Tom Schwartz's Arrival to the Winter House Sparked *a Lot* of Feelings: Get Details

Tom Schwartz made his highly-anticipated arrival to the Winter House during the Season 3 premiere on Oct. 24, and seeing as how filming took place shortly after Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval's breakup, the Colorado getaway was a much-welcomed reprieve from everything going down in West Hollywood. 

Unfortunately for Schwartz, his arrival didn't come without a few questions from his castmates about all of the madness — that, and even a little anger from some. Read on for details and to hear from Winter House cast members like Summer House's Danielle Olivera and Below Deck Mediterranean's Katie Flood, among others. 

But first, allow Schwartz to clear up some details. 

Tom Sandoval's Absence From Winter House Season 3, Explained

Schwartz first appeared in a confessional interview. "I feel like I got thrust into a parallel universe," he began. "Me and Tom actually had this trip planned together when we opened the bar, Schwartz and Sandy's. We always, from the get-go, said, 'Once we're done, we're gonna go to Steamboat [Springs], Colorado, we're gonna snowboard, and it's gonna be glorious.' But, um, you know, that's not the reality."

Photo: Bravo

Instead, Schwartz said he felt like he was "having an identity crisis."

"I feel like I've become a side character in somebody else's movie," he added. "It's all unraveling and I don't know what the hell's gonna happen."

The Winter House Cast's Reactions to Tom Schwartz's Arrival and the Vanderpump Rules Season 10 Drama 

Despite Schwartz's uncertainty, Kyle Cooke was admittedly excited to reunite with his longtime friend, telling the group — which, in addition to Danielle and Katie, also includes Alex Propson and Malia White of the Below Deck franchise; Kory Keefer of Winter House; Jordan Emanuel of Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard; Brian Benni of Family Karma; and Casey Craig making her Bravo debut — "I can't wait to see the guy." 

Though most of the roommates knew why Schwartz would be arriving solo rather than with Sandoval, Kyle made sure to provide some context. As he put it, "About a week ago, the internet was broken by Sandoval." 

Reacting in a confessional, Jordan said, "Everyone's seen the news. Somehow I always find myself in someone else's mess. I'd prefer to keep it Mr. Clean and stay out of it." 

Photo: Bravo

Danielle, meanwhile, had some stronger feelings — especially considering that, like Ariana, she was also reeling from a breakup after splitting from Robert Sieber.

"I know Tom Schwartz through his ex-wife Katie [Maloney], and she's not feeling great about him in this moment," she explained in a confessional of her own, at the time of the season filming earlier in 2023. "So, Tom, if you're bringing the baggage with Sandoval into this house — my safe haven from all the sh-t I'm dealing with — no; just get out."

Then there was yachtie Katie. "Am I living under a goddamn rock here?" the Below Deck Med alum asked with a laugh. "I have no idea who the f-ck Tom Schwartz is."

Of course, that's now changed.

Tom Schwartz Reflects on Winter House Season 3

In honor of the Winter House Season 3 premiere, Schwartz took to Instagram to share a series of photos from his time in Colorado. What's more, he wrote in part, "To the uninitiated, this may look like your garden-variety debauchery but let me tell you, without being too precious, it was so much more."

Schwartz went on to describe the Winter House as the group's "happy place" and "positivity vortex," as well as the "promise land where anything is possible and the kitchen is king."

He then concluded the heartfelt post by noting, "Forever grateful for the timing of this little getaway."

Stay tuned fore more Winter House shenanigans as Season 3 continues.