Shred the deep pow stashes of Whitefish and Schweitzer this winter
This week-long road trip from Spokane, Washington to Glacier, Montana will get you riding two of the most laidback powder destinations in the North-western United States, Whitefish Ski Area and Schweitzer Mountain Resort. The terrain is vast but you’ll have a Mint mountain guide on-hand to show you the best parts of each destination. This is a great option for anyone who is time poor, as Mint will take all the stress out of planning a road trip. We cover all the accommodation, logistics and guiding and you’ll stay in comfortable accommodation that’s within walking distance to loads of great restaurants and bars.
Whitefish Ski Area rises above the town of Whitefish, in beautiful northwest Montana, in the backyard of Glacier National Park. At Whitefish, the terrain is steep, and the powder can be deep, with an average of over 8 metres falling every winter. Even if it hasn’t snowed in a while, cold temperatures and wind transport keep the mountain fresh. Whitefish is known for plenty of things, and fog is one of them, but the low visibility just means the sun isn’t baking the snow and you’ll get to ride pow in the trees all day. Another plus is that you can access all four sides of the mountain. Wherever you venture you will find incredible views in every direction including the vast Flathead Valley to the south, the Cabinet mountains of Idaho to the west, the jagged peaks of the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park to the east and the Canadian Rockies to the north. We stay in the town of Whitefish so you have great accommodation and plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance at night.
Just outside of Sandpoint, Idaho, in the tip of the Idaho Panhandle (and an hour and a half south of the Canadian border) is one of the coolest snowboarding spots in the North-western United States, Schweitzer Mountain Resort. This 2,900 acre resort doesn’t get the crowds and is a great destination for powder seekers as there’s likely to be plenty of good powder stashes to be discovered well into the afternoon. Schweitzer is made up of two large areas, the frontside Schweitzer Bowl, and the backside Outback Bowl. The two are separated by a ridge called the Great Divide. There is all kinds of fun terrain from trees to alpine and everything in between. Another bonus is it’s new Ikon Pass destination. We stay in Sandpoint where all the lively bars and dining options are. Each day your guide will drive you up to the resort.
Dates
28 JAN - 04 FEB, 2024
Guest to Guide Ratio
6 guests : 1 guide
Price
USD $2,515 (twin room)
USD $3,115 (single room)
Tour Type
Freeride - comfortably ride powder, steeps and trees
Why Travel With Mint
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
Schweitzer and Whitefish Road Trip
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT
This 2,900 acre resort doesn't get the crowds and is a great destination for powder seekers as there's likely to be plenty of good powder stashes to be discovered well into the afternoon. Schweitzer is made up of two large areas, the frontside Schweitzer Bowl, and the backside Outback Bowl. The two are separated by a ridge called the Great Divide. There is all kinds of fun terrain from trees to alpine and everything in between. Another bonus is it's new Ikon Pass destination.
WHITEFISH SKI AREA
At Whitefish, the terrain is steep, and the powder can be deep, with an average of over 8 metres falling every winter. Even if it hasn’t snowed in a while, cold temperatures and wind transport keep the mountain fresh. Whitefish is known for plenty of things, and fog is one of them, but the low visibility just means the sun isn't baking the snow and you'll get to ride pow in the trees all day. Another plus is that you can access all four sides of the mountain. Wherever you venture you will find incredible views in every direction.
A TYPICAL DAY
After breakfast, meet your guide and we'll make the short drive to the resort. Your guide will show you the spots to find the best conditions on the day. From fantastic off-piste skiing / riding to checking out the unbelievable views. Evenings are spent downtown checking out the bars and restaurants to get a true locals perspective.
ACCOMMODATION
Throughout the tour you'll stay in quality accommodation that's in the best location with plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance at night. Twin and single rooms are available. In the town of Whitefish we stay at Apres and in Schweitzer we stay in the town of Sandpoint at Cedar Street Hotel.
SMALL GROUPS
We offer one of the smallest client to guide ratio’s in the industry which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. Our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best areas a destination can offer. When we are on mountain, our guest to guide ratio is maximum 6 people per guide. This also makes for a more personal experience between our guests and guides.
