FAST FIVE Scott Gossard is loving North Idaho's great outdoors
Meet Scott Gossard, current president of the Panhandle Nordic Club.
Scott recently took over this role from Don Garringer, who served as president for over 10 years. Scott moved to Coeur d'Alene in 2019, taking a retirement transition job with a home-grown Coeur d'Alene company formerly known as Energy Products of Idaho.
Scott and his wife, Laurie, absolutely love North Idaho. They enjoy Nordic and alpine skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing and sailing.
1) What is the Panhandle Nordic Club and how many members do you have?
The Panhandle Nordic Club is a nonprofit organization located in Coeur d'Alene. Our club educates the public and promotes cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in North Idaho. We also have a primary role in the maintenance, management and grooming of the cross-country ski, snowshoe and snow biking trails at the Fourth of July Pass Winter Sports Area, located adjacent to Interstate 90 at Fourth of July Pass at Exit 28. Our efforts are coordinated with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
The club, which typically has around 60 active members, was founded in 1988. It has a rich history and many longstanding members who have dedicated thousands of hours and much physical labor to expand and improve the Fourth of July Winter Sports Area including Glenn Truscott, Geoff Harvey and Don Garringer. Glenn and Geoff recently authored a book (2022) together specifically about the club and Fourth of July Pass, "Thirty Years of Skiing and Snowshoeing at Fourth of July Pass, Idaho" (available on Amazon). They donate all the proceeds from the book to our Panhandle Nordic Club.
One of our club's greatest challenges is recruiting a new generation of club members and willing volunteers to continue to maintain the Fourth of July Winter Sports Area for the future. The Fourth of July Pass Winter Sports Area includes 25-plus miles of Nordic ski and snowshoe trails, including several warming huts with wood stoves. There are also several benches and even a picnic shelter with fire pit to stop and truly immerse yourself in this beautiful winter setting. This trail network is a great resource for our local Coeur d'Alene community being a short 15-mile drive from downtown Coeur d'Alene. These non-motorized trails are also available to the public in the summer season for hiking and biking.
When I initially joined the club, I found it inspiring to see a core group of six or so club members, all 70-plus years old, continue to clear trails of tree falls, build shelters, replace gates, make signs and groom the trails. These folks' passion for the outdoors and skiing and snowshoeing largely developed this area for the benefit of all of us in this community. I sincerely hope we can keep it going!
2) What club news/upcoming events do you have to share?
The club hosts multiple events and outings throughout the winter season. This includes nearly weekly outings to ski and snowshoe locations throughout the panhandle region. This year's events and extended trips include will take us to Fourth July Pass, Farragut State Park, Round Lake, Methow Valley, Priest Lake, Lookout Pass and 49 Degrees North. We also host beginner instruction events for folks new to the sport. Our club holds a monthly club meeting November through April. You can find the date and time on our Facebook page or website panhandlenordicclub.com.
Each year our club sponsors our Best Hand XC-Ski and Snowshoe Fundraiser. This year's event will be held Jan. 4 at the Fourth of July Pass Winter Sports Area. The event involves ski or snowshoe around the trails to collect five cards for a poker hand. Raffle prizes donated by local businesses and club members are then awarded to participants based on the strength of your hand. You can find all the details of the event on our Panhandle Nordic Club Facebook page or website All proceeds support maintenance and ski trail grooming of the Fourth of July Pass Winter Sports Area.
Our club is currently in the process of pursuing an Idaho Recreational Trails Program grant to support the purchase of a new snowmobile to be used for our continued trail maintenance and grooming activities.
3) What is the difference between Nordic skiing and traditional skiing?
Nordic skiing includes both skate and classic cross-country skiing. The ski bindings attach to your boots at the toe, only allowing a smooth kick and glide motion across the snow. This style of skiing allows you to traverse both level ground and uphill-downhill landscapes across great distances in the tranquility of nature. The sport provides a remarkable low impact, full-body exercise.
4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that beyond my love for the outdoors, I love to bake and eat scones.
5) How would you describe how it feels to be out in nature and up in the mountains, and why might someone seek out these activities?
When I ski up at Fourth of July Pass, I am typically alone. The special quietness of the snow-covered trails, listening to the swishing sound of my skis gliding on top of the snow, and the panoramic views makes me feel at peace and grateful to be in this place.
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Do you know someone in Kootenai County who makes our community awesome? Send Fast Five suggestions to Devin Weeks, dweeks@cdapress.com, to highlight locals who contribute their time and talents to make North Idaho such a special place.
