The Vibe

If you’re chasing deep snow in northern Idaho and want a resort with great tree skiing and a relaxed overnight parking scene, Schweitzer is the perfice fit. It’s big-mountain terrain without the big-mountain ego, perched above Lake Pend Oreille with a view that’ll make your morning coffee taste like a postcard.

Overnight Parking Beta

Good news for lot dwellers: Schweitzer is car-camping friendly — but with rules. Here’s the scoop:

• Designated overnight lot: The Fire Station Lot (Lot 4) or the Barn Lot depending on season.

• Fee: Was free for us in 2025 during peak season

• Self-contained rigs only: No tents

• Amenities:

  • Porta-potties in the lot (actually well-serviced)

  • Bathrooms open at the village during operating hours

  • No hookups, so bring your own power and heat

• Max stay: Usually 3 nights, but enforcement is chill if you’re respectful.

The Skiing

Schweitzer brings 2,900 acres of terrain, 92 runs, and the kind of tree skiing that has the perfect distance between trees. It doesn’t get the circus-level crowds of Jackson or Big Sky, which means more pow for you. The backside (Outback Bowl) is a powder hunter’s paradise when the storms line up right. We had mixed conditions, with poor visibility, but the potential was there for epic days.

Morning Routine

The RV lot, like most overnight lots, has a wake up early culture. Our routine was wake up at 7 and move the van to another lot that had access to the lift (fall line lot is nice) and then make coffee and breakfast. 80% of the lot did this. Although there is a shuttle that stops at the RV lot if you don’t feel like moving your rig.

Why We Love It

• Affordable overnight option at a legit resort

• Powder + tree skiing + lake views = chef’s kiss

• Low drama, high stoke, and a real sense of community