September 21, 2009

 Media Contacts:                                                                        
Haley Sorbel - 208.946.8731                                            
 Communications Coordinator                                                                  
Patrick Sande - 208.255.3031                                                             
 Marketing Manager 

 Sandpoint- While the troublesome economy can create unpredictable outlooks, after a phenomenal visitor turnout last winter - Schweitzer is excited to keep the positive trend going, setting new records for the summer season. 

Labor Day Weekend marked the end of a great season and Schweitzer set a new record in total summer lift rides.  With lift ticket revenue up 34% from last season’s record, overall summer revenue succeeded at an increase of 9%.  

While certain areas of the resort operations saw a decline – particularly in the form of overnight visitors – there was certainly no shortage of daytime activity on the mountain.  

An area where Schweitzer saw significant increase in traffic was on its expanded trail system. With the completion of The Beargrass Trail, designed as a beginner downhill mountain bike trail, including a mid-mountain terrain garden, Schweitzer trails crew worked hard to meet the demand of avid and novice bikers all summer long. Combine that with the success of The Twilight Adventure Bike Race series and the expansive rental selection at The Source, and Schweitzer saw huge success in the area of mountain biking, with bike rental revenue coming in at a double-digit increase over last year. 

Schweitzer held four festivals this summer, plus daily activities such as scenic chairlift rides, huckleberry picking, disc golf, horseback rides, a climbing wall, two bungee jump trampolines, mountain biking, hiking and more.

Looking ahead, October 31st will mark the end of reduced-priced winter season passes and with Halloween just around the corner, Schweitzer staff is gearing up for the 2nd annual Fear Fest. After that, it’s only a matter of time….    

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About Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is quickly rising in the ranks of the nation’s top destination resorts with 2900 acres of amazing terrain and renowned tree skiing. Located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle and the northwest Rocky Mountains, Schweitzer overlooks the town of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille. Schweitzer is well known for its two massive bowls, breathtaking views and amazing gladed terrain. For more information about Schweitzer Mountain Resort call 800.831.8810 or visit www.schweitzer.com.