PRE-TOUR SUPPORT
After you sign up for a tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
- 3 nights accommodation, Apres Whitefish
- 4 nights accommodation, Cedar Street Hotel Sandpoint (includes breakfast)
- 5 days of on-snow guiding
- 2 day lift ticket for Whitefish
- Private transport throughout the tour
- 6 breakfasts in Sandpoint
- Airport transfer from Spokane Airport on arrival day (1 pick-up time)
- Airport transfer to Glacier Airport on departure day (1 drop-off time)
- Fully-escorted tour, guides on hand throughout the tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Breakfast in Whitefish
- All lunches and dinners
- Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
This tour is suitable for advanced snowboarders. You should be comfortable on black diamond runs, frequently ride off-piste at a resort or in the backcountry, can confidently navigate any alpine and treed terrain and maintain a continuous rhythm and pace, even through traverses and flat sections.
If you’re not quite up to the ability level for this tour, talk with our team and they will be able to make recommendations for other suitable tours, or how to work towards joining this tour.
When you are ready to book, we’ll ask you to self-evaluate what type of rider you are. This will help us book you on the right tour. The more accurately you’re able to self-assess your on-snow abilities, the more you (and others in your group) will be able to enjoy the tour.
DATES 28 January – 04 February, 2024
PRO-TIP – GO PRIVATE!
Book this tour as a private departure – with your own guide and all the benefits of a Mint group tour – for any group, big or small (even just one traveller). Get in touch to discuss.
Here’s a list of our most frequently asked questions. If there’s anything we haven’t covered, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conducts business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we can take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.
WHAT IS A FREERIDE TOUR?
Our Freeride Tours offer you the best chance to ride powder. Our experienced guides have an in-depth knowledge of the resorts we visit, which gives you the ultimate advantage when your chasing deep, un-tracked snow. On this tour we will ride in-bounds resort terrain. We’ll aim to ride a lot of powder and trees so please be prepared to ride in the trees for 5 days. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride anything.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I SIGN UP FOR THE TOUR?
After you sign up for this tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
HOW MANY DAYS ON-SNOW?
There’s 5 days in total. One of the advantages of travelling with Mint is that you have dedicated guides for your entire tour. Our guides are on-hand from the moment you arrive, until we say goodbye on departure day. They are not only with you all day on-snow, they are also on-hand each evening. They are always more than happy to share their experience with you on the mountain, and share a beer and some laughs at the end of the day.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Once you’ve signed up for the tour we will send you through a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
Each tour is different, but we know that by offering one of the smallest client to guide ratio in the industry allows you to ski or snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. We have a maximum of 6 people per host on this tour. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time riding powder.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
Schweitzer Ski Area and Whitefish Mountain Resort.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
For most tours you can arrive earlier or stay later. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
All of our tours are guided by friendly, knowledgeable and expertly trained guides who are passionate about the mountains. Most of our guides work for us season after season. If you have a preferred Mint guide, just let us know and we’ll be able to tell you which tours they are leading.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests on tour need to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot on tour, we will send you through a booking confirmation and provide updates about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information. We will send out a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure.
WHERE DOES THE TOUR START?
The tour starts at Spokane Airport in Washington and finishes in Glacier Airport, Montana. We’ll provide you with a guide with details on how to get to our meeting point on arrival day and where to meet your hosts. If it’s your fist time to the USA or if you’re unsure about travel arrangements, often we can link you up with other tour guests to travel with.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Speak with one of our tour specialists. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
DO YOU TAKE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS?
We are ski and snowboard friendly. Please note that this tour is led by snowboard guides.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
A 2 days lift pass for Whitefish is included. Schweitzer is an Ikon Pass destination. No lift tickets are included for Schweitzer.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
We can arrange rental equipment for most destinations, however we do recommend bringing your own equipment.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Whitefish and Schweitzer like any ski area can experience all kinds of weather depending on the season. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight insulated layer, merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. We recommend that all guests bring their own ski or snowboarding equipment for the tour.
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snow sports and an eagerness to explore each destination.
PRICE PER PERSON
Twin Room
USD $2,515 per person
2 Queen beds suitable for 2 people travelling together.
Single Room
USD $3,115 per person
1 King bed suitable for 1 person travelling solo.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
To secure your spot on tour a 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
View our terms and conditions HERE