Idaho’s Hidden Gem: Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Early Saturday morning we packed up the truck, hitched up the Airstream and hit the road.  Six hours later we arrived in Sandpoint, ID (from Seattle).  Our campsite for the next ten days would be at the Bonner County Fairgrounds.  I can see how in summer this place would be super busy!  The amenities here included water and electrical for all sites.  Two sites had full hookups (read: dump out) and those were #30 and #31.  If you plan to come in summer, make sure to reserve either of those two spots.  The bathroom and showers were immaculate and the grounds were well maintained.  All in all we were quite happy with our spot here!

We also arrived at the beginning of the Annual Sandpoint Winter Carnival.  Just so happened that on our first day the big event called, “Skijorning” was taking place right in the fairgrounds !!  I can’t wait to share that story with you — coming soon ♥

Our first day, although we arrived late in the afternoon was still filled with some pretty intense excitement.  The skijoring event blew us away — it was incredible !!  That night we fell asleep in the Airstream dreaming of what Schweitzer Mountain Resort would be like the following day.

The next morning, to kick off our brand new day and get everyone fueled up, crepes were made on the cast iron griddle pan.  But not just any crepes this time — but lemon poppyseed crepes filled with raspberry jam and drizzled with sweet honey.  You may remember one of my very first recipes posted here on J5MM (and the photos I took back then I can *cringe* now) were crepes.  You can find the recipe for them here.  To that recipe simply add a tablespoon of poppy seeds (or more if you like) and zest a lemon until you get 1 tablespoon (again, more or less per your tastebuds ♥) and a teaspoon of sugar.  I also should say that if your first crepe fails (which it seems the first ones also seem too) simply sprinkle the poor thing with granulated sugar, roll up and enjoy.  It is heavenly that way!

After breakfast and getting geared up for our day we hopped into the truck and  17 minutes later (exactly, thanks to B who timed it) we arrived at Schweitzer Mountain Resort !!

It was incredibly beautiful here and there was TONS of snow.  Everyone was in the happiest of spirits, smiling and so friendly.  We could hardly wait to get our day started ♥

Run after run the excitement and happiness from actually being here at Schweitzer (after months of dreaming of our trip) made for a glorious day.  The views were also pretty incredible.  Idaho never ceases to amaze me with its beauty.  Honestly, I can say from the bottom of my heart I truly love Idaho.  From our trip to McCall  last year to our trip now to Schweitzer, I have come to realize that Idaho is one of the most beautiful places in our country.

It was a bluebird day and at the top, there were no shortage of snow ghosts.  They almost seemed to be “pointing” us into the direction we should ski down . . .

Once back at the bottom, it was a quick ride back up the chairlift to the top.  Great runs, not crowded at all and overall an incredible skiing experience we will not soon forget.

As our day progressed we looked at the time and realized that we needed to get B to his afternoon ski class.

“Mommy, I can’t wait for my ski class!” he tells me beaming.

I could tell from his excitement and our experience so far that this was going to be a trip of a lifetime ♥

In addition to our camp site at the Fairgrounds in Sandpoint, we also had a room at the Selkirk Lodge at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in order to enjoy some early morning runs and guided cat skiing / snow shoeing adventures on the mountain.  Our room at the Lodge was located slope side which allowed us to enjoy sweeping views of the slopes and skiers.  We would stay in our room on this night as the following day a guided snow shoe adventure awaited us.

Speaking of guided snow shoeing — the  list of guided and non-guided adventures and activities here at Schweitzer were jaw dropping. This is the short list:

• Skiing 
• Nastar and Masters Ski Racing
• Terrain Park
• Snow Boarding
• Nordic Skating and Track
• Cat Skiing
• Zip Lining
• Snowshoeing
• Inner Tubing
• Swimming & Hot Tubbing

Our first night out on the town in downtown Sandpoint, ID was enjoying an apres-ski meal at MickDuff’s Brewery.  MickDuff’s Brewing Company was established in early 2006 by brothers Mickey and Duffy Mahoney. The idea to start such a place came from the brothers’ fondness for hand-crafted beer, and the desire to live in a year-round vacation locale. Their efforts have resulted in a family-friendly restaurant combined with an acclaimed micro-brewery nestled right on the main street of downtown Sandpoint.

Not only does MickDuffs offer up some pretty tasty dishes but the ambience and attention to service was excellent.  One of our hosts was such a pleasure to chat with I couldn’t help but snap some pictures of him.  To me, he was the epitome an Idaho man.  Loved him!

As hubby, B and I finished up our dinner at MickDuff’s we reflected back on our awesome first day and talked about the next day (snow shoeing).

It feels SO good to be back in Idaho.  We love it here and being back feels like home.

I would like send out a BIG BIG BIG thanks to Sean Briggs of Schweitzer Mountain Resort for helping us plan our trip.  We couldn’t have done it without you Sean !!!  Thank you !!!

There are at least five more installments covering our trip in Sandpoint and Schweitzer Mountain Resort.  Thanks for following along !!