magazine
Master Plan Parking and more Dining New Crow’s Bench opens Events Partnering for perfection
2022 - 2023
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Patrick Werry, REALTOR®, Schweitzer Specialist
Alex Wohllaib,
pwerry@sisna.com www.patrickwerry.com
nidaho@gmail.com www.c21sandpoint.com
208-290-2016
REALTOR®, Schweitzer Specialist
208-610-1388
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Schweitzer Magazine
contents
2022 - 2023 vol 15
Features
Departments
9 6 Inside Lines
With President and CEO Tom Chasse
9 Face Shot: Davey MacFarlane
14
Lift Maintenance Supervisor
17 Partnership
Working together to make great events
22
20 Tips from the Top
Mountain fun, family-style
10 Master Plan Update
22 Photo Essay
14 Crow’s Bench
25 Summer
24 Weddings
27 This is Schweitzer
Base Camp will provide a new arrival An Alpine epicurean delight Home for the memories
For the love of trees A whole new kind of delight Stats and more info about the mountain and its town
inside lines
It’s a mountain of improvements
magazine
A publication of
SCHWEITZER 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Road Sandpoint, ID 83864 208-263-9555 877-487-4643 schweitzer.com
I
t’s been a couple of years since we’ve updated our ski operations master plan and over the past couple of months, we’ve made a few revisions in order to address some choke points in our operation. Our focus has been dedicated to finding a long-term parking solution, enhancing beginner terrain, and improving amenities for our day visitors. We’re proud to make these plans reality and have begun work on our new arrival portal, “Base Camp.” This new area has been a dream of ours for many years; heck the sign at the round-a-bout has referenced “future road” for years! Well, the future is now and under construction. Logging crews have been hard at work since mid-April as we roughed in an access road, the future parking lot and lift line profile, prior to the this winter season. Our goal is to provide parking for 1,400 cars and lift access. In future years, additional amenities will include a new day lodge with day care, rental shop, food and beverage options, and retail shop as well as three additional lifts, snowmaking capabilities and improved access to our Nordic system. It’s taken a while, but we’ve completed the hardscaping around Humbird and will debut a new locker facility and day spa (called Cambium) for the 2022-23 winter season. These additional amenities will complement the upscale feel of Humbird and Crow’s Bench. The south end of the current Schweitzer village looks and feels more complete and with our long-term goal to incorporate additional “wellness” amenities like fitness equipment and soaking tubs, Schweitzer will have what it takes to meet and exceed our guests’ expectations. More details will be available on our website as we get closer to the grand opening. Thanks for continuing to choose to be a part of the Schweitzer experience. We are always pleased to see our friends and fans back on the mountain, regardless of the season. See you on the slopes,
Published by KEOKEE CO. PUBLISHING, INC. Sandpoint, Idaho
Publisher CHRIS BESSLER Art Director DANIEL SEWARD Sales Director CLINT NICHOLSON
Keokee Co. Publishing, Inc. 405 Church St. Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 208-263-3573 keokee.com Entire contents © 2022 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, Inc. of Sandpoint. For advertising information, contact Keokee Publishing. View the digital flip-page edition at schweitzermagazine.com
On the cover Skier heads down the mountain to the village last winter – a scene that will change in the next year.
Tom Chasse, Schweitzer CEO & President
Contents page Skiers at sunrise in the village embark for adventure out on the Nordic Trails.
Introducing
Lake Pend Oreille provide the stunning scenic vista for this large and private building lot in The Spires. There’s also true ski-in, ski-out living. Sold with builder plans and a potential build slot for 2023. $499,000
Up near the very top of The Spires, on a newly paved portion of Tall Timber, you will find an uphill building lot amidst tall trees with simply stunning resort and mountain views. This truly is living “Above it All.” $390,000
Welcome to Snag Line, the newest addition to The Spires! This quiet street ends into some of the best hiking and biking trails in the area. And this lot has an open space ski corridor to the side, allowing ski access to the back door. $360,000
One of the most affordable lots at Schweitzer! This lot offers long range mountain views and a gentle slope to build your own mountain retreat. This lot is just a short distance to the main Village. $295,00
A large building lot with over half an acre at Schweitzer with the potential for multiple density or just build a spacious single-family home amidst old growth timber. This lot is located at the end of Snowplow, in a quiet location with mountain views. $450,000
Another lot on Snag Line! The opportunity for two side-by-side lots! This quiet street ends right into some of the best hiking and biking trails in the area with great ski access too. There are long range mountain views over tall trees. $360,000
89 Lower Wyvern Way
Alison
Currently under construction with a completion date in 2023, this luxury ski-in, ski-out home will be remarkable in every detail. The home sits on a ½ acre with ski access right out your door. There will be 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen and living area, as well as media room, covered deck with hot tub, two car heated garage and heated driveway. Price upon request.
