TIMESHARE AT SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN?

April 1, 1999
Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint, Idaho, which was purchased three months ago by Seattle-based Harbor Properties, may be getting a timeshare property.

The mountain's previous owners sought court protection from creditors in 1997, and U.S. Bank acquired the resort in December 1998 through bankruptcy court proceedings. Harbor Properties purchased the resort from U.S. Bank on New Year's Eve.

Tom Fortune, 37, has been promoted from director of operations at Stevens Pass Ski Area to general manager at Schweitzer. Fortune will oversee the opening of the new Schweitzer-owned rental center. Alpine Ski Shop ran the previous rental shop. Harbor Resorts did not renew its lease, however, so that business will be moving to the Lazier Building across from Green Gables Hotel.

By operating its own rental business, Schweitzer will be able to offer comprehensive skiing packages that include rentals, lodging, tickets and lessons.

The Green Gables, meanwhile, may be in the process of becoming timeshare condominiums. Cook said at an economic development meeting in Spokane Tuesday that Schweitzer had more than 100 inquiries from potential buyers. If the rooms are sold as condominiums, they would still remain in a rental pool operated by Schweitzer.

Schweitzer includes more than 2,300 skiable acres, a top elevation of 6,400 feet and an average annual snowfall of 300 inches. The trail system integrates 20% beginner runs, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced and 5% for experts, including a heart-stopping 2,400 foot vertical drop. "The Great divide provides a glorious uninterrupted run of 2.7 miles - the longest at Schweitzer. More than 30 kilometers of Cross Country trails increase the options for family and friends. "The proximity to the northwest market, ski-in/ski-out accommodations, and expansion potential made Schweitzer attractive," said Ron Cook, Harbor Resorts Executive Vice-President.