Schweitzer closes out record year

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Schweitzer Mountain Resort had their snowiest winter on record for the 2017/18 ski season, the resort said in a press release.

A skier makes his way to the Sky House on Schweitzer. Photo by Ben Olson.

Schweitzer saw over 434 inches of snowfall throughout the season, wrapping up the winter with over 78 inches in the base and 152 inches at the summit.

“When the snow started to arrive back in November, we were hoping it was a sign of good things to come,” said Dig Chrismer, Schweitzer’s marketing manager. “I don’t think any of us quite expected to see as much snowfall as we did in the end. We were really fortunate to have such quality snow throughout the season.”

Because the ski season showed a sluggish start in many other areas of the country, Schwetizer set another record with 255,000 skier visits this year.

The season began on Nov. 8 and operated for 141 days, almost two weeks longer than their average of 130 days per season.

With the mountain’s winter operations concluding on Sunday, Schweitzer will now begin the transition to their summer operations, which include scenic chairlift rides, lift-served mountain biking trails, hiking and village activities.

Summer operations will start June 22, weather permitting, with four major summer events planned: 7B Sunday will kick off the season June 24, Northwest WineFEST will take place July 21-22, the Huckleberry Color Fun Run will be Aug. 5 and Fall Fest will span the four-day Labor Day Weekend from Aug. 31-Sept. 3.