Ski Idaho e-newsletter

Lodging Deals – Ski, Stay and Save!

2008-03-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Spring is the time for the best lodging deals in the season.

Bogus Basin -

Stay and Play
Stay at a participating Boise-area hotel this winter, and play at Bogus Basin Mountain for FREE! Buy one alpine lift ticket or nordic trail pass and get another one FREE (of equal or less value).
No blackout periods
One lift ticket voucher per guest, per night of stay in Boise
Lift tickets valid during time of stay only
Mention the "Stay and Play" offer when placing reservations at participating hotels

Stay and Play is offered through a partnership with the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau with underwriting grant support from the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, Tourism Division.

Also at Bogus—Pioneer Condominiums – stay slopeside, buy one alpine ticket and get another at 1/2 price.

Brundage -

Ski Free – Stay Free
Brundage Mountain is pleased to partner with inidaho.com to offer our customers a great way to enjoy a mini-vacation in the McCall, Idaho area. When you reserve 2 or more nights of lodging and 2 or more days of skiing, InIdaho.com will buy an additional night and day of skiing at Brundage Mountain Resort for everyone reserved for the lodging stay.

Midweek Ski & Stay Packages 2007/2008 Starting at $134.60 per person:
2 full-day lift tickets for each person + 1 night's lodging at McCall's brand new AmericInn. (Price based on double occupancy, non-holiday, midweek, price does not include lodging tax.) For Reservations: Call 208-634-2230 or www.americinn.com

Grand Targhee -

Internet Special – reservations accepted online only – save money, time and make it easy with Targhee’s online reservation system.

Midweek Lodging Special - Limited time offer - Book now!
Stay with us on a lodging/skiing package anytime Sunday through Thursday nights and enjoy discounted rates.

Season Pass Holder Deal for Select Partners
Bogus Basin, Ski the Summit at Snoqualmie, Pepple Creek, Deer Valley, Welch Village, Northstar, Sierra, and Powder Ridge Resort season pass holders can ski and snowboard for FREE at Grand Targhee Resort when lodging at non-discounted rates. 1 free lift ticket for each overnight stay, with a 2-night minimum. To book your reservation or for more information simply call toll-free 1-800-TARGHEE (827-4433)

Any North American ski area season pass holder can ski and snowboard for FREE at Grand Targhee Resort when lodging at non-discounted rates. 1 free lift ticket for each overnight stay,ket for each overnight stay, with a 2-night minimum. To book your reservation or for more information simply call toll-free 1-800-TARGHEE (827-4433) – this offer is not available through online booking. Please mention this offer and the discount code "BE" when making your reservation. Each pass holder must show their valid 2007-08 photo season pass at check-in. The offer is not valid with any other offers or promotions, and is based on availability

Lookout Pass -

Mention the Ski Idaho e-newsletter for ski packages starting at $109.00 plus tax!

The Wallace Inn (wallaceinn.net) and Stardust Motel in historic Wallace Idaho have the best and least expensive ski packages in Idaho and the surrounding northwest area.

Wallace Inn- queen bedded room for #2 persons with ski passes to Lookout Ski Resort including a complimentary glass of wine or beer each.

Stardust Motel- even more economical; a single bedded room at the Stardust with the same offer- $86.00!!!!!!!!!!!!1

*special group rates also available.
**silver mtn packages also available

Pebble Creek -

Buy one, get one free, lift tickets when you stay at participating Lava Hot Springs Hotels conveniently located less than an hour from Pebble Creek Ski area. Take advantage of Ski Packages all winter long.

Schweitzer -

Schweitzer Ski Week Deal Lodging Reservations: 877.487.4643

Experience Schweitzer with a Ski Week! 6 & 7 night stays available (including a weekend) for midweek rates!

Stay Slopeside & Ski Free from only $64 per person at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Your package includes a one night stay for up to four people and free skiing for each person. Package is based on quad occupancy.

Silver Mountain -

From March through the end of the ski season, kids under 18 can ski for no additional charge with a minimum two-night stay at Morning Star Lodge.

Have a current season pass from another ski resort??
Ski FREE when you book a 3 night room package at Silver Mountain’s Morning Star Lodge. Must present valid and current season pass upon check-in. Offer valid now through end of season.

