
Schweitzer's summit reaches 6,401 feet, dropping 2,401 vertical feet to a base at 4,000 feet across 92 runs spread over 2,900 acres above Sandpoint, Idaho. Terrain splits 40 per cent intermediate, 35 per cent advanced, 15 per cent expert and 10 per cent beginner, with average annual snowfall of roughly 300 inches. The resort carries Ikon Pass access and is Idaho's largest ski area by acreage. Ten lifts, including three quad chairs, one six-person chair and two triple chairs, serve the mountain alongside two double chairs, one surface lift and one t-bar.
Schweitzer's setting above Lake Pend Oreille gives it panoramic lake views uncommon among Idaho resorts, alongside terrain extensive enough to support genuinely varied skiing across two connected bowls. The resort's scale as Idaho's largest ski area supports a diverse mix of terrain parks, tree skiing and open bowls. Its Ikon Pass affiliation, gained through Alterra Mountain Company ownership, brings destination-level visitor traffic to what began as a modest local mountain.
Jim Brown recognised Schweitzer's potential as early as the 1930s, and Spokane advocates Jack Fowler, a dentist, and Grant Groesbeck, an architect, joined him in pushing for its development. Brown, Fowler and Groesbeck formed a partnership in the early 1960s, and Schweitzer opened on 30 November 1963 with a day lodge and a mile-long double chairlift. Brown later bought out the other stockholders, making Schweitzer a family-run business until his death in 1989.
Brown's daughter Bobbie Huguenin then led the resort through further additions and improvements. Harbor Properties purchased Schweitzer from US Bank for 18 million US dollars on 31 December 1998, partnering with the McCaw family of Mission Ridge to bring the resort out of bankruptcy. Following Harbor Resorts' dissolution in 2005, Seattle's McCaw Investment Group became sole owner until MKM Trust sold the resort's operations to Alterra Mountain Company in 2023, bringing Ikon Pass access. Adult daily tickets run from 89 to 119 US dollars, with season passes from 899 dollars.
Schweitzer Mountain spreads 92 runs across 2,900 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 40%, with 9 beginner runs to find your feet and 46 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
The 2025-26 season at Schweitzer ran from 21 November 2025 to 13 April 2026, a roughly twenty-one-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 300 inches. This substantial snowfall total, combined with the resort's 2,900-acre footprint, gives Schweitzer one of the more reliable natural seasons among Idaho resorts. Season dates can shift slightly depending on early and late-season storm activity.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically delivers the most consistent conditions across Schweitzer's two connected bowls. As an Ikon Pass destination, the resort sees a mix of Sandpoint locals and visiting pass holders, with weekends and holiday periods drawing heavier crowds than the Idaho resort's earlier decades as a purely local mountain. Weekday visits generally remain quieter.
The resort's Ikon Pass affiliation, gained through Alterra Mountain Company's 2023 acquisition, has expanded its visibility well beyond its historic Sandpoint catchment. This has brought a broader range of programming and visitor services in line with other Alterra-operated resorts. School holiday periods and Ikon Pass blackout considerations shape much of the resort's peak-season crowd patterns.
Late-season conditions into April benefit from the area's substantial snowfall total and elevation, often extending good coverage across the mountain's varied terrain. Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. Schweitzer's combination of lake views, extensive terrain and Ikon Pass access has increasingly positioned it as a destination resort rather than purely a local's mountain.
Schweitzer sits above Sandpoint in the Idaho Panhandle, with a base elevation of 4,000 feet and a summit at 6,401 feet across a 2,401-foot vertical drop over 2,900 acres. The resort's position offers sweeping views over Lake Pend Oreille, one of the largest lakes in the northwestern United States, a defining feature of the Schweitzer experience.
Sandpoint is the nearest town, a lakeside community offering lodging, dining and a distinct small-city character that has grown alongside the resort's increasing destination profile. The broader Idaho Panhandle region combines lake recreation with mountain skiing, giving Sandpoint a four-season appeal beyond winter sports alone. Spokane, Washington lies within a comfortable driving distance to the southwest, extending the resort's practical catchment area.
US Route 95 connects Sandpoint to the broader regional highway network, with local roads leading up to the resort itself from the town below. Winter driving conditions on the approach can include snow and ice, though the route is well maintained given Schweitzer's status as a major regional destination. There is no direct public transport service to the mountain from Sandpoint.
