Our Favorite Winter Activities

Today may be Groundhog’s Day, but on this chilly morning, the many marmots of Spokane are definitely still seeing shadows. Winter continues, with snow-dusted streets, crisp morning air, and a soft fog that settles over the city. Whether you are eager to get outside and chase fresh powder or prefer to enjoy the season indoors, somewhere warm and cozy, Spokane offers a little winter magic for everyone. Here in the Office of Undergraduate Admission, we are excited to share a few of our favorite ways to make the most of the season. 

Alexa Gaske – Exploring the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

While the museum is open all year, it offers a great indoor alternative during the winter months in Spokane. Located in historic Browne's Addition, the museum and the surrounding neighborhood offer a great look into life in Spokane in the early 1900s. There are also great cafes and restaurants nearby for a quick meal before or after immersing yourself in the museum's latest collection!

To learn more about the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, check out their website. To learn more about Alexa's role in our office, check out her webpage.

Allyson Pratt – Visiting Auntie's Bookstore and Atticus Coffee

Nothing is cozier than a good book and some hot cocoa on a cold winter day. In Spokane, there are multiple bookstores, but a staple that you must visit when in town, is Auntie's Bookstore. With a beautiful collection and a cozy library feel, it’s hard not to grab a couple of books. Afterward, head over to Atticus Coffee for a warm drink and a cozy atmosphere.

To learn more about Auntie’s Bookstore, check out their website. 

Becky Doyle – Hockey Games

Get off campus and catch some of the many hockey matches Spokane has to offer this winter season! You can see our own Zags on the ice at GU Club Hockey matches against other regional club teams. You can also stop in for a local Spokane Chiefs game at the arena, that is just a five-minute drive from campus!

To learn more about hockey in Spokane, check out the Spokane Chief’s website. To learn more about Becky's role in our office, check out her webpage.

Brittany Van Blaricom – Snow Tubing Down Mt. Spokane from Bear Creek Lodge

I was really excited when I found out about Bear Creek Lodge because it is a really fun way to get in the snow and go snow tubing while keeping my wallet in mind. Bear Creek is the closest tubing area in Spokane, offering a 90-foot tubing hill. Now I know, climbing back a 90-foot hill after each run sounds like an awful experience; thankfully, they have a rope tow to pull you back up! With the rope tow, you can quickly get back up the hill, allowing you to spend most of your time actually flying down the hill. If you’d like to take a moment to warm up, the lodge is only a short walk from the hill and has a couple cafes and restaurants where you can purchase something warm to drink.

To learn more about snow tubing at Mount Spokane, check out their website.

Carie Weeks – Winter Star Walks Outside of City Lights

On a clear winter night, I love to go for a walk away from the city lights and look up at the constellations and planets that are visible. Star walks are especially great during meteor showers, and there are a lot of them in the winter and some great ridges around Spokane from which you can view them. Since it gets dark very early in the winter, my kids have enjoyed the tradition with me--usually accompanied by hot tea or cocoa when we get back inside.

To learn more about Carie's role in our office, check out her webpage.

Claire Silva – Playing in the Snow

Spokane has all four seasons and winter does not disappoint. The snow is perfect for snow creations, snowball fights, sledding…all the snow sports. I especially love building the perfect snowman and ice skating downtown Spokane, on the ice ribbon, under the city lights! ☃️⛸️✨🌆

To learn more about the Numerica Skate Ribbon in downtown Spokane, check out the City of Spokane's website. To learn more about Claire's role in our office, check out her webpage. 

Levi Garcia-Morales – Holiday Lights at Manito Park

If you're ever looking for inspiration to decorate your home or space or just looking for something to do, then take a trip down to Manito Park! The park offers both a drive-thru and a walk-thru display of lights, decorations and more. Be sure to check the dedicated days for each run through!  

To learn more about the holiday lights in Spokane, check out Manito Park's website. To learn more about Levi's role in our office, check out his webpage.

Lindsey Spencer – Christmas Shopping

We have three main malls, multiple shopping districts, and a thriving small-business community! I personally love finding local shops and artists to support as I find gifts for loved ones. For example, I try to attend Terrain Brrzaar, which is a large-scale event full of pop-up shops of local artists and craftsmen.

To learn more about holiday shopping, check out Terrain Spokane’s website. To learn more about Lindsey's role in our office, check out her webpage. 

Megan Baird – Christmas Tree Elegance

Every year, the Spokane Symphony Association hosts their annual fundraiser called Christmas Tree Elegance! During this two-week span, there are Christmas trees put up in the Historic Davenport Hotel and River Park Square. All the trees have a theme, and you buy raffle tickets and enter to win a tree and all the prizes included! It is a great time to walk around with friends to view beautiful holiday decorations in one of the most historic buildings in Spokane.

To learn more about the Spokane Symphony, check out the official Spokane Symphony Website. To learn more about Megan's role in our office, check out her webpage. 

Sara Whelchel –Snowshoeing

When Spokane gets a little too cold for hiking, I switch to snowshoeing instead! Mount Spokane and McKenzie Conservation area have some of my favorite trails. The beautiful views are worth the trek!

To learn more about snowshoeing in Spokane, check out the City of Spokane's website. To learn more about Sara's role in our office, check out her webpage.

Steve Keller – Winter Trail Running

Many people tend to only think about trail running and access to the outdoors in non-winter months, but the trails in and around Spokane are still accessible year-round. Few experiences are more peaceful than winter trail running. One of my favorite winter activities is to run trails like Iller Creek in the calm morning hours. It's so quiet. The sunrises really feel like they are just for you.

To learn more about Spokane trails, check out Visit Spokane's website. To learn more about Steve's role in our office, check out his webpage.

Tara Baugh Summerfelt – Pivot Storytelling Events Downtown

One of my favorite winter activities in Spokane is going to Pivot, a live storytelling event downtown. I love having something to look forward to on cold evenings, and Pivot always feels warm, creative, and unmistakably Spokane. Hearing people share stories with such authenticity and intentionality makes the city feel smaller and more connected. It’s a wonderful reminder that winter here isn’t just about the weather, it’s about community.

To learn more about Pivot, check out the official Pivot Website. To learn more about Tara's role in our office, check out her webpage.

Theresa Howlett – Ice Skating at Coeur d'Alene on Ice

Outdoor ice skating at McEuen Park in downtown Coeur D'Alene, ID. It has a beautiful view of the mountains and lake and feels like a winter wonderland.

To learn more about ice skating at Coeur d’Alene on Ice, check out their website. To learn more about Theresa's role in our office, check out her webpage.

Will DeKlotz – Cribbage at Rockwood Bakery

The best activity to do year-round is by far a nice and calming game of cribbage, and the best place to play is at Rockwood Bakery—a locally owned coffee and pastry shop located conveniently next to Manito Park. I recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes because after you finish your cribbage game you should take a long walk and enjoy the greenery and sights of the #1 public park in the state.

To learn more about the Rockwood Bakery, check out Visit Spokane's website. To learn more about Will's role in our office, check out his webpage.

Will Shoup – Winter Walks with Friends

Some snowfalls in Spokane are simply magical. Big, fluffy flakes falling in zero wind. I took a walk recently with one of my oldest friends on a day like this. We walked all over downtown, taking in the Edwardian architecture and Spokane charm in its most beautiful surreal winter state. We chatted, we watched the river, the snow fell. Spokane in the winter is full of little wonders. Make sure you spend some time out in them, even if you have to really bundle up!

To learn more about Will's role in our office, check out his webpage.