In the Northern Idaho Panhandle between Montana and eastern Washington, approximately 50 miles south of Canada and 11 miles northwest of Sandpoint, Idaho, you will find Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

With the addition of Stella, Idaho's first six-pack, Schweitzer now boasts 2,900 acres of varied and exciting terrain.

The area consists of two very large bowls, and within each of the two, there are two smaller bowls divided by gradually sloping ridges.

There is challenging and steep skiing at the top of the bowls, with more intermediate terrain down below.

Advanced beginners can ride most of the lifts to the top, as there are several gradual ridges and roads that provide an easy way down.

A great advantage to skiing Schweitzer is that friends and family can ski most of the lifts together, but from the top can choose steep and challenging, long mogul runs, long intermediate cruising runs, or easy runs down.

Schweitzer has excellent terrain for snowboarding with four wide open bowls, wide runs, gladed tree skiing/boarding and a full-time half-pipe, conditions permitting. Snowboard rentals and lessons are available.

For families, Schweitzer is the perfect mountain.

The mountain and terrain is such that families of differing skiing abilities can ride the lifts together, start off skiing together, then take different runs for their abilities, yet meet again easily for more rides up the lifts together.

The resort village is very small and uncomplicated allowing for easy maneuvering and safety of children. Schweitzer's day-care facilities have been highly rated in ski magazine readership surveys and bring many families back year after year.

Kinder Kamp is like summer camp for children as there are activities, arts, music, cookie baking and outdoor adventures provided for young children.

Schweitzer offers a variety of activities on and off the slopes. Sleigh rides, guided snowmobile tours, groomed cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, NASTAR, self-timed race courses, hot tubs, massage, live music, comedy, drama, free movies for the kids, seniors socials, free ski tours, chapel services, apres ski get-togethers and special interest ski seminars are provided for the entertainment of all ages.

There are plenty of accommodations to choose from, such as a beautiful, European-style lodge on-mountain with 82 rooms, including suites, efficiency kitchenettes and Jacuzzi rooms.

There are more than 50 condominium units on-mountain for rent and a number of bed and breakfast establishments, hotels and motels in the town of Sandpoint.

Schweitzer has been providing excellent skiing opportunities for more than 30 years. It is known for its incredible views of the enormous Lake Pend Oreille and peaks of Montana, North Idaho, Canada, Eastern Washington and beyond. The views are very similar to Lake Tahoe, but Idaho boasts a more comfortable, genuine and friendly small town atmosphere punctuated by a surprising amount of local events, theater and music.