SANDPOINT — After 49 years in the industry, including 20 years at Schweitzer, Tom Chasse is hanging up his skis, at least when it comes to work.

The longtime president and chief operating officer of the resort, Chasse announced this week that the 2026-'27 season would be his last at the Sandpoint-based resort.

"The coveted Schweitzer employee 20-year pin is a milestone that many have aspired to achieve," Chasse said in a post to the Schweitzer website announcing the move. "I’ve been fortunate enough to have recently joined 'the club.' "

Chasse's 20 years as Schweitzer’s president and COO make him the longest-tenured leader in the resort’s history.

He is confident in the resort's future, saying it is poised for a continued bright future.

"I remain optimistic about the future of Schweitzer," he said. "We’ve got a solid team in place, a well-maintained asset and a long-range plan that will sustain the quality of the guest experience while maintaining the 'goofy' culture that we’ve established together."

But, as he approaches his 70th birthday this fall, Chasse said it was time for new adventures and that he would be transitioning out of his role at Schweitzer.

"As I reflect on my time here at Schweitzer, it’s been the most rewarding time in my 49-year career in the ski industry," Chasse said of the move.

The longtime COO said efforts to enhance the resort's overall guest experience through steady growth while honoring the resort's character have been supported by ownership, staff and the community.

While not easy, those efforts have led to the replacement of five aging lifts, expanded snowmaking and the addition of the Sky House at the summit, the Humbird hotel and Cambium Spa. In addition, there has been more than $100 million in village improvements and new construction at the Sandpoint resort during Chasse's tenure.

Chasse’s career began on the East Coast as an educator for the Eastern Division of PSIA. After failing to make the National Demo Team, he returned to his home mountain of Attitash in New Hampshire, where he met and was mentored by several U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Famers, including Les Otten, founder of the American Skiing Company, as well as the late Phil Gravink and Chris Diamond.

Chasse led Attitash for six years, starting in 1999, before connecting with a Seattle-based recruiter looking to fill a general manager role at Schweitzer.

Before that introduction, Chasse had never heard of the Sandpoint resort.

"After visiting in April of 2006, my wife Donna and I immediately fell in love with the area, moved to Sandpoint that August, and have never looked back," Chasse said. "In the 20 years since moving here, we have raised three beautiful children and now have six grandchildren who all share the same passion for skiing as I have. It’s been extremely rewarding watching each of them hone their skills here at Schweitzer."

He and his wife recently completed construction of their new home, putting them within easy access to downtown Sandpoint, the lake and, most importantly, within biking distance of their grandchildren.

"In retirement, I’m looking forward to playing hockey during daylight hours, racking up 100 days on the slopes and spending a few sunny days on the lake," he said.

For the last 20 years, Schweitzer marketing and communication manager Taylor Prather said Chasse has focused on methodically growing the resort while maintaining its authenticity and goofy culture. Major highlights include replacing five aging lifts, expanding snowmaking coverage, the construction of Sky House at the summit, and more than $100 million in village improvements and new construction.

"Tom’s tenure at Schweitzer is not only the longest, but perhaps the most significant since Schweitzer's founding," she said. "On top of all his accomplishments, he still manages to ski at least 80 days each winter season, greet everyone by name, and do it all with a big grin."