June 11, 2024

Schweitzer Opens for Summer June 14 

Opening Weekend includes Community Day on June 15 with $10 Scenic Lift Tickets and Mountain Bike Tickets, proceeds donated to local nonprofit

Sandpoint, ID - June 11, 2024 – Schweitzer’s Great Escape chairlift will start spinning Friday, marking the official start to summer at the largest ski resort in Idaho and Washington. From free scenic lift rides for 24/25 pass holders, to new bike trails, to the return of marquee events like Race the Wolf, Northwest Winefest, and Fall Fest, summer at Schweitzer promises to be a season full of adventure.

“Summer in the Inland Northwest is all about making the most out of those long, warm days,” said Tom Chasse, Schweitzer’s president and chief operating officer. “We’re thrilled to invite guests to come up and enjoy summer favorites from huckleberry picking, mountain biking, hiking, lunch at Sky House and more.” 

New this year, Schweitzer’s mountain biking trail network continues to keep up with local expansions with the addition of Butterstuff, an advanced downhill trail, and Hermit’s Hollow, an intermediate cross country trail. As complement to the new trails added to the Little Sand Creek Watershed Trail System, thanks to the support from the local biking community, Sandpoint continues to gain traction as mountain biking destination. For the latest trail conditions and maps, visit schweitzer.com.

In addition to the miles of trails to get away from it all, Schweitzer Village is a hub for activity especially on event weekends. The resort’s event lineup kicks off this weekend with Community Day on June 15. The annual fundraiser for Bonner County Human Rights Taskforce invites guests to take advantage of $10 scenic lift and mountain bike tickets, with 100 percent of proceeds going to a good cause. 

The following weekend, Race the Wolf returns June 22-23 with trail races ranging from a five-mile fun run, to a half or full marathon. Northwest Winefest arrives at Schweitzer July 20-21, showcasing Pacific Northwest wines alongside local food, activities, and music. The popular Fall Fest will close out the summer season, Aug. 30 – Sept. 2 with live music, beer and cider tastings. Schweitzer’s events schedule includes complete details and additional events taking place throughout the season. 

This summer will see the return of several free programs at Schweitzer, including Hikes, Bikes and Brews at Rowdy Grouse will be hosted one Friday of each month. A new addition to the lineup, Crow’s Bench will host the Sounds of Summer music series every Saturday afternoon featuring regional talent performing free shows on the patio, a perfect pairing to happy hour. 


Those looking to enjoy the quieter side of Schweitzer are encouraged to book a Hosted E-Bike Rides or a treatment at Cambium Spa. The two-hour guided bike tour loops around a 10-12-mile trail while guides offer information on the flora and fauna of the region. Cambium Spa is the ultimate wellness retreat, helping visitors Rev Up for their day, Reboot from their mountain adventures, and Tune In to their mind and body. At Cambium, services and therapies include massage, foot reflexology, halo infrared therapy, yoga classes, and restorative sound lounge sessions. 

Schweitzer’s dedicated Huckleberry Shuttle will also operate this summer. Running on select dates beginning in late July, Huckleberry Shuttles will transport guests to special spots to pick one of northern Idaho’s tastiest wild treats. Hosted E-Bike Rides, Cambium spa treatments, and Huckleberry Shuttles are fee based and require reservations in advance.

For families looking to spend a day outside with the kids, Schweitzer’s Ultimate Fun Pass is a great option, providing unlimited scenic chairlift rides, jumps on the trampoline jumper, climbs on the climbing wall, zipline and one sack of jewels for the Cranky Jennings Sluice Box. The Ultimate Fun pass is $35 for children seven and under and $45 for children eight and older. 

Whether looking for a full day of fun or a weekend’s worth of adventures, Schweitzer is the place to be this summer. For more information on all of Schweitzer’s summer offerings, visit Schweitzer.com.