You've Got Questions

We've Got Answers

Schweitzer has a lot of different activities and services available year-round and sometimes there are questions that may not seem so easy to answer. Here's a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we get - hopefully you'll find the answer you are looking for! 

Kids & Child Care

What childcare is available after hours?

WINTER ONLY. KinderKamp closes at 4:30pm ‐ if parents are looking for Saturday evening childcare, recommend they check out the Children's Center Kids' Night Out on most Saturday nights. It all happens at the Children’s Center from 5:30pm until 8:00pm. Please check the fact sheet for details. Kinder Kamp can also refer babysitters for the guests.

Is there child care is available for ages 7+?

WINTER ONLY. Kind of, while our licensed daycare facility offers care limited to ages 6 & under we have many programs through our Snowsports School. These ski programs are designed to entertain your child all day (or just half if you prefer). From one day lesson packages to multi-week programs, contact the Ski & Ride Center to find which is the best fit for your needs. Call 208.263.9555, ext 1246.

Are there babysitters available?

Yes, you may pick up a list of babysitters from the Children’s Center or from the Activity Center. However, it is important to understand that babysitting services are not provided by Schweitzer, but rather by independently working individuals who have agreed to make their services available. Please understand that Schweitzer Mountain, in providing names of babysitters, does not refer/ recommend/ endorse specific babysitters. Schweitzer has not investigated any babysitters and it is the responsibility of the hiring parent to check references and examine backgrounds. Babysitters are not acting employees of Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Schweitzer assumes no responsibility or liability associated with hiring a babysitter named.

Can I take my infant or toddler on the lift?

Yes, any age person may ride our chairlift. Children need to be out of any kind of pack or carrier. Children who are able to sit should have their own seat next to you, not on your lap. During the summer, you are welcome to bring your child carrier backpack or stroller but please let the lift attendant load it separately for you and it will be available at the top. The summit is mountainous terrain and only the toughest of strollers are recommended. Always bundle up your littles more than you think you should, it is usually colder than people expect.

Can I ski with my small child in a backpack?

No, afraid not. It is simply not safe to ski with a child in a backpack or other carrier. As soon as your child can walk, we are ready to teach them how to ski for themselves with our amazing Snowsports school programs!

Does my small child need a lift ticket?

Yes, everyone who uses a lift needs a lift ticket. However, 6 & under are always free but do still need a ticket. Simply visit any ticket window to pick one up.

Skiing

Do I need a ticket for Musical Chairs (the beginner chairlift)?

Yes, all lifts require a ticket but tickets limited to Musical Chairs are much less expensive. 6 and under are always free but still need a lift ticket. You can get a lift ticket that is specific to Musical Chairs, or for a 6 & under, online or at any ticket outlet. That said, guests can ride up the Musical Chairs lift ONCE if they park in the Fall Line lot and have their own gear. (If you do not have gear you must take the shuttle.)

Is the Musical Carpet free?

Yes, there is no charge for the Musical Carpet, but a lift ticket is required and can be obtained at any ticket outlet.  This is for all ages. Every lift at Schweitzer requires a lift ticket. 

Do I need a ticket to night ski?

Yes, you can either purchase a twilight ticket or if you have a ticket for that day then you are all set as it includes twilight skiing for the same evening.

I heard that there are discount tickets for night skiing?

Yes, Own the Night lift tickets are discounted Twilight Tickets and are only available online here: schweitzer.com.  Schweitzer is dedicated to helping the non-profits in our community raise funds to succeed in their missions. When you purchase a $20 lift ticket for twilight skiing at Schweitzer online, half the proceeds go directly to one of the selected organizations. Blackout dates apply. Visit the link above for details. 

If I want to go into the backcountry, what are my options for getting there?

The only way to access the backcountry from Schweitzer property is to purchase a full day ticket and exit through the backcountry gates listed on the trail map. Foot passengers may not carry gear on the lift so a scenic ticket will not suffice. Skiing up the mountain is not permitted as Schweitzer is private property. Please use the gates and observe all suggestions that are posted.

Can I ski up the mountain?

No, Schweitzer is private property and we do not sanction uphill traffic anywhere other than Nordic trails. This is for your safety as many hazards exist; avalanches, explosives work, on snow equipment, unmarked obstacles, to name a few and there is no assistance. You must always have a current ticket or pass and we will strongly discourage (up to and including trespassing) uphill ski and foot traffic.

