February 13- 22 Get over the winter blues with the 53rd Annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival, a celebration of music and entertainment across downtown Sandpoint and Schweitzer Mountain Resort. The fun festival includes chili cookoffs, sleigh rides, hosted hikes, free family movies, and more. It provides the "antidote to cabin fever" and includes activities for everyone. There is something for everyone in town or up in the mountains! Details at SandpointWinterCarnival.com .

January 23 Bring your Toyota, Scion, or Lexus to Schweitzer on January 23, 2026 and you get one free lift ticket for the day! To receive your free ticket, look for the Toyota and Schweitzer representatives stationed at the Red Barn parking lot at the bottom of the mountain or roundabout on your way up to the mountain parking lots. One free lift ticket will be given for each Toyota vehicle driven to the resort or Red Barn. Tickets are valid for January 23, 2026 ONLY. After 1:3

January 16-19 Visit Schweitzer Mountain during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend for the annual torchlight parade and Northern Lights fireworks spectacular. Enjoy skiing all day, live music, family-friendly fun, and a tribute to Dr. King. The event culminates in a breathtaking fireworks display that illuminates the winter night sky for everyone to enjoy. Check out this exciting holiday tradition on the mountain! Schweitzer.com for more details. For more upcoming events, go her

January 14 The 18th annual CHAFE 150 Gran Fondo ride is Saturday, June 20, 2026, and Early Bird Registration is officially open January 14, 2026. Save $20! Riders can choose their perfect route—from the whole 150-mile endurance challenge around the Cabinet Mountains to the 80, 40, or 25-mile options, plus gravel routes at 75 and 55 miles, and even a four-mile family ride. Stunning North Idaho views, smooth roads, and a community-powered atmosphere make this one of the region’

January 9 Join Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (SOLE) for the 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival on Friday, January 9, at the historic Panida Theater in downtown Sandpoint. Experience award-winning films that celebrate human-powered adventure while supporting SOLE’s SnowSchool Experience Program, which has provided over 36,000 hours of outdoor education to local youth. Enjoy raffles, brews, and a Holiday Silent Auction featuring local artisans. Doors open at 6 pm. V

January 1 Plunge into the New Year in Sandpoint with the annual Polar Bear Plunge, held at 11 am on New Year's Day at the Sandpoint City Beach boat launch. It is free and open to the public, and food donations will be accepted for the Bonner Community Food Bank. Brave the icy waters alongside fellow thrill-seekers, enjoy post-plunge hot beverages, and participate in this tradition that kicks off the year with excitement and community spirit. Visit SandpointChamber.org for mo