Construction of the White Pine Lodge, a 48 unit lodge with stunning views of Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Lake Pend Oreille, is expected to begin this summer. Both lodges are located in the main village with ski-in, ski-out access. Schweitzer is looking forward to combining its expert management programs with WestCoast�s marketing and sales team and to welcoming many new guests at the lodges.

As Schweitzer continues on the path of becoming a destination resort, the impact of the marketing agreement with WestCoast will be a significant benefit. According to Tom Fortune, Schweitzer General Manager, �This is a great opportunity for Schweitzer to expedite our sales program and bring an economic benefit to the entire Sandpoint community. WestCoast�s dominant presence in Schweitzer�s destination markets is ideal for the Selkirk and White Pine Lodges. They bring depth and 25 years of experience in the lodging industry. WestCoast is an incredible marketing force that had more than $125 million in sales last year.� WestCoast has 45 hotels and more than 8,000 hotel rooms in nine western states, including 32 hotels in the four Northwest states of Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana.

WestCoast�s 110 sales agents and 80-station central reservation office will soon be sending visitors to Schweitzer on a four season basis.

�WestCoast currently serves over 1,000 companies system-wide that occupy more than ten room nights per year each,� said Lori Farnell, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for WestCoast. �Additionally, WestCoast�s top tour and travel companies occupied approximately 110,000 room nights in 2000. We have a strong customer base that seeks leisure and business retreat opportunities, and Schweitzer can offer
year-round fulfillment of these needs.�

WestCoast�s new guest affinity program, WestAwards, will also be an asset for introducing Schweitzer to many new guests. Launched in December 2000, WestAwards members have already spent more than $2 million at WestCoast Hotels and have occupied more than 11,000 room nights. �Everyone wins with this new partnership,� noted Tom Curtiss, Director of Schweitzer Property Management. 

�We�re excited by the opportunities that will become available to us. We expect a substantial increase in annual occupancy starting with an immediate impact for the
82 unit Selkirk Lodge. WestCoast is a major player in many of the markets in which we are trying to gain entry. This puts our sales program forward at least three years ahead of schedule. Schweitzer will become a destination of choice for WestAwards participants. Their customer base fits quite well with the demographics we are seeking.�

�I grew up in this region, and have skied at Schweitzer for more than 25 years,� said Donald Barbieri, Chairman and CEO, WestCoast Hospitality Corporation. �Our company has conducted business in the Inland Northwest for more than sixty years, and we have a deep affinity for Schweitzer and a strong desire to participate in the success of this development. Schweitzer is doing a wonderful job and we hope to
complement their efforts.