Can I ski up the mountain before you open or after you close?

No, Schweitzer is private property and we do not sanction uphill traffic anywhere other than Nordic trails. This is for your safety as many hazards exist; avalanches, explosives work, on snow equipment, unmarked obstacles, to name a few and there is no assistance. You must always have a current ticket or pass and we will strongly discourage (up to and including trespassing) uphill ski and foot traffic.

Is there anywhere I can uphill ski the mountain?

No, Schweitzer is private property and we do not sanction uphill traffic anywhere other than Nordic trails. This is for your safety as many hazards exist; avalanches, explosives work, on snow equipment, unmarked obstacles, to name a few and there is no assistance. You must always have a current ticket or pass and we will strongly discourage (up to and including trespassing) uphill ski and foot traffic.

Nordic Skiing

Can I go out on the Nordic trails for an early morning / late evening ski or snowshoe?

No, you may Nordic ski or snowshoe only when our trails are open and patrolled, 9am to 4pm daily. This is for you’re your safety as many hazards exist; on snow equipment, unmarked obstacles, to name a few and there is no assistance.

Do I need a ticket for the Snowshoe Trail or Nordic Trails?

Yes.  The snowshoe trail requires a trail pass.   This can be a cross country, a snowshoe pass or an icon you paid extra to have added on your season pass.

Can I use my Alpine ticket for Nordic skiing?

Yes, if a guest is done Alpine Skiing and wants to Nordic ski or snowshoe, they can trade in their pass at the Activity Center, The Ski and Ride Center or Guest Services for a Nordic Trail Pass. Season passes do not include Nordic skiing or snowshoeing unless you have purchased that add on.

Pets and Service Animals

Is there anything I should know about bringing my service animal?

Schweitzer abides by the laws under the ADA which means that service animals are welcome in our facilities as long as they are under the control of their handler and on a leash or harness. Schweitzer employees are not permitted to take control of service animals.

Service animals are not permitted on the chairlift, any ski runs, tubing hill, or zip line. This is per the Department of Justice decisions surrounding service animals in that a risk may exist as service animals could possibly interfere with other recreationists or patrol staff. Patrol dogs are the only animals permitted on chairlifts as they have received specialized training for the lift and other situations encountered at ski areas. If there is an area outside our village on the mountain that you need to access with your service animal, please reach out prior to your visit so that we may serve you better while arranging alternate means of transportation.

More information regarding service animals at ski areas, please visit https://nsaa.org/webdocs/Government/ada/ada-animals.pdf

http://media.nsp.org/index.php/2018/01/19/animals-riding-chairlifts/

Can I bring my service animal on the chairlift?

No, service animals are not permitted on the chairlift or on any of our ski runs. This is per the Department of Justice regulations surrounding service animals in that a risk may exist as service animals could possibly interfere with other recreationists or patrol staff. Patrol dogs are the only animals permitted on chairlifts as they have received specialized training for the lift and other situations encountered at ski areas. If there is an area outside our village on the mountain that you need to access with your service animal, please reach out prior to your visit so that we may serve you better while arranging alternate means of transportation.

More information regarding service animals at ski areas, please visit https://nsaa.org/webdocs/Government/ada/ada-animals.pdf

http://media.nsp.org/index.php/2018/01/19/animals-riding-chairlifts/

Where can I take my dog?

During winter operations, you are welcome to take your dog on walks on the arterial roadways. Dogs in the village must be on leashes and are not permitted past the clock tower during operation hours. No dogs are permitted on slopes or on the trails. The round-about parking area is a good place to go if folks want to just run their dog. Please note that it may not be maintained and there is not any patrol in that area.

During summer operations, you are welcome to take your dog to explore our village and hiking trails as long as your pet is on a leash at all times. Schweitzer is home to a wide variety of wildlife and dogs off leash can create unnecessary hazards for both wild animals and for people nearby including yourself.

Can I bring my dog cross country skiing or snow shoeing?

Dogs are not permitted on the Nordic trail systems at Schweitzer. However, the north side of the round-about has an area that dogs can run. Please note that it may not be maintained and there is not any patrol in that area.

Can I bring my dog on the bus up to Schweitzer?

No, the shuttle to Schweitzer is operated by SPOT (Sandpoint Pend Oreille Transit). Per SPOT’s policy, only service animals are permitted on shuttles.

