Sandpoint, ID –  The snow report on closing day sounded more like a snow report from mid-February with 4” of new snow, and over 100” base depth at the Schweitzer Village. Thousands of skiers and snowboarders celebrated closing weekend on a high note; with fresh powder.

“And the 07-08 season, the best powder season at Schweitzer, has now come to a close,” said the closing announcement on the internal radio by ski patrol dispatch Jay Leeper.

It is no exaggeration. With an above average seasonal snowfall total of 340” and unseasonably low temperatures, which delivered lighter and drier snow, Schweitzer saw the second best year ever in terms of skier visits.

“From start to finish,” said John Pucci, director of ski patrol, “ this was the best ski season for great snow, number of powder days, and few rain or wind events.

Consistently superior conditions, the mountains improvements and increased marketing and media contributed to the success of the season. Jennifer Ekstrom, communications manager at Schweitzer stated that 20% of the visitors this year were first-time visitors. “Thirty percent of our total visits were overnight stays”, said Ekstrom, which is about twice as much as in past seasons.  “We’re certainly growing as an overnight destination.” Twenty-one percent of total visitors for the season came from out of town for the day.

Season passes are on sale now for the 2008/2009 season at the 07-08 rates until June 1. After that, they increase to early season pricing which will be in effect through October 31.

Schweitzer will re-open for summer operations on June 27th. The White Pine and Selkirk Lodges are open year round, and the Chimney Rock Grill will remain open with limited operations through the spring.