Northern Idaho, the "Panhandle", offers unlimited activities for the outdoorsman and his family. Due to the relatively low elevation, summers are longer and can reach 90 degrees or more for several weeks. Water sports enthusiasts begin putting their craft into Lake Pend Oreille as early as April and can look forward to pleasant weather until early October. Lake Pend OReille has over 175 miles of untouched shoreline making the area ideal for boating or sailing. Water skiers and wake boarders find smooth water at the base of the 10,000 foot high Monarch Mountains.. Fishing for lake trout is legendary. Golfing at nearby public and private courses will be enriched when the new Jack Nicklaus course is opened at the Idaho Club. Swimming, hiking, camping, biking, and hunting round out just some of the many outdoor activities available. Winter activities are equally appealing. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, at 6,500 feet, offers an outstanding alpine experience. Two new chairlifts have been added and it has been named number 3 spot for tree skiing in the United States. Cross country skiing and snowmobiling trails are plentiful.