SANDPOINT — Between a solid snowfall the past couple days and some recent national media mentions, the end of January has been kind to Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

According to marketing coordinator Sean Briggs, February is looking like it will be a great month for the ski resort as the business enjoys fresh inches of powder and looks forward to some big winter events.

Adding to the boost is a recent mention in USA Today, which listed Schweitzer among the 10 most scenic ski resorts in the world.

“Being mentioned in USA Today is always fantastic for us, but to be listed next to places like Switzerland or Lake Louise is amazing,” Briggs said.

The USA Today article praises Schweitzer’s 300 annual inches of snow as well as the close proximity to restaurants and comfortable lodging. Of course, the scenic landscapes, which include views of Montana, Idaho, Canada and Washington, get plenty of attention too.

“Schweitzer also maintains an open gate policy for out-of-bounds access, with some of the best big-drop skiing in the world and the kind of unfettered views for which backcountry exploration is famous,” the article states.

The USA Today mention is one of several media bumps this season. Earlier last year, Schweitzer and Sandpoint also received accolades from Skiing Magazine and www.smartertravel.com.

Of course, fresh powder is usually the best way to get people on the slopes. Briggs said even during the dry spells, they were doing well in comparison to areas like Lake Tahoe. With the recent snowfall, however, Schweitzer is the destination of choice for many powder hounds. With 45 inches at low elevation, 57 inches at mid elevation and 67 inches at high elevations according to Schweitzer’s numbers, the conditions are pretty pristine, Briggs said.  

“It’s been great for us — we had full lift lines this morning,” Briggs said.

The great snow should coincide well with a full lineup of events set for February. Coinciding with the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, the popular laser lights show is back to wow audiences another year on Feb. 15. The following week, Winter Carnival events continue Feb. 22 with the Let It Glow parade — a procession of 100 skiers illuminated by glow sticks — and a fireworks show.