Alison Murphy Associate Broker, GRI, Realtor AlisonMurphyIdaho@gmail.com 208.290.4567
Your Schweitzer Specialists Since 1984 Charlie Parrish Owner / Broker 208-290-1501 Courtney Nova Associate Broker 208-290-7264 Ron Nova Sales Associate 208-304-2007 Chelsea Nova Sales Associate 208-304-8979
He keeps the
face shot
good times rolling
Meet Lift Maintenance Supervisor Davey Macfarlane On any given day during the winter season, there’s a chance you’ll catch Lift Maintenance Manager Davey MacFarlane hanging out on his snowmobile, watching the skiers and snowboarders pass him by. And that’s exactly how he likes it. “I know we’ve done the job right when I get to see everyone having a good time. That’s rewarding.” Those winter days exist due to the summertime efforts of Davey and his seven-person crew. Long days during the summer months are required to keep all 10 of Schweitzer’s lifts in top condition for winter service. “Routine maintenance is our biggest challenge. Checking all lift towers, testing and rebuilding grips, and testing of all brakes. The important stuff is making sure everything runs right and the lifts are ready for inspections.” It’s hard not to miss a lilt of a Scottish accent in his speech but LA-born Davey’s love of the mountains stems from the years he spent working and living in California. “I moved to Scotland when I was five years old, then finished school there and headed back to California to work in the oil refineries with my dad when I was 19.” An outdoor pursuits course in college introduced Davey to skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing. He was hooked. “That class opened the door to the mountains for me.” Aspiring to be closer to snowboarding, Davey started his ski industry career in 1996 as a lift operator at June Mountain. The little sister to Mammoth proved to be the best training ground for the industry. “June is a smaller mountain, a beautiful spot, and a real local place. I started as a lifty and worked my way up to lift maintenance before working at a few other resorts around the west.”
In January 2014, Davey met with Schweitzer’s mountain operations director and came to check the place out. “I had never heard of Schweitzer but those three days in January were intense. There was so much work that was going to be done.” Then in April, he fielded a call from Schweitzer’s lift operations manager and returned with his wife Rachel and kids to really check out the area. They knew that Sandpoint and Schweitzer would be a great place to work and raise their two children.
“Schweitzer is a lot of fun, and my job offers lots of challenges. I spend a lot of time working on keeping the Great Escape in shape and I’m really impressed with the new lifts we’ve put in, especially Cedar Park.” With Schweitzer’s master plan calling for more lifts to be added to the operation in years to come, Davey’s ready for the future. “It’s exciting to be here and that’s not just from a work perspective but from a play perspective too. This is a great mountain.”
Base Camp New area will transform guest arrival experience
F
rom Spokane to Sandpoint, the Inland Northwest continues to experience significant population increases with people moving here from all over for a variety of reasons. Here at Schweitzer, we are also seeing a growing demand for access to year-round outdoor recreation, and as we continue to evolve to meet those demands, the guest experience remains top of mind. With nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and a network of high-speed lifts, the on-mountain experience is best-in-class for the area. One area we are looking to improve is parking.
