Record Snowpack at Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Schweitzer’s summit depth reaches 109 inches, deepest early season snowpack on record

Sandpoint, ID – Schweitzer Mountain Resort has been pummeled with over 180 inches of snow this season. The early season snow has allowed Schweitzer to open all 2900 acres of terrain with a village depth of 77 inches and a summit depth of 109 inches. Snow report records dating back to the 82/83 season show this as the deepest early season snowpack on record.

Schweitzer’s Ski Patrol Director, Arlene Cook, has been patrolling at Schweitzer for 30 years and can’t remember a December with this much snow. “Simply put, it feels like February” said Cook. When asked about the season Cook replied “When you can’t count the number of powder days you’ve had in December, you know it’s been a good season.”

Schweitzer is currently enjoying some of the best snow conditions in the nation. With mid-winter snowpack in December, Schweitzer is expecting another outstanding winter. With a season running into April and snow continuing to blanket the resort, Schweitzer is well on its way to eclipsing their average annual snowfall of 300 inches.

“To see 180 inches this early in the season is extraordinary,” said Schweitzer Marketing and Sales Director Dave Kulis. “We are happy to be able to offer midwinter conditions this early on in the year. We are also excited to have these conditions entering the new year!”

Daily snow reports at Schweitzer first began being tracked in 76/77, however didn’t include summit or village snow depths until the 83/84 season. Daily, year-to-date, snow totals weren’t calculated until the 01/02 season. Schweitzer’s 180 inches to date, is the most on record as well.

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