Replying to Schweitzer

So my buddy moved up to Idaho for 6 months just a few days ago and he lives about 30 minutes from Schweitzer.  I wanna visit there and have heard only a little bit about Schweitzer.  What kind of mountain is it? Park? backcountry?  where should I go if there's pow?  Also, what other resorts would you guys recommend that aren't too far?  Whistler is also an option but how long is the drive in the middle of winter?  Any help is greatly appreicated.