Last summer, we embarked on a multi-year project that reimagines the guest arrival experience at Schweitzer while increasing parking and access to the mountain. This new Base Camp project, phase three of our Master Plan, is considered more substantial than any other plan put forward for the resort. “To keep up with demand and continue providing an exceptional guest arrival experience, we prioritized looking for solutions that directly affected parking and mountain access.,” explained Mountain Operations Director Rob Batchelder. “I’m very excited about this third phase of Master Plan development and believe Base Camp is a unique solution intended to get
people on the mountain efficiently.” The vision for Base Camp is to become a dedicated area for our dayguests, perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and riders, with ample parking and additional rental and SnowSports school facilities. “On the mountain we are looking to expand our beginner and intermediate terrain offering,” continued Batchelder. “When fully realized, the development of Base Camp will create approximately eight new runs, three new lifts and an additional carpet catering to beginner and intermediate skiers and riders.” Physically, Schweitzer needs room to grow, and Base Camp will fulfill that need.
In order to bring Base Camp to life, there are four main arteries that will be created to easily connect guests to the mountain: • A pedestrian/skier bridge across Schweitzer Creek • The replacement of the Musical Chairs double chairlift • A new 1,400-space parking lot • A road connecting the parking lot to the roundabout
The Bridge Schweitzer Creek is one of the main drainages for water coming off the mountain and flows year-round under the Great Escape Quad, down past the Hermit’s Hollow Tubing Hill and below the Musical Chairs lift and Fall Line parking lot. In order to connect Base Camp to the existing network of trails, we will install a pedestrian bridge just below the existing Musical Chairs loading terminal. The bridge will be wide enough for skiers and riders to cross, as well as grooming equipment. Design, engineering and permitting for the bridge is underway with plans for construction to begin in the spring of 2023.
The Lift
Rendering shows new Base Camp arrival area with new, extended Musical Chairs lift and new runs down to Base Camp from Lower Loophole and Cat Track.
The piece that connects everything together is the long-awaited replacement of the Musical Chairs double. In the spring of 2022, a down payment was made with Leitner-Poma for the purchase of a new high-speed detachable quad lift, similar to the Cedar Park Express. Alignment for the new Musical Chairs lift will shift to connect Base Camp to the main village, spanning over Schweitzer Creek and terminating near the SnowSports School meeting area in the village. “The installation of a high-speed detachable quad will be a major enhancement for all of our guests.,” said Batchelder. “Not only will it be easier for beginner skiers and riders to load and unload, the new lift will increase capacity to 2,400 guests per hour (two to three times the existing capacity) allowing guests to upload and download safer and more efficiently. It will also provide the opportunity to trans-
port “foot passengers” without skis or snowboards to and from the village, even in summer.” Next summer, construction will begin on at least one new connector trail for guests to access Base Camp from other areas of the mountain. The new run will likely originate from Lower Loophole or the Cat Track to the Village. The goal is to have the new Musical Chairs lift operational for the 202324 winter season with access via the Fall Line parking lot, the Village and Happy Trails run and the new run yet to be named.
The Parking Lot The new parking lot is designed to park roughly 1,400 vehicles – nearly four times the capacity of the Fall Line Lot. This should provide plenty of room for our current guests to park and access the mountain as well as create space for future growth. Construction of the new parking area began in the spring of 2022. Trees were cleared and dirt was moved – a lot of dirt was moved. One of the key differentiators for this arrival zone is that the lift and the parking are on similar elevations, meaning when guests arrive to Base Camp, they will not have to walk up a hill to access the lift. For our existing guests that are used to hiking up from the Gateway Lot to the main village, this will be a vast improvement.
The Road Ever since the construction of the roundabout nearly 15 years ago, there has been a sign stating “future road.” Now, the “future road” is almost here. In the summer of 2022, the focus was to modify the old road alignment and develop the new road by grading, leveling and widening the road corridor. Crews worked all summer moving thousands of yards of dirt. Next summer, road work will continue with final grading and alignment, installation of utilities and paving. The goal is to have guests driving on the new road and parking in the new lot in the fall of 2024.
Rendering shows extension of the Musical Chairs lift, which will be replaced with a high-capacity quad.
“When you think about the amount of dirt and rock we’ll move, the magnitude of this project is massive,” says Mountain Utility Company Director Tom Trulock. “This will be the largest road and utility project in Schweitzer’s history. Most people don’t realize, it’s more than just a road and a parking lot – we have to think about our future sewer, water and power needs for the next 20 years and beyond.”
