magazine
Humbird Schweitzer’s new hotel Biking Bigger trail network Parking All the options
2021 - 2022
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Schweitzer Magazine
2021 - 2022 vol 14
contents
Features
Departments
10 6 Inside Lines
14
With President and CEO Tom Chasse
9 Face Shot: Jess McAvoy
Meet the manager of Lodging Operations
17
20 Tips from the Top Parking strategies
10 Framing the Experience
22 Photo Essay
14 Keeping Kids on the Slopes
24 Off the Mountain
17 Burgeoning Bike Trails
27 This is Schweitzer
Schweitzer’s new Humbird
NIMSEF benefits local youth
Schweitzer adds to downhill network
Patterns of snow
Sandpoint’s historical buildings Stats and more info about the mountain and its town
2021 • 2022 | Schweitzer Magazine
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inside lines
It’s all about fun!
magazine
I
t’s been quite the whirlwind this past year. The demands of dealing with a pandemic really challenged us to be creative in our day-to-day operations, but overall Schweitzer rose to the occasion, and I can’t thank our staff and loyal fans enough for their flexibility and cooperation. I know that providing a safe space to recreate was critical for many last winter, and thanks to everyone’s efforts we were able to operate for our full season of 138 days. That was a huge win for all of us. Looking at the silver lining, the pandemic has had a positive effect in some ways. People are seeking out more natural experiences and the demand for outdoor recreation has skyrocketed in our region. In an effort to keep up with heightened interest, you’ll notice plenty of activity in and around the village area as we adapt to this increased demand. The most obvious project happening right now is construction on our new hotel, Humbird. The hotel and its new restaurant, Crow’s Bench, have drawn inspiration from yet another time when Sandpoint was experiencing a boom in the area. At the turn of the century, the logging industry was seeing people flock to the area, just as we are seeing now. We’re lucky that these people, both then and now, are committed to creating strong foundations for our community. Schweitzer is a large piece of that history and we take great pride in shaping its future. As a thriving business, we welcome the growth opportunities as we Tom Chasse (left) and Jeff Thompson (right) congratulate avalanche rescue dog, Abbey, after a drill during continue to invest in the people, the inthe winter of 2019. frastructure, and the community. Our partnerships with local business and other community nonprofits set the stage for how our whole area can continue to be successful. For example, the increased demand from destination guests for high quality mountain biking is being felt throughout the region. We are especially proud of the relationship we are nurturing with the biking community and the development of additional highcountry routes like the Watershed Crest Trail. This partnership is helping to develop a trail system that welcomes additional visitors, knowing how much they contribute to the economic vitality of Sandpoint and Bonner County. And as much as we appreciate the economic benefits of tourism, it’s important that we don’t lose sight of those who call Sandpoint home. As such, for over 11 years, we’ve partnered with North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund (NIMSEF,) providing affordable access to winter recreation for many of our local youth. The benefits of skiing and snowboarding go far beyond the physical activities associated with being outdoors and the personal connections and mental health benefits are immeasurable. Our local youth need those connections more than ever and we are happy to help play a part. I hope you enjoy reading about the latest from Schweitzer and look forward to seeing you on the mountain. See you on the slopes,
Tom Chasse, President and CEO
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A publication of
SCHWEITZER 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Road Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-263-9555 877-487-4643 schweitzer.com Published by KEOKEE CO. PUBLISHING, INC. Sandpoint, Idaho
Publisher CHRIS BESSLER
Editor BETH HAWKINS
Art Director JACKIE PALMER
Sales Director CLINT NICHOLSON
Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc. 405 Church St. Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 208-263-3573 keokee.com Entire contents © 2021 Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved Schweitzer Magazine is the official publication of Schweitzer, published annually and distributed to Schweitzer visitors; local advertisers’ restaurants, retail shops and other establishments; and by mail to season pass holders, mountain lodging guests and potential real estate clients. Schweitzer Magazine is published for Schweitzer by Keokee Co. Publishing of Sandpoint. For advertising information, contact Keokee Publishing. View the digital flip-page edition at schweitzermagazine.com
On the cover A telemark skier makes a turn on Bud’s Chute with Lake Pend Oreille in the background. Contents page A family gets ready for a snow day in Schweitzer’s village.
Live the Schweitzer Mountain Life.
Randy & Darla (208) 255-8268
Coral Edwards (208) 610-8832
Bobby G. (208) 610-1442
Kent Anderson (208) 610-1201
Ciara Normandeau (208) 946-0473
Jeff Woodall (847) 922-8405
Our agents live, work, and play here - they are local experts who are the ideal guides to help you navigate the market, and make the most out of your real estate journey. With proven local real estate expertise, leveraged by the powerful reach of the regional and national Coldwell Banker networks. Let our team of Schweitzer Experts be your guide to Schweitzer Mountain Real Estate. If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in the mountains, don’t wait. Give us a call to make your real estate dreams come true.
We Put The Fun In Your Real Estate Adventure.
