Schweitzer sets sights on expanding fun on the hill

This winter’s lack of snowpack has proven difficult for ski resorts across the nation, with many having to close months earlier than expected because of such little precipitation. Despite the season’s many challenges, Schweitzer officials said the resort persevered through it all and didn’t close its metaphorical doors even a day sooner than it usually does.

“It was one of the slowest starts to winter on record and we missed the mark on a couple of major visitation periods, including Christmas break and [Martin Luther King] weekend due to extreme weather circumstances,” said marketing and communications manager Taylor Prather.

Staff on the mountain began calling the past month “Miracle March” because it was the only month in the entire season that yielded consistent weather patterns. In that month, the mountain saw 80 new inches of snowfall, nearly doubling its snow total for the entire season.

Schweitzer finished the season with only roughly 75% of its average snowpack, which has substantially impacted business this year. However, Prather said staff were happy to keep shredding the mountain with whatever snow stuck around until closing day April 14.

“It was both a challenge and a success for our Schweitzer staff to roll with the punches of an El Niño winter from beginning to end,” she added. “It took a lot of grit, determination, creativity and teamwork to keep the mountain open for skiing and riding. We not only do it because our community relies on us, but also because we genuinely love to ski and ride.”

The lack of snow wasn’t the only big difference the mountain saw this year, either. Colorado-based Alterra Mountain Company purchased the mountain in June, but has remained steadfast in the company’s management style, leaving all previous leadership in place on the mountain.

“Although we have been acquired by a new company, Alterra’s hands-off approach and commitment to preserving the authenticity of each mountain community is still very much a part of their business philosophy,” she said. “There was a lot of uncertainty on how much things would change with our new owners, but if anything, this season’s lesson is that not much has changed.”

With the purchase of the mountain came the unlimited use of the Ikon Pass, which many thought might negatively impact the resort. However, that hasn’t seemed to be the case, Prather said.

“Going unlimited on the Ikon was a huge win for the mountain and for Schweitzer passholders,” she said.

Because of the lack of snowfall, Prather said the mountain did not see an increase in traffic or congestion on the mountain this year, but that could change in future years with greater snow accumulation.

More visible changes have also taken place on the mountain this season. The Musical Chairs chairlift was replaced last summer in the off-season, upgraded from a fixed-grip two-seater to a high-speed quadruple chair. Schweitzer was able to donate the chairs from the old lift to Kaniksu Land Trust to help raise funds for the Save the Sled Hill campaign. The debut of the new chairlift, Creekside Express, greatly improved the beginner chair ride experience for customers, Prather said.

“The chairlift replacement sets the tone for the remainders of the Schweitzer Creek Village development that will come to life over the next few years,” she said.

While the mountain has faced numerous challenges this year, Prather said it is simultaneously celebrating many successes.

In January, Schweitzer hosted a free screening of the film “Paradise Paradox” at the Panida Theater. The film focuses on the mental health crisis plaguing rural mountain towns such as Sandpoint. With almost 400 attendees, Prather said the event was a huge success and helped stimulate thoughtful conversation and local action regarding the mental health crisis.

“[The night had] a focus on destigmatizing the conversation about mental health and providing awareness on the current resources available in the community,” she said.

Changes at Schweitzer aren’t slowing down anytime soon, either.

“New this year, we are offering unlimited summer scenic lift rides for 2024-25 Schweitzer and Ikon Pass holders,” Prather said. “Trail work will continue this summer as we look to continue expanding our network of on-mountain biking and hiking trails.”

Road construction will also be ongoing throughout the summer to improve the roads, with a primary focus on the ones past the roundabout.

While the village and outdoor opportunities expand to create a better experience for guests, Prather said, so do the great ideas in staff's heads on how to make things better each year.