What’s Next?
The new Base Camp arrival area will continue to evolve in the coming years with the addition of expanded beginner terrain, new lifts, snowmaking as well as skier/rider services like rentals, SnowSports School and a day lodge. There are also future plans to expand summer operations from Base Camp with new experiences, trails, RV park and more. Batchelder points out that one of the proposed lifts from Base Camp will connect to the saddle area between Down the Hatch and the top terminal of the Stella lift, making it possible to access the backside of the mountain without needing to pass through the main village or ride the Great Escape quad. Across the country, ski resorts have continuously faced challenges associated with growth and increased demand. The new Base Camp project is not only a big deal for our growing community, it’s a big deal for the industry, and as one of the last independently owned resorts, Schweitzer’s future is very bright.
View from summer looks east from lower Musical Chairs run and Fall Line parking lot to initial construction and clearing underway on Base Camp.
Crow’s Bench AN ALPINE EPICUREAN DELIGHT
Who knew the best Epicurean restaurant in the region would be slopeside at Schweitzer?
E
veryone understands the basic need for us to eat. Food is fuel and helps us carry on through our days. But sometimes food isn’t just food. Going beyond the need to just sustain us, our meal becomes an experience, something that transcends just keeping us alive to something that carries us into a mystical plane, feeling fulfilled and content. Yes, that’s what a good meal can do – satisfaction, joy, and sustenance all at once. Let’s also address the fact that a good meal is enhanced by where you are and who you’re with. Add in amazing surroundings and the whole meal becomes a moment, framed by place and taste. This is Crow’s Bench. The name comes from a rural legend that tells of locals who, like a murder of crows, would gather on a bench outside a rough-and-tumble bar in the area, and swap tales large and small. The tradition continues as you slide up to the bar and are eagerly greeted by festive folks who caw about their days
either on the slopes or on the trails. From the first step into the timber framed room, Crow’s Bench is inviting. Vaulted ceilings and large windows pull the outside in and regardless of the season, you feel connected immediately. The building itself is a testament to the history of the area. Inspired by the logging history of the Humbird Mill Company, Crow’s Bench is the hub of this architectural beauty. The large fireplace fills the restaurant and creates an intimate nook for sipping cocktails on one side while creating a cozy dining space on the other. Historical photos line the walls, accented by cross laminated timber – strong beams that reflect the strong character of Schweitzer. The moment of truth appears with a cold beverage and a menu inspired by Alpine environments around the globe. Friends can share a charcuterie board as first course, then next, sample the venison tartare – thinly sliced raw chilled venison served with Gremolata, fried capers, scallion aioli, quail egg, and smoked salt. It’s a carnivore’s sushi delight.
After savoring those flavors, Crow’s Bench then takes your palate on a new journey as you choose between several options ranging from sturgeon to duck, to Wiener Schnitzel, to elk loin, and the incomparable “Das Steak.” The choice may be daunting but there’s no wrong direction. Each option is a delight in taste and flavor, satisfying and nourishing. The only way to finish this culinary tour is with a sweet treat for dessert like the Bee Sting Cake made of Brioche sponge, lemon custard, and honey almond brittle. It’s at this precise moment that the glorious pause kicks in. You know the one – that moment where you feel fortunate to have just enjoyed such a meal in such a space. Who knew that the best Epicurean restaurant in the region would be tucked slopeside at Schweitzer? Who knew that a culinary experience could match those euphoric moments on the slopes as much as this does? Yes, Crow’s Bench provides a joyful complement to mountain adventures: Fueling body and nourishing soul.
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Making magic happen GREAT PARTNERSHIPS MAKE FOR GREAT EVENTS
T
hroughout Schweitzer’s history, there are certain events that have developed a cult-like following. Take the Starlight Race Series as an example. Every Friday night in February, locals and guests enjoy the festive atmosphere of NASTAR ski racing with a spirit of camaraderie and lighthearted boasting. Each season, a new theme creates incalculable memories of fun competition but there’s also a robust organizational side that few of the racers or public see. Putting on an event of any scale can be daunting for an events crew or nonprofit alone. “With enough manpower, creativity, and the resources of an entire ski resort, it’s incredible what type of
experiences and memories can be created,” explains Schweitzer Events Manager, André Bircher. “We love the energy these events bring to our mountain and the demand for bigger and bolder events is most definitely there. This is where strong partnerships from community members and organizations come in to make them happen on a facilitation and participation level alike.”
