Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Bonner County announced Monday that the 2025-26 ski season has set a new record with over 485,000 skier visits through the end of February, surpassing the previous record of 442,000 set during the 2022-23 season. While Schweitzer is technically located in neighboring Bonner County, the resort draws heavily from Kootenai County — its largest customer base — and serves as a significant economic driver for the broader North Idaho region including hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and communities along Highway 95 and Highway 200.
Resort president and CEO Tom Chasse attributed the record season to a combination of exceptional early-season snowfall, expanded terrain, and growing awareness of Schweitzer as a destination resort among skiers from the Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, and beyond. The resort received over 350 inches of snowfall through February — well above its 300-inch annual average — and opened earlier than usual on November 15.
Economic Impact on Kootenai County
The North Idaho Tourism Alliance estimates that Schweitzer generates approximately $85 million in annual economic impact across the region, with Kootenai County capturing roughly 40% of that total through lodging, dining, retail, and transportation spending by resort visitors. Hotels in Coeur d’Alene report winter occupancy rates 15-20% higher on weekends when Schweitzer conditions are favorable.
“Schweitzer has transformed North Idaho from a three-season tourism destination into a year-round economy,” said Steve Wilson of the Coeur d’Alene Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The ski season fills hotels and restaurants from December through March that would otherwise be mostly empty. That’s jobs, that’s tax revenue, and that’s economic stability for our community.”
Growth and Expansion Plans
Schweitzer has invested over $25 million in improvements over the past three years, including a new high-speed six-passenger chairlift, snowmaking capabilities on key terrain, an expanded day lodge, and additional parking. The resort is currently planning a $15 million base area development that would add lodging, retail, and dining options at the mountain’s base — reducing the need for visitors to commute from Sandpoint or Coeur d’Alene and potentially extending average length of stay.
What Comes Next
Schweitzer is projected to remain open through mid-April, with spring skiing conditions expected to provide excellent corn snow through early April. Season pass sales for 2026-27 open April 15 at schweitzer.com. The resort’s summer operations, including mountain biking, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, and zip lines, begin in mid-June. Visitors can find lodging, dining, and activity information for the North Idaho region at visitnorthidaho.com.