Updated November 14, 2012
Ski Access Trails are those trails people use to ski to and from the Schweitzer Mountain ResortThere is very little public property on the mountain. If you want to clear a way to ski into or out of your property please verify that if what you want to clear is not on your property that it is alright with the owner of the property for you to do so. If you do not know who to talk to please contact the SPO Ski Trails Committee for assistance. See the SPO board contacts for the current committee chairman.
Ski In (To Happy Trails - Beginner Chair)
The old Overnighter Ski In/ Ski Out trail is used to get to the ski area. The Trail starts on the right hand side of Hemlock Lane just past the road leading to the SMR Maintenance Shop. The Trail cuts across an edge of the shop area. Be watchful for groomers and snow mobiles in this area as well as skiers/riders climbing up the hill. Bearing to the right at the shop area will take you to the Happy Trails run on Musical Chairs. This chair can get very crowded in mid-mornings on weekends and holidays. Happy Trails is a beginner run, please exercise caution when entering the trail and going to the lift base.
The Chapel TrailThe Chapel trail is between the Day Lodge and the Gateway Parking Lot on the right hand side of Happy Trails. It is marked by a "Chapel" Sign. The trail is crossed by a foot path leading from the Gateway Lot to the Lot behind the Day Lodge. It then goes down under a bridge over Northwest Pass. The trail continues on to connect with the Happy Trails run on Musical Chairs.
Bornholm /Big Timbers Trail Just past this bridge the Bornholm and Big Timbers condos may accessed by turning left off the trail. The trail is marked with a sign and the entry to it is normally groomed. Please note that this trail only accesses these two condo projects.
Upper Creekside TrailA bit past the first bridge the trail makes a hair pin turn to the left. There is a trail going off to the right at this hair pin into private property.
The Chapel Pointe Condos can be accessed on the right just past this first hair pin. A second bridge is past the Chapel Pointe Condos. Continuing on the trail past the second bridge will take you to the Woodrun project, The Cabins, and then back to Happy trails.
Chapel JunctionThere two ways that may be used to get back to the Chapel Junction area on NW Passage from the Chapel Trail. The first crosses a pedestrian/skier circulation easement just before the second bridge on the trail across NW Passage, the second is a ski access trail on private property.
Chapel Pointe ExitImmediately before the second bridge is an exit that goes down to NW Passage. This exit is not groomed or maintained. Side step or ski from the Chapel Trail to the top of the little ridge above NW Passage and next to the bridge. The circulation easement is only 10 feet wide. Skis and boards should be removed before walking down to NW Passage and to the Chapel Junction. NW Passage is a fairly busy road and can be icy.
The Chapel Junction Trail - Advanced skill level ONLYThe trail is operating under "Use Licenses" between SRD and the property owners. The Trail is not open for general use. It is posted as Private property, use at your own risk, and ADVANCED only. The area has left a small snow berm in front of it as a reminder that it is not open for general use.The trail has a steep pitch immediately behind the Chapel which without sufficient snow coverage can be very difficult for lower skill levels.The trail starts on the spur trail off the Chapel Trail that leads to Upper Creekside. The trail is marked at the entry as private property, advanced only, use at your own risk with additional caution signs on the trail. As the trail exits to NW Passage there are Stop Signs on crossed orange and black poles to remind users to stop and not enter the road way unless it is safe to do so.The Ski Area groomed this trail last season after sufficient snow had fallen. Volunteer work parties will be organized to improve the trail before grooming is possible.Several minor improvements were made to this trail last summer on Chapel and Creekside property that should improve the trail. Please send comments or suggestions to John Oldfield.
This trails serves the general Crystal Springs and Crystal Court areas. Since the trail passes between Mogul Hill and Crystal Court it can also from some residences on Mogul Hill. The trail serves as both a Ski In and Ski Out Trail. The trail starts off the Crystal chair on Basin Express and has three major stages.From Crystal Run to the "touch point" of Mogul Hill and Crystal CourtTake Basin express. ski/ride down to the Crystal run. You will see a sign saying Condo Access on the right hand side marking the start of this section of the trail. The sign is a bit worn and depending on snow conditions may be partially hidden by limbs, but it is there.The first section of the trail passes behind many Condos and the Bed & Breakfast. Get off at the first hairpin to go to Mogul Hill Road.From there down to the Crystal Springs Road by the Twin Creeks Condo.Exercise caution when entering Crystal Springs Road. The approach is fairly steep and the line of site for skiers and cars is short.
From past the Twin Creeks Condo down to the villageAt Crystal Springs road go left past Twin Creeks condo and look for a trail on the right hand side of the road. The trail is most likely not marked. This trail will pass behind Highlands and Pinnacle Ridge Condo. There is a groomed trail that goes into the Highlands. This section enters the village behind the Selkirk Lodge by the Mill Building.
Ski Out / In (From Stella to Slalom Roads)
This easement will be marked. It is intended for use by Slalom residents to get up to Stella Lane and return to Slalom. This is not to be considered a trail leading to Telemark or Happy Trails.
The Use License for The Telemark Trail has been revoked by the property owner. The bridge has been physically removed and the property posted. Please honor the property owners directions.
This trail is an easement on plat maps and created by a developer. It begins at Crystal Springs Road above the Summit Condo and joins the main trails above the Copper Ridge. The log bridge on this trail that failed was replaced in the summer of 2012 with the bridge components that had been the bridge on the Telemark trail.Ski In
Normally works well as a ski in trail to the area.
Due to problems accessing this trail from the area it is not suitable for beginner skiers and most children. Local residents are planning to address this.