Schweitzer Mountain is a beloved year-round destination in northern Idaho, offering stunning views, diverse terrain, and a vibrant resort village. Here's a full breakdown of what makes Schweitzer special:
🏔️ Location & Overview
- Where: Bonner County, Idaho — 11 miles northwest of Sandpoint, overlooking Lake Pend Oreille
- Elevation: Summit at 6,400 ft (1,951 m); base at 3,960 ft (1,207 m)
- Vertical Drop: 2,440 ft (744 m)
- Owner: Alterra Mountain Company
- Access: ~1.5 hours from Spokane, WA; ~45 minutes from Coeur d’Alene
🎿 Winter Activities
- Skiable Area: 2,900 acres with 92 named runs
- Trail Breakdown:
- 20% beginner
- 40% intermediate
- 35% advanced
- 5% expert
- Lift System: 10 lifts including:
- 1 high-speed six-pack
- 4 high-speed quads
- 2 triples
- 1 double
- 2 surface tows
- Longest Run: Little Blue Ridge — 2.1 miles
- Snowfall: ~300 inches annually
- Terrain Parks: 3
- Snowmaking: Covers 200 acres
- Night Skiing: Available on 2 lifts
🚴 Summer & Year-Round Fun
- Mountain Biking: Lift-served trails and scenic rides
- Hiking & Scenic Lift Rides: Panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains
- Nordic Trails: 32 km for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or summer biking
- Events: Live music, festivals, and seasonal celebrations
- Cambium Spa: Wellness treatments and recovery services
🏘️ Lodging & Village Life
- Village Accommodations: Ski-in/ski-out condos, townhomes, boutique inns
- Dining & Shopping: Taps Bar, Mojo Coyote Café, Gourmandie, and more
- Luxury Options: Private chalets, spa-equipped lodges
- Transportation: Shuttle service from Sandpoint; parking for day and overnight guests
🕰️ History & Name Origins
- Opened: December 4, 1963 (originally “Schweitzer Basin”)
- Name Origin: Named after a Swiss hermit who lived in the basin — a local legend with a dark twist involving missing cats and a mysterious stew
- Rebranding: Dropped “Mountain Resort” in 2021, now simply “Schweitzer”
🎟️ Deals & Passes
- Ikon Pass: Schweitzer is part of the Ikon Pass network
- Kids Ski Free Week: December 6–12, 2025
- Early Season Discounts: Lift + lodging deals from Nov 20–Dec 18
- 3-Pack Lift Tickets: $299 for 3 days — limited-time offer