A New Chapter for Schweitzer
Written by: Tom Chasse, President and COO
June 1, 2023
Dear Schweitzer Community,
When I was offered the job at Schweitzer in 2006, I remember feeling like it was the opportunity of a lifetime. I knew the mountain had something special to offer, but ultimately, it’s the community that captivated me. The people who’ve been a part of Schweitzer’s story are undoubtedly some of the most passionate and hardworking. Not to mention, many of them are fantastic skiers and snowboarders.
For the last 20 years, I’ve watched Schweitzer evolve into a nationally recognized destination, and our community grow more than many of us could’ve imagined. Some highlights include terrain expansion, the addition of 5 new chairlifts, the construction of Sky House and Humbird boutique hotel, as well as the recent opening of Cambium Spa.
These successes have also come with challenges. As one of the community’s largest employers, we’ve experienced the constraints that come with the lack of affordable housing. As an industry, the expansion of multi-resort passes, the demands for better technology and infrastructure as well as the increasing need to protect the places we love to play require significant collaboration and capital. And I’d be remiss not to mention the pandemic’s disruption which continues to ripple in ways that test us. If there’s one thing that we can all count on, it’s change.
Today, MKM Trust, owner and developer of Schweitzer, has agreed to sell their resort operations along with the Mountain Utility Company (MUC) to Alterra Mountain Company. Alterra currently owns 16 destination resorts in North America and partners with an additional 40+ destinations around the world with Ikon Pass. The transaction is expected to close later in 2023, and is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
As some of you may know, we’ve been under the same ownership for the last 18 years. About the same amount of time as I’ve been working for Schweitzer. Since the early 2000’s, MKM Trust has been instrumental in Schweitzer becoming one of the region’s top ski destinations, investing over $100 million in capital to help fortify itself as a premier destination in the Pacific Northwest.
With room for growth and plans for future expansion and development, MKM’s decision to exit the mountain resort business puts Schweitzer in a favorable position to begin a new chapter with Alterra at the helm. I’m personally very excited to join a family of world-class destinations with passionate industry leaders who can help guide Schweitzer in becoming the best version of itself.
Already we’ve had some exposure to Alterra’s business philosophy. Recognizing the innate value of the unique culture found at each of the mountain communities, Alterra’s goal is to preserve, sustain, and support its two most important resources: the mountains and the people who live and play in them.
Alterra’s vision to create positive impacts for their people, places, and community is in alignment with Schweitzer’s core values – staff and community. Their commitment to preserving the authenticity of each destination while investing in the overall mountain experience is what I’m most looking forward to under the new ownership.
Aside from new ownership, not much is expected to change. I will remain President and CEO of Schweitzer to help facilitate the transition and lead ongoing efforts to build out the new Schweitzer Creek Village base area. Alterra intends to keep our entire Schweitzer team in place and is committed to retaining our mission, our values, our brand, and our unique and funky culture.
At this time, all current Schweitzer pass products will remain consistent with previous years. There are no changes to Ikon Pass 23/24 winter access at this time. We will also continue with our passholder reciprocal products that include Castle Mountain, AB, Loveland, CO, and Whitefish, MT.
For our existing 2023/24 Winter Passholders: We understand the timing of this announcement is right after the Early Bird Pass Deadline. Please know that if you have already purchased a Schweitzer Season Pass, you’ve secured the best deal and there are no changes to price or access at this time.
I hope you’ll join me in welcoming this new chapter for Schweitzer. So many of you have invested your heart and soul into this place and without your support, Schweitzer wouldn’t be what it is today. As I look ahead to the next 20 years and beyond, I’m enthusiastic about the future of Schweitzer and can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Sincerely,
Tom Chasse President & CEO
Schweitzer rich-text, responsive-table
June 1, 2023
Dear Schweitzer Community,
When I was offered the job at Schweitzer in 2006, I remember feeling like it was the opportunity of a lifetime. I knew the mountain had something special to offer, but ultimately, it’s the community that captivated me. The people who’ve been a part of Schweitzer’s story are undoubtedly some of the most passionate and hardworking. Not to mention, many of them are fantastic skiers and snowboarders.
For the last 20 years, I’ve watched Schweitzer evolve into a nationally recognized destination, and our community grow more than many of us could’ve imagined. Some highlights include terrain expansion, the addition of 5 new chairlifts, the construction of Sky House and Humbird boutique hotel, as well as the recent opening of Cambium Spa.
These successes have also come with challenges. As one of the community’s largest employers, we’ve experienced the constraints that come with the lack of affordable housing. As an industry, the expansion of multi-resort passes, the demands for better technology and infrastructure as well as the increasing need to protect the places we love to play require significant collaboration and capital. And I’d be remiss not to mention the pandemic’s disruption which continues to ripple in ways that test us. If there’s one thing that we can all count on, it’s change.
Today, MKM Trust, owner and developer of Schweitzer, has agreed to sell their resort operations along with the Mountain Utility Company (MUC) to Alterra Mountain Company. Alterra currently owns 16 destination resorts in North America and partners with an additional 40+ destinations around the world with Ikon Pass. The transaction is expected to close later in 2023, and is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
As some of you may know, we’ve been under the same ownership for the last 18 years. About the same amount of time as I’ve been working for Schweitzer. Since the early 2000’s, MKM Trust has been instrumental in Schweitzer becoming one of the region’s top ski destinations, investing over $100 million in capital to help fortify itself as a premier destination in the Pacific Northwest.
With room for growth and plans for future expansion and development, MKM’s decision to exit the mountain resort business puts Schweitzer in a favorable position to begin a new chapter with Alterra at the helm. I’m personally very excited to join a family of world-class destinations with passionate industry leaders who can help guide Schweitzer in becoming the best version of itself.
Already we’ve had some exposure to Alterra’s business philosophy. Recognizing the innate value of the unique culture found at each of the mountain communities, Alterra’s goal is to preserve, sustain, and support its two most important resources: the mountains and the people who live and play in them.
Alterra’s vision to create positive impacts for their people, places, and community is in alignment with Schweitzer’s core values – staff and community. Their commitment to preserving the authenticity of each destination while investing in the overall mountain experience is what I’m most looking forward to under the new ownership.
Aside from new ownership, not much is expected to change. I will remain President and CEO of Schweitzer to help facilitate the transition and lead ongoing efforts to build out the new Schweitzer Creek Village base area. Alterra intends to keep our entire Schweitzer team in place and is committed to retaining our mission, our values, our brand, and our unique and funky culture.
At this time, all current Schweitzer pass products will remain consistent with previous years. There are no changes to Ikon Pass 23/24 winter access at this time. We will also continue with our passholder reciprocal products that include Castle Mountain, AB, Loveland, CO, and Whitefish, MT.
For our existing 2023/24 Winter Passholders: We understand the timing of this announcement is right after the Early Bird Pass Deadline. Please know that if you have already purchased a Schweitzer Season Pass, you’ve secured the best deal and there are no changes to price or access at this time.
I hope you’ll join me in welcoming this new chapter for Schweitzer. So many of you have invested your heart and soul into this place and without your support, Schweitzer wouldn’t be what it is today. As I look ahead to the next 20 years and beyond, I’m enthusiastic about the future of Schweitzer and can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Sincerely,
Tom Chasse President & CEO
Schweitzer rich-text, responsive-table