Full Time Realtor® & Schweitzer Enthusiast Mountain Resident & Lifelong Local
I provide the most informative, dedicated and passionate service in this local industry and I know this mountain like the back of my hand. I know how to help you understand and appreciate what makes this Schweitzer community so amazing. I’ve been a top producing agent for almost 20 years and a skier for about twice that! I know the inside scoop on what’s coming up, which is especially helpful in this competitive and fast-paced market. I can also help with things like where the best food is on any given day, or where to ski depending on how the winds blew overnight, or how to get a quicker beer at a crowded bar. I can show you places not on the map that you didn’t even know you wanted to go to! I even gave birth on Schweitzer so I can confidently say, this family "Is of the Snow” and we speak the Schweitzer language! While we are currently low on inventory, and high on international exposure, I have strategies and the local knowledge to help. I also have a great selection of properties downtown!
It s not enough to have the dream
Live it
Alison Murphy, Associate Broker, GRI, Realtor
alisonmurphyidaho@gmail.com
208.290.456 7
Residential + Commercial + Destination | Award-Winning www.bodenarchitecture.com • 208.263.5072 8
Schweitzer Magazine | 2021 • 2022
face shot
Schweitzer’s ‘my home away from home’ Meet Lodging Operations Manager Jess McAvoy It’s hard to beat the working conditions at Schweitzer for Jess McAvoy, who heads up Lodging Operations. That’s because of its proximity to the slopes, the open lines of communication with team members, and the memories that continue to be made in this special place. Here, McAvoy shares more about what it’s like to work at Schweitzer.
What was your first job at Schweitzer? Housekeeper
What did you learn from that job that prepared you for what you do now? Oh man, so much! Time management, the importance of a positive attitude, and embracing mistakes. One of the biggest things, though, is the importance of communication. On a housekeeping team you work very closely with the same people day after day and sometimes emotions run high. I learned quickly that it’s better to talk out the frustrations, even if it’s tense. It saves so much miscommunication later on. Having an open channel of communication builds trust. If a team member is struggling, professionally or personally, I want them to be able to come to me so that we can work on a solution together.
Why would you recommend working at the mountain? Where else can you leave work, pop on a pair of skis or running shoes, and instantly enjoy one of the greatest recreation areas around? It’s a big playground up here, plus the people are amazing. Every employee, from frontline staff to our CEO, feels more like friends than a boss or a coworker. You don’t have to try too hard to fit in. You’re free to be who you want to be here, and I think that’s incredibly rare to find.
What guest interaction has left the biggest impression on you? I’m not sure I can choose just one, but there was a couple that came to visit for the first time three summers ago. They had to evacuate their
home due to wildfires in their state, so they decided to make a vacation out of it and found us on a whim. When they got here, they had the most positive outlook on life, even though they didn’t know if they had a home to go to after they left. They come back occasionally, and I love to see them every time. They have helped me develop a better attitude towards the tough times that we all go through. I also love seeing our regulars. We have quite a few families that come multiple times a winter, some come every weekend. I’ve seen their kids grow into young adults and that’s such a fun thing to be a part of.
What does Schweitzer mean to you? This is possibly the most cliché answer, but Schweitzer is my home away from home. I feel so comfortable on the mountain. I grew up here and have made a thousand memories of Schweitzer with my family. I walk out of my office, and I pass spots that hold such special meaning to me. I think I would feel a little bit incomplete without Schweitzer in my life. 2021 • 2022 | Schweitzer Magazine
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Framing the
experience SCHWEITZER’S NEW HOTEL, HUMBIRD By Dig Chrismer
I
t can be hard for some of us to look at architectural plans and really understand just what’s going on. Lots of lines and diagrams explaining how the roof aligns, where the windows sit, even which direction the bathroom doors will open. For the untrained eye, it can be a little complicated to understand. Such was the case when I first glanced at the initial plans for Humbird, Schweitzer’s new boutique hotel in the heart of Schweitzer’s village. Couple this confusion with terms like “exposed beams,” “the Glass Room,” “CLT construction,” and I was quickly overwhelmed by details. But as I’ve watched Humbird being built this past summer, it’s those details – the physical “coming to life” details – that are the most awe-inspiring to me. The exposed beams are rich in color and their sloping angles complement the existing nuances of our mountain’s terrain, the Selkirk Lodge’s
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Schweitzer Magazine | 2021 • 2022
gabled lines, and White Pine’s pitched roof peak. There is no doubt, Humbird is beautiful by design. Humbird fills a real, practical need for Schweitzer. As Tom Chasse, Schweitzer CEO and president, has explained repeatedly there aren’t enough places for people to stay on the mountain. It’s challenging at best to find a room over weekends and holidays, so as Tom explains, “we hope Humbird will help ease that lodging crunch a bit.” The 31-unit, ski-in/ski-out hotel is the creation of Portland-based architecture firm Skylab. Taking notes from Sandpoint’s strong timber and logging history, the design is contemporary in its flow and feel. According to Jeff Kovel, principal/design director at Skylab, “The building will be a state-of-the-art facility and feature heavy timber construction. Our goal is to provide a perfect venue for guests to relax, play, and revel in the natural beauty surrounding them.”