STOMP GAMES A staple to Schweitzer’s winter calendar has been Stomp Games – a competitive event that originated at the mountain in the late 1990s. Stomp Games has taken on countless formats and created exponential on-snow experiences for young and old riders alike. This past winter, an opportunity pre-
sented itself to partner with Rory Whitney and 7B Boardshop. “The banked slalom is an event to get the community together and promote the sport,” says Whitney. “It’s not too competitive and open to all ages and abilities.” The course was hand built and dug by a group of intrepid volunteers over a couple of weeks. A handdug banked slalom course focuses on a return to the “grass roots” elements of riding and minimizes machine-built features. “This was a passionate group working together, bonding over their shovels and rakes,” Whitney says. “They managed to make a great course, which made for a great event.” A big piece for Schweitzer in determining to partner with 7B Boardshop wasn’t just that attention to detail for
Preceding page: The banked slalom course provides thrills for Stomp Games competitors. This page: riding through a turn; below, aerial view of the course.
course building but the group’s desire to use the event as a fundraiser for the local skate park in Sandpoint. “There is a big crossover between skate park riders and snowboarders. Both sports use the same balance, posture, body movement, and tricks,” explains Whitney. “Finding a way to support the Bonner County Skatepark Association so everybody can ride all summer long, helps everyone become stronger in both sports.” In the end, this first year partnership raised $10K for the skatepark association. “Schweitzer was a great partner, and we hope to do it again next year,” adds Whitney.
LAKESIDE CHUTEOUT The world of Alpine ski racing has long dominated the winter scene but in the last decade or so, there’s a new type of big mountain racing that’s capturing the attention of young and old alike. Welcome to Freeride, an event where competitors are challenged to use the natural features of the mountain to ski intense lines while being judged for their line choice, control, fluidity, technique, style and energy. “Freeride offers another option besides classic Alpine racing,” explains Caleb Mullen, Schweitzer Alpine Racing School’s Freeride coach. “Competitors get a chance to
show their personality in these events. How they look at the mountain impacts how they’ll tackle the natural challenges they face in any given run.” Mullen worked closely with Schweitzer to develop a freeride competition that would establish an impressive venue with room for growth. “Some of the parents whose kids compete had no idea what a freeride venue looked like,” explains Mullen. “Schweitzer has a feel for what freeride is and what it could become thanks to the variety of different features and different options for riders. That made it easy to partner with them on this event.” Mullen added that right now, there is a huge demand for freeride coaches and competitions. “Our hope is that this event will continue to encourage kids and adults to get involved with this growing sport.” Bircher is optimistic about the future of big events at Schweitzer. “It’s been fun to partner with Rory and Caleb on events that showcase their hard work and passion. As we continue to see challenges with staffing, it is the passionate parents, adolescent athletes, and the intrepid volunteers that will help carry our event successes. Schweitzer is a stellar venue for so many reasons. Celebrating both the mountain and the community through lasting impressions is the ultimate goal.”
J u l y
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tips from the top
Mountain fun, family-style
For tips on getting the most out of family visits at Schweitzer, we turned to some experts – four families that make their mountain time special. Chartrey Family Says Mom: “We are a family of five with three kiddos: Hadley, 10; Easton, 8; and Isla, 6. Our kids have participated in several of the ski programs with the wonderful KinderKamp, Funatics, Mountain Xplorers and the SARS race team. Two of our kids love ski racing, the other just loves to free ski the mountain with her friends and family. There are so many great stops – the yurt for flavored popcorn, the Outback for baked potatoes and s’mores and Sky House!” She adds that summer is plenty of fun too, with summer camp, hiking, chairlift rides, friends, village games, huckleberry picking, swimming and more.