Adaptive Skiing

I need to bring a guide with me, how much does that cost?

Folks who need assistance on the mountain are able to obtain a “buddy ticket” at no charge. Buddy tickets are exclusively for individuals working to assist a disabled skier.

Do you rent adaptive equipment?

Yes, adaptive equipment and lessons are available via the Ski and Ride Center. However, guests who are new to Schweitzer may be required to take an adaptive lesson prior to being allowed to rent the equipment on their own.

I have my own adaptive equipment, do I need a special ticket?

No, you do not need a special ticket. Purchase a day  ticket at the ticket window and have a great time! 

Non-Ski Activities

Where can I go sledding?

Sorry, but sledding is not permitted on Schweitzer Property. We ask that folks with sleds refrain from using them unless they are transporting gear or children across the village. We do not recommend sledding on any neighbor’s property or the on the roads.  We offer tubing at Hermits Hollow as an amazing alternative.

Do I need a reservation to go tubing at Hermits Hollow?

Yes, tickets to Hermit’s Hollow are available online. Tubing sessions often fill, and so advanced purchase is highly recommended.   We welcome drop in’s but do not want to disappoint guests who drive all the way up and learn tubing is sold out.  Please note that guests must be 42inches to participate. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Activity Center at 208-255-3081. Once you have a ticket, you can proceed directly to Hermit’s Hollow, no need to check in anywhere else. 

Where can I go for a walk?

Any arterial roadways are acceptable (watching for traffic of course). The trails are not available for hiking during the winter months. The trails are available for snowshoeing and a trail fee is required as are snowshoes. Trails are open 9‐4 daily.

Can I take my snowskate, snowbike, etc. out on the hill?

Snowskates, snowbikes and the plethora of other unique and unconventional sliding devices are not allowed on the hill. Snow Decks (double deck with metal edges and leashes) are allowed. Lift tickets are required. Bottom line, all allowed sliding devices must have metal edges, a brake or leash and at least one foot attached to device.

What is a foot passenger ticket?

Foot passenger tickets allow guests to ride the Great Escape Quad to the top and back down again. No equipment is allowed (skis, snowboards or snowshoes) unless the guest is with an authorized hosted trip with the Selkirk Powder company or the Activity Center.

Can I bring my own horse to explore your trails?

No, horses or other pack animals are not permitted on Schweitzer property, including the village and trail system.  A horseback riding concessionaire has exclusive access to designated trails on our trail network.  Other private access via horse or pack animal is prohibited.

Where can I pick Huckleberries?

We welcome huckleberry picking on Schweitzer property, but the use of commercial pickers, rakes, etc. is not permitted.  Huckleberry picking on Schweitzer property is for personal use only, not to be resold.  If you are caught using rakes, damaging bushes, etc. you will be asked to leave the property and potentially be trespassed for the future.

Where can I camp at Schweitzer?

Overnight camping is permitted with permission in designated parking areas only.  Camping must be in a fully self-contained RV only.  RV campers must obtain an overnight RV pass from the Guest Services department. No tent camping is permitted on Schweitzer property.

Can I have a campfire in the parking lot?

Only wood or charcoal campfires/grills that are fully contained are permitted on Schweitzer property, and then only in association with authorized RV camping. Schweitzer reserves the right to restrict campfires and BBQs at any time, especially due to an increase in fire danger or in accordance with state and federal fire restrictions.

Can I go hunting at Schweitzer?

Hunting is not permitted on Schweitzer’s land/premises.

Can I gather firewood on your property?

Cutting of any trees, brush, or logs for any reason, including firewood gathering, is prohibited on Schweitzer property without prior permission from the Mountain Operations Director.

Motorized Vehicles, Recreational vehicles, Camping

Where can I take my ATV or motorcycle?

Motor vehicles, including ATVs & motorcycles, are not permitted on Schweitzer property other than on established public roadways and parking areas. 

During the summer, ATVs are additionally permitted on the summit if they have accessed such from Priest River via state and BLM land. ATVs must park in the designated areas and are not permitted beyond the summit parking area or to explore Schweitzer property in any means. Please respect our area and stay on the designated road once on Schweitzer property. You can download to the village by getting a pass from the top of the lift. You will be required to purchase a foot passenger ticket to go back up the lift.

Where can I park my RV?

RV parking is available at the Fire Station, located just off the main roundabout as you arrive at Schweitzer. Rules do apply – click here for details.

