Alright, raise your hand if you’ve ever heard of Schweitzer Mountain.
Technically we can’t see you right now (shocker), but we’re guessing not a lot of you have. We had never heard of it before, until now. Located about 20 minutes outside of Sandpoint, Idaho, Schweitzer Mountain has it all: world class skiing and snowboarding, zip lining, horseback riding, scenic hikes, quaint restaurants, mountain biking, and SO much more.
We’d even go as far as saying that it’s one of Idaho’s best kept secrets… and we think you’ll agree.
THE LODGING
When we think of venturing out on a mountain escape, our minds immediately picture the lodge. A cozy, quintessential lodge with a big roaring fireplace in the lobby and warm, snug beds in the rooms. Selkirk Lodge is exactly that! We love the welcoming staff and the relaxed atmosphere, and you will sink right into the memory foam beds. We slept like babies! Right across from Selkirk Lodge is White Pine Lodge, that has one, two, and three bedroom units with all the fixin’s (fireplaces, full kitchens), making it a perfect option for families! And the best part? Both lodges have ski in/ski out access! And in the summer, they’re steps away from limitless activities! Speaking of which...
THE ACTIVITIES
Summertime in Schweitzer is euphoric. We wish we could zap all of you there, just so your senses can experience what we mean. It’s like a scene from The Sound of Music - the hills are literally alive! There’s wildflowers blooming everywhere, sweet and juicy huckleberries growing along the hillside, crisp mountain air… it’s nature at its finest! Beyond the gorgeous hiking and striking scenery, Schweitzer also has plenty of activities that will keep all ages busy - and smiling from ear to ear! You can zipline, pan for gold, ride the ski lift, horseback ride, mountain bike, and even go on an e-biking tour! We rode on the e-biking tour on one morning of our visit and it was a BLAST. We even stopped for some huckleberry picking during our ride!
We have yet to experience Schweitzer in the winter, but from what we’ve heard it’s phenomenal. Because it’s not as well known as other ski towns like Sun Valley and McCall, it’s not nearly as crowded. There’s rarely a line to take the ski lift, and it’s actually the biggest ski resort in Idaho! Take us back!
THE DINING
As is the case with all good mountain towns, Schweitzer has plenty of options to keep you well fed, hydrated, and energized! There’s Chimney Rock Grill, a restaurant serving lunch and dinner that’s casual yet refined. We’d go back to Schweitzer just to have their Korean Coconut Fried Shrimp again! Another favorite of ours was Gourmandie, a specialty foods market that’s celebrated for their selection of internationally crafted beer and wine. And located at the top of Schweitzer’s Summit, The Nest Bar & Restaurant is at a mesmerizing vantage point, with 360 degree views of Idaho, Montana, Canada, and Washington! Insane! The food is as tasty as the views are jawdropping, and we highly recommend trying their famous Huckleberry lemonade!
THE PEOPLE
Something that really stood out to us during our stay at Schweitzer Mountain is the people. From the outgoing crew that works at the activities center, to the smiling faces greeting us at the Selkirk Lodge, to our knowledgeable and warm e-biking tour guide, everyone was so friendly. It’s one big, welcoming family at Schweitzer, and that made it even harder for us to leave!
Sometimes we find it hard to convince people to go to a destination through a single blog post, but we feel extremely confident with this one. If you love the outdoors, good food, friendly locals and hidden gems, you’ll LOVE Schweitzer Mountain. No matter the time of year, we guarantee you’ll be swept away by its stunning scenery and endless amount of activities and places to explore. Schweitzer is truly one of Idaho’s best kept secrets… so don’t tell too many people, k? ;)