CATALDO — At least 1 foot of snow needs to fall before trails can be groomed for cross-country skiing.

Considering only about 4 inches of snow dusted the highest points of the Fourth of July Pass Park and Ski Area on Saturday, conditions proved to be slushier than usual for the Panhandle Nordic Club’s annual Best Hand fundraiser.  

“We’ve had no help from Mother Nature today,” PNC President Scott Gossard said with a laugh.  

Though conditions resulted in a smaller turnout compared to previous years, around 50 people still took to the trails to collect poker cards along the way and, if they’re lucky, end up with the best hand. Prizes from local businesses were up for grabs.

The event corresponded with Idaho’s Free Ski Day, permitting free access to many Park and Ski Areas across the state. 

The Best Hand fundraiser has spanned nearly four decades and continues to be an important event for the PNC.  

Money collected gives club members the means to continue their stewardship of the Fourth of July Pass Recreation Area, a primary function of the club since its founding in 1988.  

Last year, the fundraiser brought in about $600, Gossard said.  

While Saturday was not the first time the Fourth of July Pass had seen minimal January snowfall, participants still found the conditions unusual.  

“It varies from year to year, but we’ve always been able to ski,” said John Lee.  

Though walkable, the trails were muddied by melting snow and morning rainfall and were slick in some areas. A few donned snowshoes, but cross-country skis were a no-go given the current trail conditions. 

“We’re advising that people use walking poles on the trail,” said Don Garringer. 

Temperatures on the pass got up to around 38 degrees Saturday, above the area’s January average of 32 to 35 degrees. 

While the first few days of 2026 have seen more rain than snow, NWS Spokane reports that a stronger weather system could bring moderate to heavy mountain snow to the area into Tuesday and Wednesday, in addition to rain or snow in lower lying areas.  

Daytime temperatures are also projected to drop and hover a few degrees above freezing, while overnight lows could dip as far as the low 20s later in the week.  

PNC members remain optimistic.  

“We’re hoping for more snow, just like everybody else,” Garringer said. 

And rain, snow or sunshine, outdoors enthusiasts were more than happy to be out on the trails.  

“It’s a great day for a walk in the woods,” said Barbara Yaniga.  

    The Fourth of July Pass Park N’ Ski Area trails have seen minimal snowfall so far this season, meaning they have not yet been groomed for cross-country skiing.