Left, architectural rendering of Humbird. Above, Humbird’s construction in full swing.
The timber connection and logging history of our area played heavily into the choice of Humbird’s name. As the story goes, back in the late 1800s, intrepid loggers arrived in the Sandpoint area working hard, long days for the local mills. One particular logging enterprise, The Humbird Lumber Company, was the lifeblood of Sandpoint’s economy and community in the early 1900s and an enduring point of local pride. Humbird was also the town’s general store, and the title sponsor of the local baseball team. Humbird’s impact on Sandpoint was tremendous – transforming the town from a population of about 400 people in 1900 to more than 3,500 in 10 years. The mill also changed the city’s demographics from a predominantly male-dominated enclave to a community brimming with families. The loggers themselves lived out of logging camps for months at a time. This motley collection of young and old men endured raw days
in the forest, earning what money they could. The camps were remote, and when the loggers came to town they were easy to spot wearing their flannels over long underwear, dirty logging jeans, and suspenders. Fastforward to 2021 and you may have just described half the people who have a ski pass to the mountain. Just replace the dirty jeans with Carhartts and the suspenders with Kinco gloves. Of course, the flannels remain along with the work hard-play hard mentality. Schweitzer embraces that ethic and Humbird will provide our modern motley crew a well-earned place to rest after invigorating mountain activities. Just imagine, during the winter, the impressive interior fireplace will warm your toes as you sip a libation and celebrate your big ski day on the mountain. Summer season, sit outside of Crow’s Bench, Humbird’s 50-seat restaurant and bar, as the village bustles 2021 • 2022 | Schweitzer Magazine
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Architectural renderings show a representation of what the interior spaces will look like. From top to bottom, Crow’s Bench restaurant, the new bar in Crow’s Bench, the interior of a room as seen from the room’s entrance, the opposite view from the window area.
with hikers and mountain bikers. Like the name suggests, birds of a feather will be able to find a spot to perch and take in the atmosphere with their nearest and dearest. I can see all these moments clearly as I take in the impressive mass timber beams that are shaping Crow’s Bench. I stand in the unfinished restaurant and already I’m struck with the color, the warmth, and the way the wood literally frames the experience. It’s intentional, thanks to those timber beams and large expanses of glass, so that everywhere you look there’s a “framed” view. Visiting the guests’ rooms, all eyes are drawn east, with the impressive views of Lake Pend Oreille squarely in sight. Mixing elements of old and new, the rooms’ interiors will offer a unique hybrid experience. Simple in design with those large feature windows and exposed wood accents, the guest rooms will be appointed with crisp linens and Pendleton blankets, creating soft places to be after an active day. What’s equally striking is the way Schweitzer is framed by smaller windows in the hallways, creating peek-a-boo glimpses of a mountain I thought I knew from every angle. Humbird will frame our Schweitzer experience just as Schweitzer’s past and natural beauty has framed the design. There is a realization that time spent in Humbird will be just as memorable as the moments on the mountain. Schweitzer’s goal hasn’t been just to add rooms – it’s to add to the experience, both visually and physically. From plans on paper to larger-than-life beams, Humbird rises from the village as if it’s always meant to have been there. I couldn’t imagine before, but now I can’t wait to be just like one of those crows, enjoying the warmth of the views.
JULY 28-AUGUST 7, 2022 www.festivalatsandpoint.com
Keeping kids on the slopes NIMSEF BENEFITS LOCAL YOUTH
L
By Dig Chrismer
et’s face it, skiing and snowboarding are expensive. From lift tickets to gear, cost can be an issue for anyone who wants to get out on the mountain. It’s challenging to find ways to promote the benefits of skiing and snowboarding to the local community when often, those families don’t have the extra financial means to get their kids involved in the sport. Working as a ski instructor for Schweitzer, Jeff Rouleau has experienced this dilemma firsthand. Over the years, he’s worked with Schweitzer’s Snowsports School outreach programs and has met tons of local kids who were thrilled to get a day on the mountain with their school classes. But it was heartbreaking when he realized that many of those kids wouldn’t get more than just that one day. “Back in 2010, we got thank you cards from some of the fourth-graders who had skied with us the week before. One of the cards said ‘Greatest day of my life. Too bad I’ll never see you again.’ And that just killed me.” Inspired by this glaring gap in opportunity, Rouleau hit upon an idea to find a way to get these kids back on the slopes. Working closely with Schweitzer and the local community, Rouleau founded North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund (NIMSEF) with the goal to get kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford skiing and snowboarding out on the slopes. NIMSEF’s primary function is to work with the local community in securing donations to pay for season passes and rentals as well as registration for the six-week Funatics program. Rouleau’s original intention was to promote the program to the local schools and social workers in the area, hoping to connect kids who come from challenging socioeconomic situations with an outlet that provides critical physical and mental health benefits. “In our first year, we helped 22 kids,” Rouleau said. “This past winter, thanks to word of mouth, we were able to help about 100 kids get access to the mountain. It’s incredible.” Community support has been key for NIMSEF to continue growing the program with their annual fundraiser, the screening of the Banff Mountain Film Festival at the Panida Theater. The three-day festival provides the bulk of
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NIMSEF’s fundraising efforts every year. “We have five board members who do so much to help raise the money we need to keep the program going,” he said. “Plus, the support we get from Schweitzer’s rental manager Kirk Johnson and his crew is just amazing. Everyone really believes in the value of what we are doing and that buy-in is key.” As much as the program relies on donations from the community, Rouleau also asks that each child who participates have a stake in making the program work, too. “The kids have a responsibility to raise $50 towards our annual raffle at the film festival fundraiser,” Rouleau said. “They can sell raffle tickets to friends and family or do what they can to earn the money by raking leaves, babysitting, you name it.” One Bonners Ferry family even launched a whole new business to cover their portion of participating in the program. “My parents weren’t skiers, but I really wanted to
Left, Malia Steffen on the slopes at Schweitzer. Right, Malia and her brother hit the slopes last winter. Below, Smalltown Kids’ vendor booth at Northwest Wine Fest in July 2021.