Ski & Stay Packages starting at $85 pp/do
Includes 1 night lodging and 1 day lift ticket.

Romance Packages
Enjoy an extraordinary evening or two at Morning Star Lodge with your sweetheart. Luxurious condo, Chilled Champagne or Huckleberry Wine, 2 complimentary Wine Glasses, Heart Shaped Bath Gel for the tub, souvenir candle and sweetheart chocolates.

Soldier Mountain --

Prairie Inn Ski/Stay Special
Stay at The Prairie Inn and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2247 for reservations.

Soldier Mountain Ranch Ski/Stay Special
Stay with Soldier Mountain Ranch and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2506 for reservations.

Sun Valley -

Beginning Thursday, March 27, 2008, Sun Valley Resort will offer a special Spring Ski Package. Skiers are invited to stay in the Sun Valley Lodge or the Sun Valley Inn for only $74 per person double occupancy. This room rate includes a one day ski pass and can be booked for multiple days. This offer will continue through the end of the ski season.

Visit the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau for more information about hot lodging deals:

Tamarack -

Spring Packages
Spring Packages are valid from March 23rd – Winter Season Close

Stay & Ski Free
Starting from $124 per person, per night. Package includes a Lift Ticket per person, per lodging night.

March 23, 2008 - Winter Season Close Package
Based on quad occupancy in a three-bedroom Sawtooth or Bitterroot Chalet. One daily lift ticket per person per night booked is included in package. Three nights minimum stay is required for arrivals Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Four nights minimum stay is required for arrivals Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Discovery Package -- March 23, 2008 Winter Season Close
Starting from $133 per person, per night.
Package includes a Discovery Ticket per person, per lodging night.
Valid. Package is based on quad occupancy in an Owyhee Cottage. Two nights minimum stay is required. One-day Discovery Ticket per person per night booked is included in package. Discovery ticket includes access to all lifts, as well as the nordic and snowshoe trails. Package may be upgraded to include a massage at Sante Spa.

Backcountry Discovery Package -- March 23, 2008 - Winter Season Close 2008
Starting from $290 per person, per night.
Package includes a full-day backcountry experience trip per person, per lodging night.
Package is based on 8-person occupancy in an Estate Home. Full-day guided backcountry experience trip per person, per night booked is included in package. Two nights minimum stay is required.

Snowmobile Lodging Package -- March 23, 2008 - Winter Season Close
Starting from $217 per person, per night.
Package includes a guided snowmobile trip off Tamarack's summit per person, per lodging night. Package is based on quad occupancy in a two-bedroom townhome. Half-day guided snowmobile trip per person, per night booked is included in package. Two nights minimum stay is required.

The end of winter is no reason to stow your gear.

2008-03-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Here’s what’s on the menu in Idaho this spring: Burgers grilling on the deck, corn snow on the slopes, and sunscreen on rosy cheeks—served under blue sky and sunshine. Skiing late March and early April in Idaho is special.

I took a special spring tour into the heart of Idaho shared in this issue. The spring conditions were perfect on a loop through Bogus Basin, Soldier Mountain and Sun Valley. Also featured are the terrain and amenities you’ll find at Tamarack, Bogus Basin and Magic Mountain. There’s also time left to get the best lodging deals of the season—learn all about them here. Take a look at the events calendar to pick your dates.

Blue skies, mild temperatures and hero snow make spring a great time to be on the slopes. In addition to better visibility and better weather, spring skiers can count on shorter lift lines and wide-open runs.

Best of all, 2008 offers spring skiing as good as it gets in Idaho, thanks to the deepest snow packs in years. Most resorts have a base of 10 feet or more. Plus, March is a great snow month. Spring rains in the city mean powder days on the hill.

Spring is also time to think about next winter. Season pass sales have started at all your favorite resorts. Buy now and save from 40-60 percent on next year’s winter fun. And keep your head up. Winter’s done, but the fun will go on in the mountains of Idaho.

Tamarack: What’s your pleasure: luxury, adventure—or both?

2008-03-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

The leadership driving Tamarack Resort are vying to set a new standard for the upscale winter experience in the heart of the scenic Payette River Mountains. The resorts well-heeled credentials include Bliss, a long, fast blue cruiser featured in SKI Magazine last fall. But for the ultimate Tamarack experience, consider a trip into the backcountry.

