Schweitzer Summer Celebration

With school out for the summer, and gas holding steady at the outrageous mark, affordable family fun that doesn’t require several hours of travel offers more appeal than ever.

According to a recent survey from AAA, more than 60 percent of Americans plan to vacation close to home this summer. Fortunately, North Idaho families have lots of local recreational choices. When considering the many options, don’t overlook Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint.

If the name Schweitzer brings to mind only fresh powder, cold, and the expensive sport of snow skiing you’re missing out on a whole other season of fun. The close of ski season ushers in a host of warm weather family activities that run from June to September. The best time to come and check everything out is next Saturday when Schweitzer launches summer activities.

“Summer Celebration is our summer season opening day celebration and has evolved over a 12-year period,” said Jennifer Ekstrom, communications manager. “It began as Community Day, with the intention of familiarizing people with summer offerings at Schweitzer at no charge. We began using the name Summer Celebration four years ago. The event has grown over time and … escalates this year with even more activities and music.”

Start out in Schweitzer’s easy-to-navigate village by enjoying live music as you browse the arts and crafts vendors. Or play a game of giant chess or checkers on the huge, outdoor board. Horseshoes, bocce ball and croquet are also available at no charge.

If the kids need a little more excitement, head over to the Power Tower and let them choose one of four routes up the climbing wall. The fee is $5 for two climbs. And don’t miss the other half of the Power Tower – the Bungee Jump Trampoline – 30 feet of air that allows for everything from a gentle up and down bounce to double and triple flips. It’s a blast for all ages and well worth the $7. For an even better deal, get a bungee jump, plus two rock wall climbs for $10.

After that, enjoy one of Schweitzer’s best offerings, a chairlift ride up the mountain – for free. “The main attraction has always been the chairlift rides,” Ekstrom said. Try it once and you’ll understand why. The Great Escape Quad provides a tranquil, nearly silent, high-speed excursion 2,000 vertical feet to the mountain’s summit. There, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular 360-degree panorama that includes thousands of square miles of green forests and mountain peaks stretching into Montana, Washington, and Canada – with the wide shimmering expanse of Lake Pend Oreille below.

Relax and enjoy the scenery and festive music or pick up a few refreshments and go on a mountain top hike. Remember to bring a water bottle and a sweater – temperatures average 10 degrees cooler at 6,400 feet and mountain breezes can be cool even in summer. When you’re ready to descend, ride the chair lift back down, or if you’ve got the time and ambition, hike back to the village. Enjoy your own picnic lunch or sample the goodies at the village barbecue, pizza parlor or ice cream shop.

Even if you can’t make the Summer Celebration, consider bringing the family on a different occasion. With the exception of busy event days, Schweitzer is calm and uncrowded the whole season.

If you like huckleberries, come up during mid to late August. The berries are prolific along many of the trails, so go for a hike and have fun searching them out. Better yet, ride the chairlift up and pick berries on your way back down. (Don’t forget to bring along some containers to gather the bounty.) If you’re not sure where to find the berries, stop in at the activity center when you arrive. Ask really nicely and the folks there will likely reveal the whereabouts of a few prime spots.

After the opening weekend, the Great Escape Quad is open Thursdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning June 30 through Sept. 3. Adult prices are $10 for one ride or $15 for unlimited rides. Junior/senior prices are $8 for one ride and $13 for unlimited. Family and group rates, as well as summer season passes are also available.