ski,” said Malia Steffen. “I started making candles and bath confetti at home so I could pay off the $50 and use any extra profit to help my brothers get to ski, too.” Six years later, and Malia not only is covering her siblings’ NIMSEF requirements but her Smalltown Kids products are sold in local stores in Bonner and Boundary counties. “It started out to get us skiing but NIMSEF taught me about the value of money, how to pay your way, and get to do what you really like doing.” Malia’s father, Jason Steffen, agrees. “The scholarship through NIMSEF made skiing more affordable for us and gave us connections we never imagined,” he said. “NIMSEF not only helped introduce our family to skiing, but it also provided us, as parents, a tool to help inspire our kids beyond the slopes. Now they run their own business, annually donating part of their profits back to NIMSEF so other kids
may have the same opportunity.” Two other underserved sections of the community have also benefited from NIMSEF’s efforts – veterans and adaptive skiers. “We purchased adaptive equipment and worked with the Snowsports School to get more instructors involved with these skiers,” Rouleau said. “NIMSEF’s focus is to get anyone who wants to get out on the slopes and has a true need for help, be it financial or physical, out there.” “The needs of our community aren’t going away and it’s only going to get more challenging for those workers who keep our community functioning,” continues Rouleau. “It’s the least we can do to help keep our entire community connected to something they really enjoy doing. Skiing and snowboarding shouldn’t be exclusive.” For more information about NIMSEF, visit their website: www.nimsef.com. 2021 • 2022 | Schweitzer Magazine
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shawn@timberveilrealty.com
amurrayipp@gmail.com
Burgeoning
bike trails S
A mountain biker exits the Squirrel Master trail, just above Schweitzer’s village.
By Matt Conger
ince the 1990s, Schweitzer has allowed thrill-seeking mountain bikers to bring their bikes up the chairlift so they could ride back down to the village. The mountain gained a reputation as a rocky and rough place to hone bike skills and quickly became a favorite to downhill mountain bikers. In the early 2000s, Schweitzer hosted multiple years of the National Off Road Bike Association (NORBA) race series, a national mountain bike competition that brought professional bikers to Schweitzer from around the country to compete in downhill and cross-country style racing. Since then Schweitzer’s trail network saw some slow growth with the addition of a couple of new trails including Bear Grass and Pinch Flat in the late 2000s, but development of more new trails and maintenance of the current trail network stayed relatively stagnant until recently. With bikes being sold in record numbers, an increase in mountain bike rentals, and more interest in lift-access mountain bike tickets, Schweitzer has once again started to invest in the trail network. The summer of 2020 saw the first new bike trail in years, Squirrel Master, and with the purchase of a new trail machine, the revamped trail crew led by terrain park manager Dan Nylund, set out to rebuild berms and fix problem areas on the other existing trails. Bear Grass and Upper Pinch Flat both had the majority of the berms rebuilt and the skills park got a facelift with all-new jumps, drops, and rollers. Now that the crew has finished up with some much-needed trail maintenance projects, they have been able to turn their focus to new trail additions. The Schweitzer trail crew has been working hard on a new lower section of Pinch Flat, the main black diamond trail off the summit. This lower section will extend down towards the Sunnyside area of the mountain instead of following the old rocky road to Bear Grass like the old Pinch Flat used to do. Look for this new trail to be rideable in the summer of 2022. With the need for even more new trails and the fact that the Schweitzer trail crew has been busy on trail projects of their own, Schweitzer decided to bring on two additional trail companies to build new bike trails in their downhill trail network. 2021 • 2022 | Schweitzer Magazine
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Top, Terra Flow’s new trail is taking shape off Bear Grass. Above, mountain bikes arrive at the summit via the Great Escape Quad chairlift. Below, a rider descends Pinch Flat under the Great Escape Quad.
