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Home Learning CentersChewelah Peak FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A visit to the Chewelah Peak Learning Center is an exciting time, but often generates questions. Read on for answers to our most frequently asked questions.

1. Who uses the Chewelah Peak Learning Center? Why?

Chewelah Peak visitors range in ages from youth to senior citizens. They utilize the Learning Center and its surroundings for  outdoor science education, Challenge Course and teambuilding, student leadership programs, and all types of retreats. For more information, contact Sue Lind, general manager, at 509-935-7400.

2. Is Chewelah Peak available for private parties?

Yes, however school and educational groups have priority for bookings.  If a date or dates are available we can book receptions, reunions, weddings, retreats, ski & stay family outings, etc. 

3. Do you charge a deposit?  What happens if we need to cancel?

We charge a 25% deposit to book a visit; this amount is also the non-refundable cancellation fee if a group cancels after booking their event.  School groups often provide a Purchase Order number for the entire amount in lieu of a deposit.  The chef may ask for an additional deposit for large dinner parties that require the purchase of non-standard foods and menu items.       

4. Are there RV spaces available at Chewelah Peak?

Yes, we have short term parking for up to ten RVs; all spaces have electrical and water hook-up (water is summer only.)  No sewer or dump site available on the property although there is a place to empty tanks in Chewelah.  These spots are not for public camping; they are reserved for short term use during group visits. Click here for RV rates.

5. Can groups, teams, and families use the facility during the ski season?

Yes! Your overnight stay must be booked in advance and meals are available if there are 10 or more in your party.  We are pleased to be able to offer discounted ski tickets to our guests for the 49 Degrees North ski hill which is directly across the street from our center (ski hill entrance is less than one mile away.)  Rates: $15 per night per person plus $25 for a one day ski pass.  If meals are ordered as part of your package the prices are: Breakfast (8 a.m.) $5.75, Lunch (noon) $6.25, and Dinner (5 p.m.) $8.25 per person.  See the Ski & Stay link for details.

6. What is the weather like at Chewelah Peak?   How cold does it get at night; will a sleeping bag be warm enough?  How warm does it get in the summer; do you have air conditioning? 

Great questions!  Chewelah Peak Learning Center is located at the summit of Chewelah Peak (a little over 4000 ft in elevation.)  Our weather is usually warm and pleasant with cooler evenings in the summer and very cold and often snowy in the winter.  Spring and Fall can be at either end of the spectrum!  It's best to call a day or two before your visit to ask about the current weather and temperature patterns.  You can also visit a WebCam located across the road at 49 Degrees North ski hill (access www.ski49n.com and click on WebCam.)  It can be sunny in Spokane and snowing on the mountain. 

All our buildings are heated with radiant floor heat so they remain very comfortable in winter.  We do not have air conditioning but most of our windows open to allow a nice breeze to flow through the buildings.  Temperatures can range from below zero in the winter to over 100 degrees in the summer!    

7. What is the parking like at Chewelah Peak?  

Chewelah Peak Learning Center was designed for school groups so there is ample room for multiple busses and vans in the upper parking lot.  An additional lower parking lot will accommodate even more vehicles.  When a non-traditional event is scheduled that attracts 300 to 400 guests (i.e., Women of Worth conference, Spokane Symphony Music on the Mountain event, etc.) parking can be an issue.  Parking is available in both the upper and lower lots and along the driveway.  Please do not park in the Snow Park Loop that is located across the Flowery Trail Road from our driveway in the winter unless you have a permit.  Summer parking in that area is fine.  We recommend that larger groups carpool as much as possible.  Meet your friends in town and drive up in one vehicle.  Our entrance road and parking lots are gravel, not paved.  

View parking suggestions for large group events.

8. What do we do when our planned outdoor activities need to change due to severe weather that day? 

If you are the only group scheduled at the center there are plenty of indoor classrooms and gathering places available to move your sessions indoors.  The staff may be able to suggest alternative activities if needed.  If several groups are visiting that day the staff will call a group leader meeting to determine the needs of each group and help locate training sites for each session.  Available classroom and meeting locations:

• Lodge - dining hall, staff lunchroom, and foyer
• Learning Studio - four classrooms, library, common area, and outdoor covered patio
• Dorm A Upstairs - two common area classrooms
• Dorm B - one or two storage areas may be available for small groups
• Pavilion (Scheduled completion is Summer of 2008) - one outdoor covered meeting area

Additional classrooms and meeting locations will be added as new buildings are financed and constructed.   

9. Will my cell phone work at Chewelah Peak?  

Many cell phones do not work at Chewelah Peak but Cingular/AT&T service works well here.  Verizon service works at the stop sign where our driveway meets the Flowery Trail Road.  We do have a phone in the lodge for local calls or calling card calls.  

10. How do we determine overnight and meal costs for a mixed group (example: a team of twenty 5th graders, a high school student advisor, and three adult chaperones?) 

Charges are based on the majority in most cases.  In the example above we would charge all twenty-four guests the 5th grade price; either the AWSP rate or non-AWSP rate.  AWSP rates are charged if the school principal is a member of the Association of Washington School Principals.  Call us, we'd be glad to explain the charges for your unique visit.    

11. Can we rent the center to teach our own classes?    

Yes, most groups rent our facilities to do their own classes and retreats.  Examples: school science camps, school teambuilding camps, fly fishing camps, Scrap Attack - a scrap booking and quilting retreat, master gardening, snow cave building, bicycling circuits, four-wheeler excursions, University ski racing teams, sports teams, church retreats, family reunions, etc.     

12. What are the beds like in the Dorms?

They are actually very comfortable.  Most are hand made bunk beds that are extremely sturdy - both top and bottom bunks - and will easily hold adults.  Each bed has a firm, single-bed sized mattress, and a cubby hole under the bed to store personal belongings.  Mattresses are covered in a non-porous material to allow for sanitation.  Bedding and toiletries are supplied by guests. 

13. Do you have emergency services available?   

Most schools provide their own nurse or medical personnel and we have a nurses station in Dorm A for their use.  In case of an emergency, we are only nine miles from St. Joseph's Hospital in Chewelah.  The hospital offers full medical services with a 24 hour emergency room.  911 service is available from Chewelah Peak Learning Center.

14. Are the facilities handicapped accessible?

Yes, all buildings may be accessed without stairs, and dorm showers and stalls allow for wheelchair access.  Special vehicle transportation is available to most outlying study sites - water, amphitheater, field - just let the staff know your needs before your visit.

15. Are there field trips the we can participate in on our way to Chewelah Peak Learning Center or on our way home? 

Yes, our curriculum guide contains several field trip ideas.

16. Is anyone on the staff available to speak to our organization about Chewelah Peak and what you do there? 

Yes, please call us at 509-935-7400 to set up an informational visit at your site.  We will try our best to fit your meeting in our schedule.  If you would like to make a trip to Chewelah Peak Learning Center to visit the facility please let us know; we want to make sure we are here to show you around.  Our full time Challenge Course Manager can also visit customers to perform on-site challenge course sessions.  

17. Is there a place to swim at Chewelah Peak Learning Center?

No, not on our property, but there is an outstanding recreation center with swimming, exercise equipment, gymnasium, and much more - less than 20 miles away!  The Camas Wellness Center offers reasonable rates for youth and adult day passes.

18. What are your GPS coordinates? 

Our GPS coordinates are: N 48º 18.736’    W 117º 34.015’

Last updated May 13, 2008