High-speed fiber ’net coming to Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Coeur d’Alene-based Intermax Networks is embarking on a project to bring high-speed fiber internet to Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

The project will extend Intermax’s broadband fiber network from Sandpoint to the resort. Intermax currently offers both fiber and microwave internet connections to its customers.

Crews are installing the fiber network beginning at Schweitzer Mountain Road and will use logging and utility corridors to run fiber lines up to the resort.

“Work began back in 2018 with development of engineering and design plans, site surveys, permitting and agreements,” Patrick Whalen, Intermax vice president and chief technology officer, said in a statement. “With all permits and approvals completed from multiple different agencies, we have up to four crews working different parts of the route in tandem with road improvements and a new hotel being constructed on the mountain.”

The high-speed fiber internet project is slated for completion in September.

The 30-unit “ski-in/ski-out” boutique hotel, which will be adjacent to the Selkirk Lodge, will feature views of Lake Pend Oreille, a 50-seat restaurant and bar, an outdoor patio with a fire pit on the north end of the building and space for corporate and social events, such as retreats, family reunions, weddings and private gatherings. It’s slated for completion in fall 2020.

Intermax was founded in 2001 and serves more than 4,000 business and residential clients in Kootenai, Bonner, Benewah, Boundary and Spokane counties. It was the first company to partner with Sandpoint in 2017 for its economic development fiber project.