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Schweitzer Magazine | 2021 • 2022
Terra Flow, a nationally renowned trail building company, is working on one of these new trails. Based in Whitefish, Montana, Terra Flow has a reputation for building some of the best and most fun trails in the northern Rockies. With experience building at resorts such as Whitefish, Big Sky, and the Yellowstone Club, Schweitzer is excited to see what they come up with. Their new trail will follow the Gypsy ski run and will be geared towards intermediate riders. The second trail company helping Schweitzer expand their trail network is Collaborative Trails. This Sandpoint-based company has built some amazing local trails over the past few years including many of the new trails in the Pine Street Woods trail network near Sandpoint. The new pump track at the bottom of the Great Escape quad was also built by Collaborative Trails and is an awesome addition to the mountain – especially for the younger kids and beginner mountain bikers. Their planned trail will be a spur off the existing Bear Grass Trail and will dive into some of the treed patches between the ski runs off of the Basin Express Quad. Both of these trails will be ready to ride by the summer of 2022. Even more trails are on the way for Little Sand Creek Basin Trail network, the trail system outside of Schweitzer’s area boundary. The Pend Oreille Pedalers, our local nonprofit trails and biking organization, are working with the City of Sandpoint to expand and improve on trails in Sandpoint’s watershed at the bottom of Schweitzer Mountain known as the “Basin Trails.” This Basin Trail network is comprised of all sorts of high alpine, cross country, and downhill trails that connect the summit of Schweitzer to the valley, allowing riders to climb or descend almost 4,000 vertical feet. The Pend Oreille Pedalers are currently working on a two-phase plan to build an uphill-friendly trail from the bottom of the Basin Trails network and another new downhill flow trail the following year. These are just the immediate plans, and the club has some ambitious goals including the expansion of their alpine trails off of the Schweitzer summit. If you haven’t been on any of the trails around Schweitzer in the past few years, you will be blown away at the amazing work that the Schweitzer Trail Crew, the Pend Oreille Pedalers, and others have put in. It’s exciting to see all the progress and expansion of trails that allow users to experience nature, take in the views, and have fun. If you enjoy the trails that the Pend Oreille Pedalers are building around Schweitzer or the town of Sandpoint, make sure you become a member or donate at PendOreillePedalers.org to continue supporting them in their efforts. See you out there!
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Proud to be your Hometown Hospital. 2021 • 2022 | Schweitzer Magazine
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tips from the top
W
e know – parking can be challenging. Couple that with a pandemic, which shunned public transportation last winter, and the parking situation got even worse. As we head into the 2021/22 winter season, here are a few strategies to make the situation easier for everyone:
Parking strategies
1 Mountainside The new eco-friendly, slopeside community
Use the shuttle. It’s free and drops you off in the closest location possible to the village. Buses run every half hour starting at 6:30 a.m.
2 3 4 5 6 7
Carpool. The more, the merrier really is the way to go when it comes to heading to the slopes! Find your ski buddies and pack your car with them before you head up. Skiing (and parking) are way more fun with friends! Find a driver. Know someone who can drop you off? Perfect. Buy them a coffee for the ride and enjoy the conversation before you get dropped off at the mountain or the Red Barn! Get to the mountain early. If you’re an early riser, that might work in your favor to find a parking spot! Most mornings, the main lot is full by 8:15 a.m. so plan to beat the rush or park elsewhere. Use the Fall Line lot. The lowest lot on the mountain can be the least crowded and offers a shorter walk to the lift. From the Fall Line lot, you are one quick Musical Chairs lift ride away from the main village, plus Musical Chairs opens at 8 a.m. for uploading to the village, so you’ll have plenty of time to get in line for the opening bell! Ski mid-week. If you ski on a Tuesday or Wednesday, demand on the parking lots will be less. Not to mention, you’ll get a mountain to yourself as well! Again, use the shuttle. Seriously … use it! Not only is it less stressful but it’s better for the environment too. A win-win!
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Schweitzer Magazine | 2021 • 2022
Sandpoint
North Idaho’s aprés – ski town
A CHARMING PLACE TO EXPLORE, SHOP AND DINE.
Minutes from downtown!
One-of-a-kind Boutiques | Winter Outfitters | Local Art Makers and Studios Children’s Shops | Organic Eateries | Family Bistros Craft Breweries | Coffee Cafes | Sweeteries
DOWNTOWNSANDPOINT.COM @sandpoint_SHOPPING_DISTRICT #sandpointshoppingdistrict
SANDPOINTSHOPPINGDISTRICT
photo essay
patterns of snow
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Schweitzer Magazine | 2021 • 2022
As much fun as it is to fly through the snow on your skis or snowboard, sometimes you really need to just stop. Just take a moment to stand on the summit or in the trees and listen to the mountain as you breathe. Take in the way nature frames our experiences, how all those natural lines are drawn around us by the wind, the weather, and the sun. It’s magical and we are lucky to be a part of it.
