Schweitzer caps best summer ever
Invests $2.5 million in improvements for new season
SANDPOINT — Schweitzer Mountain Resort is wrapping up its best summer season on record.
In terms of chairlift rides and hotel occupancy, Schweitzer had the greatest number of visits this summer. Labor Day weekend's Fall Fest was the biggest summer weekend the resort has had, not including opening day celebrations, when chairlift rides are free.
Jade Smith, Schweitzer's director of resort services, attributed the great season to a popular concert series and a run of sunny weather. There is also a focus on growing summer business, which is reflected in the installation of the installation of two new tennis courts and the hiring of CEO Tom Chasse, formerly of Attitash in New Hampshire.
"Schweitzer is first and foremost a ski resort and we have every intention of continuing to improve in that area," said Chasse. "However, the opportunity to grow our summer visits cannot be overlooked. The Sandpoint community is a summer destination and we would like to offer additional amenities for all summer visitors and showcase this unique mountaintop community at Schweitzer. Our results from this past summer have confirmed our beliefs that we can become a year-round destination."
International visits to the area have decreased. Instead, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is seeing an increase in visitors from within the drive market.
Most of this year's visitors came from Washington, Oregon, other parts of Idaho, said Judy Baird, the chamber's executive director. Baird said there was a modest increase in visitors from Montana.
This fall and summer, Schweitzer invested nearly $2.5 million in improvements for the coming winter season. They include:
? New groomers, shuttles — The resort purchased a "park bully" so Stomping Grounds terrain park staff can build and groom features more efficiently. Three new groomer machines were bought to replace two aging ones and boost the fleet to three. The resort's shuttle fleet is expanding with new buses, which offer more comfortable coach seating.
? Better resort access — A Zogg snow blower was purchased to better maintain Schweitzer Mountain Road and shuttles from the Park-and-Ride lot will be more frequent in the morning.
? Improved learning area — The beginner slope near the Musical Carpet surface lift was re-graded and a new snow-making gun will cover the area.
? Better rental experience — The resort's fleet of rentals skis and snowboards have been upgraded, and the rental process has been streamlined for smoother and faster guest turnaround time.
? Behind-the-scenes improvements — To support future growth and development, $1 million was invested in improving resort infrastructure such as water and sewer facilities, technology and networking. A pizza oven was also purchased for Taps.