During the Priest Lake winter season, after Mother Nature blesses the region with a blanket of picture perfect snow, the Priest Lake Golf Club is transformed into the Priest Lake Nordic Center. The Nordic Center offers the finest groomed trails and skate lanes in the Priest Lake area. The golf course clubhouse is converted to a rustic lodge that provides a warm fire and cozy spot to warm-up and enjoy a steaming hot bowl of homemade soup, or a special 'Nordic Volcano' hot toddy.

The groomed trail system at the center includes 15 kilometers of tracks and skate lanes. A new tele-hill has been added for those who desire to practice telemarking skills. In addition, a separate snowshoe route has been designated. The Nordic Center cross-country trail system is integrated into the Hill's Resort and the USFS Hanna Flats trail systems via cross-country connector trails to provide well over 40-kilometers of groomed trails. Most trails are classified at the beginner or intermediate levels although some trail segments will challenge advanced level skiers. Skating lanes are provided only within the Nordic Center trail system.


For the more skilled skiers, or those who desire the beauty, solitude and thrill of a backcountry skiing adventure, the Nordic Center staff can arrange guided interpretive tours and backcountry telemark excursions tailored to your skill level and available time. A heated snowcat serves as the transport to carry these guided tours deep into the high country of the Selkirk Mountains. All tours are led by PSIA certified instructors trained not only as ski instructors, but also as winter survival specialists. In addition to backcountry skiing tours, the staff can also arrange group snowshoe tours tailored to your group's desires. Snowshoe tours often provide access to areas that afford vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains that are absolutely spectacular and unique to the winter season.

Both group and private lessons are also available at very reasonable prices. The gentle nature of the terrain at the center provides an ideal setting for lessons, especially for the beginner or first time skier. All instructors are PSIA certified and are qualified to teach all aspects of Nordic sports to include the latest skating techniques. At some point during the season, the staff normally provides a ski clinic that is conducted by world renowned instructor, Dick Kendall. This is an exceptional clinic and affords a rare opportunity to receive instruction from a truly gifted and very personable athlete whose Nordic credentials are recognized throughout the sport. Contact the Nordic Center for additional details and the scheduled date of the clinic.

The knowledgeable and friendly Nordic Center staff has 51-years of combined experience in the Nordic sports and outdoor recreation business. Whether you are a first time skier or seasoned expert, the staff eagerly takes those extra special measures that ensure a memorable Nordic adventure. The focus of the center is to provide an enjoyable Nordic experience for the entire family at a very affordable price. The Nordic Center is open Friday - Sunday, plus major holidays. Parking is always free at the Nordic Center and an individual daily trail pass costs $5. Kids 5-years old and younger ski free. Season passes are available. Contact the center staff at (208) 443-2525 or e-mail: 4seasons@povn.com for additional details. Additional information will also be available in the near future at the The Nordic Center at Priest Lake web site.