Tamarack’s attention to luxury amenities gets a lion’s share of attention, but this emerging big time resort is committed to backcountry touring. It’s got great assets to work with—over 5,000 acres of terrain under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, with more to come.

Tamarack’s guided backcountry services are designed for strong skiers and snowboarders with a thirst for adventure. Depending on the size of your group, you can ride in a snowcat or experience the thrill of skijoring behind a snowmobile. Professional guides show you untracked powder in glades and open bowls to the north and south of Tamarack’s in-bounds terrain. Half-day and full day trips are available.

Dropping from a ridgetop into the unknown and floating through virgin powder is an unforgettable experience. Your guide won’t steer you wrong. Just tell them what you like. Turn through wide-open spaces and cedar forests. Drop over cliffs or blast through the pillows of snow-covered boulder fields. It’s up to you.

Come back down to earth in-bounds and explore balanced terrain with cruisers, steeps, glades and cornices. Vertical totals 2,800 feet with 41 runs served by seven lifts, including three high-speed quads. Best of all there’s a limit of only 2,000 skiers a day on 1,110 acres.

This season Tamarack has made a big commitment to freeriders. If that’s your scene, don’t miss out on one of just six Olympic-sized SuperPipes in all of North America. The Hells Canyon Pipe opened in mid-January, featuring 22-foot high Olympic-caliber walls and a length of 450 feet.

Stay and Play:
Stay slopeside in two- and three-bedroom cottages, chalets and vacation homes at the base of Tamarack Mountain. Various packages are available all season long. For more information see tamarackidaho.com/vacation_planning/lodging_packages.php. Rooms are also available in the nearby towns of McCall to the north and Cascade to the south.

Bogus Basin is a big-time hill with a local feel

2008-03-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

Bogus Basin has it all: high speed lifts, night skiing, trees, bumps, double diamonds, cruisers, three terrain parks and great backcountry--all in a non-profit, affordable package.

The slopes are just 16.5 miles from Boise. The scenic, twisting road has over 200 curves from bottom to top. Despite the curves, the drive only takes about 35 minutes from downtown. Book a room in Boise at participating hotels in the mountain’s Stay and Play program and get two for one lift tickets for every night you stay.

With seven lifts and thousands of acres, Bogus Basin is a great mountain fit for any type of skier, whether you like your snowriding long and leisurely or difficult and challenging. Take time to explore. Ask for an escort by a Mountain Host. These red-jacketed guides know every inch of the hill and they love to show you around.

Or hook up with a local and ask for a trip OB and down "Chair 7" or through the infamous Triangle or Waterfall/911 areas on Pine Creek. Beginners enjoy Silver Queen Cabin Traverse. Lift 5 is great for intermediates. If you like long cruisers, Pine Creek is the place to go. For kids, there’s a mountain full of hidden "jump trails" to enjoy.

Enthusiasts agree the place to check out is The Face--several hundred acres of steep black and double diamond terrain with widely spaced trees, cliffs and cornices. Hike to the very top above Superior and follow the crest to cornices, cliffs and Idaho’s signature deep powder snow.

Bogus has three terrain parks. Each park throws out different lines and features to challenge freestyle skiers and riders at any skill level. For newbies to freestyle, Sunshine is a great introduction to park riding. Claim Jumper is geared for intermediate to advanced riders. Playground Freestyle features an exclusive Planet c- bowl wall ride that has Ski Trax as a riding surface - the only feature of its kind here in the west.

This year Bogus Basin is celebrating its Black Diamond Anniversary—65 years as Boise’s winter getaway. The mountain recreation area has been a non-profit, community-based ski area since it opened in 1942. Join the celebration this year for the best of winter in Idaho.

-###-

Eight things every skier and rider must do at Bogus Basin:

1. Check out the view of the valley from the top of Deer Point chair #1. Take a picture to send to your friends and family to make them jealous.

2. Eat an order of our famous bodacious chili cheese fries...yummy...

3. Enjoy mountain views from Pioneer Lodge, spectacular at night

4. Go night skiing or riding, a magical experience during a full moon. Chair 3 is open at night and it's your own private Idaho on the backside at night.

