In last two weeks Eastern Washington and North Idaho have seen over five ATV accidents including one death in the LC Valley last week. While ATV riding is fun, it's important to learn proper technique to remain safe.

“We think it takes special skills to ride an ATV,” says Dale Stevens, a licensed ATV safety instructor with the ATV Safety Institute. ASI is a non-profit sponsored by the all the major ATV manufacturers. Instructors like Stevens teach regular safety classes to educate riders on proper technique, safety skills and the responsibilities that come with owning and riding ATVs.

After taking his course many riders tell Stevens that they didn't know what a work out riding is and that they expected it to be easier. Stevens says that a lot of people expect ATVs to be like riding a couch on wheels but it that it takes a lot of physical effort and knowledge of how ATVs operate to remain safe while riding.

Yes, the sun is shining today and the thermometer is creeping into the 70's.  Even so, there's one more day of skiing and snowboarding that you won't want to miss.

Tomorrow, Silver Mountain is hosting its 9th annual Leadman triathlon, which involves skiing, a 7.4 mile muddy, downhill bike ride, and a 4.7 mile run. 

If that sounds like too much work, you can pick up a "Silver Saturday" lift ticket ($39 for adults, $29 for kids) and enjoy the 14 inches of untouched snow that fell earlier this week.  This is the last day of skiing in the Inland Northwest - don't miss it!

Sandpoint, ID - Schweitzer Mountain Resort has announced the extension of the ski season one extra week, with the new closing date falling on Sunday, March 14. A combination of excellent snow and weather conditions has prompted the resort to offer this extra week of operation.

“This year conditions came together perfectly for us to operate for an additional week,” said Schweitzer President and CEO Tom Chasse. “We’re thrilled to offer this extended season to our guests.”

Even though the season has been prolonged, Tropical Daze, Schweitzer’s annual spring celebration, will stay on its original dates of Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Events for the weekend include the Rubber Ducky Derby, pond skimming in the village, the ever popular Downhill Dummy Derby on lower JR run, live music and a boom box party in Taps Lounge, family friendly pirate themed activities throughout the village and much more.

“Tropical Daze is a great way to celebrate the change in weather and welcome in spring skiing,” Chasse said.