Sandpoint Ski with Santa

The event is called Ski with Santa at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, a beloved annual tradition in the picturesque town of Sandpoint, Idaho. This festive gathering is primarily for families and skiing enthusiasts who want to blend holiday cheer with their love of winter sports.

Ski with Santa is tailored for families with children, as well as anyone looking to capture the magical spirit of the holiday season. The core attendees include locals and visitors alike who are eager to see Santa and Mrs. Claus hitting the slopes. Notable guests include Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus themselves, who take time off from their busy holiday schedules to ski and interact with the children.

The event takes place on December 23 and 24, with specific hours that allow families to catch Santa on the slopes. On December 23, Santa and Mrs. Claus can be spotted skiing between 1 PM and 3:30 PM on several beginner and intermediate runs, handing out candy to all the good boys and girls. On Christmas Eve, they return to the slopes, providing a great photo opportunity for families. The day culminates with a balloon parade that leaves at 2 PM, skiing down Midway and arriving in the village shortly after. Santa takes his last few turns on the slopes at 3 PM before embarking on his global gift-delivery journey.

The setting for this event is Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the largest ski resort in Idaho, nestled in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains near Sandpoint. To get there, visitors can fly into the Spokane International Airport, which is about a two-hour drive from the resort. Alternatively, they can drive via US Highway 95. Local transportation includes a shuttle service from the parking lot just outside Sandpoint, running every 30 minutes throughout the day. The resort’s 2900 acres of skiable terrain, including two massive bowls and renowned tree skiing, offer a stunning backdrop for this festive event.

Attending Ski with Santa at Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a unique and memorable experience that combines the joy of skiing with the magic of the holiday season. The event offers a rare opportunity to see Santa in a casual, fun environment, far from the hustle and bustle of traditional mall visits. Families can enjoy skiing together, take part in the festive balloon parade, and capture heartwarming photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The atmosphere is filled with holiday cheer, as the resort transforms into a winter wonderland complete with decorations and special events. The event’s energy is palpable, with excitement building as families and children wait to spot Santa on the slopes. The natural beauty of the Selkirk Mountains, coupled with the expansive skiing terrain, makes this an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

For those looking to extend their stay, Sandpoint offers a charming small-town atmosphere with locally owned restaurants, quaint shops, and cozy inns. The town itself becomes a magical winter oasis during the holiday season, complete with Christmas lights, decorations, and other festive events like the Winter Carnival and arts and crafts fairs. This makes Ski with Santa at Schweitzer Mountain Resort not just a day event, but a cornerstone of a larger winter getaway filled with outdoor adventure, relaxation, and holiday spirit.