Sandpoint, Idaho — Schweitzer Mountain Resort is set to kick off its summer season this weekend, welcoming visitors to more than 40 miles of mountain trails, lift-served biking, and a lineup of new offerings that expand on the resort’s growing reputation as a year-round North Idaho destination.
The resort opens June 13 and 14 for the start of summer operations, then pauses briefly June 15 through 18 before resuming daily service beginning June 19. The staggered schedule allows the resort to prepare facilities while still getting guests onto the mountain during the opening weekend.
New Food Truck, Upgraded Bikes Among This Summer’s Additions
One of the headline additions this season is the Schwagon, a new food truck concept that will begin serving tacos and drinks in July. The mobile eatery represents part of a broader push to give guests more reasons to linger on the mountain beyond the trails and lifts.
Mountain bikers will also notice an upgrade to the rental fleet. Schweitzer has brought in new Rossignol full-suspension bikes, a significant improvement for riders looking to tackle the resort’s trail system, which stretches across intermediate to expert terrain. The more than 40 miles of trails offer options for riders at various skill levels, though the terrain leans toward those with experience on technical mountain terrain.
For families with younger riders, the resort is launching a Summer Bike Camp running June 29 through July 30. The program is designed for kids ages 8 to 13 and structured in four-day sessions. It offers an organized introduction to mountain biking in a supervised environment, pairing the sport with the scenic surroundings of the Selkirk Mountains above Sandpoint.
Tom Chasse, speaking about the resort’s summer appeal, described Schweitzer as something different depending on who’s visiting. “For visitors, Schweitzer is a great place to escape the buzz of town and immerse yourself in the mountains,” he said. For those who live in the region, Chasse framed it as a local playground, noting that lift-served biking, scenic chairlift rides, and spa treatments are all part of the summer mix alongside time to relax.
For more on year-round recreation at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, see our earlier coverage at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Idaho Offers Year-Round Recreation Beyond the Ski Slopes.
Shuttle Service Steps In After Selkirk Recreation District Cancels Rides
Visitors planning to travel between the base area and the village will have a resort-operated shuttle option this summer. Schweitzer is offering $10 rides on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, running from the Red Barn up to Schweitzer Village. The service fills a gap left by the Selkirk Recreation District, which cancelled its own shuttle program.
The weekend shuttle option adds a practical convenience for those who want to access the mountain without driving all the way to the village — a consideration that becomes more relevant as parking and access continue to evolve at the resort.
Major Parking Expansion Targets Winter 2026 Completion
Perhaps the most significant long-term development underway at Schweitzer is not visible from the trails. A major parking lot at Schweitzer Creek Village has been under construction since spring 2022 and is expected to be ready for limited passenger vehicle use by winter 2026. When the project is fully complete, the new lot will add approximately 1,400 parking spaces — effectively doubling the resort’s current parking capacity.
The expansion has been years in the making and reflects the growth pressure Schweitzer has experienced as interest in the resort has increased among both regional visitors and destination travelers from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Bonner County residents and North Idaho outdoor enthusiasts planning a summer trip to the mountain can also check out Idaho Free Fishing Day on June 13, which offers another recreation option the same weekend Schweitzer opens its summer season.
What Comes Next
With daily operations resuming June 19 and Summer Bike Camp sessions beginning June 29, Schweitzer’s summer calendar fills up quickly. The Schwagon food truck is expected to begin service in July, adding to the on-mountain experience as the season hits full stride. Visitors planning ahead should note the brief June 15-18 closure window before the resort transitions to its regular summer schedule. Updates on trail conditions and event schedules are expected to be posted through the resort’s official channels as the season progresses.