5. Scope at the action at any of our 3 terrain parks: the Sunshine terrain park (for beginners and young kids) off of Morning Star #2; or the Playground and Claim Jumper parks off of Deer Point #1 (for intermediate to expert freeriders)

6. Sit by the gas fireplace at the Frontier Point Nordic Center

7. Ride the Pepsi GoldRush Tubing Hill for a different kind of thrill

8. Free popcorn every day at 4pm in Simplot Lodge-just follow the aroma and help yourself!

Upcoming Idaho Mountain Events

2008-03-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

BOGUS BASIN

Saturday, March 29 – Spring Slopestyle
Sponsored by the Board Room, the final event in the Bogus Basin Freeride Series.

Sunday, April 13 -- Bogus Basin Season Closing Day Party
Celebrate Bogus Basin's final day of winter operation with a beach party in front of JR Simplot Lodge from 11:00am - 4:30pm. Music, barbeque, snow bar (snow conditions permitting) raffle prizes and tons of fun to celebrate a FABULOUS 2008-2009 season!

BRUNDAGE

April 12-13 – Brundage Mountain Crazy Days
Unlimited fun in the sun to wrap up a great ski season. Events include: Pond Skimming, Poker Run, Ski marathon, live music and much, much more.

GRAND TARGHEE

March 29 -- King of the Tetons '08
Sponsored by the Grand Targhee Ski & Snowboard Team, this race, AKA "Lady's Waist Nooodle Legs Free Ride Race," will start at the top of the mountain at the Ladies' Waist Trail and will be a 70 Giant Slalom course that ends at the Flats.

April 5 -- Habitat Rail Jam Contest Series (Finals) & Freestyle Clinic
In partnership with Habitat, Grand Targhee Ski & Snowboard School is offering a Freestyle Snowboard Clinic and Rail Jam series. The Rail Jam is open to both skiers and snowboarders. All Freestyle clinic participants receive free entry into the Rail Jam contest.

April 12 -- 8th Annual Cardboard Box Derby
What a great way to end the season!

LOOKOUT PASS

March 29 - 30 Slush Cup - Pond Skimming Events

April 4 -- Projected last day of the season

Apr. 12 - 19 Possible Saturday operations - Depending on conditions

SCHWEITZER

April 5 – Tropical Daze
Come celebrate the finale to another great season! From pond skimming and the downhill dummy contest; to live music, rubber duck hunt & some great spring skiing.

SILVER MOUNTAIN

March 29-30 – Silver Cup Races

April 4/5 -- Founder's Weekend

April 5 -- Spring Carnival: Pond Skimming, Sun & Snow

April 6 -- Last day of Regular Winter Operations

TAMARACK

April 5 -- Super Sweet Saturdays of Spring: Ugly Sweater Day

April 10 -- Coleman Open: USSA FreeStyle Comp
Come compete in Moguls, Dual Moguls, SlopeStyle and SuperPipe (and if not Pipe- comp will be a Big Air). This is a USSA sponsored event, so you must be registered with USSA to compete.

April 12 -- Super Sweet Saturdays of Spring: Dummy Downhill and Flashback Day

SUN VALLEY

March 28/29 -- Holding Cup
The Annual Holding Cup Intercollegiate Alumni Handicap Race begins March 28 with some new rules. Teams will be composed of 4 members over the age of 21 who have attended the same university. The first 3 places win money for their college ski team. Visit www.holdingcup.com for further details or call Sun Valley Events at 208-726-2777.

April 4 – Sun Valley Telemark Race Series
Hawaiian Nationals: Duel GS and Tandem Telemark Challenge

Magic Mountain offers a great family experience

2008-03-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

It’s not the biggest hill--or the highest. But Magic Mountain compensates for it by other means.

Magic Mountain is the type of place you want to take your kids so that they know what skiing is all about. It’s one of several small community hills in Idaho that are just as important as the big time hills in terms of fueling passion for the sport.

With 280 acres of territory, Magic is a great little area with no crowds, lots of groomers, friendly people at work, and lots of snow. Even with a summit at just 3,200 feet, yearly snowfall averages almost 15 feet. Best of all skiing here is affordable for the whole family. An adult pass is only 25 bucks and kids under six are free.

