Alterra Buys Idaho’s Schweitzer Resort

The Alterra Mountain Company, one of the world’s leading multi-resort operators and leading competitor to Vail Resorts in North America, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Idaho’s Schweitzer ski area.

Schweitzer is the largest ski area in Idaho and Washington, located in the Selkirk Mountains overlooking the town of Sandpoint and located 80 miles from Spokane, Washington. This resort  offers 2,900 acres of big mountain terrain with views of Lake Pend Oreille, Washington, Montana, and Canada and is often recognized for its tree skiing.

The purchase will further expanding Alterra’s portfolio in the Pacific Northwest, joining Crystal Mountain in Washington and takes the group’s portfolio to ski areas to 17 throughout North America.

“With an incredible mountain in one of the most beautiful settings in the country and a world-class operating team, Schweitzer has everything we look for in a destination,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO, Alterra Mountain Company.

In the last decade, Schweitzer has invested over $100M in capital to fortify itself as a premier destination in the Pacific Northwest, including terrain expansion and new lifts, a new on-mountain lodge, Sky House, and Humbird, a 31-unit boutique hotel in Schweitzer’s village.

“Alterra’s commitment to preserving the authenticity of their mountain communities while investing in the overall mountain experience is what we’re most looking forward to as the newest member of the Alterra family,” said Tom Chasse, President and CEO of Schweitzer, who will stay on in the role under the new owners

The MKM Trust, which has been the owner and developer of Schweitzer for the past 18 years, will retain non-ski operations and real estate holdings, and will continue to lead future real estate development projects that support the vibrancy of the Schweitzer community.