Please be aware that RV parking may be limited during summer events due to the amazing crowds who come to celebrate with us. Click here for details.

Is there a place for me to shower?

Sorry, no, there are no public showers.

Can I snowmobile up to Schweitzer?

Yes, you can ride up from the Priest Lake side using existing roadways on State and BLM land. Please respect our concession area and stay on roads while on Schweitzer property. You can download to the village by getting a pass from the top of the lift. You will be required to purchase a foot passenger ticket to go back up the lift. You are not allowed to ride your snowmobile anywhere within the boundaries of the ski area. Selkirk Powder Company provides guided snowmobile tours that are a lot of fun!

Where can I camp at Schweitzer?

No tent camping is permitted on Schweitzer property. Overnight camping is permitted  in a fully self-contained RV at the fire station roundabout only. Rules do apply – click here for details.

Firearms

Can I exercise my right to carry on your property?

No, Schweitzer is private property. For the safety and comfort of all our guests, Schweitzer prohibits the carrying of firearms while on Schweitzer’s premises, with the exception of active on-duty law enforcement officers.   

Smoking

Where can I smoke?

Guests can smoke when they are 25 feet or more from any building. Please do not smoke in lift lines. Please be conscious of other guests.

Can I "VAPE" inside the facilities?

Vapor cigarettes are considered cigarettes and are subject to the same rules as cigarettes.

Drones/ UAV/ Aircraft

Can I photograph or play with my drone on Schweitzer Property?

No, only authorized, insured and licensed drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are allowed on the mountain at any time. Prior authorization must be obtained from the Marketing Department. Email them at messenger@schweitzer.com. 

Can I land my private aircraft at Schweitzer?

Landing private aircraft on Schweitzer’s property is prohibited without prior authorization from the Mountain Operations Director.

Can I go hang gliding at Schweitzer?

Hang gliding, paragliding, or similar activities (launching or landing) are not permitted on Schweitzer’s premises.  

Canadian Guest Info

Can I pay with Canadian cash?

Schweitzer no longer accepts Canadian cash at par.

Other Random Tid Bits

Where are the ATMs located?

Schweitzer has two ATMs, one is located just inside the main doors of the Lakeview Lodge while the other is located in the Selkirk Hotel lobby area.

Is there a laundry facility?

Yes, there is a small laundry facility available to Schweitzer lodging guests located right near the elevators in the parking garage/ basement level of the Selkirk Lodge. Additionally, there are laundry facilities near the elevators on each floor of the White Pine Lodge. Guests will need their room key to access all laundry facilities.

Is all parking paid parking?

No, we have both premier paid parking and free parking areas. As you approach the resort, the first parking lot is our premier parking area which requires a fee on winter weekends and summer festival days. Follow the road a little further and signage to find other slopeside parking lots that are free of charge.

What are the shuttle hours?

The shuttle that runs from the “red barn” to the village, operated by SPOT, only runs during our winter season and some summer festival weekends. The shuttle can be connected to gain access to Sandpoint, but make sure you know the schedule. Click here for details.

Is there a taxi to take me to my condo?

2022/23 season: The Selkirk Recreation District will be offering a free shuttle service for residences above the fire station. Click here for more details.

Are there lockers to rent?

Yes, day use lockers are available on the main level of the Lakeview Lodge as well as in the Ski & Ride Center. Also check out our ski check right by the clock tower in the heart of our village.

If I don’t like the snow conditions, can I get a refund?

No, however we have a great “snow check” policy. If you have taken no more than two runs and are within ½ hour of purchase, then you may bring your ticket to any ticket window to receive a voucher to return another day within 1 calendar year.

Are there any on mountain church services?

Yes, the Schweitzer Chapel is an independently run chapel that provides both Catholic Mass and non-denominational services on Saturdays during the winter season. Please check start and stop dates first, click here for more info.

Is there a grocery store on the mountain?

While we don’t have a full grocery store, there is a small market that supplies some of those much needed items you may have forgotten such as toothpaste, Tylenol or crackers to snack on. The Market is also a state licensed liquor store with a variety of options to enhance your stay with us.

Is there a place I can send a postcard?

Yes, you can bring your card to the Selkirk hotel front desk and we’d be happy to stick it in the mail for you. You must have postage already.

Please let us know if you still have questions we haven't covered!

You can send an email to us at ski@schweitzer.com or call 208.263.9555.