A state park ski area outside Spokane in eastern Washington, run as a non profit, and the closest mountain to that city at around an hour.

The terrain covers two faces with a fair amount of gentle and intermediate runs and a north side that holds better snow, and there is night skiing several evenings a week.

Prices are among the lowest in the region because the operation exists for local skiers rather than for visitors. Spokane itself is a substantial city with plenty of accommodation, and Schweitzer and the Idaho panhandle resorts are within easy reach for a bigger day.