But the slopes aren’t all mellow. Some are steep. There’s great new tree runs, and even cliffs to jump. The "terrain park" is a charming hangout with hand made rails local kids have built in their welding lab at school. Plus, the new tubing hill is a hoot. Magic has enough variety to keep you going all day.

This season at Magic the lodge and restrooms are newly remodeled. A new diesel motor for the chair lift makes it faster and smoother. The snow and ski board rental inventory has also been updated.

Magic Mountain is a hidden gem, but its easy to find and easy to get to, 28 miles South of Hansen on Rock Creek Road. Numerous hotels in Twin Falls are less than an hour away. Anyone looking for a great family ski experience at a great price should make the trip.

The Best of Idaho continued…

2008-03-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Spring skiing in the heart of Idaho

Springtime is a wonderful time for skiing. For the best spring skiing in the world, the place is Sun Valley. To get there from Boise you drive by a couple of great mountains along the way. This time I pulled over at Bogus Basin and Soldier Mountain.

Drive or fly to Boise and the slopes of Bogus Basin are just 16 miles from downtown. I traveled with my wife Claire downstate by car. We drove past turnoffs to four ski areas en route. The next morning we were skiing at Bogus, 45 minutes after leaving the hotel. About four inches of snow fell overnight.

Springtime is a wonderful time for skiing. For the best spring skiing in the world, the place is Sun Valley. To get there from Boise you drive by a couple of great mountains along the way. This time I pulled over at Bogus Basin and Soldier Mountain.

Drive or fly to Boise and the slopes of Bogus Basin are just 16 miles from downtown. I traveled with my wife Claire downstate by car. We drove past turnoffs to four ski areas en route. The next morning we were skiing at Bogus, 45 minutes after leaving the hotel. About four inches of snow fell overnight.

We were treated like royalty. Bogus marketing executive Gretchen Anderson set us up with a team of Mountain Hosts. Mountain Hosts are a team of expert locals who cruise the piste, showing people how to find what they’re looking for.

Bogus Basin has 2,600 acres with ridgelines running to two main peaks: Deer Point and Schafer Butte. Our mountain hosts showed us a representative sample of Bogus terrain accessed by six lifts. You need more than a day to see all of Bogus.

My wife veered off with two hosts to go cruising. I followed a trio of red jackets off piste. We skied glades until it was time to have grilled burgers in a yurt at the summit of Deer Point.

After lunch we warmed back up with a few speed runs down Shaker Ridge and Wildcat, then returned to the trees. We did as much as we could in a day—including cold beer and free popcorn in the Simplot Lodge. Leaving Bogus we reeled in Boise, winding our way down the road in late afternoon sunshine. Later Claire and I checked out nightlife downtown.

Next morning we drove into the sunrise down I-84 to Mountain Home. There the route leaves the desert into the mountains east on highway 20. At Fairfield we had breakfast at the Sawtooth Inn before driving north 12 miles to Soldier Mountain.

Soldier Mountain has 1,200 acres of fun for $30, high up in the Sawtooth National Forest. You can see great fall lines for a hundred miles. In-bounds, south facing slopes are wide-open bowls. Glades line the north aspects. I stayed in the sunshine, skiing off Soldier Peak, Pioneer Peak and Mill Point.

Again and again I cruised by the outdoor grill on my way to the lift. Finally the aroma of charbroiled burgers won out over one more run. Cold beer sat in tubs full of ice. Claire and I ate a late lunch on the deck, soaking up the afternoon sun. We hated to leave but we had to keep rolling. Our next stop was the Sun Valley Lodge.

Continuing east from Fairfield, highway 20 is crossed by highway 75, the road to Sun Valley. Drive to this classic destination, the Sawtooth range closes in. Bald Mountain is an iconic backdrop to Ketchum and the resort of Sun Valley.

The Sun Valley Lodge defined alpine elegance in 1936 and still does. Its rich history gives it a special aura. Hallways are lined with over 70 years of photographs showing Hollywood stars, Olympic legends and world leaders returning to earth at Sun Valley.

