As the final traces of snow melt away, Schweitzer Mountain Resort welcomes a new season of fun and adventure with its annual Summer Celebration.

    This all-day event takes place Saturday, June 26, and everyone is invited! Enjoy a free chairlift ride to the summit (a 1,700-foot vertical ascent), where you can choose to hike the trail system, mountain bike, or ride the lift back down. In the village area, there will be lots of family-friendly activities including a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, tennis courts, plus arts and crafts. Mellow out with live music from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and enjoy tasty fare at the barbecue tent. It's a fun time for all, and a great way to usher in the warmer weather! Schweitzer.com.

Awe-inspiring adventure can be found right on the outskirts of Sandpoint with a dayhike along the Mickinnick Trail. This 3.5-mile trail (one way) features "switchbacks" through 160 acres of huge rock outcroppings, grassy meadows and old growth timber.

    This time of year you'll find a bounty of wildflowers, especially lupine, to go along with spectacular vistas of Lake Pend Oreille, the Cabinet Mountains and the Pend Oreille River. Total elevation gain is 2,150 feet, so make sure you pack along water for this challenging route.

    Directions to the trailhead: From Sandpoint, head north on Boyer Avenue, turn left on Baldy Mountain Road, turn right on Great Northern Road, turn left on Woodland Drive and "cross the tracks." The trailhead is just up the road on your left. Or, just stop in the Sandpoint Visitor Center for directions to this and other hikes!

    Although the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce moved their headquarters to a more conveniently located downtown building at 231 N. Third Avenue (across from Farmin Park), the chamber has opened a Summer Visitor Center at their former location heading north out of town on Highway 95.

    The satellite location will be open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. from June 1 to Sept. 6; the main office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by and say hello!

The latest issue of Sandpoint Magazine is now online, and there are some fascinating articles about the area that include the great outdoors, Sandpoint's equine culture, beautiful homes, local restaurant write-ups, interviews with natives and newcomers, and more! Click to view: SandpointMagazine.com.