Welcome to the first full week of November in the panhandle. Schweitzer is not open for skiing yet: the resort is in its quiet off-season, with a tentative opening day of Friday, November 27, conditions permitting. But winter is already knocking. This is the week the ski films roll, the snowboard community gathers on the mountain, and the Nordic skiers throw their season-opening party.
The ski highlight comes Saturday, November 7, when Warren Miller's 77th film, Days Off, lights up the Panida Theater at 300 North First Avenue in Sandpoint. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. Host Katie Burrell follows the world's best skiers and riders on their days off, and the intermission raffle, presented with the Independence Ski Team, includes a multi-day Schweitzer ski vacation for two. A silent auction adds a Schweitzer season pass.
Also on Saturday, November 7, Rally for the Riders II starts at 5 p.m. at the St. Bernard on Schweitzer Mountain. This second annual benefit dinner supports our local snowboard team, with food, live music, and silent and live auctions. Tickets are 80 dollars, plus taxes and fees.
On Sunday, November 8, the Sandpoint Nordic Club holds its Annual Winter Welcome from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Outdoor Recreation Center, 11915 Pine Street. Expect s'mores, games, membership renewals, and raffle items at this friendly kickoff, open to everyone.
Two dates deserve a circle for next week. Schweitzer's season pass sale ends November 15, and the annual SARS Ski Swap follows on Saturday, November 14, at the Bonner County Fairgrounds in Sandpoint, raising funds for the Schweitzer Alpine Racing School. Gear check-in runs November 13, with shopping from noon to 6 p.m. on swap day.
Around Sandpoint, Thursday, November 5, brings a free 7 p.m. screening of Women's Work, a documentary celebrating America's female farmers, followed by a panel with local women farmers at the Panida. On Friday, November 6, the opening reception for The Language of Color runs 5 to 7 p.m. at the POAC Gallery, 313 North Second Avenue, and live piano fills Pend d'Oreille Winery through the week.
Anglers get their turn Wednesday through Sunday, November 4 to 8, as the Fall Fishing Derby runs on Lake Pend Oreille, sponsored by the Lake Pend Oreille Anglers Club, with launch sites at Bayview, Farragut, Sandpoint, Hope, and Garfield Bay.
In Coeur d'Alene, the Rebel Junk Holiday Market opens Friday, November 6, at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Wine for the Holidays pours Saturday, November 7, from 1 to 6 p.m. downtown, and Fall Harvest Dinner Cruises sail Sunday, November 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. In Post Falls, the Chili, Pie and Giving Thanks competition runs Saturday, November 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Post Falls Pavilion, benefiting Thanksgiving dinners for veterans and their families. Bonners Ferry is quiet this week; its Winter Craft Fair follows on November 13 and 14. Wherever the week takes you, enjoy it, and start waxing those skis.