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off the mountain It may feel as though ski resorts have been around forever. Truth is that the first ski area in the U.S. was established 106 years ago. Schweitzer’s history is even younger than that – just 58 years in December 2021. Since Schweitzer’s history is relatively young in the scheme of things, it’s nice to have the brick and mortar history of our hometown of Sandpoint to fall back on. Most of the major early developments of the town were done by the Farmin family, who arrived in the area working for the Great Northern Railway in the late 1800s. By 1901, the town was incorporated and thriving. 120 years later, take a stroll and admire the solid past that is inspiring the future in our hometown.
Historical
Sandpoint THIS IS A SUBHEAD FOR THIS STORY
102 S. Euclid Ave – Original Sandpoint High School, now the Sandpoint Events Center.
Built in 1923, this stately landmark has been used as a high school, junior high, and the “9th Grade Center.” The building was closed in 1986 due to the need for extensive renovations. In the early 2000s, a local family took ownership of the building, converting the space into offices and an event center for hosting weddings, receptions, plays, fundraisers, and corporate meetings. www.sandpointeventscenter.com
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419 N. Second Ave Original Sandpoint Federal Building, now MickDuff’s Brewing Co.
This impressive building was finished in 1926 and housed Sandpoint’s post office, U.S. Forest Service offices, IRS, Civil Service, and military recruitment offices. In 1973, it was listed on the National Register of Historical Places for its architectural significance and Spanish Revival influences. The library had a brief stint here as well, before moving to their current location in 2000. MickDuff’s Brewing Co. purchased the building in the summer of 2019 and embarked on an extensive renovation, creating a new home for their restaurant operations and pilot brewery while maintaining the historical integrity of the building. The renovations earned MickDuff’s an Orchid Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation by Preservation Idaho. www.mickduffs.com
11 Main St. Sandpoint’s first City Hall, now home of the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint.
Sandpoint’s first City Hall was built in 1909 on land donated by L.D. Farmin and has been used as a fire station and as the city library. The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint acquired the building in 2019 and plans to use this centrally located space to continue growing their programs for voice, theater, and music in all its forms. www.sandpointconservatory.org For more details on other historic locations in town, check out the full walking tour map, “Sandpoint …. A Walk through History” created by the Sandpoint Historic Preservation Commission and the City of Sandpoint. 2021 • 2022 | Schweitzer Magazine
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L ive ’Snow’ like there's
tomorrow
When you’re here for the deep powder and epic runs at Schweitzer — don’t miss the wow! of Sandpoint. Just 20 minutes down the mountain, Sandpoint is host to a bustling entertainment scene, more than 40 excellent restaurants and taverns, and that’s not to mention the eclectic shops, galleries and sumptuous spas for any non-skiers in your crowd. Cross-country and snowshoe trails at nearby Pine Street Woods, the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail or Western Pleasure Guest Ranch are superb, too. Make your visit the complete experience. We’ll see you in Sandpoint!
Get visitor information at 800-800-2106 • www.VisitSandpoint.com
Carving out a happy life for your family is simple, if you let it be. Just find a place that checks a few key boxes and let everything else fall away. Because honestly, if you love doing stuff outside that makes you sweat, and running into people who make you laugh, you really only need three things: steep hills, good people, and a lake. And probably beer. And we happen to know a place that’s got those things in spades.
this is schweitzer
Steep hills good people and a lake. Welcome to Schweitzer
Schweitzer is located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho Panhandle, only 80 miles from Spokane, Washington. Our closest friend, the town of Sandpoint, is easily viewed from the summit of our mountain along with views of three states, Canada, and the impressive Lake Pend Oreille. Sandpoint, with a population of approximately 8,400, hosts a plethora of year-round events including the renowned Festival at Sandpoint outdoor summer concert series. The amazing 148-squaremile Lake Pend Oreille is a fantastic spot for swimming, boating, and fishing during the summer months. The unforgettable friendliness both at Schweitzer and in town are some of the biggest reasons why you’ll keep coming back year after year.
Where to Stay
At Schweitzer, count on skiing hard and sleeping harder. Humbird. New for the winter 2021/22 winter season is Schweitzer’s newest and most unique lodging option. A boutique hotel leveraging the properties of mass timber construction, beauty, sustainability, and structural efficiency, Humbird will bring together tradition and innovative materials in a contemporary, future-forward expression. With views of Lake Pend Oreille and the mountain, Humbird is the perfect place to feel at home. Selkirk Lodge features hotel-style accommodations with a variety of room types for couples and families, all just
steps away from three outdoor hot tubs and the resort’s heated pool. Also slopeside, White Pine Lodge boasts separate bedrooms, full kitchens, gas fireplaces, views overlooking Schweitzer’s village or Lake Pend Oreille, and other amenities such as the two outdoor hot tubs. Other condominiums are located throughout Schweitzer’s mountain community and feature full kitchens, ski-in/ski-out access, and luxury amenities. Schweitzer.com, 877-487-4643
Where to Eat
Who’s hungry? After a day of summer mountain biking or skiing deep pow off the Lakeview Triple, you’ve earned whatever you eat up here. Enjoy dinner at our newest restaurant, Crow’s Bench, offering a unique dining experience with local flair and rotating menus. Chimney Rock Grill’s comfortable fireside dining features burgers, steaks, salads, and pasta. Mojo Coyote Café is a casual eatery, offering sandwiches and fresh-baked goods. Other village options include tavern fare at Pucci’s Pub, ski hill favorites at the Lakeview Café, après-ski at Taps, pizza at Sam’s Alley and Powderhound Pizza, and coffee at Cabinet Mountain. For delicious shareable appetizers, Gourmandie is the go-to spot for light eats and specialty wine and craft beer selections. Sky House, Schweitzer’s premier mountaintop venue, offers small plate options summer and winter in the intimate bar, The Nest, or delicious upscale lunch options from the Red Hawk Café in ski season. The
Outback, located in the mountain’s Outback Bowl, offers hot food and cold drinks inside or on the deck near the bonfire.
