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.”
