiSaver Tip: Always check winter road conditions before you go. I-90 is generally well-maintained, but storms can roll in quickly during peak season.

💸 Estimated Costs: What You’ll Spend on a Weekend at Silver

Important Notes:

  • Prices are per person, assuming two travelers

  • Includes 2 days of skiing and 3 nights of lodging

  • Designed for those traveling from out of state, with travel days on either side of your ski days

  • Flights, food, and rentals not included — but we’ve got resources for those too!

SkiSaver Tips to Save Even More:

  • Travel midweek for cheaper stays and fewer crowds

  • Book in advance or during off-peak times

Sample Trip Costs
🎿 Ski Silver Mountain for 2 Days

🛏️ Lodging in Kellogg or Coeur d'Alene
Approx. $60 per night, per person → $180 for 3 nights

🎟️ Lift Tickets at Silver
$75 per day → $150 total

Total Estimated Cost:
Lift Tickets – $150
Lodging – $180
Total = $330 per person

For context: that’s less than a single day of skiing + lodging at Deer Valley!

Accommodations That Don’t Break the Bank:

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Accommodations That Don’t Break the Bank