Let Us Watch the Kids
You love them, but you’ll love them even more after you get a day off! In the winter, drop off your children, ages 4 months to 6 years, at KinderKamp, Schweitzer’s fully licensed day care center. Younger kids will enjoy outdoor snow play, structured activities, and games. Older kids can also be signed up for group or private lessons with one of our experienced instructors. In the summer, your kids are going to love Schweitzer’s Adventure Camp. Sign them up for one of our nine fun-filled weeks and you’ll get your own little adult version of “camp” while they’re having a blast at theirs. 208-263-9555, ext. 2271
Good Gear Makes a Difference
The Ski and Ride Center features top-quality rentals from Rossignol and a full-service tuning and repair shop with one of the region’s most extensive ski and snowboard demo fleets. During the summer months, the Ski and Ride Center switches gears (literally) and we offer a range of downhill mountain bikes so you can get out on the lift-accessed trails. Get in touch with us for more details about our full range of gear options for winter and summer adventures on the mountain. 208-255-3070
Everyone Needs Lessons
Still stuck in a rut? Take your skiing to 2021 • 2022 | Schweitzer Magazine
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a whole new level with lesson packages and specialty clinics taught by certified coaches from Schweitzer’s Snowsports School. We’ve got programs for skiers and riders of all levels and ages all winter long. Multi-week programs are also available for kids ages 5-14. 208-255-3070
VILLAGE DIRECTORY
It’s More Fun with Friends
Looking for a place to host your corporate retreat, executive or board meeting, mountaintop wedding or family celebration? Schweitzer’s Group Sales team can offer customized event planning to fit any group’s needs at our unique mountain setting. Let us arrange all your group’s needs from banquets to cocktail receptions and outdoor group activities including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing. The Schweitzer staff is wholly committed to creating memorable experiences for any event. 208-263-9555 ext. 2820
What Else To Do?
There’s lots more going on! Staff members at the Schweitzer Activity Center, located on the ground floor level of Humbird, can offer a variety of adventures and day-out suggestions to help round out any vacation at Schweitzer including excursions to Sandpoint. Winter guests may opt for a moonlit snowshoe hike or a little fun tubing at Hermit’s Hollow, located just a short walk from the village. Summertime, rent equipment for disc golf or tennis rackets to hit the courts. The Schweitzer Activity Center makes it easy to organize a day on or off the mountain. 208-255-3081
Jib, Jump, and Jam
So, you’re a fan of not just sliding on snow but also sliding around and across things? Well, our Stomping Grounds Terrain Park offers an extensive variety of some of the most unique custom park fea-
Just the Facts tures around. Rails, boxes, and jumps keep the experts entertained while beginners build skills in the Terrain Garden on rolling and flowing terrain. The Southside Terrain Park features unintimidating, medium-sized features. It’s Schweitzer’s most popular park and is located on Crystal Run. Park features are maintained nightly by those who ride them daily, and the crew aims to add new features each week. Rangers staff the park whenever the mountain is open, bringing safety, education, oversight, support, and a fun vibe to the park.
Retail Therapy
Anyone needing a bit of retail therapy can choose from several shopping options right in the heart of the village. The Source sells mountain gear essentials like goggles and gloves, plus specialty equipment and demo rentals. The independently owned Alpine Shop also offers a selection of outdoor gear, clothing, boots, and skis in the village during winter season. The Artists’ Studio, a local artist cooperative, showcases unique photos, drawings, paintings, glass art, jewelry, and more. The Market at Schweitzer offers a great selection of fine spirits as an official Idaho state liquor outlet plus they carry other sundries and those forgotten items you might need to make your stay more enjoyable including some amazing ice cream!
Selkirk Powder
Selkirk Powder offers unique, unforgettable heli-skiing and backcountry cat skiing tours. Heli-skiing experiences are coordinated from the Sandpoint Airport and provide the ultimate ski experience for the seasoned powder rider or first-timer. Backcountry cat skiing happens right off Sch-
weitzer’s summit in an adjacent 4,350 acres of terrain, featuring 72 named, west-facing runs. Skiers and riders are led out of backcountry gates to join their comfortable snowcats by 9 a.m. and typically complete up to 10 runs / 14,000 vertical feet before 3 p.m. Selkirk Powder’s summit facility is located just 100 yards from Schweitzer’s Great Escape Quad and from there, snowmobile tours can zip along groomed trails using new Polaris Adventure machines. For serious backcountry enthusiasts, and those new to winter trekking, self-propelled backcountry ski tours and AIARE avalanche classes are available. Plan for your entire family to augment their Schweitzer vacation with a Selkirk Powder adventure! selkirkpowder.com, 208263-6959
What’s Winter Really Like?
