OUTDOOR EVENTS -- Time's ripe for Schweitzer’s 5^th annual Huckleberry Festival.  With berries ready to pick at the 3,2000 foot level, the picking will gradually rise in elevation as the festivities kick off on Sunday (Aug. 7

From 8 a.m. -4 p.m. the resort above Sandpoint plans to tint tongues purple, starting with a huckleberry pancake breakfast, before shuttling visitors up to begin hiking and putting purple stains on their fingers while combing the alpine slopes for berries.

Read on for more details.

Plenty more activities will be available including arts and crafts, vendors with huckleberry treats, live music by the Huckleberry Jam Band, Jimbo the Clown, a pie eating contest and t-shirt tie dying.

Schweitzer’s latest summer addition, The Cranky Jennings Mining Co. Sluice Box, gives children the chance to discover the excitement of geology as they mine for gems. The sluice box channels a stream of water, allowing guests to sift through sand to find treasures. Mining materials, with guaranteed gems, are available in The Source for purchase.

As always, Schweitzer will have the lift spinning from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. for scenic chairlift rides, and access to downhill biking, hiking and disc golf. Bike rentals are available in the Source, reservations are recommended.

Huckleberries are currently ready to pick at approximately 3200’ and continuing to rise. Schweitzer will run shuttles to designated locations from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Info: Call the activity center, (208) 255-3081.