We rendezvoused with my in-laws, John and Janet Peterson. John has been skiing Sun Valley since 1950. He made reservations for dinner at the Ketchum Grill. From the looks of the crowd, it had to be the most popular restaurant in town. After drinking the wine and eating the food, I wasn’t surprised.

As dawn broke I looked out the window and saw a perfect day at Sun Valley. A shuttle that runs every 15 minutes took us to River Run, one of two main access areas to the slopes. Claire and I placed ourselves in the capable hands John. He showed us the best way to enjoy the mountain on a perfect spring day.

John Peterson is a youthful 77. He prefers to spend the morning carving in the sun on Seattle Ridge. To get there one must first go to the top of Baldy, where we looked out on a panorama of the Sawtooth Range bathed in sunshine.

After a gourmet lunch in the Seattle Ridge Lodge, we redeployed. Failing to sustain a run top to bottom down Warm Springs, my quads cried in pain. Not sure what I was thinking. If there’s a faster surface in bounds than Picabo’s Street, let me know.

On the deck in the sun at River Run, we had a cold pint of Gretchen’s Gold. The bus took us back to the lodge and a nap. Later John treated us to a memorable feast at the Ram in the Challenger Inn, about a five-minute walk from the Sun Valley Lodge.

One of the coolest things about the Sun Valley Lodge is Sun Valley Serenade, a classic Hollywood romance made on location in the early 1940’s. It plays again and again 24 hours a day on a cable channel piped into your room.

Sun Valley Serenade could be the first ski movie ever made. Filmed in black and white, the familiar vistas take on an ethereal quality. The skiers performing on camera in place of the actors were the best of their time. The movie inspired adventure in the golden age of film. After a perfect day at Sun Valley, that will never change.

Spring is King in Idaho...

2008-03-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

The hills are alive in Idaho this spring with the sound of music, laughter and ripped corn snow. Great weather brings the slopeside events and après ski outside. Great lodging deals give you more for your money during one of the best times of the year in the mountains. We've got important information about all the events and best lodging deals in one place.

Spring turns the events and festivals up a notch in the mountains. One of the biggest mountain resort events in North America happens in Sun Valley next weekend with 48STRAIGHT and the grand finale of the Jeep King of the Mountain Tour. Schweitzer also throws a big party with big air when it hosts the STOMP Games, also next weekend.

We've got the latest update on Schweitzer and the STOMP Games in this issue, plus more features about places you probably haven't been but should. A robust snowpack in Idaho has set things up beautifully for awesome spring skiing: firm, fast groomers in the morning and buttery corn in the afternoon. Just follow the sun-and wear your sunscreen.

Upcoming Idaho Mountain Events

2008-03-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

BOGUS BASIN

Saturday, March 8 -- Ullr Fest
Ullr, in Norse mythology, is the patron saint of winter snow and skiing. The 'Ullr Fest' is to thank Ullr for the abundance of snow this season with a Poker Run, Parade and après ski festivities.

SCHWEITZER

March 14-16 -- Stomp Games
One of the biggest events of the year. Three days of competition with five events. There is a total guaranteed prize purse of $10,000.00 CASH up for grabs. Even if you're not competing, it's worth coming up for the show. All the events can be seen from the base area.

SUN VALLEY

March 14-16 -- 48STRAIGHT, a consolidation of the Jeep King of the Mountain Series and the Ketchum based Ski Tour, is a jam-packed weekend of on-snow and off-snow activities designed to celebrate the mountain culture. The event will include ski and snowboard cross racing and half pipe competitions, over a dozen live concerts, street parties, fashion shows, film festivals and environmental expos. Here are some lodging/lift packages to take advantage of during the event weekend. Visit 48Straight.com for more event info.

BOGUS BASIN

Saturday, March 8 -- Ullr Fest
Ullr, in Norse mythology, is the patron saint of winter snow and skiing. The 'Ullr Fest' is to thank Ullr for the abundance of snow this season with a Poker Run, Parade and après ski festivities.

Saturday, March 15 -- Bogus Basin Freeride Series Hip competition
The Hip Comp, sponsored by the EcoLounge, is the third event in the Bogus Basin Freeride series.

Saturday, March 15 -- Carve & Slice (Ski & Golf)
Ski and golf in the same day - it's what living here is all about! This 2nd annual fundraising event benefits the Butch Wolf Memorial Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to the Junior High and High School Race programs.