Remillard Family Mom says the year-round children’s programming at Schweitzer is a gift – “not only for development of technical skills but because it helps kids to develop deep confidence and joy on the mountain!” As for the kids, Silas advises “Don’t forget to try the cinnamon rolls in the lodge after a cold day! The mushroom garden is so cool, it’s the best place to free ski!” Sister Isadora counsels kids that skiing is really fun. “It can be tricky but you’ll get it with practice. The Enchanted Forest is the best because of all the hidden trails.”
Morey Family “My favorite thing about Schweitzer is skiing the black diamonds with my SARS team,” says Griffin. “I also love events in the village where we get to build snow forts and watch fireworks. And Powder Hound pizza is the best!” Reese loves KinderKamp “because you get to ski, make new friends, and do arts and crafts. I also love when my Mom and Dad ski with me and we stop at the Outback for hot chocolate and candy!”
Raynor Family Mom says son Bjorn is 4 years old and has been skiing at Schweitzer since he was 16 months. Asked for his perfect day, he says “It would start with breakfast in the village at Mojo, followed by laps on Musical Chairs and then would end with hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream at Pucci’s.” Bjorn also loves KinderKamp and looks forward to playing with all his buddies all ski season. One tip for new Schweitzer families is to try night skiing. “This is one of our favorite times to ski as a family,” says Mom. “It is often less crowded so less time in the lift lines and Bjorn likes the perk of staying up past his bedtime. We also like to make it special by skiing with glow sticks.”
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photo essay
for the love of trees
5
22
Schweitzer Magazine | 2022 • 2023
Gotta love the trees. Yes, Schweitzer is justifiably renowned for the superb tree skiing on many runs, where carving around the sticks can give a sensation of floating. But we love our trees for so many different reasons. Herewith, a photographic ode to the trees.
4
2021 • 2022 | Schweitzer Magazine
23
Oh, to be wed at Schweitzer
F
or lots of couples, finding a perfect wedding spot that is meaningful and beautiful leads them to Schweitzer. With the breathtaking view of Lake Pend Oreille from almost any angle, it’s hard not to fall for such timeless beauty as a backdrop. For many brides and grooms to be, that view has permeated countless ski runs, bike rides, chairlift conversations, and unforgettable moments of powdery goodness. It makes sense that this mountain is the choice for such a personal, once -in-a-lifetime moment. But what if your mom works here? For some, the mountain has been not just a playground but a place of work. In the case of Laura Schuppert, this connection made it even easier for her daughter Alana and fiancé Will to choose their wedding spot. Laura and her husband Dave have been vacationing at Schweitzer for over 10 years and own a condo on the mountain. They lived the Schweitzer experience as frequent visitors until Laura started working in Guest Services and as one of the resort’s seasonal snow reporters for the last three years. No surprise that this close connection enabled Alana to fall in love with so many aspects of Schweitzer – the wildflowers, the huckleberries, the great skiing and outdoor fun. “We had been vacationing here since she was in middle school and would come every winter, fall, and summer,” explains Laura. “We would see many brides and bridal parties riding up the Great Escape Quad and she would comment about what fun that would be and such a romantic beginning to marriage. It was a no-brainer.” What was it like for you to have your daughter married on the mountain? I take a lot of pride in working and living at “our special place” so when my daughter and her then fiancé indicated they would like to get married at Schweitzer, I was very happy. Not only because I knew Schweitzer would put on a fantastic wedding, but I was ex-
cited to share our beautiful mountain home with our family and friends. What is it about Schweitzer that your daughter connected to? Well, the uniqueness of the location, honestly. Alana did not want to get married in one of the traditional wedding venue areas on the mountain. She wanted somewhere unique and different but with her living in New York City at the time, I was in charge of scouting out “THE space.” Luckily, Cassandra (Group Sales Specialist for Schweitzer) was amazing in letting me search out the spot. We started on the Happy Trails/Enchanted Forest area near the village because my daughter wanted a beautiful tree background. In the end, we decided that it wasn’t super practical due to logistics of getting people there. Later in the year, I found myself walking off the summit on Stewart’s Loop and stumbled upon what I considered to be the simplest, most beautiful backdrop for the wedding – a little nook with perfect pine trees, rocks, and tree stumps to sit on. I showed my daughter the spot on her next visit, and she loved it. Cassandra was great in supporting our unusual location and helped us make it happen. This was the first wedding Schweitzer’s
hosted that was a little bit off the traditional location on the summit, but the entire team went all in to make it work. What advice can you give to someone considering a destination wedding? I feel that it is important to have things to do besides attending the wedding events. Our guests traveled a long way and mostly came from Florida, so this was all new to them. We chose the Thursday before Fall Fest so that our guests could enjoy the awesome festival that Schweitzer produces throughout the weekend. Our guests also took advantage of everything from horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, jumping, climbing, and taking in the incredible views, food, and drinks at the Sky House. How did all this feel for you, as the Mother-of-the-Bride? It’s hard to put into words my pride and love of Schweitzer – the people and the place. Obviously, Alana and Will felt the same way. Neither of my girls had traditional weddings but maybe that’s because we gave them many opportunities and places to explore so they didn’t feel they needed to comply with what everyone else is doing. That spirit fits with this mountain. Couldn’t ask for better.
