Schweitzer Offers Ways to Save For 2012/2013

Ski and Board -- With a budget
Skiing doesn’t have to be an expensive sport. From skiing and snowboarding, to snowtubing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and much more, one will find cost effective ways to entertain the entire family. Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers a variety of ways to keep more money in guest’s wallets with deals such as The Sunday Solution, Multi Day Tickets, Group Trips, Season Passes and the Ski3 pack of lift tickets.

Season passes are a sure way to get the biggest bang out of a buck. Increase savings by ordering a season pass before 10/31/2012. Passes can be purchased online at Schweitzer.com, by mail, visiting the Season Pass office located in the Ski & Ride center, or by calling 208.263.9555, extension 2313.

This year season passholders will gain more benefit from their pass than just the freedom to ski every day.
Passholders ski for 50 percent off at Schweitzer’s sister resort, Whitewater – located in Nelson, BC. They
receive 10% bonus cash when they load money on their pass for use at all Schweitzer Mountain Outlets.
Passholders also get 5 days of free skiing at White Pass Ski Resort, located in White Pass, Washington. To see a full list of deals visit Schweitzer’s “passholder perks” page at www.schweitzer.com

For those not ready to commit to a season pass, buying a Ski3 ticket pack is the best bet. At a discounted price of $162 plus tax, a 20 percent savings over the ticket window, guests can purchase a pack of 3 lift tickets and the options are endless. Purchasers can use the tickets for themselves, or share them with family and friends that are visiting for the holidays. The Ski3 pack can be split into separate tickets which make them great for stocking stuffers or prizes at company holiday parties. This offer is only available until 11/11/2012.

Sunday Solution is Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s way of saying “thank you” to the locals who continue to support the mountain. Come on up any Sunday afternoon during the season, excluding 12/30/2012, 01/20/13, 02/17/13, and enjoy $25 tickets purchased online or $35 tickets at the window. This deal allows people to sit back and relax during the morning and then hit the mountain in the afternoon starting at 12:30pm to enjoy 2,900 skiable acres.

January is National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, and Schweitzer will be rolling out some lowcost introductory classes. Learn to packages as low as $39 will be available to first time skiers and riders who are seven and older and will include lesson, rentals and a beginner lift ticket. Come play under the night lights for only $15. Twilight skiing lasts 3pm - 7pm, with available trails off the Basin Express Quad and Musical Chairs. To get an even better deal purchase a twilight ticket online for $8 with the “own the night” program, 50% of the proceeds will benefit a local organization. Twilight skiing is available most weekends and holidays, visit www.schweitzer.com to see the full schedule and to learn more about the “own the night” program.

If one is planning on spending a few days riding the mountain, multi day tickets are the way to go. These tickets allow for spending the whole day tearing it up, and provide a discount for spending more days at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. While up on the mountain guests can always enjoy other activities such as drinking hot cocoa, shopping, and eating the favorite foods of the Northwest. For added savings, purchase multi day tickets online.

Group trips are a great way to get friends and family together, have fun, and save some cash. Arranging a group of 20 or more with a 72 hour advance call prior to a trip to Schweitzer Mountain Resort will save money on lift tickets, rentals, lessons or snow tubing. Group trips are not only great for family reunions, but also for schools and colleges, church groups, ski clubs and corporate and government groups. For more information on 2012/2013 winter prices visit schweitzer.com or call the group sales hotline at 208-263-9555, extension 2820.

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Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is quickly rising in the ranks of the nation’s top destination resorts with 2900 acres of amazing terrain and renowned tree skiing. Located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle and the northwest Rocky Mountains, Schweitzer overlooks the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. Schweitzer is well known for its two massive bowls, breathtaking views and amazing gladed terrain. For more information about Schweitzer Mountain Resort call 877.487.4643 or visit www.schweitzer.com.

Schweitzer Makes Learning a Snow Sport Easier

January is National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
Sandpoint, ID – Schweitzer Mountain Resort has shown its dedication to growing the ski and snowboard population with substantial investment in beginner amenities over the past two seasons and continued participation in “National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month”.

This January Schweitzer, like many other resorts around the nation, will focus on bringing new skiers and riders to the mountain. Schweitzer will have a month-long promotional package which is dedicated to first time skiers and riders who are seven or older. The package will include a lift ticket, lesson and rentals for only $39.

“This summer Schweitzer has invested a substantial amount of money in beginner amenities”, said Terry McLeod, Schweitzer’s Snow Sport School Director. “These changes will be instrumental in increasing customer satisfaction during the learning process. I’m already looking forward to getting on the snow and teaching this season.”

Substantial upgrades to the learn to process over the past two seasons have included; a new rental ski fleet of Rossignol skis with auto-turn technology and early rise tip, updated ski and ride center, and major upgrades to the beginner lift, Musical Chairs.

The Ski and Ride Center has been completely remodeled with the beginner in mind. The new layout flows intuitively from start to finish, helping to alleviate confusion for the guest.

