Cover photo courtesy of Schweitzer
If you’re a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or mountain biker, you know the name: Schweitzer has been a leader in the local ski scene since the 1960s that has grown into a year-round resort with amenities and events that cater to the Inland Northwest outdoor lifestyle. Being the largest mountain resort in Idaho with 2,900 acres of skiable terrain; 10 lifts; 2,400 feet of vertical; and a bustling mountain village with a wide range of lodging, entertainment, and après options, it’s not hard to see why Schweitzer has a cult-like local following while also attracting adventure-bound skiers from all over the globe.
“We’re laser-focused on the mountain experience,” says Taylor Prather of Schweitzer’s marketing team. “Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, we like to think that we offer something for everyone.”
Prather says the “variety, views and vibes” are what keep snow-loving recreationists coming back to Schweitzer season after season. The mountain has an incredible view of Lake Pend Oreille on a clear day and top-notch restaurants and amenities. New for the ‘24-’25 season, Schweitzer will add to its repertoire for guest experiences with the launch of Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures (SBA), offering guided cat skiing and snowmobile tours to help people dip their toes into the backcountry. Being connected to a lift-served ski resort allows this new operation to start guided tours from the top of the mountain.
“We knew there was a huge opportunity to connect the resort experience to the backcountry, especially for those who are curious about backcountry skiing but maybe don’t know where to start,” says Prather. “We have open powder fields to rip through, mature fir glades to cruise, steep sections to whiz down, and some low angle wiggle turns. For the air curious, we have a few fun pops and drops available at your guide’s discretion.”
SBA caps adventures to 24 guests per day to keep the backcountry experience uncrowded. With 300 inches of annual snowfall and fewer people in the backcountry, you’re sure to find some flowy powder to play in. All-day excursions include up to eight runs and 10,000 vertical feet of skiing or riding. This unique snowcat area has more than 75 west-facing fall line trails for intermediate to expert-level skiers and riders. In total, Schweitzer’s backcountry boasts 4,350 acres to explore, made even better when paired with knowledgeable guides from the SBA program.
“We’ve got some of the best people working here who genuinely love sharing their passion for the sport every single day,” says Prather. Bookings for Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures will start in November, with trips beginning in late December as conditions permit.
If you want mountain adventure but don’t ski, or are looking for something family-friendly, SBA will also include guided snowmobile adventures this season. Snowmobile tours are offered as full day or half-day excursions that illuminate the beautiful, rugged winter landscape of North Idaho that is Schweitzer’s back yard.
After a day of play, book yourself a new type of dining experience on the mountain: Schweitzer’s Sky House will offer snowcat dinners beginning in February 2025 for a limited number of guests to enjoy a multi-course meal paired with wine or cocktails at 6,400 feet.
As we wait for the first snowfall, Schweitzer is weeks away from launching the season’s new amenities and adventures, which will include an updated website with new livestream webcams —check out the powdery views and go explore with Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures! More at schweitzer.com.
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