Making Memories Together at Schweitzer
Written by: Taylor Prather, marketing manager
November 16, 2022
Updated October, 2024
Regarded as a top family-friendly destination in the PNW, Schweitzer has been keeping families coming back for decades. Our focus on family fun for all ages has us constantly looking for new and exciting ways to keep everyone entertained while they’re visiting the mountain, no matter the season. If you’re planning a trip to Schweitzer this winter, here are a few ideas for making lasting memories together at the mountain.
Daytime fun for everyone
- KinderKamp is Schweitzer’s fully-licensed childcare facility for kids as young as 4 months and as old as 6 years. KinderKamp’s commitment to a low child-to-caregiver ratio means your little ones will get the attention they need with activities, music, games and even a little time outdoors! Have a little one who’s ready to strap on some gear? Add a lesson for a full day experience. Our team of professional instructors combine ski lessons with a timely indoor recreation break where kids get to play, create art and relax. Whichever you choose, know that when you drop your child off at KinderKamp they will be having as much fun as you!
- Lessons & Programs – From a private fully customizable experience for the whole family to adult and children’s ski programs and groups, Schweitzer Ski & Ride School matches skiers and riders with top notch instructors so you can make the most of your day on the slopes. Here for a long weekend? Consider booking a private lesson for the family – it’s the best way to get to know the mountain and sharpen your skills along the way. For families who call Schweitzer home, our Mountain Xplorers is a multi-week program for kids ages 5-12 years old!
- Terrain Tips – If you’re new to the mountain and are looking for some family fun, know that there’s an intermediate groomed trail off every lift! Also, be sure to check out the Enchanted Forest trail for beginners, the Mushroom Garden trees off the intermediate Gypsy trail, and the infamous Grandfather Tree off Stella’s Run in the Outback Bowl. For freestyle families, there are three terrain parks located off the Basin Express lift – Terrain Garden for beginners, Southside Progression Park for intermediate and Stomping Grounds for medium and large features. We also have a learning zone off Musical Chairs that will have features for learning edge and speed control.
- Guided Snowmobile Tours - Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures snowmobile tours are the perfect choice for a non-ski family day! Their licensed guides take you on a variety of tours that include plenty of opportunities to take in the amazing backdrop of the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges as well as unparalleled views of Lake Pend Oreille. And novice riders are welcome too, as tours are crafted for each group’s skill level and sightseeing wishes. Give Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures a call to book a tour today!
Evening activities to keep everyone entertained
- Kids’ Night Out – If you’re looking for an excuse to enjoy a night out, this is it. Offered on select Saturdays (and some Fridays) throughout the season, Kids’ Night Out is an evening childcare program for kids ages 4 months – 11 years old, and it’s super affordable. All you have to do is sign up through KinderKamp, drop the kids off between 5:30pm - 5:45pm and enjoy a peaceful, uninterrupted dinner at one of Schweitzer’s restaurants. When you pick up your child(ren), provide proof of receipt for dinner at a Schweitzer owned outlet, and it will only cost you $15 per child.
- Twilight Skiing – Do you want to extend your ski day and enjoy some turns under the lights? On Fridays and Saturdays (and some Sundays), Schweitzer offers Twilight Skiing from 3:00pm - 7:00pm off the Basin Express Quad and Musical Chairs. This means beginners and intermediate skiers and riders can enjoy laps while watching the sun set. Bring a few glow sticks to make it extra fun!
- Snow Tubing – Hermit's Hollow, Schweitzer’s two-lane, 100-yard Tubing Center will have you screaming and laughing like a child. Conveniently located next to the slopes, enjoy an hour and a half tubing session for only $22 per person. The best part is, when you get to the bottom you don’t have to worry about trekking back up the hill. Just stay seated in your tube and we’ll haul you back up via tow rope! But be sure to sign up online in advance.
- Moonlight Snowshoe – Enjoy one of the area’s best sunset views as you head out for a forest snowshoe adventure. The three-hour hike includes all your equipment, plus some delicious food to warm up with at the end.
- Fireworks Celebrations – Throughout each winter season, Schweitzer puts on a dazzling firework display that lights up those cold winter nights. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and meet us in the village for a winter firework event in January or February.
Keeping everyone fueled for the adventure
- Baked potato at Outback – Located at the base of the Stella lift, The Outback is a casual mountain eatery that features an outdoor firepit for roasting s’mores and a substantial collection of retro skis that adorn the walls of the inside. Enjoy the Idaho staple, a delicious baked potato with all the fixins’.
- Hot chocolate at Sky House – With expansive views of Montana, Idaho, Canada and the beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, there’s not better treat than a hot chocolate break at Sky House. Perched at the top of the mountain, skiers and foot passengers can ride up the Great Escape Quad to access the lodge every day of the week.
- Cinnamon Roll at Lakeview Lodge – For a sugary sweet treat, head to the Lakeview Café where you can indulge in a warm gooey cinnamon roll. Located steps from the Creekside Express and Basin Express lift in Schweitzer Village, Lakeview Café is the go-to cafeteria stop to load up on snacks before heading out to the lifts.