Upgrades to the beginner lift, Musical Chairs, includes new chairs with outside bales that allow easier loading and unloading as well as a restraining bar. A new variable speed drive has also been installed that can easily speed up and slow down for loading and unloading.

“While these changes may not be noticed by the majority of skiers, beginners will certainly see a
change, for the better, in this process” McLeod said. “Ultimately we hope to provide the best
learning experience possible to create new lifetime skiers and riders.”

About Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is quickly rising in the ranks of the nation’s top destination resorts with 2900 acres of amazing terrain and renowned tree skiing. Located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle and the northwest Rocky Mountains, Schweitzer overlooks the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. Schweitzer is well known for its two massive bowls, uncrowded slopes, breathtaking views and amazing gladed terrain. For more information on Schweitzer Mountain Resort call 877.487.4643 or visit www.schweitzer.com

Schweitzer Winter Events 2012-2013

December 15 - Great Scott Cross Country Race
December 23 - Santa Skis at Schweitzer. Watch for the jolly old soul as he makes his way around the slopes.
December 24 - Santa Skis at Schweitzer. Santa will be skiing on the hill and passing treats with Mrs. Claus. After passing out treats they will lead a balloon parade from the top of the Basin Express chair down to the village. Follow him into the Selkirk Lodge for Nestle hot chocolate, cookies and to deliver your last minute wishes.
December 31 - New Years Eve Parties. Parties for all ages including the rockin’ concert in Taps, the teen tubing party and the ever popular “tween” party for the kids. These parties will sell out – be sure to purchase your tickets early! Tickets are available at the Mountain Activity Center starting December 1.
January 3-6 - Northwest Cup
SARS Ski Race Event
January 4-25 - Starlight Junior Race Series. Local race series on Friday nights in January
January 11 – 16 - SARS FIS Downhill Race and Clinics
January 12 - Winter Trails Day. Complimentary cross country ski trail and snowshoe trail access. Complimentary learn to snowshoe hikes.
January 19 - Martin Luther King Weekend. Watch a torchlight parade and fireworks. Party follows in Taps.
January 26 - Cougar Gulch Cross Country Race
January 26-27 - USASA Alpine and Slopestyle Competitions
February 1- Starlight Racing
March 1 - A perennial favorite for locals. Friday night races followed by parties in Taps. 21 and over only please.
February 2-3 - College Daze
February 9-10 - Chad Engstrom YSL Race
February 15-24 - Sandpoint Winter Carnival. Family friendly events to celebrate winter in Sandpoint including Taste of Sandpoint, Skijoring, Canine Keg Pull, Rail Jam and more.
February 16 - Schweitzer Extreme Cross Country Race 6k, 15K and 30K contests
February 20-24 - Master’s Ski Race Clinics and Races
February 22-23 - Winter Celebration Extraordinaire
March 1 - Final Starlight Party. Our annual themed party is a “not to be missed” event.
March 2 - Deschutes Base Camp for Beer Fanatics Event. Oregon’s Deschutes Brewery pours several beers at multiple locations throughout Schweitzer Village and on the mountain, combined with fun
competitions and activities for this hilariously fun “base camp”
March TBA Grom Stomp. Calling all groms (ages 6-11) for our grom sized slopestyle and
boardercross competition.
March TBA Stomp Games. The Northwest’s premier ski and snowboard freeride competition. Featuring
slopestyle and ridercross competitions.
March 22-23 - 4 Hours of Schweitzer. 24 hour skiathon raises funds for Cystinosis research
April 6-7 Tropical Daze. Bring out your Hawaiian shirt for some fun in the sun! Pond skimming and
a variety of family activities daily. The Rotary Duckie Derby is on Saturday. Downhill dummy derby on Sunday.
*All events are tentative and subject to change.
Please check our website for the most current information. www.schweitzer.com

Chamber honors Susan Edwards & Jim Lovell as Volunteer of the Month

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce honors Susan Edwards & Jim Lovell as September’s Volunteer of the Month for her service to our community. Susan is the Principal of the Head Start Program in Sandpoint and her hard work has gained recognition and honors from all around the state. Jim is an action-oriented Chamber Board Member and takes on the difficult tasks when asked.

Although she is modest, Susan’s accomplishments are extensive. She received a Masters Degree in early childhood development from Lesley University of Cambridge at 51 years of age. She was nominated by the City of Sandpoint for the Brightest Star award for the State of Idaho. In 2003, she was received the award from Governor Kempthrone. In 2011, Susan was nominated for Outstanding Service Award to the Community by the North Idaho College.

When she’s not accepting awards or being nominated, she keeps awfully busy with a variety of community activities. For many years, she was on the Board of Directors for the Idaho Extension Services. She is currently an Executive Board Member for Kaniksu Health Services. Those positions help fill any free time she might have. She has even participated and lended a hand as a volunteer for LEAP, Sandpoint Slam, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association.

Jim is a hands on leader who has taken the lead with the Chamber’s renovation of the Sand Creek location. His actions and ability to bring the right people to the table will see this project completed in less than a year. He’s a caring individual and has helped many families in need in our community. Jim is on the affordable housing committee, giving less fortunate families a chance to own a home.

