What's New
In a continued effort to make the overall guest experience a memorable one, Schweitzer Mountain Resort has been busy since closing in the spring. In July, they broke ground on the long-anticipated summit lodge. The 13,000-square-foot, three-story lodge will offer guests a unique venue to dine and relax. The new facility will be equipped with a full-service restaurant and bar, cafeteria, lodging accommodations, group function space and a new home for patrol dispatch. The location, as Dig Chrismer, Schweitzer's marketing manager, explains, is ideal: "The lodge is perfectly located between the top of the Great Escape Quad and the Snow Ghost chair." The new lodge will offer expansive views and as a new focal point for the summit. "This is a huge investment for our winter season, although it will be offered as a summer amenity as well," says Chrismer. As for a completion date? "Idagon is a great group to be working with on the project, and the time frame is (currently) good for a fall of 2016 completion."
Other noticeable changes for resort guests will be the significantly updated wireless Internet system. Schweitzer invested $80,000 with Frontier Communications, switching their system from copper to fiber-optic lines and installing new antennas that will increase bandwidth resort-wide.
Other notable improvements include adding another grooming machine to the fleet. "Schweitzer is committed to keeping their grooming and equipment top of the line," says Chrismer. Ongoing brush-cutting efforts have seen work done on G3, Lakeside Chutes runout, lower Snow Ghost and Quicksilver. On the lift-ticket side of improvements, Chrismer adds that "for our skiing guests 80 years of age and older, we are now offering free lift tickets. That's a great incentive to ski until I am 80!"
Chrismer also is excited about the new apprentice instructors program for skiers and riders from 13 to 17: "There are a lot of kids that age who are looking for ways to be a part of the mountain, and this program will allow for that." This program will last four weeks, including shadow days with an instructor team. Participants will receive an unlimited junior season pass as part of the program. "This is going to be an awesome program," says Chrismer.
Making the Most of It
For the last couple of seasons, Schweitzer has been a part of the Powder Alliance. The basics of this program: Pass holders at each of the participating mountains within the Powder Alliance are offered three free lift tickets to the partner resorts. With the addition of Whitewater Ski Resort in British Columbia, the total number of resorts offering the pass benefit is at 14 across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah, Colorado, California, Arizona, New Mexico and British Columbia.
Special Deals
The Snowsports School has added two new programs for this winter season. The Winter Break Ski Camp, a four-day program, will be offered during the holiday break over two sessions, Dec. 21-24 and/or Dec. 28-31. The camp is $175 per session, which does not include lift passes.
Lift Tickets
Adult (18-64)
Full Day $73
Half Day $63
Junior (7-17)
Full Day $50
Half Day $40
College Student/Seniors (65-79)/Military
10% Discount
Child (6 & Under with adult) & Super Senior (80+)
Free
Beginner Chair only
$20
Musical Carpet only
Free
