Read skier and snowboarder-submitted reviews on Schweitzer that rank the ski resort and mountain town on a scale of one to five stars for attributes such as terrain, nightlife and family friendliness. See how Schweitzer stacks up in the reviews, on and off the slopes, from skiing and family activities to the après scene. Read up on pros, cons and other comments in reviews left by fellow skiers and riders. Don't forget to submit your own Schweitzer review! Scroll to the bottom of this page to let other travelers know about your skiing and resort experience.
Reviews for Schweitzer
Total (3.4)
A ski resort's overall star rating displayed here is not calculated based on a simple average but takes several factors, including the age of a review, into account.
Big Mountain above Whitefish MT is a model Schweitzer could choose to learn from. Big Mtn rebuilt road access in recent years whereas Schweitzer still has frankly dangerous roadway for winter conditions. Big Mtn prioritized accommodating the skiing public with adequate on-mountain parking whereas Schweitzer prioritized revenue-producing development which consumed much otherwise available parking area. Big Mtn has been family friendly since I learned to ski there in 1950's. Schweitzer has been too 'mercenary' for too long but claims to be family friendly!
Axel Laack
Amazing skiing. Loved the tree runs and sheer size. There’s something for everybody and the cost is very reasonable. Lots of space to make wide turns, as it is never busy.
Sylvia Reuland
We had a great three day trip with 2 days of powder. There is good, challenging terrain with trees and steeps. The new chairlifts with glades trees were really fun and there were fresh tracks to be found all day. Schweitzer would be a great area except it is foggy 90% of the time due to the lake at the bottom. Visibility is a challenge, but the trees help. We camped as they are RV friendly with a designated free parking lot. Slopeside lodging was reasonably priced, too. We would go back.
Monte Aspevig
We fell in love with Schweitzer the first time we went there… Absolutely amazing place. Free underground parking, huge buffet breakfast (also free) and a rustic lodge. Not many choices for dinner in the evenings and zero apres ski options but at least they have a great pizza place and a small pool so the kids were happy. Every year we have gone, for the past decade, it has deteriorated. No more free parking despite an underground garage that is virtually empty. No more buffet breakfast… Or really breakfast of any kind beyond a coffee shop. After a decade of going there, we left early on our last trip, thoroughly disgusted with the staff and management. We will not be back, and I would advise anyone thinking of going here to consider an alternative.
Joseph Harris
Great mountain overall! Love the terrain. Speed chairs are tits! Too many people on the weekends.
Martin Mlynarek
1st visit 2021 and loved everything about it. Nice to have a lodge that allows pack lunches, access to storage, etc. Will be returning this winter for year 2, hope to have as much fun as we did last season.
Record season pass sales plus joining Ikon will ruin this mountain. Not enough parking, not enough restaurant capacity, 1 1/2 beginner run, bad weather(fog) rain often during season, dangerous riders throughout mountain make it a negative for families. It can be great, but only during the week, when the sun shines.
Lisa
Schweitzer is a great resort for families. With the exception of holidays, lift lines and crowds are almost non-existent. You will spend your time skiing, not standing in line. Currently there is only one section with beginning runs. That's frustrating for adults who are beginners but, for parents, it means that you know where your beginner children are. Plenty of blue and black terrain including great tree skiing. Schweitzer has an open gate policy and Selkirk Powder (located at Schweitzer) offers cat skiing.
The downside is the elevation. While some winters are fabulous, there are years that Schweitzer is plagued with warmer temps. The ski village and town of Sandpoint offer great restaurants and bars but this is not a party-all-night area. If you're into that scene, you won't like Schweitzer.
Mark M
I have skied Schweitzer for over 60 years with the exception of time I served in the military. When the weather is good it is a lot of fun to ski. Visibility more often than not is a challenge. As mentioned in some previous posts COVID shut the mountain down a month and a half early and Schweitzer’s answer to that was to increase season passes for the following year. This year has been underwhelming, with runs being shut down due to lack of personnel, the weather has been unpredictable so the groomers have been the best bet with the exception of the week between Christmas and New Years. Anyway it seems like they have hired new groomers with little experience. I think at this point Schweitzer is more interested squeezing extra dollars out of it’s customers while offering less in regards to actual ski conditions/experience. A new hotel is going up which has negatively affected their already limited parking situation. They offer a free shuttle that runs every half hour from a barn at the base of the mountain. It is a nine mile ride in some very basic busses. I purchased a $600 parking pass and a $300 plus locker on top of the annual passes for my wife and I. Last years total was $2800 or $2900. There are 4 other mountains in the area to chose from. They don’t have as much terrain to ski and fewer options for food and beverages with ample parking for less than half the price of Schweitzer. I am debating whether or not to continue my relationship with Schweitzer? I am sure they do not care if I stay or not because there are plenty of people to take my spot if I leave.
Mark Riegel
Super laid-back atmosphere, hardly ever lines, even on weekends, terrain for everyone, and surprisingly big! Their college discounts are unmatched- $430 for a season pass if bought before October 31! Tree-skiing is pretty good, but I wish there was a little more. The ski patrol is pretty laid back- you won't get in trouble for skiing out of bounds terrain. Lifties are always upbeat and cheerful. Weather is sub-par, usually cloudy- but that's just the weather in northern Idaho. Plus, it makes the bluebird days that much better! Schweitzer isn't for everyone, but with the short lines, variety of terrain, and deep snow, hardcore ski-bums will find a bargain here!
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