Schweitzer adds trails, events for summer season

SANDPOINT — Schweitzer opened for its summer season Friday, June 13, with new mountain biking trails, expanded wellness programming and additional events.

“Our summer programming continues to evolve to meet the energy and interests of our community and guests,” said Tom Chasse, Schweitzer's president and chief operating officer. “With the addition of new trails, special events, and elevated wellness offerings at Cambium Spa, we’re offering something for everyone, from adventure seekers to those looking for a little R&R.”

The resort has completed the Collab Trail extension and added a black diamond technical trail to its 40-mile mountain biking network. A 12-mile descent from the summit offers more than 4,000 feet of vertical drop on single-track trails.

Trail development continues in the Lower Basin section of the Little Sandcreek Watershed through a partnership between Schweitzer, SMP Development, the city of Sandpoint, the Selkirk Recreation District and Pend Oreille Pedalers. The partnership plans to add a machine-built climbing trail, technical bike trails and a hiking trail.

“These new trails are more than just paths through the woods, they represent the kind of community Sandpoint is becoming,” said Emily Strizich, executive director of Pend Oreille Pedalers. “This project has brought together land managers, volunteers and professional trail builders with a shared vision of sustainability, stewardship, and world-class recreation.”

Sandpoint city officials agreed.

"The growth of Sandpoint's mountain biking scene over the last few years has been incredible," said Maeve Nevins-Lavtar, city Parks Planning and Development manager.

Cambium Spa has added weekly group fitness, yoga and yogalates classes to complement existing treatments. The 3,600-square-foot facility includes five treatment rooms, saunas and a relaxation lounge.

New lodging packages include the Festival at Sandpoint package with overnight accommodations, concert tickets and transportation to the lakefront music festival. Rates start at $211 per night plus taxes and fees.

Summer events include two new additions: "In a Landscape," an outdoor classical concert with wireless headphones July 1, and "Aether's Traverse," a gravel bike climb from Sandpoint to the summit Aug. 16. Returning events include Race the Wolf trail running June 21-22, Northwest Winefest July 19-20 and Fall Fest over Labor Day weekend.

Crow's Bench restaurant will feature summer specials using produce from the Sandpoint Farmers' Market and host live music Saturday evenings starting June 28.

The resort has added a walk-up beverage bar open Thursday through Monday and expanded its childcare hours to 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.