Schweitzer pushes opening date back to late Nov.
JACK FREEMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months, 2 weeks AGO
Skiers and snowboarders load Schweitzer's Basin Express chairlift Friday morning.
Photo by ERIC WELCH
SANDPOINT — Skiers and snowboarders will have to wait a week longer than expected to head up to Schweitzer, after the Sandpoint ski resort announced its opening date was being pushed back to Nov. 28.
Tom Chasse, chief operations officer at Schweitzer, said the amount of rain and high nighttime temperatures have limited snow buildup on the mountain. The mountain was originally set to open Nov. 21, but Chasse called the delay a short-term setback.
“Snowmaking requires sustained temperatures in the upper teens and low relative humidity,” Chasse said. “We have yet to see that come through the region.”
Chasse said the long-term forecast indicates there will still be a snowy winter, thanks to the formation of La Niña or a climate pattern that indicates colder and wetter winters in North Idaho.
The new opening date falls more in-line with the 2024 and 2023 season’s opening date of Nov. 29 and Nov. 25, respectively.
Those with reservations or tickets to the mountain for Nov. 21 through Nov. 27 are encouraged to contact Schweitzer at 1-833-854-7669.
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