Stay at Silver Mountain Resort and slide, swim, and play on a skiing or snow tubing vacation!
This post is sponsored by Ski the Northwest Rockies
Diiiiing! The bell sounds, warning those nearby of an impending dousing. The large bucket suspended over Silver Rapids’ Cub Cove and Minor’s Island spends its day filling up with water and then spilling out all over youthful revelers in Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark. Natural light pours in from the massive skylights in the ceiling overhead. The steamy warmth and humidity lend a tropical feel to even the coldest of winter days here in the Inland Northwest, making it the perfect addition to a ski vacation or snow tubing trip at North Idaho’s Silver Mountain Resort, or a standalone getaway the whole family can enjoy.
Adults can float along in tubes on the Lazy River while kids try their hand at aquatic basketball in Hoop Lagoon or test their balance on Crossing, a series of floating stepping stones with a net overhead and water below. The extra adventurous can learn to surf on the popular Flow Rider surf wave, with expert instruction and safety briefings provided by facilities staff.
Load your whole family onto a tube for a splashy ride down Moose Sluice. This waterslide, along with Gold Rush and Prospector Plunge, are such long and twisty-turny waterslides that they’re built mostly outside the building. The lines can be long, but the stomach-twisting thrill of crashing through a tunnel full of water and the shrieks of laughter are worth the wait.
For a more laid-back experience, families can enjoy Warm Springs, a traditional hot tub that’s a little cooler than normal, making it suitable for small children and adults. Situated next to the Lazy River, Warm Springs provides a chance to lounge and warm up after a rowdy float with the littles.
If kicking back with a beverage to watch the activities is more your speed, the Trestles Surfside Grill and hot tubs are for you! This spa, with a much warmer temperature than Warm Springs (on average of 100-104 degrees) provides the perfect soaking experience to go with a cocktail or craft beer.
In addition to food and beverages available at the grill, the waterpark also offers cabanas for rent. These cabanas, cordoned off from the rest of the indoor space, give groups semi-private space to relax, watch TV, and visit with family and friends. There are also lockers available for storing valuables during your visit.
Only steps from the Silver Mountain Ski Resort Gondola, ferrying winter skiers and snow tubers up and down the mountain, Silver Rapids is the perfect family getaway with a little something for everyone—all the way from the Pollywog Pond for toddlers, to adult beverages and relaxing hot tub soaks for moms and dads. Access to the waterpark is included when booking lodging directly through Silver Mountain at the resort’s Morning Star Lodge, which is located in the Gondola Village. Pricing and availability vary. Tickets must be booked in advance online at Silvermt.com or over the phone at 866.345.2675. Silver Mountain Resort, located in historic Kellogg, Idaho, is a quick hour-and-fifteen-minute drive from downtown Spokane.
Cover photo courtesy Silver Mountain Resort.
