Alterra Mountain Company reported that its Schweitzer operation has acquired Selkirk Powder’s guided backcountry snowmobile and cat ski business, located adjacent to Schweitzer. This will add 4,350 acres of skiable terrain from the backside of the resort.
Alterra closed on its acquisition of Schweitzer in August 2023.
Schweitzer is located in the Selkirk Mountains, overlooking Sandpoint, ID, 80 miles from Spokane, WA. It offers 2,900 acres of big mountain terrain with views of Lake Pend Oreille, two neighboring states and Canada.
Schweitzer is reported to be the “largest ski area in Idaho and Washington” and now adds acres of backcountry access.
“Since the early 2000s, Selkirk Powder has laid the groundwork in crafting unique backcountry experiences just beyond the resort’s boundary,” said Tom Chasse, president and COO of Schweitzer. “We can’t wait to build upon what’s already been established and take the operation to the next level for the upcoming winter season.”
The purchase from Selkirk Powder reportedly includes year-round access to backcountry running adjacent to the resort’s western boundary. Previously, the company said it operated through a long-term concession agreement with Schweitzer and a lease from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), offering guided snowcat skiing and snowmobile tours that departed from Schweitzer’s summit.
Schweitzer said the IDL’s land lease was transferred to Schweitzer and will be used for guided snowcat ski and snowmobile tours for the 2024/25 winter season. The snowcat access road is approximately six miles long, providing drop-in zones to over 75 west-facing fall line trails that feature untracked powder fields and glades for intermediate to expert-level skiers and riders. Guided snowmobile tours depart from the summit and offer expansive views with tailored instruction.
Selkirk Powder will continue operations from a new location near Priest River, accessing a new zone of the Selkirk Mountains—Atlasta and Casey. Details regarding a new Schweitzer cat skiing and snowmobile operation will reportedly be announced closer to when it opens for the 2024 winter season on November 22.
Image courtesy Selkirk Powder
