Schweitzer Mountain, the largest ski resort in Idaho, is opening its new $3.5-million “Sky House” summit lodge this Saturday, December 17.

Situated at the peak of Schweitzer Mountain, the Sky House will be open year-round and will feature 360-degree views of the Selkirk Mountains, Lake Pend Oreille and the entire resort.

The 9,000-square-foot lodge was designed by Sandpoint-based architect Tim Boden and construction started July 2015. The main floor will host The Nest restaurant and full-service bar along with the Red Hawk café, offering indoor and outdoor seating for up to 180 people.

“We are thrilled to open the Sky House for the 2016-2017 season,” says Tom Chasse, president and CEO of Schweitzer Mountain Resort. “We know the lodge will become a destination attraction during the summer and winter seasons, providing another reason for outdoor enthusiasts to add Schweitzer to their ‘must visit’ lists. We are still a hidden gem for many — by adding fresh and worthwhile amenities like the Sky House, we are confident Schweitzer will be on the radar of skiing enthusiasts and those who are searching for the perfect, family-friendly getaway.”

The ground floor of the building will become the new home for Ski Patrol dispatch and provide much-needed restrooms on the summit. The building will also offer options for accommodating private events, large meetings, retreats, summer festivals and an enhanced venue for mountaintop weddings.

Offering 2,900 skiable acres and 92 runs Schweitzer is the largest ski resort in Idaho and one of the biggest in North America. In summer, the resort offers a variety of activities for families including hiking, mountain biking, a zip line, climbing wall and chairlift rides.

The Sky House is scheduled to be open to the public on December 17 and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.