summer
2023 summer at When you need space to explore during the summer months, come home to 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. There are plenty of places to discover out on the cross-country trails or while taking in the views of three states, Lake Pend Oreille and Canada from the summit. Come enjoy the mountain during the warmer months and see for yourself why Schweitzer feels like home all year long.
DINING
ACTIVITIES
LODGING
Sky House – Open daily during summer operations, take the lift to the summit (weather permitting) and enjoy a fabulous bite to eat at The Nest while taking in the breathtaking 360 degree panorama laid out before you.
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.
Crow’s Bench – Schweitzer’s signature restaurant in Humbird, offers alpine inspired cuisine in an impressive setting inspired by our local history and natural surroundings.
In the Village – Mine for gems at the Cranky Jennings sluice box, enjoy aerial thrills on the 750-foot zip line, 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.
Humbird – Schweitzer’s newest and most unique lodging option, Humbird leverages the properties of massive timber construction – beauty, sustainability, and structural efficiency – while bringing 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.
Mojo Coyote Café – Get your mornings off on the right foot with a specialty coffee or breakfast sandwich from this grab-andgo Schweitzer staple located in the Selkirk Lodge. Chimney Rock Grill – Schweitzer’s family restaurant in the village offers lunch or dinner served inside or on the shaded patio. Delicious salads, burgers, and pasta to choose from! Gourmandie – Relax by the village green while sipping on one of the fabulous wines or craft beers that Gourmandie offers. Sample some delectable lighter fare too with a signature sandwich or flatbread that will complete your Schweitzer summer experience.
Out on the Trails – Check out Schweitzer’s 32 kilometers of cross-country mountain biking and hiking trails or get matched up with a fantastic horse for a beautiful trail ride to Picnic Point.
Selkirk or White Pine Lodges – Looking for more traditional style accommodations? Our Selkirk Lodge offers a variety of hotel rooms to suit you, your family, or group. Needing just a little more space? White Pine Lodge in the village offers one, two, and three-bedroom options with full living rooms and kitchens.
Weddings, Reunions and Groups With so many options, it’s no surprise that Schweitzer has become the perfect choice for group events. Each year, the mountain successfully hosts mountaintop weddings, casual family reunions and company outings. Contact Group Sales to help you get your group hooked, year-round!
L ive ’Snow’ like there's tomorrow
Sure, your visit to Schweitzer will get you superb snow for epic downhill skiing and boarding ... but there’s more to experience here. Just 20 minutes down the mountain, Sandpoint is host to a lively entertainment scene, more than 40 fine restaurants, a prize-winning winery, four craft breweries and terrific pubs. Downtown is loaded with eclectic shops, galleries and spas. Or go farther outdoors, and cross-country ski, snowshoe or snow bike at nearby Pine Street Woods, the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Make your visit the complete experience. We’ll see you in Sandpoint!
visitor information at 208.263.2161 • www.VisitSandpoint.com
this is schweitzer
Steep hills
good people and a lake.
Carving out a happy life for your family is simple. 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.
Welcome to Schweitzer.
