Great Escapes Winter 2025 | Page 8

and crossed the pass with delicacy , I

as the many miles of trails are , off-road

recalled all the advice l ’ ve picked up

vacationing in ldaho is even better

on mountain safety . It ’ s not just about

with all the beautiful towns , secluded

making good decisions ; it ’ s making the

resorts and trailside amenities among

right choices at the right moment .

the isolation in and around the Coeur

After clearing the pass , a consensus

d ’ Alene National Forest .

was soon reached to turn

While many western snowmobile

around , but where could

destinations have incredible trails , the

we ? Without a clearing

Idaho panhandle is easily accessible ,

or stable footing , we

has comfortable accommodations

had to carry on in hopes

and many establishments that

of flatter snow to spin

welcome visiting riders .

the machines around

You ’ ve got to be prepared for

and head back . The

changing weather in late-season

first opportunity came

riding , and we encountered

uncomfortably late .

all conditions , but the

There was no note taking

trip was a dramatic

or snapping pictures :

cap to an excellent

our mission was to get

season . The events

off this sketchy , snowy

of our second day

mountain as quickly as

also provided a

possible .

lasting , visceral

My heart pounded

reminder on the

and my fingers cramped

any-trip-no-matter-

shotgun-blasted intersection map . Yogi had ridden these trails twice before – once on an ATV and another time on a snowmobile with drastically fewer feet of snow . What were previously leisurely but elevated trails were now nearly entirely snowed over . Being with John , a beginner to snowmobiles , and without a beacon or avalanche pack of my own , my natural instincts questioned the group ’ s decision to continue .

We took a fateful right turn onto

a trail that hadn ’ t seen a groomer in weeks . The trail was initially mounded with snow , but manageable by using a lot of body English to maintain balance . We approached an expansive clearing on the mountain , with the drifted trail barely visible as it cut across the face . Before proceeding , the crew agreed to continue by spacing out our sleds , going very slowly and leaning into the slope . I trusted my local guides , who assured us our safety on such a solid base .

As I carefully eased the throttle

around the handlebars as I re-crossed

one of several clearings that looked , to

my flatlanders eyes , like the ideal chute

for an avalanche .

Relief poured into my bloodstream

as we rejoined the wider trail and

began to descend the long grade back

toward Wallace .

Two full days of on- and off-trail riding

through such mountainous territory is

always a best-case scenario . As great

what importance of carrying avalanche gear and training plus contacting locals for the latest trail conditions .

Having now seen this region in both July and March , I can ’ t help but wonder how the other seasons change this unique place . Idaho ’ s mountain-ringed lakes are stunning in the summer , but its snowy , late-winter mountains are equally intriguing . I ’ d be willing to wager the flowing spring and rustling fall have just as much to offer .

I ’ Il never think of the potato again .