Experience Endless Adventure at Schweitzer Mountain: Idaho’s Family-Friendly PNW Gem!

If your family is anything like mine, it can prove to be somewhat difficult to cater to a diverse array of ages, interests, proficiency levels, and schedules when arranging a family getaway. We enjoy a mix of excitement for both skiers and non-skiers, coupled with distinctive amenities and convenient access to nutritious and appetizing meals.

The ideal getaway for us ensures everyone remains occupied, active, and involved throughout the day, with an assortment of entertainment in the evening. If we can park our vehicle and refrain from using it for a few days, that’s an even greater advantage. Thus, when we learned about Schweitzer and its close distance to Seattle, its earlier-than-normal snowfall this season, and ski-in/out lodgings — we were convinced.

In less than a six-hour drive from Seattle, one can find themselves in a snowy winter paradise known as Schweitzer Mountain Resort. The journey is approximately 1.5 hours from Spokane or 20 minutes from Sandpoint, Idaho. Schweitzer stands as Idaho’s largest ski resort, featuring ski-in/ski-out lodgings, a town square, gear rentals, and an assortment of shops and eateries. We also appreciate what it lacks, such as traffic congestion, lengthy chairlift queues, steep ticket costs, and large crowds.

We opted to stay at the ski-in/ski-out Humbird, a contemporary hotel featuring a rooftop hot tub ideal for stargazing or unwinding in the evening snowfall. As hotel patrons, you can explore Humbird’s Glass Room, the hotel’s distinctive lounge space perfect for gathering as a family or granting your older offspring a bit of independence to engage in games and socialize with other guests. The Glass Room boasts breathtaking views of the mountain and lake on three sides, a circular fireplace, games, and a collapsible projection screen. Crow’s Bench, Humbird’s onsite dining spot, serves up cozy fare such as warm pretzels, sliders, and the ultimate winter indulgence: fondue.

Schweitzer accommodates various athletic capabilities and offers ample activities both on and off the slopes. When individuals think about ski resorts, they typically only consider downhill skiing. However, there are also guided snowmobile excursions with Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures, tubing at Hermit’s Hollow, and Nordic skiing. Travel light and leave your equipment at home. Acquire your Nordic or downhill rental skis from Schweitzer’s Ski & Ride Center, located in the village near the Clock Tower, and store them in the ski lockers provided next to the hotel.

For an unforgettable adventure, take the Great Escape Quad either as foot passengers or mid-ski journey to dine at Sky House, Schweitzer’s mountaintop eatery. There’s nothing quite like savoring a warm bowl of noodles or steaming hot pizza during a ski session while seated in what feels like a massive snow globe. On a clear day, Sky House provides 360-degree vistas of Canada, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Lake Pend Oreille, making it an excellent spot to relax, catch your breath between runs, and admire the landscape.

When you are not zipping down the slopes, ignite your excitement with snowmobiling in the backcountry amidst stunning scenery and the utmost comfort with Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures. During your expedition, you will be at ease with both hand and seat warmers, snowmobiles capable of accommodating two individuals, and numerous breaks to capture photos and appreciate the views. Dress in warm layers with goggles and adjustable face masks for optimum comfort throughout the day on your ultimate outdoor experience.

When you have completed your snow-filled activities, visit the nearby town of Sandpoint, Idaho for art galleries, breweries, and dining venues. Savor delicious Detroit-style pizza at The Forge or indulge in ice cream at Panhandle Cone and Coffee.

For a surefire crowd-pleaser among kids of all ages, enjoy an afternoon of excitement tubing at Hermit’s Hollow. Save your back and let the staff push and spin your children down the hill. Relax by the firepit and watch or glide down your own lane effortlessly. Use the tow rope to ascend back up the hill, and enjoy over an hour with no demands coming your way.

When you seek a respite from the hustle and bustle of the village, venture out Nordic skiing or snowshoeing on the out-and-back Picnic Point Trail. Alternatively, do what our family chose and have some Nordic ski while others snowshoe. Pack a picnic lunch from Gourmandie and turn your afternoon into a leisurely experience of enjoying the tranquility of the forest while walking in the softly falling snow. During our two trips on the trail, we hardly encountered more than a few dozen people in total.

After a packed day of activities, dine at Chimney Rock Grill in Schweitzer’s village, offering fresh local delicacies in a snug atmosphere. Their Pad Thai and caramel cheesecake were so delightful that we had to return for a second evening to savor more.

Without a doubt, we could explore more terrain without our children accompanying us, but we would have missed out on their scrunched-up noses when they giggled or hit us with a snowball. We would miss their spontaneous snow angels in the town center, their waves to every person they encounter on the chairlift, their joyful squeals on the descents, and their vibrantly colored snowsuits. What we would gain in speed and distance, we would lose in magic.

Reserve the perfect slope-side lodgings for your family this winter at Schweitzer. Discover a lively apres-ski atmosphere with outdoor fire pits and gathering spots in this charming mountain village. It is easy to remain active, engaged, and have fun as a complete family.

Lisette Wolter-McKinley is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined. Follow more of her adventures here. While the products, services, and/or accommodations in this article were provided without charge, all views expressed are those of the author and the Seattle Refined editorial team.