Try an off-season resort vacation

Try an off-season resort vacation

A family trip to Schweitzer Resort in Sandpoint, Idaho

story and photographs by NATASHA DILLINGER

Off-season visits to ski destinations like Schweitzer Resort have become a favorite vacation for my non-skiing family.

Embarking on a road trip to Schweitzer Resort in Sandpoint, Idaho

This year, we embarked on a solo-parent road trip, driving six hours to Schweitzer Resort’s Humbird Hotel. Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains just above Sandpoint, the 31-room timber-laden boutique hotel was named after the Humbird Logging Company, which operated in the early 1900s. We found its accommodations offered the perfect balance of relaxation and activity.

Cozy setting with thoughtful touches

Humbird’s relatively small size made it feel welcoming right from the get-go. We were greeted with a much-needed coffee for me and steamers for the kids before venturing up to explore our room.

I appreciated the kid-oriented attention to detail. Black-out curtains helped prevent early morning awakenings. The queen beds were low enough that my kids could climb in themselves. An open closet and movable pegs on the wall allowed them to easily access their own clothes.

Special Amenities

The third floor, where we stayed, was also home to most special amenities. I snuck in a little “me time” at the fitness center before borrowing the co-working space. We visited the spectacular Glass Room most mornings to play foosball while admiring views of Lake Pend Oreille (there’s also a large TV, projector, cozy sectional, fireplace and a backgammon board).

Mountainside fun

If you ask my kids, the best part of our stay was the day we used our Ultimate Fun Pass. This all-inclusive ticket gets you a bag of jewels for gem mining, plus unlimited rides on the chairlift, trampoline jumper, climbing wall and zip line.

A couple of activities were off the table for our family at Schweitzer Resort. Zip line riders must be at least 8 years old and weigh at least 60 pounds, while horseback riders have to be at least 10. My kids weren’t disappointed. They said a quick hello to the horses and never looked back; there are many fun options.

Mining for gems went quickly, but my 3-year-old enjoyed turning the sluice boxes into boats he could send down the current while my 6-year-old identified her gems with the included chart.

Both kids liked scaling the climbing wall, which has different levels of difficulty on each side, but the real show-stealer was the Trampoline Thing. Strapped to bungees on each side, my kids tested the meaning of “unlimited” as they jumped high in the sky and practiced flips for hours. With engaging employees (who are parents themselves) giving the kids tips and encouragement, I got to cheer them on from a shady seat before managing a handful of my own flips.

If you only choose one activity while on site, make it the chairlift. We passed over wildflowers and impressive mountain bikers hurtling down 40 miles of bike trails before having lunch at the Sky House. On our second day, we took the half-mile Summit View loop to pick juicy huckleberries.

Even during an active vacation, our family needs some downtime. Schweitzer Resort offers a selection of activity pails for about $5-10 per 24-hour period. My daughter made paper-bag puppets and tissue-paper butterflies with the Craft Time bucket. My son played “Keepy Uppy” with the balloons in the Indoor Energy Buster pail. Later we relaxed in the pool and hot tubs on the third floor.

If you run out of things to do on the mountain, Sandpoint’s shopping and dining center is just 30 minutes down the road.

Where to eat on and off the mountain

After our long drive to Schweitzer, we took full advantage of the walkable on-site dining options. Gourmandie offers casual breakfast items and small plates for lunch. We ate sandwiches and pasta at the Sky House (at the top of the chairlift). My kids were a little wiggly for our gourmet dinner at the Crow’s Bench, but sharing the fondue appetizer gave them full bellies and a fun activity.

On our night in Sandpoint, we loved the arcade games, quirky touches (including a unique nursing area in an old vault) and the historic federal building setting of MickDuff’s Brewpub.

What to know before you stay

▸Rooms at the Humbird start at $278 per night in the summer and $361 in the winter. Spring and fall rates are lower (starting at $216 per night).

▸The Ultimate Fun Pass is $30 for kids 7 and younger and $40 for guests 8 and older. Chairlift rides are about $20 per person and the trampoline is $8 per ride. It’s easy to get your money’s worth on the pass.

▸Schweitzer’s summer season is late June through Labor Day.

Read more online

For the full version of this article go to "Family friendly trip to Schweitzer Resort" at SeattlesChild.com