As the biggest ski area in Idaho and Washington and Ikon Pass’ proud new partner, there’s really no place like this. Anywhere. Schweitzer’s an unspoiled, uncrowded gem with 2,900 acres of elbow room and lift lines that barely let you catch your breath. Throw in 300 inches of snowfall annually and you’ll never tire of exploring the two massive bowls and the prime tree skiing that’s available. It’s where you can ski longer than your legs want, and newcomers are more than welcome because the mountain can 100 percent handle it!
What about Summer?
When you need space to explore during the summer months, you can’t beat Schweitzer. From late June through Labor Day, the mountain offers lift-accessed mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, festivals, and more huckleberries than you can pick.
MOUNTAIN TERRAIN
Skiable Terrain: Tree Skiing: Summit Elevation: Village Elevation: Lowest Elevation: Vertical Drop:
2,900 acres more than 1,200 acres 6,400 feet 4,700 feet 4,000 feet 2,400 feet
LIFTS
Schweitzer features 10 lifts with an uphill capacity of 16,300 people per hour. LIFT Basin Express Great Escape Lakeview Sunnyside Stella Colburn Cedar Park Express Musical Chairs Idyle Our Musical Carpet
TYPE Quad Quad Triple Double 6-Pack Triple
RISE 1,063 feet 1,678 feet 710 feet 1,280 feet 1,550 feet 1,360 feet
TIME 4 minutes 5 minutes 4.5 minutes 8 minutes 5.5 minutes 8 minutes
Quad Double T-bar Carpet
1,447 feet 592 feet 60 feet 385 feet
5 minutes 6 minutes 4 minutes 6 minutes
TRAILS
Alpine Runs: 92 designated runs Longest Run: 2.1 miles (Little Blue Ridge Run) Open Bowls: 2 (Schweitzer and Outback) Nordic: 32 kilometers ABILITY-LEVEL BREAKDOWN Beginner: 10 percent Intermediate: 40 percent Advanced: 35 percent Expert: 15 percent
HOURS
WINTER: 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in winter season, with Twilight Skiing on Fridays, Saturdays, and select holidays Dec. 26 to March 6 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. SUMMER: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer season, with later hours on festival weekends. For a full list of hours of operation and what’s going on, check out Schweitzer.com.
ie r e p x E
u o M nce
Scenic Chairlift Rides. Take the Great Escape Quad to access Schweitzer’s exhilarating downhill mountain bike trails or just ride the lift for the jaw-dropping views of Lake Pend Oreille and the rugged Selkirk and Cabinet mountains. In the Village. Mine for gems at the Cranky Jennings sluice box, enjoy aerial thrills on the 750foot zipline, or jump to your heart’s content on the popular trampoline jumper. Check out The Source for gifts and gear, the Artists’ Studio for local creations, or pick up sundries and spirits at The Market.
Out on the Trails.
Check out Schweitzer’s cross-country mountain biking and hiking trails, or get matched up with a fantastic horse for a beautiful trail ride to Picnic Point. Downhill mountain bike enthusiasts can experience thrilling inbounds laps or head out on the Watershed Crest Trail, descending approximately 4,000 feet to the valley floor via the Lower Basin trail network created in partnership with the City of Sandpoint and the Selkirk Recreation District.
OK. I’m in. Now where the heck is Schweitzer? Schweitzer is located at 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Road in Sandpoint, Idaho. The resort is 45 miles from Coeur d’Alene/I-90 and two hours from Spokane International Airport. The nearest business district is 12 miles away in the city of Sandpoint and can be reached via the free SPOT bus connection during the winter season.
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Schweitzer Magazine | 2021 • 2022
COMING SOON!
Experience Mountain Living Introducing...
23 New Mountain Condos •
3 bedroom / 3 bath / loft area / bunk room / Approx 1,600+ sq. ft. / 2 car tandem garages.
•
Amazing ski-hill views with easy ski access & located across from The St. Bernard Pub.
**Design & build subject to change.
Also Offering! •
A first-ever At Schweitzer Mountain “Parking Garage”.
•
50+ parking spaces available, call Randy & Darla for details.
Pre-Construction List Now Forming
Randy Stone, REALTOR®/Broker Darla Wilhelmsen, REALTOR® randy.stone@coldwellbanker.com
208.255.8268
Schweitzer Mountain is Exploding Be apart of this exciting time. We look forward to hearing from you
—
Randy & Darla Your Schweitzer Experts!
— cbsandpoint.com —
WWW.ALPINESHOPSANDPOINT.COM
Schweitzer Mountain in the Village 208.255.1660
Downtown Sandpoint 213 Church St 208.263.5157
