Last year, Schweitzer became part of Alterra Mountain Company, a national resort conglomerate and the driving force behind the popular Ikon Pass. That seasonal ski pass grants unlimited access to Alterra's 17 resorts, plus exclusive discounts and perks at mountain locations around the world. Its more affordable counterpart, the Ikon Base Pass, scales back on some of the extras while still allowing for plenty of flexibility and savings at most of the participating resorts, Schweitzer included.
If Schweitzer's new ownership and light rebrand has brought positive change to the largest ski destination in Washington and Idaho, Ikon Pass access is only one part of it. For 2024-25, Schweitzer has expanded its scope of operations, relaunched special events and doubled down on the services that have made the resort into a favorite destination; they're on track for a Nov. 22 opening day.
"The biggest thing is that we will start operating a backcountry snowcat-assisted ski experience off of the West Bowl, coupled with guided snowmobile tours," says Tom Chasse, president and chief operating officer of Schweitzer. "It opens up access to more than 4,300 acres of untouched, non-lift-access terrain."
The new offering is called Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures. It was previously operated by a third-party in partnership with Schweitzer but now falls entirely under the resort's purview.
"We're excited to take over the operation and put the Schweitzer spin on that," says Taylor Prather, Schweitzer's marketing manager. "It's an opportunity for us to really invite our guests to explore the terrain," which features steep glades, open fields and, of course, untouched powder.
Pre-booked skiers and snowboarders will be ferried off-piste by two 12-passenger snowcats, which will run seven days per week, conditions permitting. A trained guide will then provide background on safety and the optimal drop-in zones.
If that sounds a little too daunting, the guided snowmobile tours will offer family-friendly access to the same expansive backcountry. Available as weather-contingent two-hour or half-day trips, they'll accommodate everyone from veteran snowmobilers to complete beginners.
A little closer to the heart of the resort, Schweitzer's new Ski & Ride School will provide participants with an insider's perspective via guided half-day or full-day tours of the mountain's best runs. Prather says that classes like these are where guests build relationships with Schweitzer staff that continue for years.
"That's what makes coming to Schweitzer so special — the interactions," she says. "They're really special. You even see it in the people who operate our chairlifts on a daily basis. They have so much personality and enthusiasm that it can make your whole day just chatting with them."
Another thing that defines the Schweitzer experience is high-angle grooming. This year they're continuing to expand the areas that receive treatment. The service might not be something you notice at first, but it makes a big difference to skiers of all skill levels.
"It just gives people an opportunity to experience that. Under ungroomed conditions, they may not have the courage to dip into those areas," Chasse says.
But what about après ski? Schweitzer has even more to look forward to in the evenings, especially when the Sky House snowcat dinners make their much-anticipated return later this season. During these events, a limited number of guests get the opportunity to take the chairlift to the lofty Sky House on Schweitzer's peak, where they'll be served a multicourse meal complete with chef-inspired wine or cocktail pairings. Afterwards, guests will descend the mountain in a snowcat under the night sky.
"We offer so much variety," Prather says. "From beginner to expert, Schweitzer really is a place that you can bring the whole family and find something enjoyable to do together as well as on your own." ♦
Q& A WITH JAMES ROWLAND
What's the unique appeal of backcountry skiing?It's more of a quiet, slow-paced wilderness experience — no lines, no stress, untracked powder. You're more connected to place, time, the flow of things.
Is backcountry skiing only for the intrepid, or is it something every skier should try?
I think all skiers are probably "backcountry curious." It's almost like the pinnacle of the sport, where all the different skill sets come together once you take off in the powder.
After a day on the slopes, do you have a preferred way to unwind?
After working all day, I really like to unwind with my family. Luckily for me, it's only 30 minutes down the mountain into Sandpoint. On my drive home, my vehicle is my personal little sanctuary. I've got a big old subwoofer in the back of the truck, and I just crank some tunes.
Have you had a backcountry experience that was especially memorable?
I call it the Pine Marten's Revenge. A couple of years ago, I was skiing with a group, and we spotted a pine marten, which is this really elusive animal. We were so distracted that we skied into this impenetrable wall of alder. It took us about 20 minutes to get out of it, but in the end we all recognized what a cool experience it was.
Is there a star athlete or celebrity who you'd love to ski with?
Craig Kelly. He was a foundational snowboarder who really set the tone for leaving the resort and going out to explore other areas that were quieter and different. He also had a really fluid style.
Aside from Backcountry Adventures, what's one of your favorite things about Schweitzer?
For me, it's the people. This is still a small community, and we all sort of gravitate up to the mountain in the winter. That vibe really permeates through the village. That's partly why I moved here almost 20 years ago, and it's something I really appreciate and cherish.
James Rowland is Schweitzer's Backcountry Adventures manager.
