Ski Schweitzer
What is the largest ski resort in Idaho? If you guessed Sun Valley or Bogus, you’re close, but, with newly added ski terrain, Sandpoint’s Schweitzer now takes the honor.
With a view rivaling Heavenly Resort’s oversight of Lake Tahoe, Schweitzer overlooks Lake Pend Oreille and is a great choice to try out those new Christmas skis or snowboards. Peaking at 6,400 feet in elevation, there is a good chance that rain in the Coeur d’Alene valley means snow at the resort.
Averaging 300 inches of snowfall annually, with backup snowmaking capabilities, the resort has six chairlifts, including Idaho’s only high-speed, six-passenger lift.
The lifts, along with a handle tow and “magic carpet,” provide an uphill lift capacity of 8,092 people per hour, keeping the lines relatively short. Schweitzer’s Lisa Gerber emphasizes that point, noting that the Keystone resort in Colorado is 500 acres smaller, averaging six times the number of skiers. Sun Valley, also 500 acres smaller, averages three times the visitors.
Skiers and boarders choose from 67 designated runs, with two glacier bowls and one run of 2.7 miles. From steep and scary black-diamond runs and a terrain park for boarders, to well-groomed, gentle and open areas for the whole family, the resort offers something for every level.
New this year is “Little Blue” – 400 acres of challenging terrain specifically for advanced intermediate and expert skiers and boarders, accessible by the “Idyl-Our T-Bar” chairlift.
Access: From U.S. Highway 95 and I-90, go north on U.S. 95 through Sandpoint until it intersects with Highway 200, where you bear left, staying on U.S. 95 to the next stoplight. Go left on Schweitzer Cut Off Road, taking a right at the “T” (North Boyer). Go about one-half mile to the Schweitzer sign. Turn left and go about nine miles uphill to the resort.
Area: 2,900 acres of terrain for skiing.
Elevation: The summit is 6,400 feet above sea level, and the base is 4,000 feet.
Use: Moderate to heavy.
Trail condition: Well-maintained trails.
Difficulty: Trail ratings – Beginner – 20 percent; intermediate – 40 percent; advance – 35 percent, expert – 5 percent.
Prices and restrictions: Adult daily lift tickets are $45 off-peak season and $49 peak season (all weekends in January and February). Junior passes (13-17) are $36 off-peak and $38; youth passes (7-12), $30; kid passes (6 and under), $5 and seniors (65 and up) are $40 off-peak and $42 peak. Check the daily ski report and Costco for specials. Stay within boundaries, ski with courtesy, obey rules and be safe. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
What to see: Hopefully, good snow and great views of Lake Pend Oreille.
Special features: The Stomping Grounds Terrain Park offers 250 acres of fun for snowboarders, with jumps, rails, launches and something called “spines,” which are sure to provide “air” to those wild enough to try (or those just wanting to watch). Nonskiers can tube, snowshoe, get spa treatments, watch movies or dine at restaurants. Family lodging packages, a center for kids, ski-to condos and backcountry ski tours are all offered.
Preparation: Visit the Web site www.schweitzer.com, for snow conditions and current information, or call (800) 831-8810.
Gear: Warm ski clothing and ski or boarding gear. Rentals include boots, poles, boards, skis and snowshoes.
Note: The name Schweitzer is credited to a Swiss hermit who lived at the bottom of local Sandpoint mountain ranges more than 100 years ago. Founded by Spokane’s Jack Fowler, the resort began in 1963 with a handle tow. Harbor Properties purchased the resort in 1999, continually investing in terrain and facility improvements since then.