Spokane International Airport, roughly 90 minutes to the southwest, is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service, making Schweitzer accessible to fly-in visitors from across the country via its Ikon Pass network. This combination of lake views, extensive terrain and reasonable airport access has helped transform Schweitzer from a local Sandpoint mountain into a genuine Pacific Northwest ski destination.
Hotels and lodges near Schweitzer Mountain, powered by Stay22.

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The 2025 - 2026 season at Schweitzer Mountain closed on Apr 13, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from US$20, with peak rates up to US$119.
Full access to Schweitzer Mountain's 2,900 acres and 92 trails. Idaho's largest ski resort featuring spectacular Lake Pend Oreille views and diverse terrain. Located in Sandpoint with 300 inches of annual snowfall, bowl skiing, and access to three mountain ranges spanning three states and Canada.
Buy passYouth access to Schweitzer Mountain's expansive terrain perfect for skill development. Experience Idaho's largest ski resort with 92 trails across varied terrain. Schweitzer offers excellent progression opportunities with stunning scenic views and family-friendly atmosphere near Sandpoint.
Buy passChild access to Schweitzer Mountain's family-friendly terrain and learning areas. Idaho's largest ski resort offers safe, gentle slopes perfect for children with excellent ski school programs. Spectacular mountain and lake views make Schweitzer a memorable family destination.
Buy passSenior access to Schweitzer Mountain's diverse terrain with excellent value pricing. Enjoy peaceful skiing on well-groomed runs with breathtaking Lake Pend Oreille views. Schweitzer's moderate terrain options and scenic beauty make it perfect for senior skiers.
Buy passFree skiing for seniors 80 and older and children under 6 at Schweitzer Mountain. Must obtain free ticket at any ticket window. Perfect introduction to skiing at Idaho's largest resort with stunning mountain and lake views near Sandpoint.
Buy passAccess to Creekside Express beginner chairlift and learning area at Schweitzer Mountain. Perfect for first-time skiers and children learning at Idaho's largest resort. Includes access to Musical Carpet and beginner terrain with excellent instruction programs.
Buy passDiscounted daily access for military personnel at Schweitzer Mountain. Must present valid military ID. Experience Idaho's largest ski resort with 2,900 acres and spectacular mountain views. Thank you for your service discount on this premier mountain destination.
Buy passCollege student discounted access to Schweitzer Mountain. Must present valid student ID. Perfect for budget-conscious students wanting to experience Idaho's largest ski resort with 92 trails and stunning Lake Pend Oreille views near Sandpoint.
Buy passAfternoon access to Schweitzer Mountain starting at 12:30pm Sunday-Thursday. Perfect for those arriving later or combining with other activities. Full mountain access to all 92 trails and 2,900 acres with spectacular Lake Pend Oreille views. Blackout dates apply.
Buy passTwilight skiing from 3pm-7pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays at Schweitzer Mountain. Experience Idaho's largest ski resort under the lights with access to Basin Express and terrain park. Special 'Own the Night' pricing supports local nonprofits.
Buy passThree-day package savings at Schweitzer Mountain for use any three days during the season. Experience Idaho's largest ski resort with 2,900 acres across multiple visits. Blackout dates include holiday periods. Great value for multiple mountain adventures.
Buy passFour-day package savings at Schweitzer Mountain for use any four days during the season. Extended experience of Idaho's largest ski resort with spectacular terrain and views. Blackout dates include holiday periods. Perfect for frequent visitors to Sandpoint area.
Buy passSchweitzer Mountain is included with Ikon Pass, Ikon Base Pass, and Ikon Base Plus Pass. Experience Idaho's largest ski resort as part of your multi-mountain pass. Some blackout dates apply during peak periods. No additional lift ticket purchase required.
Buy passUnlimited access to Schweitzer Mountain for the entire season with reciprocal benefits at 5 partner resorts. Experience Idaho's largest ski resort with 2,900 acres, 92 trails, and stunning Lake Pend Oreille views. Includes passholder perks and discounts.
Buy passYouth unlimited season access to Schweitzer Mountain with partner resort benefits. Perfect for young skiers wanting unlimited access to Idaho's largest ski resort. Includes passholder perks and access to 92 trails across 2,900 acres near Sandpoint.
Buy passChild unlimited season access to Schweitzer Mountain. Excellent value for families with young skiers at Idaho's largest resort. Includes access to learning areas, terrain parks, and all mountain terrain with spectacular scenic views throughout the season.
Buy passMore Schweitzer Mountain intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.