For more non-ski ideas, visit the Schweitzer Activity Center located on the bottom level of Humbird or visit Schweitzer.com. rich-text, responsive-table
November 16, 2022
Updated October, 2024
Regarded as a top family-friendly destination in the PNW, Schweitzer has been keeping families coming back for decades. Our focus on family fun for all ages has us constantly looking for new and exciting ways to keep everyone entertained while they’re visiting the mountain, no matter the season. If you’re planning a trip to Schweitzer this winter, here are a few ideas for making lasting memories together at the mountain.
Daytime fun for everyone
- KinderKamp is Schweitzer’s fully-licensed childcare facility for kids as young as 4 months and as old as 6 years. KinderKamp’s commitment to a low child-to-caregiver ratio means your little ones will get the attention they need with activities, music, games and even a little time outdoors! Have a little one who’s ready to strap on some gear? Add a lesson for a full day experience. Our team of professional instructors combine ski lessons with a timely indoor recreation break where kids get to play, create art and relax. Whichever you choose, know that when you drop your child off at KinderKamp they will be having as much fun as you!
- Lessons & Programs – From a private fully customizable experience for the whole family to adult and children’s ski programs and groups, Schweitzer Ski & Ride School matches skiers and riders with top notch instructors so you can make the most of your day on the slopes. Here for a long weekend? Consider booking a private lesson for the family – it’s the best way to get to know the mountain and sharpen your skills along the way. For families who call Schweitzer home, our Mountain Xplorers is a multi-week program for kids ages 5-12 years old!
- Terrain Tips – If you’re new to the mountain and are looking for some family fun, know that there’s an intermediate groomed trail off every lift! Also, be sure to check out the Enchanted Forest trail for beginners, the Mushroom Garden trees off the intermediate Gypsy trail, and the infamous Grandfather Tree off Stella’s Run in the Outback Bowl. For freestyle families, there are three terrain parks located off the Basin Express lift – Terrain Garden for beginners, Southside Progression Park for intermediate and Stomping Grounds for medium and large features. We also have a learning zone off Musical Chairs that will have features for learning edge and speed control.
- Guided Snowmobile Tours - Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures snowmobile tours are the perfect choice for a non-ski family day! Their licensed guides take you on a variety of tours that include plenty of opportunities to take in the amazing backdrop of the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges as well as unparalleled views of Lake Pend Oreille. And novice riders are welcome too, as tours are crafted for each group’s skill level and sightseeing wishes. Give Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures a call to book a tour today!
Evening activities to keep everyone entertained
- Kids’ Night Out – If you’re looking for an excuse to enjoy a night out, this is it. Offered on select Saturdays (and some Fridays) throughout the season, Kids’ Night Out is an evening childcare program for kids ages 4 months – 11 years old, and it’s super affordable. All you have to do is sign up through KinderKamp, drop the kids off between 5:30pm - 5:45pm and enjoy a peaceful, uninterrupted dinner at one of Schweitzer’s restaurants. When you pick up your child(ren), provide proof of receipt for dinner at a Schweitzer owned outlet, and it will only cost you $15 per child.
- Twilight Skiing – Do you want to extend your ski day and enjoy some turns under the lights? On Fridays and Saturdays (and some Sundays), Schweitzer offers Twilight Skiing from 3:00pm - 7:00pm off the Basin Express Quad and Musical Chairs. This means beginners and intermediate skiers and riders can enjoy laps while watching the sun set. Bring a few glow sticks to make it extra fun!
- Snow Tubing – Hermit's Hollow, Schweitzer’s two-lane, 100-yard Tubing Center will have you screaming and laughing like a child. Conveniently located next to the slopes, enjoy an hour and a half tubing session for only $22 per person. The best part is, when you get to the bottom you don’t have to worry about trekking back up the hill. Just stay seated in your tube and we’ll haul you back up via tow rope! But be sure to sign up online in advance.
- Moonlight Snowshoe – Enjoy one of the area’s best sunset views as you head out for a forest snowshoe adventure. The three-hour hike includes all your equipment, plus some delicious food to warm up with at the end.
- Fireworks Celebrations – Throughout each winter season, Schweitzer puts on a dazzling firework display that lights up those cold winter nights. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and meet us in the village for a winter firework event in January or February.
Keeping everyone fueled for the adventure
- Baked potato at Outback – Located at the base of the Stella lift, The Outback is a casual mountain eatery that features an outdoor firepit for roasting s’mores and a substantial collection of retro skis that adorn the walls of the inside. Enjoy the Idaho staple, a delicious baked potato with all the fixins’.
- Hot chocolate at Sky House – With expansive views of Montana, Idaho, Canada and the beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, there’s not better treat than a hot chocolate break at Sky House. Perched at the top of the mountain, skiers and foot passengers can ride up the Great Escape Quad to access the lodge every day of the week.
- Cinnamon Roll at Lakeview Lodge – For a sugary sweet treat, head to the Lakeview Café where you can indulge in a warm gooey cinnamon roll. Located steps from the Creekside Express and Basin Express lift in Schweitzer Village, Lakeview Café is the go-to cafeteria stop to load up on snacks before heading out to the lifts.
For more non-ski ideas, visit the Schweitzer Activity Center located on the bottom level of Humbird or visit Schweitzer.com. rich-text, responsive-table