When the Head Start Center needed funds, he organized a golf tournament to raise enough money to resurface their playground in less than a month. His efforts and care for the Head Start Center has seen him put a lot of effort in helping them including moving the fence so the children could ride their bikes in the parking lot.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Susan Edwards & Jim Lovell in being honored as the Volunteer of the Month and thanking them for all of their contributions to our community. Their hard work has done a lot for so many in our community. Thank you Susan & Jim!

Photo: Kate McAlister honors Susan Edwards and Jim Lovell as September’s Volunteer of the Month.

Chamber Honors Larson’s Department Store

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Larson’s Department Store as September’s Business of the Month. As one of the oldest businesses in Sandpoint, they have held their location on First Ave for 72 years. Larson’s has been a Chamber Member for longer than the Chamber has records and it is likely they have been a member for well over 35 years.

The owner, Dick Larson is a third-generation clothier. His grandfather Chris Larson began working for Jennestad’s store in the early 1900s and later went into partnership and formed the Jennestad and Larson’s store, which opened in 1908.  Dick Larson’s father, Lloyd Larson, and Dick’s uncle, Thor Larson, bought all the shares of the J.A. Foster & Co. store in 1940.

In 2000 Larson's purchased the old JC Penny building in Bonners Ferry and expanded north. In 2010 Larson's purchased the Old Miller Hardware store in Grangeville and expanded once again heading south this time! Their impact in small Idaho communities is widely acknowledged.

Larson's donates to many charitable organizations throughout the year. They have always been a big supporter of the Elks Club and to the many of the local school, athletics and nonprofit organizations that ask for assistance.

“We have people that come in weekly asking for assistance and we try to donate to as many as possible and it is a wide variety,” explained Lindsey Larson.

Please join the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in congratulating Larson’s Department Store for their success and thanking them for their commitment and service to our community. For more information, visit them at 327 N Frist Ave in Sandpoint, call them at 263-2414 or go online to www.larsonsdeptstore.com.

In photo: Lindsey Larson accepts the award from Chamber Board Member, Ken Wood.

Schweitzer Upgrades Lifts and Amenities for 2012-2013 Winter

News Release

09/05/12

For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:    

Sean Briggs - 208.255.3031

Marketing Coordinator

Dave Kulis - 208.263.9555 x2210

Marketing & Sale Director

Schweitzer Upgrades Lifts and Amenities

for 2012-2013 Winter

Over $1 Million Invested for Capital Improvements

Sandpoint, ID – Schweitzer Mountain Resort is spending over $1 Million in capital improvements for the 12/13 season. Projects include doubling the size of the Gourmandie market, remodeling the interior of the Ski and Ride center, replacing the drive and chairs on Musical Chairs, replacing the electrical system on the Great Escape Quad and upgrading lodging amenities.

“We are excited about another round of resort upgrades specifically designed to enhance the overall guest experience,” said Tom Chasse, President and CEO of Schweitzer Mountain Resort. “These improvements will be felt throughout the resort as we continue to evolve The Schweitzer Difference.”

Schweitzer’s beginner lift, Musical Chairs, is becoming more efficient by installing a new variable speed drive and new chairs with outside bales. The outside bales allow easier loading, especially for beginner skiers, and include a restraining bar. These improvements should increase the upload capacity and create a more user friendly lift. The high-speed Great Escape Quad’s electrical system is being redesigned and replaced creating a more efficient and reliable lift.

In the village, Schweitzer’s Ski and Ride Center layout is being completely redesigned to enhance the customers experience when renting equipment or booking a lesson. The new floor plan allows guests to seamlessly flow from registration to rental products. The Source retail shop will be moved to the South side of the building. The exterior of the Mill Building received structural upgrades to the frame, new windows, siding, and cosmetically pleasing accents that fall in line with other structures in the Schweitzer village.

The Selkirk and White Pine Lodge located directly in the Schweitzer village have completed phase two of room upgrades. These upgrades include new LCD HD televisions and new media chests in each room of the White Pine and Selkirk Lodge. The Selkirk Lodge also received new tables and chairs in each room. Phase one was completed last summer with new bedding.

Gourmandie, the specialty foods market which features fine groceries, craft beers, cheese, and wine, has doubled in size. The larger storefront, located in the White Pine Lodge, includes additional seating to accommodate the growing popularity of its relaxing après scene and wine tastings.

Schweitzer’s Ski and Ride center will have two Surly Pugsley Snowbikes available to rent during the winter season. Snowbikes will be allowed on Schweitzer’s cross-country trail system; however details on rules and routes have yet to be determined.

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About Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is quickly rising in the ranks of the nation’s top destination resorts with 2900 acres of amazing terrain and renowned tree skiing. Located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle and the northwest Rocky Mountains, Schweitzer overlooks the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. Schweitzer is well known for its two massive bowls, uncrowded slopes, breathtaking views and amazing gladed terrain. For more information on Schweitzer Mountain Resort call 877.487.4643 or visit www.schweitzer.com