Schweitzer Mountain Resort

About Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Nestled in Northwest Idaho, 12 miles from Sandpoint, and less than two hours from the Spokane, Washington airport - you’ll find down-to-earth Schweitzer Mountain Resort. This rustic, quaint ski area is considered a hidden gem, and SKI Magazine even nominated it “The Best Kept Secret in North America.” One, because you won’t have to fight crowds or waste your ski vacation in lift lines, and two, because there are 3,300 acres of skiable terrain and a consistent 300 inches of snow annually.

Schweitzer—which means “Swiss man” in German—derived its namesake from a former local hermit. And while its nomenclature might be peculiar, you’ll find nothing shifty about Schweitzer’s devoted locals and the resort’s services. For lodging, you’ll find a tirade of condo options, making a Schweitzer ski vacation an easy choice for families or large groups. 

With intermediate to expert terrain dominating the Schweitzer skiing scene, beginners will be delighted to discover that the majority of the green runs are located at the bottom-half of the resort. You’ll be hard-pressed to find speed demons in this zone.

300+ inches of annual snowfall

Low crowds

Tree skiing

Outback bowl

Friendly, down-to-earth community

How to get to Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Schweitzer is incredibly easy to get to thanks to nearby Spokane International Airport, which is about an hour and a half away. Once in Spokane you have several shuttle service options to choose from, or you can rent a car.

Ski.com recommends renting a car during your Schweitzer ski trip so you can check out this beautiful region of Idaho, including the charming town of Sandpoint. Chat with a Mountain Travel Expert who can get you set up with the best deals.

Skiing in Schweitzer Mountain Resort

With 40 percent of the mountain designated as blues, intermediates are sure to love Schweitzer’s many wide-open cruisers. Black diamond-seekers are sure to enjoy Schweitzer skiing with nearly 50 percent of the terrain labeled as advanced to expert. Schweitzer’s steep corduroy, glades, open powder fields and hike-to terrain, are sure to satisfy skiers looking for a challenge. 

With intermediate to expert terrain dominating the Schweitzer skiing scene, beginners will be delighted to discover that the majority of the green runs are located at the bottom-half of the resort. You’ll be hard-pressed to find speed demons in this zone.

Beginner Skiing in Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a fantastic choice for beginners, offering a great variety of terrain to get started on. The resort's layout naturally divides by skill level, with beginner-friendly zones around the Musical Chairs lift and the Learning Center. These areas feature gentle, wide-open slopes perfect for practicing your turns and building confidence.

Family vacations in Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Schweitzer Mountain Resort caters to families with dedicated zones that allow parents and children to relish in ski activities together. The Kids’ Adventure Zone, a highlight of the resort, offers mild slopes, engaging terrain, and themed trails designed to engage young skiers for extended periods. Beyond skiing, the resort provides a variety of activities such as tubing, ice skating, and enchanting horse-drawn sleigh rides, ensuring entertainment for the whole family.

Navigating the resort is easy, thanks to its thoughtful layout that seamlessly connects ski schools, rental shops, and dining venues. Schweitzer boasts an array of family-friendly accommodations, including convenient ski-in ski-out options. The village area presents a diverse range of dining options, from casual snacks to more formal meals, ensuring every palate is satisfied.