Alterra Mountain Company has entered into an agreement to purchase Idaho’s Schweitzer, expanding its portfolio in the Pacific Northwest by joining Crystal Mountain in Washington. Adding Schweitzer brings the company’s portfolio to 17 year-round mountain destinations in North America.
Schweitzer is the largest ski area in Idaho and Washington, located in the Selkirk Mountains overlooking the town of Sandpoint, ID, 80 miles from Spokane, WA. The destination offers 2,900 acres of big mountain terrain with views of Lake Pend Oreille, WA, Montana and Canada.
“With an incredible mountain in one of the most beautiful settings in the country and a world-class operating team, Schweitzer has everything we look for in a destination,” said Jared Smith, president & CEO of Alterra Mountain Company. “The mountain has been a valued partner on the Ikon Pass for several seasons, so we’ve been able to see the exceptional team, community, and opportunities for continued investment up close.”
Tom Chasse, who has been with Schweitzer since 2006, will remain as president and CEO, overseeing daily operations and future capital improvements, which include the development of the Schweitzer Creek Village portal, adding approximately 1,400 parking spaces with access to the Creekside Quad lift. Schweitzer Creek Village will also provide a new day lodge and other skier amenities.
The MKM Trust, the owner and developer of Schweitzer for the past 18 years, will retain non-ski operations and real estate holdings and continue to lead future real estate development projects in the Schweitzer community. There are no changes to Ikon Pass 2023/24 winter access.
The transaction is expected to close in late 2023 and is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. More details will be released once the transaction has closed.
