Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho is a world-class ski and snowboarding destination located in Northern Idaho, just a short drive from the charming town of Sandpoint. I had the pleasure of visiting this incredible resort in mid-February for three nights and three days of non-stop snowboarding. This was my third trip to Schweitzer in as many years.
There are many lodging options offered at Schweitzer from multi-bedroom ski-in, ski-out condos to upscale hotel lodging right in the village at the newly completed Hummingbird. We stayed at a cozy condo just a short walk from the village, which offered convenient access to all of the resort's amenities for a very reasonable price. Flying in from out of town? No problem. Spokane International Airport is conveniently located an hour and forty minutes away.
The weather during our first two days on the mountain was nothing short of gnarly. Bitter cold temperatures and a wind chill that dropped as low as -25 degrees at the summit made standing at the top feel like being on another planet. The back-side bowl was closed those days, but don't let that discourage you. On the third day, the skies parted, and it reached a balmy 14 degrees. The back-side bowl opened up, and it was truly the gem of Schweitzer. With long, cruiser runs, a plethora of challenging steeps, or plenty of glades to choose from, Schweitzer does not disappoint. In my opinion, it offers some of the best tree-skiing in the Pacific Northwest.
The resort has over 2,900 skiable acres and 92 named runs, so there is something for everyone, from beginners to experts. The terrain is incredibly diverse, with everything from gentle groomers to steep chutes and cliffs. The lift system is modern and efficient, with 10 chairlifts and one surface lift, ensuring that you spend more time on the mountain and less time waiting in line. Although watching brave skiers and riders "send it" over cliffs on Lakeside Chutes made the lift rides entertaining as well.
When it's time for a break, Schweitzer has plenty of lodges for you to warm up in. The Chimney Rock Grill, located at the top of the Great Escape Quad, offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is the perfect spot to take a break and refuel. If you're there on the weekend check out The Outback at the bottom of the back-side bowl near the Stella lift for some outstanding barbeque. If hot pizza and cold beer are your thing, look no further than Powder Hound in the village for outstanding pie. Looking for something a little fancier? The ribeye steak at Crow's Bench was phenomenal. In addition, two other must-visit spots for food and drinks on the mountain are Pucci's Pub and The St. Bernard. Pucci's Pub is a cozy spot located in the Schweitzer Village that serves up delicious pub fare and has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The bartenders at Pucci's are some of the friendliest around, and the food is consistently excellent. Plus, they're open late! Meanwhile, The St. Bernard is a short walk from the village and offers a rustic, ski lodge feel, with a roaring fireplace and incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The bartenders here are also known for their friendliness and expertise, and they serve up some of the best cocktails on the mountain.
Overall, my experience snowboarding at Schweitzer was unforgettable. Despite the gnarly weather, the resort did not disappoint, and the third day made up for all of it. The combination of excellent skiing and snowboarding, diverse terrain, efficient lift system (weather permitting), and fantastic dining options make Schweitzer a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone looking for a world-class skiing and snowboarding experience in the Pacific Northwest.
Visit www.schweitzer.com for more information or to book your trip today!
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