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Schweitzer

Idaho

Schweitzer Mountain is considered one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest and offers amazing views of the surrounding town (Sandpoint) as well as of Canada and Lake Pend Oreille.
Besides its many trails, it also offers 32 kilometers of Nordic trails, which can be used for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter, or mountain biking in the summer. After you&rsquo;re done playing on the mountain, take advantage of the shopping, dining and available spa experiences available to you.
Where Is Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort Located? The nearest airport to the resort is Spokane International Airport, which is serviced by most major carriers, including United, Southwest, Alaska and American Airlines. From there, you can take a shuttle or drive yourself. Driving times from Spokane is 1.5 hours, Coeur d&rsquo;Alene 45 minutes and Missoula and the Tri-Cities area 6 hours. Amtrak also offers services to Sandpoint from Seattle/Portland and Chicago/St. Paul/Minneapolis.

Schweitzer is most easily accessed via Spokane International Airport (GEG), located about 90 miles southwest of the resort. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or book a shuttle service to Sandpoint, Idaho, the nearest town to Schweitzer. The drive from Spokane takes roughly two hours and offers scenic views along the way. Once in Sandpoint, Schweitzer&rsquo;s shuttle service provides transportation up the mountain, with multiple daily departures during the ski season.
For those driving, Schweitzer offers convenient parking at the base and in the village, with designated lots for day visitors and overnight guests. Ride-sharing options are available from Sandpoint, and the resort also offers ski-in/ski-out access from select accommodations. While there&rsquo;s no gondola from town, the resort&rsquo;s lift system makes it easy to navigate the mountain once you arrive. Combining air travel to Spokane with shuttle or rental car service is the most efficient and cost-effective way to reach Schweitzer.

Lodging near Schweitzer ranges from slopeside condos and townhomes to cozy inns and vacation rentals in nearby Sandpoint. The resort village offers ski-in/ski-out options ideal for families and groups who want direct access to the mountain. Couples can enjoy boutique-style accommodations with fireplaces and mountain views, while larger groups will find multi-bedroom units with full kitchens and communal spaces. Luxury options include private chalets and spa-equipped lodges, and many properties offer shuttle service to the lifts. Whether you're looking for convenience, comfort, or a quiet retreat, Schweitzer&rsquo;s lodging options cater to every kind of traveler.

<h3>Breakfast Places</h3>
<ul>
<li>For a quick espresso and scone, stop by Mojo Coyote Cafe. If you have time, you can also order one of the made-from-scratch breakfast items. 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Road, Sandpoint, ID 83864</li>
</ul>
<h3>Our Favorite Lunch Spots</h3>
<ul>
<li>Powder Hound Pizza provides amazing pizza and a darn good Bloody Mary. Be prepared for a line if you get there during the lunch rush. 73 Village Lane, Sandpoint, ID 83864</li>
</ul>
<h3>Dinner</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Nest at Sky House has a great patio with views of the surrounding countryside. Order one of the many small plates. 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Road, Sandpoint, ID 83864</li>
</ul>
<h3>Apres/Nightlife</h3>
<ul>
<li>After a hard day on the slopes, head to everyone&rsquo;s favorite apr&egrave;s spot, Taps Lounge. Play some pool, or dance the night away with friends. 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Road, Sandpoint, ID 83864</li>
</ul>

Schweitzer&rsquo;s terrain is spread across two main areas: the front side and the Outback Bowl. The front side features a mix of groomed cruisers and tree-lined trails, with easy access from the village via Basin Express and Lakeview Triple. This area is ideal for families and beginners, offering gentle slopes and wide runs like Midway and Zip Down. The Snow Ghost terrain park is also located here, with features designed for all levels of freestyle riders.
Outback Bowl is where advanced and expert skiers head for steeper terrain and deep snow. Accessed via Stella and Colburn Triple lifts, this area includes runs like Kaniksu and Stiles, which offer long fall-line descents and natural glades. The bowl&rsquo;s north-facing aspect helps preserve snow quality, making it a favorite on powder days. The terrain here is more rugged, with chutes and tree skiing that challenge even seasoned skiers.
Families will appreciate the beginner-friendly terrain near Musical Chairs and the Hermit&rsquo;s Hollow tubing area. These zones are designed for easy navigation and include warming huts and rest areas. The resort&rsquo;s ski school operates out of this area, making it a convenient base for lessons and family meetups.
Intermediate skiers have plenty to explore across both sides of the mountain. Runs like Ridge Run and Crystal offer consistent pitch and scenic views of Lake Pend Oreille. The Great Escape Quad provides quick access to mid-mountain terrain, while the Cedar Park Express opens up additional blue trails with varied terrain.
For experts, Schweitzer&rsquo;s steeps and off-piste options are a major draw. The resort&rsquo;s highest elevation trails, such as Chute 5 and Little Blue Ridge Run, offer challenging descents with natural obstacles and deep snow. Tree skiing is abundant, especially in the Outback Bowl, where glades are left ungroomed for a more adventurous experience.
Natural beauty is a constant companion at Schweitzer. From the summit, skiers can take in panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks. The longest run, Little Blue Ridge Run, stretches 2.1 miles and offers a scenic journey from top to bottom. With terrain that caters to every skill level and a layout that encourages exploration, Schweitzer delivers a rewarding mountain experience.

If you're chasing powder, start your day on Stiles in the Outback Bowl. Its north-facing aspect and tree coverage help preserve fresh snow longer than other areas. After a storm, this run often stays untouched well into the morning, especially if you drop in from the top of Colburn Triple.
Midweek mornings are the sweet spot for quiet laps. Basin Express opens early and gives you access to groomers like Zip Down and Ridge Run before the crowds arrive. These runs are perfect for carving and warming up before heading into steeper terrain.
For a scenic cruise, take Ridge Run from the top of Great Escape Quad. It winds along the ridgeline with views of Lake Pend Oreille and connects to several blue trails for a relaxed descent. Late afternoon light makes this area especially photogenic.
Looking for a challenge? Chute 5 is steep, narrow, and often overlooked. It&rsquo;s tucked between more popular runs and offers a technical descent with natural features. It&rsquo;s best skied mid-morning when the snow softens just enough for edge control.
The Snow Ghost terrain park is a must for freestyle skiers and riders. It&rsquo;s well maintained and features a mix of jumps, rails, and boxes. For progression, start at the lower section and work your way up to the advanced line near the top.
Apr&egrave;s-ski at Gourmandie is a local favorite. This slopeside wine bar offers charcuterie boards, craft beer, and a cozy atmosphere. It&rsquo;s quieter than the main lodge and perfect for winding down with friends or family.
For a quick bite between runs, the Sky House at the summit serves soups, sandwiches, and hot drinks with panoramic views. Grab a window seat and watch the clouds roll over the lake while you refuel.
Families should check out Hermit&rsquo;s Hollow for tubing. It&rsquo;s located near the beginner zone and offers two lanes with lift access. It&rsquo;s a fun way to spend the afternoon, especially for kids who want a break from skiing.
If you're staying overnight, take advantage of First Tracks. Schweitzer offers early lift access for select guests, allowing you to ski untouched groomers before the mountain officially opens. It&rsquo;s a quiet, rewarding way to start the day.
Finally, don&rsquo;t miss the twilight views from the top of Lakeview Triple. As the sun sets, the lake glows and the surrounding peaks turn pink. It&rsquo;s a peaceful moment that captures the magic of Schweitzer.

Schweitzer Trail Map

IDAHO / SCHWEITZER

Schweitzer Trail Map

Terrain

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