Schweitzer blends adventures, laid-back vibe for summer fun

SANDPOINT — Schweitzer will open for the summer season this weekend, welcoming guests back to the mountain with signature outdoor experiences, expanded mountain bike offerings, and a new village dining option.

The mountain will be open for the weekend, June 13-14, but will close Monday, June 15, through Thursday, June 18. Schweitzer will resume daily summer operations beginning Friday, June 19.

“For visitors, Schweitzer is a great place to escape the buzz of town and immerse yourself in the mountains,” said Tom Chasse, president and chief operating officer of Schweitzer. “For locals, it is a summer playground complete with lift-served biking, scenic chairlift rides, spa treatments and plenty of opportunities to relax and reconnect.”

A new dining option is rolling up to the mountain this summer with the resort’s first-ever food truck, Schwagon. The food truck will be serving tacos and drinks in July, adding a casual option for guests looking to refuel between adventures.

In its second year, the Summer Bike Camp at Schweitzer has grown to meet demand from young riders eager to build confidence and advance their technical skills, Schweitzer officials said. From June 29 through July 30, riders ages 8 to 13 can register for four-day sessions focused on professional instruction, connection and fun. Camp programming covers everything from cross-country navigation and uphill pedaling techniques to downhill tactics, creating a supportive and exciting environment for skill progression, officials said.

Also new at the resort this summer is a major upgrade to Schweitzer’s mountain bike rental fleet with new Rossignol full-suspension cross-country and downhill bikes. The resort features more than 40 miles of trails ranging from intermediate to expert, with riders able to explore a cross-country trail network directly from the village or take the Great Escape chairlift to the summit for downhill descents.

Schweitzer is offering $10 shuttle rides from the Red Barn to Schweitzer Village on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, following the recent cancellation of service by the Selkirk Recreation District.

Schweitzer’s 2026 summer event calendar includes a mix of music, regional beer and wine sampling, and high-elevation athletic pursuits:

• Race the Wolf | June 20-21 – A two-day mountain trail running event with varied distances and technical terrain, offering stunning views and challenging climbs.

• In a Landscape | June 30 – A classical concert experience set outdoors among the trees. Guests will listen via provided wireless headphones while surrounded by panoramic views.

• Northwest Winefest | July 18-19 – A two-day festival featuring wine tastings from regional wineries, live music and delicious food in a picturesque mountain setting.

• Aether’s Traverse | Aug. 15 – The newest addition to the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series climbs from Sandpoint to Schweitzer’s summit, challenging competitive and recreational riders’ endurance on high-altitude terrain.

• Fall Fest | Sept. 4-7 – Schweitzer’s signature end-of-summer bash featuring more than 80 microbrews, ciders and wines, plus live music and family-friendly activities.

Visitors to the resort should be aware that construction is underway on the Schweitzer Creek Village parking lot. Construction of the planned 1,400-space lot will continue all summer as part of the current phase of Schweitzer’s master plan. Once complete, officials said the lot will connect through to the roundabout, providing quicker, more convenient access for day visitors.

Weather-permitting, the lot and access road — which broke ground in spring 2022 — could be ready for limited passenger vehicle use by winter 2026. Once fully completed, the paved day-use lot will double Schweitzer’s parking capacity and become one of the most accessible parking options on the mountain.

For more information, visit www.schweitzer.com.

    A mountain bike rider soars off a jump on one of Schweitzer's trails.
  

    Schweitzer visitors ride down the zipline at the Sandpoint-based resort.