Schweitzer, the largest ski resort in Washington and Idaho, is set to add wellness to the menu after announcing plans to open a brand-new spa.

The spa – called Cambium – is being brought to life as part of a US$5m (€5.1m, £4.5m) resort-wide investment and is named after the growth layer of a tree that’s responsible for generating new cells.

The name also connects back to the area’s rich history of logging, as well as the heavy timber construction and design of both the spa and its neighbouring 31-key boutique hotel Humbird.

Home to five treatment rooms, the 3,600sq ft alpine spa will offer a variety of treatments designed to help guests rest and re-energise following their mountain activities.

The vision is for Cambium to become a sanctuary of wellbeing that helps guests shorten their recovery time and get back on the mountain faster and more comfortably.

Facilities will include reflexology stations, sound loungers, HaloIR saunas, separate sex changing rooms and a communal relaxation and recovery area with mountain views.

A full spa menu and additional details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Consulting on the project is spa and wellness consultancy Under a Tree.

CEO and founder Amy McDonald explained the vision and story behind the new facility to Spa Business.

“This well-loved, family-friendly ski resort came to us seeking a unique experience that would allow them to take limited space and create an offering focused on recovery.

“The goal is to keep guests as active as possible during their time on the mountain and help them to continue performing at their best.

“The team has been incredibly thoughtful in their commitment to Cambium and all that wellness means."

Sabrina Wright has already been appointed as Cambium’s spa manager and says the the facility will offer a variety of unique treatments and packages.

“Cambium guests will be treated to a luxurious and inviting experience whether they join us for an hour or the whole day,” she commented.

Grand plans

The improvements at Schweitzer are part of the resort’s multi-year master plan that was launched in 2017. The project is being executed to help secure Schweitzer’s position as the top four-season resort in the Northwest by enhancing the customer experience.

The plan took a major leap forward in 2022 with the opening of Humbird and the start of construction on 5-Needles at White Pine, a 26-unit expansion to an existing base-area condominium complex that is expected to open this winter.

The resort is located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains and provides panoramic views of three states, Canada and Lake Pend Oreille.