Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Sandpoint Idaho

As often as possible, we try to get to to one of our favorite ski resorts: Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint, ID. It’s by far one of the best-kept secrets in North America! This resort is near and dear to my heart, as it is where I grew up skiing. Nestled up in the northern panhandle of Idaho less than an hour away from the Canadian border, Schweitzer is a dream destination for families.

Why I Love Schweitzer Mountain Resort

In addition to the 360 views of natural beauty, there are so many things to love about Schweitzer. They offer a variety of runs (over 90!) on both front and back side of the mountain, a nordic ski center, a fantastic bunny hill with ski and snowboarding school, a tubing hill, and even a snow park where you can learn to jump and race.  They’ve built up the little village in the past decade, too! Now there are condos for rent, a hotel, gift shops, markets, and restaurants/pubs for adults. And the best part?  Hardly any lines!

Having lived in Seattle for over 10 years, our kids grew up skiing at our convenient resort Hyak at Snoqualmie.  There we got all the weekend warriors flocking up from the city, waiting in lines, and even waiting sometimes in traffic to head home.  Schweitzer boasts a whopping 2,900 acres of terrain for you to spread your wings and enjoy the variety of runs like bowls, chutes, cruisers, and tree-skiing in (usually) good, dry snow. I take my trusty Pentax 645n up on the mountain to shoot in snow, and I use Fuji 400h film rated at box speed.

Other Outdoor Locations Near Coeur d’Alene

There are so many incredible outdoor spots to see, aside from Schweitzer Mountain. Coeur d’Alene is at a perfect spot in the state of Idaho; the center of so many things. I take full advantage of shooting outside whenever I can. As a lifestyle photographer, being outdoors lets me and families get creative, and have fun.

1. Silver Mountain Resort

2. Lookout Pass

3. Lake Pend Oreille

These are just some of the best outdoor spots to take your families. If you’re an avid outdoorsman, please reach out with any recommendations! I am always on the hunt for amazing locations to serve as the backdrop to future sessions.

Every winter I do family photo sessions at Schweitzer Mountain and they are a blast!  Take a look at some previous sessions here and here. Please reach out to me if you’d like to schedule your own shoot in the snow! Make sure you follow me on Instagram to keep up with my latest announcements and updates.