 Schweitzer Mountain Resort, an up and coming four season resort, has developed and grown since its modest beginnings in 1963. Terrain With 82 slopes and trails, open bowl skiing and an expansive 2,900 acres of terrain, combined with Schweitzer's 2,400 vertical feet, the mountain skis "big" in true Western style. Schweitzer overlooks Lake Pend Oreille, just 86 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington, and a few miles north of the growing resort town of Sandpoint at the base of the Selkirk Mountains in the Idaho Panhandle. One of the keys to the development and increased popularity of Schweitzer has been the development of the terrain diversity offered to its guests. With 60% of the runs serving beginner and intermediate riders and skiers, the slopes and trails meet the needs of mainstream visitors and do much to balance Schweitzer's original reputation as an "experts only" experience. Now, with an additional 400 acres of mostly intermediate terrain, including the lengthy cruise (1.7 miles) down the groomed carpet of Little Blue Ridge Run, Schweitzer offers more for families. As one might expect, Schweitzer's location almost guarantees an annual average snowfall total of 300 inches and makes the advance skiing and riding choices a favorite of Northwestern powder hounds. The resort's location allows it to benefit from the big Pacific Northwest storms, yet it is far enough inland for the snow to dry out before dumping on the mountain. Forty percent of the resort's terrain provides more than enough challenge for those able to handle it. From the steeps of "The Face", to the rolls of "Springboarder", diversity and challenges abound. The high speed quad, "Stella", a fixed grip quad and four double chairs means lift lines are never an issue and guests are always greeted by some of the friendliest lefties in the West. When it comes to amenities, guests certainly benefit from the resorts continued growth. Schweitzer offers a number of culinary options, from the fresh coffee, scones and breakfast burritos of the Mojo Coyote Café to the fresh seafood and regional fare of the Chimney Rock Grille in the Selkirk Lodge to the diverse eclectic fare found in nearby Sandpoint, ID. For accommodations, one may choose from the European style of the Selkirk Lodge to the contemporary mountain architecture of the new White Pine Lodge and beyond. A browse through the resort's web site is recommended to find the vacation and lodging options to suit every need. For those who need to a step away from the mountain's challenges and to enjoy a change of pace, the beautiful town of Sandpoint is but 11 miles away. Chosen by Outside Magazine as a top "Dream Town", Sandpoint offers a multitude of choices for dining, shopping, art and music, while the surrounding area presents a diverse and stimulating year round environment.
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Ski Report
Idaho
