Schweitzer Mountain, the largest ski resort in Idaho, is tucked away in the rugged Selkirk Mountains, just an hour’s drive from Coeur d'Alene. We set out early, winding our way through the frosty morning, past the expansive waters of Lake Pend Oreille and into the historic town of Sandpoint. Once a bustling logging hub, Sandpoint now serves as the gateway to Schweitzer’s 1,290 hectares of skiable terrain—a sprawling playground for powder seekers.
By the time we arrived, a fresh blanket of snow had settled across the mountain overnight, transforming the resort into a pristine winter wonderland. Schweitzer is known for its light, dry snow, and on a powder day, the energy is palpable. Riders and skiers shuffle through the base area, the hum of chairlifts overhead, boots crunching against the snow, all eager to carve first tracks down the mountain’s 92 runs.
We had the privilege of being guided around the mountain by Sean Mirus, who has spent 18 seasons here. When you mention Schweitzer to most people, they’ve never heard of it. But standing at the top of the highest lift, the world suddenly opens up—views stretching into Washington, Idaho, and Canada, with Montana visible on a clear day. It’s a reminder of just how special this mountain is.
Schweitzer operates with 10 lifts, including high-speed quads that whisk you up to the resort’s highest ridges. From the summit, 1,200 metres above sea level, the view stretches across three states and even into Canada. The terrain is vast and varied—steep chutes, rolling groomers, playful glades, and expansive bowls that hold untouched powder stashes long after a storm. We spent the morning weaving through the trees of Stella’s Run, then dropping into the North Bowl’s deep snow, each turn light and effortless in the cold mountain air.
One of the most unique experiences on the mountain was visiting the Grandfather Tree, the largest cedar on the entire mountain. Given Schweitzer’s roots in the logging industry and its role in the railway route to the Pacific, it felt like stepping into a piece of history. The tree stands massive and proud, a relic of an era before the resort existed. Skis left at its base give a true sense of its scale. To find it, you need to look to the skier’s right side of Springboard after Stella’s Run and Springboard merge—it’s worth the detour.
The local vibe of the cafeteria at the base added to the charm—simple, hearty meals, friendly staff, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that’s becoming harder to find in bigger resorts.
A true highlight of the trip was getting stuck in the car park on a deep powder morning. With snow piling up around my tyres, I worried about sliding into the cars beside me. Before I could panic, five car park attendants sprang into action, pushing me free while cheering as I finally got out. It was a perfect example of the Schweitzer spirit—genuine, community-driven, and always looking out for one another.
Finally, I got to ring the famous Schweitzer bell at 8:45 am, signifying the mountain was officially open for the day. The sound echoed through the valley, marking the start of another unforgettable day on the slopes.
After an exhilarating day on the slopes, we retreated to the Humbird, Schweitzer’s newest luxury accommodation. Perched at the base of the mountain, the Humbird blends sleek modern design with nods to Sandpoint’s rugged past. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the ever-changing light on the slopes, while the rooftop hot tub offers a front-row seat to the sunset over the lake below. The atmosphere is intimate, with just 31 rooms, creating the perfect balance of exclusivity and warmth.
That evening, we settled into the hotel’s bar, sipping craft cocktails as the snow piled up outside, knowing that tomorrow would bring another perfect powder day. Schweitzer, with its vast terrain, rich history, and understated luxury, is a place that draws you in—one deep turn at a time.
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