Schweitzer opens summer season with 7B Sunday

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

Now that the dog days are officially here, Schweitzer Mountain Resort will be kicking off their summer season with 7B Sunday on June 26. The annual start to the summer season features live music, free chairlift rides, tons of fun activities and great food and drinks.

“7B Sunday becomes the perfect opportunity for visitors and locals to learn about all the wonderful things we have in our backyard,” said Schweitzer’s Marketing Manager Dig Chrismer. “Bonner County … is such a vibrant place and this is our chance to celebrate everything that’s unique about our area.”

Some happy pint-sized customers. Photo courtesy of SMR.

For families on a budget, or for those of you who haven’t been up to the hill in awhile, 7B Sunday is a great chance to check out breathtaking views and to listen to live music free of charge. There will be unlimited free chairlift rides all day long from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving access to the summit where you can see Montana, Washington and Canada all without craning your neck.

“There are so many people still in Sandpoint who haven’t been up to Schweitzer in like 30 years, or they’ve never been,” said Chrismer. “7B Sunday is the perfect excuse. The chairlift is free so you can come and explore.”

Also, it’s a good chance to check the progress on the newest addition at Schwetizer; the Summit Lodge, due to be completed by the end of the year.

In addition to activities on the summit, all the usual village activities will be going off in full force, including the Monkey Motion air jumper, zip line, climbing wall, sluice box mountain biking, hiking, geocaching and tennis.

For those feeling less adventurous, grab your blankets and lawn chairs and claim a spot on the lawn for three different local bands providing live music. Monarch Mountain Band will be playing from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Brown Salmon Truck plays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the Flying Dookie Brothers wrap up the event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Did we mention it’s free?

There will be plenty of food vendors on hand, but folks are welcome to bring their own picnic lunches (as long as you share your cookies with Schweitzer staff).

Chrismer noted that this year will be a good time to try out the new Chimney Rock Grill menu.

“We hired Bret Wieman as our new Food and Beverage Director, and that’s pretty exciting because he’s been changing up the Chimney Rock menu,” said Chrismer. “It’s always neat to have a different flavor arrive.”

Wieman worked as assistant Food and Beverage Director in Telluride before making the move to Schweitzer, replacing longtime Food and Beverage Director Schweitzer Michael Williams. Williams recently his own restaurant in Sandpoint called Loaf and Ladle.

“We’re so thrilled for Michael and his new venture,” said Chrismer. “He’s been with us for years. He’s a really great guy.”

Free chairlift rides, fun activities in the village and on the summit, great music and food all around—sounds like another great day on Schweitzer. See you there!

The village is alive with the sound of music. Photo courtesy of SMR.

7B Sunday is Sunday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The summer season at Schweitzer spans from June 26 – September 5. For more information about Schweitzer’s summer activities and 7B Sunday, visit schweitzer.com or call 1-877-487-4643.