Snow, excitement grace Schweitzer opening

SANDPOINT — Local skiers and snowboarders were all smiles Friday for Schweitzer’s season debut, which featured the most first-day terrain in seven years thanks to higher-than-average early snowfall. 

The Nov. 22 opening was bolstered by a midweek weather pattern that deposited 16 inches of dense snow on the mountain. When the bell rang and skiers boarded the Basin Express chairlift for the first time in seven months, it felt especially satisfying after a disappointing 2023-2024 season. 

“This is like February from last year’s season,” longtime Schweitzer skier Dave Mertz said Friday. “It’s outstanding snow for the middle of November.” 

“As far as snowfall, we’re really, really high for this time of year,” said skier Frank Buchanan. “I'm excited — it should be a good year.” 

The Basin Express and Lakeview Triple chairlifts and Musical Carpet conveyor belt lift were open Friday; the resort announced Friday afternoon it would run its Creekside Express chairlift Saturday. According to marketing communications manager Taylor Prather, Friday was the first time Schweitzer operated its upper-mountain Lakeview Triple chairlift on opening day since the 2017-2018 season. 

“We are hopeful the 5+ feet of natural snowfall in advance of opening is a great sign of what’s to come!” Prather said in an email to the Daily Bee. 

As of Nov. 22, Schweitzer has received 67 inches of snow at its base area this season and has a snowpack depth of 40 inches. Last year, that depth wasn’t reached until well after New Year’s Day. 

“What a difference a year makes,” Tom Chasse, Schweitzer chief operating officer, said in a Nov. 21 news release. “Our team is fired up for the La Niña winter and can’t wait to welcome back our longtime locals and those who are visiting Schweitzer for the first time this season.” 

Among the changes at Schweitzer this season is the resort’s launch of Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures — a snowcat-assisted backcountry skiing service. Local company Selkirk Powder, which previously contracted with Schweitzer for the right to operate a snowcat service in a 4,300-acre area adjacent to the resort, moved its operations to a different sector of the Selkirk Mountains after the contract ended; Schweitzer will now operate its own service in the area.

After Sunday, Schweitzer will close Nov. 25-28 before reopening for the remainder of the season Friday, Nov. 29.

According to a National Weather Service forecast, 3 to 7 inches of new snow are expected at Schweitzer on Saturday and Sunday. More snow is likely throughout the week.