It’s snowing in the Selkirks!
Good day, everyone:
The snow is back. As I write this 11/11 missive from the home office on Snowplow Road, we have 6″ and about 14″ up around the lodge.
With these first dumps of snow sticking, we’re hopeful to drive the snowcats down to the Schweitzer Shop for annual maintenance, light repairs, and some improvements sooner than normal. In my world, the quicker they come down, the better. Let it snow!
— Ken & Co.
Heli skiing – 100 %
Last year’s results were really outstanding: we skied more clients, named new runs while establishing new landing zones (LZs), and had way more fun! If you’ve been following us on Instagram, you’ve noticed we are uploading videos from last season just about every day and that the heli skiing media takes the lead in likes and comments. Because the selection of terrain is much broader than the cat area, it offers so many more options for seasoned heli skiers, groups new to the sport, and everyone in between.
If you haven’t jumped aboard yet, take a closer look at the photos from last year. Notice a trend developing? Yes, single skiers and super small groups of only 2–3 prevail. Think that looks fun? Well there’s even more to it: now you can block any remaining seats not occupied by your own party with our industry-disrupting, nominal upcharge. Speak directly with Ronnie or Alix to make your private and semi-private heli skiing day with us the best ever!
Cat skiing to sell-out?
If you are one of our pass-holders and you still haven’t picked your seats, or you’re one who is on the fence about some particular day, we highly recommend you complete a reservation soon. Cat seats are nearly sold-out in the prime weeks of January 20 – March 10.
Christmas Week, New Year’s – January 15, and March 11 – April 10 still have ample availability.
Follow the link below and use the “Book” button to view the booking calendar.
Avalanche program excels
Our initial round of AIARE 1 and Rescue students included stoked PNW riders and Airmen undergoing SERE Training (Search, Evasion, Resistance & Extrication) at Fairchild AFB. The comments about the results were excellent.
Do you have a user, business group, or agency that would like to host a private Rescue class? We can teach at your shop, home, or business and do the field days in our backcountry tenure. Presently, we have 3 instructors (SPC staff) who can lead up to 18 participants per Rescue course.
Go to Avalanche education courses
New snowmobiles for Christmas
Last year’s experience with the Polaris Adventures Snowmobile Program was super smooth, and we’ve been selected to continue with this factory-supported outfitter program! We’ll see our new fleet sleds on-site around December 15, and we’ll be ready to ride the 20th or so. Yes, brand-new Assaults dripping with the latest accessories including GPS-mapping screens.
Are you ready to ride? If you need to check gear lists or you’re interested in learning more about our Sandpoint Ridge Runner, Priest River Valley, or the butt-busting Mooseknuckle Rendezvous, hit the link below.
Put a bow on your next powder trip to Schweitzer!
Important parking information update
Let’s make your arrival at Schweitzer easy because it’s vital you arrive at our Reservations Desk in the Lakeview Lodge on time.
If you are skiing, taking an avalanche course, or enjoying one of our 9:00 am snowmobile tours, we urge you come early to park in the resort’s Lakeview Parking Lot (upper/paid); this allows for a simple walk right into the village. The next parking option is Westgate on Northwest Passage, which requires a short, steep walk up a snowy hill and then stairs. If you mess-up and end-up at Fall Line (bottom of Musical Chairs) or down the road at the Fire Station (roundabout), rides to the Village will be provided by Schweitzer shuttles or the SPOT Bus. Both are free services, but wait times may occur.
Upper resort parking spaces may be difficult to find for those taking a Ridge Runner snowmobile tour at 11:00 am or 1:00 pm, especially on weekends and holidays. We welcome you to come up early and look for an open spot, but we recommend parking at the Red Barn lot at bottom of Schweitzer Mountain Road by the railroad tracks and taking the free shuttle. The shuttle runs every half-an-hour starting at 6:30 am and is much less congested on mid-day runs.
Visit Schweitzer Parking, and please contact us with any questions; we don’t want you to feel rushed – or worse – miss out on your tour.
Written by Ken Barrett