Schweitzer is in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle, only 80 miles from Spokane, WA. Our closest neighbor, the town of Sandpoint, ID, is easily viewed from the summit of our mountain along with three states, Canada, and the impressive Lake Pend Oreille. Sandpoint (population approximately 8,400) hosts a plethora of year-round events including the renowned Festival at Sandpoint summer outdoor music series. The amazing 148-square-mile Lake Pend Oreille is a fantastic spot for swimming, boating, and fishing during the summer months. The unforgettable friendliness 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 – Schweitzer’s newest and most unique lodging option, Humbird leverages the properties of massive timber construction – beauty, sustainability, and structural efficiency – while bringing together tradition and innovative materi-
als 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 and White Pine Lodges – The Selkirk Lodge features hotel-style accommodations with a variety of room types that can accommodate couples and families, all just steps away from three outdoor hot tubs and the resort’s heated pool. Also slopeside, the 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 2 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
comfortable fire-side dining features burgers, steaks, salads, & 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 or Powderhound, 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 mountain-top venue offers small plate options summer and winter in the intimate bar, The Nest, or delicious up-scale 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 during the winter months.
Where to Eat
Let Us Watch the Kids
Starving? We bet! After a day of summer mountain biking or skiing deep pow off the Lakeview Triple, you’ll have earned a good meal! Enjoy dinner at our newest restaurant, Crow’s Bench, offering a unique dining experience with local flare and rotating menus. Chimney Rock Grill’s
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 & 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 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
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 Is there?
Schweitzer’s new Cambium Spa serves an impressive range of advanced restorative and revitalization services alongside traditional spa treatments. The spa’s comprehensive facility includes multiple treatment rooms and recovery areas, a halo spa, and even a foot reflexology soaking area. Available by appointment. Staff members at the Schweitzer Activity Center, located in the lower level of Humbird during the winter season and in
the Ski & Ride Center during summer, 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 features 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
VILLAGE DIRECTORY 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
Celebrating their 20th year, Selkirk Powder offers cat skiing, backcountry skiing tours and avalanche courses right off the summit. After meeting their assigned guide(s) at 9 a.m. skiers and riders are led out of our backcountry gates
and typically complete the day at 3 p.m. Heli skiing tours are coordinated from the Sandpoint Airport and provide the ultimate ski experience for the seasoned powder rider or first timer in some wild and woolly alpine terrain about 5 km northwest of the ski area. For the experienced or aspiring back county rider, AIARE avalanche courses are taught throughout the season, beginning in December. Snowmobiling, another exceptional on-mountain experience, is a wonderful winter sport for any visitor to our area. Led from their summit facility located just 100 yards from Schweitzer’s Sky House, Selkirk Powder’s guided snowmobile tours are designed for your entire family or friends / corporate group. Cruise along with their guide(s) on scenic ridge-top and deep valley groomed trails driving Polaris Adventures-provided, supported, state-of the-art snowmobiles. Plan for your entire family to augment their Schweitzer vacation with fun and exciting Selkirk Powder adventures! Reservations are required. Online booking available at selkirkpowder. com. For additional services, call or text 208.263.6959
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 & 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 4000 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, ID. The resort is 80 miles from Spokane and 45 miles from Coeur d’Alene via I-90 and Highway 95, just 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. We hope to see you here.
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% 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. 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 750-foot zip line, or jump to your heart’s content on the popular trampoline jumper. Check out The Source for
Just the Facts 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 ft 1,678 ft 710 ft 1,280 ft 1,550 ft 1,360 ft
Time 4 minutes 5 minutes 4.5 minutes 8 minutes 5.5 minutes 8 minutes
Quad Double T-bar Carpet
1,447 ft 592 ft 60 f t 385 ft
5 minutes 6 minutes 4 minutes 6 minutes
MOUNTAIN TERRAIN
Skiable Terrain: Tree Skiing: Summit Elevation: Village Elevation: Lowest Elevation: Vertical Drop:
2,900 acres 1,200 acres plus 6,400 feet 4,700 feet 4,000 feet 2,400 feet
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. 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.
WWW.ALPINESHOPSANDPOINT.COM
Schweitzer Mountain in the Village 208.255.1660
Downtown Sandpoint 213 Church St 208.263.5157
