Schweitzer
Idaho's Best-Kept Secret in the Selkirk Mountains
Rising above Lake Pend Oreille in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, Schweitzer Mountain Resort spans an impressive 2,900 acres of diverse terrain, making it the largest ski resort in Idaho. Uniquely positioned up high in Idaho's panhandle, Schweitzer offers breathtaking views spanning three states and Canada from its summit at 6,400 feet. The resort is renowned for its massive Schweitzer Bowl and Outback Bowl along with exceptional tree skiing through pristine glades that have earned national recognition. With 92 designated runs, an average annual snowfall of 300 inches, and terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs, Schweitzer provides an uncrowded, family-friendly mountain experience. The resort's European-inspired village offers convenient ski-in/ski-out accommodations, diverse dining options, and a vibrant après-ski scene, while Stella – Idaho's only high-speed six-passenger chairlift – ensures quick access to the mountain's varied terrain.
From Vision to Destination: Six Decades of Mountain Heritage
Schweitzer's history traces back to 1933 when early skiing pioneers first explored the basin, but the resort's true founding came through the determination of Spokane dentist Jack Fowler, who envisioned creating a closer alternative to Montana's ski areas. After years of building support in the Sandpoint community, Schweitzer Basin officially opened on November 30, 1963, with a day lodge and a mile-long double chairlift providing 1,700 feet of vertical drop. The resort evolved steadily under the founding families' stewardship until Harbor Properties purchased it in 1998, launching an era of significant expansion and modernization. Key developments included the 2000 installation of the Stella high-speed six-pack, the 2005 addition of the Little Blue area (expanding terrain by 400 acres), and continued infrastructure improvements under subsequent ownership. Today, as an independently owned resort, Schweitzer has earned accolades including being named "The Best Kept Secret in North America" by Ski Magazine, while offering year-round mountain activities from world-class skiing and cat skiing through Selkirk Powder Company to summer mountain biking, hiking, and scenic gondola rides that showcase the stunning natural beauty of northern Idaho's inland Northwest.
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