Mountain High New B&B; At Schweitzer Keeps Guests Cozy
Even if you’re not a skier, there’s something very cool about staying at a mountain resort.
The first thing you notice about the new bed-and-breakfast at Schweitzer - the only on-mountain B&B - is the silence. At night, it’s interrupted only by the sound of the wind or the occasional rumbling of a snowplow.
With the lack of noise, getting a good night’s sleep is a cinch. It also makes it easy to concentrate on a good book, if you opt not to battle the elements on the ski hill.
The Schweitzer Mountain Bed and Breakfast sits high on the mountain, at the end of a road that this time of year is accessible only by four-wheel drive. Or, it might be reached by a determined driver of a front-wheel drive. (It took us several tries before we made it up in our Honda.)
The feeling of being up where the birds fly only increases after you climb the stairs to the guest quarters on the third and fourth floor of this 5,000-square-foot, gorgeously decorated home. There are five rooms, all with private baths, all named for the area’s ski runs.
On the top floor, a two-room suite is a perfect spot for a family (though, because of all the stairs, only children 10 and over are allowed). That room - Snow Ghost - features a big, comfy couch (that folds out into a queen-size bed) and chairs, all with an outstanding view of the slopes below. Also on the top floor is an inviting family room, which guests are encouraged to use. There, you’ll find a television with a VCR and a selection of movies, a pool table and all sorts of board games and books. There is also a fridge filled with drinks and a basket of snacks for famished skiers.
Guests won’t be hungry in the morning after feasting on the country-sized breakfasts prepared by the genial hosts, George and Georgia Nichols. You might be treated to homemade hashbrowns, a cheese-tortilla quiche, freshly baked scones or, on request, a huge, steaming bowl of oatmeal with all the trimmings.
This venture is the couple’s retirement project. They settled on running a bed-and-breakfast because they have always loved entertaining people in their home. And, they certainly are most accommodating.
Though the location is set up to be a ski-in, ski-out proposition, that’s not always practical. When the conditions make it tricky to get to the lifts, the Nichols are happy to ferry skiers down the hill to the village and pick them up at the end of the day.
They also thoughtfully provided fluffy robes to snuggle into after climbing out of the hot tub on their covered deck.
Slippers are also supplied, with a variety of sizes available in a closet in the entry. Street shoes or ski boots aren’t worn in the house.
But, even without slippers, your feet won’t be cold, because the couple installed the heating system in the floor. That means the rooms are always toasty, a most welcome touch after coming in from the cold.
Rates at Schweitzer Mountain Bed and Breakfast range from $95 to $165 for the two-room suite. For reservations, call toll-free (888) 550-8080.
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