Schweitzer Mountain is a beloved year-round destination in northern Idaho, offering stunning views, diverse terrain, and a vibrant resort village. Here's a full breakdown of what makes Schweitzer special:
Location & Overview
- Where: Bonner County, Idaho — 11 miles northwest of Sandpoint, overlooking Lake Pend Oreille
- Elevation: Summit at 6,400 ft (1,951 m); base at 3,960 ft (1,207 m)
- Vertical Drop: 2,440 ft (744 m)
- Owner: Alterra Mountain Company (acquired August 2023)
- Access: ~1.5 hours from Spokane, WA; ~45 minutes from Coeur d'Alene
Winter Activities
- Skiable Area: 2,900 acres with 92 named runs
- Trail Breakdown: 10% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced, 15% expert
- Lift System: 10 lifts — 1 high-speed six-pack (Stella), 4 high-speed quads, 2 triples, 1 double, 2 surface tows
- Longest Run: Little Blue Ridge Run — 2.1 miles
- Snowfall: ~300 inches annually
- Terrain Parks: 3 — Stomping Grounds, Southside Progression Park, the Terrain Garden
- Snowmaking: Covers 200 acres
- Twilight & Night Skiing: Twilight skiing Fridays, Saturdays and select holidays (3–7pm) on Basin Express and Creekside Express; new for 2026-27, private night skiing for groups on Basin Express
New for the 2026-27 Season
- Projected opening day: Friday, November 27, 2026 (conditions permitting)
- Private night skiing for groups on Basin Express — new this season
- The Schwagon food truck — new slopeside eats
- Candy and ice cream shop in Lakeview Lodge — new
- Learn to Ski in 3 — three days of lift tickets, lessons and gear; finishers earn unlimited March/April mountain access
- Women's Wednesdays — a six-week women's instructional ski program, new for 2026-27
- Schweitzer Creek Village — a second base area with roughly 1,400 parking spaces under construction, targeting the 2027-28 season
- A farewell season — President & COO Tom Chasse's final season after two decades at the helm
Summer & Year-Round Fun
- Mountain Biking: Lift-served trails and scenic rides
- Hiking & Scenic Lift Rides: Panoramic views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Selkirk Mountains
- Nordic Trails: 32 km for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or summer biking
- Events: Live music, festivals, and seasonal celebrations
- Cambium Spa: Wellness treatments and recovery services
Lodging & Village Life
- Village Accommodations: Ski-in/ski-out condos, townhomes, boutique inns
- Dining & Shopping: Taps Bar, Mojo Coyote Café, Gourmandie, and more
- Luxury Options: Private chalets, spa-equipped lodges
- Transportation: Shuttle service from Sandpoint; parking for day and overnight guests
History & Name Origins
- Opened: December 4, 1963 (originally "Schweitzer Basin")
- Name Origin: Named after a Swiss hermit who lived in the basin — a local legend with a dark twist involving missing cats and a mysterious stew
- Rebranding: In April 2021, dropped "Mountain Resort" — now simply "Schweitzer"
Deals & Passes
- Ikon Pass: Unlimited access on the full Ikon Pass, 5 days on Ikon Base
- Kids Ski Free Week: December 5–11, 2026 — kids 17 and under ski free during Alterra's Kids Ski Free Week
- 3-Pack Lift Tickets: $249 for 3 days of 2026/27 winter adventure (limited-time offer; blackout dates apply)
- Season Passes: Schweitzer Unlimited and Sunday–Friday passes, plus Ikon Pass options