What's New
This season at Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a special one. Schweitzer turns 50 years old and has several celebrations to honor the event. "Friday, December 13th, is community day, where lift tickets will be $10, with proceeds going to local charities," says Sean Mirus, Schweitzer's director of marketing. The next day is Founder's Day — lift tickets will only be $19.63, commemorating the year Schweitzer started operations. The après-ski party at Taps will unveil the 25-year-old time capsule that has been buried at the base of Snow Ghost.
Back by popular demand this season is the sun deck outside of the Lakeview Lodge. The deck has always been synonymous with sunny days and imbibing après-ski beverages after a great day on the slopes, while watching the sunset over the South Bowl ridge. Now locals and visitors will once again be able to enjoy this longstanding Schweitzer tradition.
On-mountain improvements include cutting a new FIS downhill course and a new progression terrain park. Schweitzer's new downhill course is located on the Stella high-speed lift. This summer, crews widened the Shortcut trail to connect upper Cathedral Aisle and the lower section of Zip Down — which will now be known as SARS Spur. "The new terrain park — Southside Progression Park — will replace the Starfish Terrain Park and will be located on Crystal Run, next to the Stomping Grounds Terrain Park," says Mirus. This new park will be larger in size, allowing for a greater number of features.
Schweitzer is all about the passholder perks; it's joined forces with 11 other ski resorts as part of the Powder Alliance. The way this program works: Schweitzer season passholders can ski three full days at some of the best resorts in the West; Stevens Pass, Crested Butte, Snowbasin and Bridger Bowl are just four of the ski areas on this impressive list.
Other great season passholder perks:
• 10 percent cash bonus on all of the cash you add to your season pass; add $100 and you'll receive $110 on your pass, which you can use for retail, lodging and food purchases and save money.
• $20 off-day ticket to Schweitzer's sister resort, Whitewater Ski Resort, located outside Nelson, B.C.
• Monthly drawings: you're entered every time your pass gets scanned. Prizes include a season pass for next season, skis, and a $500 gift card.
Making the Most of It
and Special Deals
Even if you aren't a Schweitzer passholder, there are plenty of deals available to get you skiing inexpensively.
Schweitzer has a new partnership with Lake Louise and its Louise Plus card. "This partnership was just finalized in the last couple of weeks," Mirus says. "This is the first time Lake Louise has had a U.S. partner in their card program. The $99 card is available to purchase on Schweitzer's website. This card gets you your first, fourth and seventh day free. Every other day, you get $20 off the purchase of your lift ticket." This program's best perk? Cardholders can use it at Schweitzer, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Castle Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Village and Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Through Nov. 10, Schweitzer will sell its Ski-3 packs at the discounted rate of $165, a $48 savings. The Ski-3 packs are completely transferable and do not have blackout days.
Sunday Solution lift tickets are a great way to experience Schweitzer. From 12:30 pm to close on Sunday (holiday weekends excluded), if you purchase your ticket online, it's $25 ($35 at the ticket window). If you want a lift ticket for just the beginner chair, Musical Chairs lift tickets are free if you purchase them online. "It's just one of the ways we are creating opportunities at Schweitzer to ski at an affordable rate," says Mirus.
Lift tickets
Adult: full day $71 /
half day $61
Junior (7-17): full day $50 / half day $40
College/Military: full day $61 / half day $51
Senior (65+): full day $61 / half day $51
Child: full day (6 & under with adult) free
Musical Chairs only: full day $25 / half day $20
Musical Carpet only: free
