Find Ski Discounts & Coupons

ski Schweitzer Mountain

Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort has the most acreage of any resort in Idaho but you'll rarely find more than a skier per acre, leading to some exceptional, wide open skiing fun. Set in Sandpoint, halfway between Coeur d'Alene and the Canadian Border, amidst the spectacular setting of Lake Pend Oreille's (Ear Pendant) inlets and fjords, Skiing in Schweitzer Mountain is renowned as a real skier's mountain.

There are few better-equipped ski resorts than enjoying a Schweitzer Mountain Ski Vacation, especially for families with smaller kids. The Headquarters Day Lodge is 40,000 square feet of wonderful dining and entertainment opportunities and has huge windows that look out over the Musical Chairs chairlift and the children-only Enchanted Forest trail so that adults can keep an eye on the kids while enjoying the ambience and warmth of the Lodge. There is even a fully separate learner's area below the base with its own chair and moving carpet which is great for practicing those beginning skills. Gypsy and Happy Trails are easy, fun runs for the whole family, and when it comes time for something a bit more challenging, there are excellent intermediate runs to encounter during your Schweitzer Mountain Ski Vacation including Zip Down, Gladeiater, Cathedral Aisle, Timber Cruiser and the whole Outback Bowl. For the real expert runs, head for Revenge and No Joke which will challenge anyone's advanced expertise and bravado. Schweitzer Mountain Resort's Stomping Grounds Terrain Park is one of the largest Terrain Parks in the country spreading over 50 acres and features an ample selection of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain for all ski levels and it's even open for night skiing. The Ski and Ride Center offers lessons for all skill levels, rents a full range of skis and all the snowsport equipment you'll ever need, features weekly NASTAR races, plus has a superb day care center so that the adults can have some fun time on the slopes by themselves.

Skiing in Schweitzer Mountain Resort will not place you on the highest mountain in the west, but it does get a goodly dumping averaging 305 inches per year. The snow is nowhere near as wet and stodgy as the resorts in Washington and Oregon which are closer to the Pacific, but they're not usually as powdery as Colorado or Wyoming. Schweitzer Mountain Resort is also much sunnier than many Washington resorts and is less subject to mid-season thaws.

The Lakeview Lodge is a great place for food and fun. Taps Lounge has live, albeit loud, music on weekends to go with its billiards, foosball and air hockey which the teens will adore. Cabinet Mountain Coffee serves up delicious breakfasts and lunches to go with the astounding mountain and lake views. The Selkirk Lodge's Chimney Rock serves up award winning gourmet dishes that will have you coming back for more. One of the real family favorites in Sandpoint has to be Ivano's Ristorante, where everyone will enjoy great Italian pastas, chicken and even buffalo and vegan dishes. If you're in the mood for a little Creole, try Cafe Trinity, or head to the southern end of the Long Bridge for Swan's Landing and some phenomenal sunset views to go with your Black Angus. Upstairs at Eichardt's you'll find shuffleboard, billiards, board games and darts. MickDuff's Brewing Company, Sandpoint's newest brewpub, serves up a freshly microbrewed root beer for the under 21s, and if you're up for a bit of the smelly stuff, the Litehouse Bleu Cheese Factory will let you sample savory cheeses which will have your tastebuds in heaven and the kids gagging.

Hermit's Hollow Tubing Center is about the most fun you can have, but make sure you buy tickets in advance so you won't be disappointed. One of the big festivals of the season is Sandpoint’s Winter Carnival which features snow sculpture displays, ice skating celebrations, all sorts of special events on Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

[discount
[lift tickets]