Discover adventure, community, and year-round fun with the Panhandle Nordic Club—we specialize in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures that bring winter to life.
Community-Focused
Connecting people through Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and year-round outdoor adventure in the Idaho Panhandle
Conditions
3/16/26: Currently about 18 inches of wet ungroomed snow on the trails. Will likely last throughout the week.
The Panhandle Nordic Club is dedicated to maintaining and expanding Nordic recreation in the North Idaho Panhandle. Through volunteer stewardship and funds from Idaho’s Park & Ski program, we groom and care for the Fourth of July Pass trail system—providing quality cross-country skiing and snowshoeing experiences for intermediate and advanced users. Your Park & Ski permit (Area 4th July Pass) directly supports these efforts to keep Nordic opportunities accessible, safe, and thriving for our community and future generations.
Cross Country Skiing
Snow Shoeing
Snowshoeing offers a simple and accessible way to enjoy the magic of winter. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. It’s a great option for families, beginners, and anyone looking to explore snowy landscapes at a relaxed pace.
Cross-Country Skiing, also commonly referred to as Nordic skiing, is a wonderful winter activity that people of all ages can enjoy together. Rather than relying on uphill transport, skiers use their own momentum—lifting their heels and gliding forward in a natural, rhythmic stride. It’s a lot like hiking, only on snow, offering a peaceful and invigorating way to explore the outdoors. Stay active and connected with nature all season long by joining our club!
What do we do when there is not enough snow?
In the winter a ski event might become a hike. In the summer, we may try bike riding on the great trails we have in the area or through the woods. We have also canoed/kayaked on lakes and rivers. Hikes have ranged from easy, sometimes educational, and even challenging like Scotchman Peak. Pictures on this site show some past adventures.
Your Permit Powers Our Trails
When you purchase a Park & Ski permit, you’re not just gaining access to winter adventure—you’re directly fueling it. Each permit provides essential funding that allows the Panhandle Nordic Club to maintain and groom the trail system at Fourth of July Pass.
It costs over $5,000 every year to operate equipment and groom these trails, and your permit is what makes it possible. Be sure to select-Area 4th July Pass when purchasing so that the revenue returns to our local ski area and supports the trails you love.
Join us on the snow—and help keep our trails thriving!
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Club Highlights
Club Overview
Panhandle Nordic Club (PNC) promotes cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Fourth of July Recreation area through club volunteer efforts and funding to manage a system of trails and facilities for general public use, at no cost to the users (other than the required Park and Ski permits).
In the winter, PNC provides the equipment and maintains groomed trails for cross-country skiing, designates and maintains trails for snowshoeing and keeps trails cleared of down trees and debris.
In the summer, PNC maintains routes for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding and clears downed trees and encroaching vegetation. PNC provides and maintains warming huts and picnic facilities for skiers, snowshoers, hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
Fourth of July Pass Trail System
Each winter, our club partners with local agencies to help maintain the groomed Nordic ski and snowshoe trails at the Fourth of July Pass Cross-Country Trail System. We also help care for a public warming hut that skiers and snowshoers can enjoy throughout the season.
The trail system offers a wide range of amenities, including:
12.1 miles (19.4 km) of groomed ski trails
17.8 miles (28.5 km) of total skiable terrain
15.7 miles (25.1 km) of designated snowshoe trails
The Panhandle Warming Hut, built with generous support from the U.S. Forest Service and Panhandle Nordic Club members, provides a cozy place to warm up or take a break. The hut includes a wood stove, table, and seating. Ian’s Hut, constructed as an Eagle Scout project by Ian Truscott and friends, is located several miles away on the Elderberry Trail and offers a rustic shelter along the route.
FAQ
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Get Ready
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The club welcomes people of all skill levels. However, we encourage you to attend a club meeting before joining us for an outing to assure safety and protocol adherence on the trails. Check our calendar for the next meeting!
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The club welcomes people of all ages.
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Contact our club and we will do our best to find a good member match for you, someone who can serve as a “buddy” you get started.
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Check our Nordic Safety page for details on how to safely participate in this sport. This page will detail the clothing and equipment you need to get started.
Finalizing your membership and permit will be the next steps on this adventure.
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No. We are a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit, and there are many ways to support our club. Additionally, trail maintenance can involve many aspects that are less physical, so there are many ways to participate if you’d like.
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Dogs are only allowed on the designated snowshoe and multi-use trails. Walking Humans & Dogs not allowed on the tracked ski trails. Footprints and the resulting divots are a safety hazard to our skiers. See map for the 4th July Pass Trail designations.
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Great idea. For those that cannot participate in nordic activities, a donation is a great way to support families enjoying Nordic activity in North Idaho.