Sunday, March 16 -- American Cancer Society Hope on the Slopes
Support the American Cancer Society and hit the slopes to give hope. Ski or snowboard to raise money for cancer research. Discounted lift tickets with your event bib.

Saturday through Monday, March 22-24 - J3 Olympics

Saturday, March 29 - Spring Slopestyle
Sponsored by the Board Room, the final event in the Bogus Basin Freeride Series.

BRUNDAGE

Saturday March 15 -- Brundage Mountain Boarder/Skier Cross

GRAND TARGHEE

March 14-16 -- 15th Annual Anheuser-Busch Spring Snow Games
An event that has become a virtual rite of spring, the "Annual Anheuser-Busch Spring Snow Games" will once again be celebrated on the slopes of Grand Targhee Resort.

March 22-23 -- Grand Targhee Freeskiiing Rendezvous
Grand Targhee Resort will hold a Freeskiing competition off the North side of Peaked Mountain. This competition will be limited to 50 competitors (male and female skiers) 11 - 17 years, on a first come, first-serve sign-up.

March 22 -- Habitat Rail Jam Contest Series & Freestyle Clinic
In partnership with Habitat, Grand Targhee Ski & Snowboard School is offering a Freestyle Snowboard Clinic and Rail Jam series. The Rail Jam is open to both skiers and snowboarders. All Freestyle clinic participants receive free entry into the Rail Jam contest.

LOOKOUT PASS

March 8 - North Idaho College Uphill/Downhill Race

March 15 -- Free Ski School - Graduation & BBQ. Costume contest and prizes!

March 15 - Lookout Ski Shop Ski & Board Demo Day

March 15/16 -- Emerald Youth Ski League Finals - Alpine GS & SL

March 17 -- St. Pattys Day - Corned beef and green beer!

March 21 Appreciation Day - Military, Firefighter and Police Appreciation Day

March 22 Lookout BBQ - Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day King & Queen of the mountain downhill

March 29 - 30 Slush Cup - Pond Skimming Events

SCHWEITZER

March 14-16 -- Stomp Games
One of the biggest events of the year. Three days of competition with five events. There is a total guaranteed prize purse of $10,000.00 CASH up for grabs. Even if you're not competing, it's worth coming up for the show. All the events can be seen from the base area.

April 5 - Tropical Daze

SILVER MOUNTAIN

March 15 -- Retro Days

March 17 -- St. Patrick's Day Celebration

March 29-30 - Silver Cup Races

TAMARACK

March 7 -- Locals' Cup Race Series
Get your team together and hit the slopes! Telemarkers, Skiers and Boarders are all welcome to sign up or drop in for the sweetest dual GS races of the season. Includes lots of parties, awards and good times!

March 7-9 -- Subaru Factory Team Women's Camp
Skiing, coaching, and video analysis by members of the Subaru Factory Team and Kate Underwood.

March 9 -- Club Alpine Race
This GS Race is available to Skiers and Boarders. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category.

March 12 -- Super G Camp
Super G camp is open to anyone of any age and intermediate ability or better with the desire to learn elements common to the speed events of alpine racing. Focus will be directed at the fundamentals of super G racing; ie. skiing the proper line, course inspection and proper technique and tactics.

March 22 -- Jeep Terrain Park Challenge
The Jeep Terrain Park Challenge is a progressive program that recognizes a need for rider education. The program moves around the country to drop in to the nation's terrain parks to promote the SMART STYLE message in a hands-on way that sure ain't a classroom!

SUN VALLEY

March 14-16 -- 48STRAIGHT, a consolidation of the Jeep King of the Mountain Series and the Ketchum based Ski Tour, is a jam-packed weekend of on-snow and off-snow activities designed to celebrate the mountain culture. The event will include ski and snowboard cross racing and half pipe competitions, over a dozen live concerts, street parties, fashion shows, film festivals and environmental expos. Here are some lodging/lift packages to take advantage of during the event weekend. Visit 48Straight.com for more event info.

March 28/29 -- Holding Cup

Lodging Deals - Ski, Stay and Save!

2008-03-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

Spring is the time for the best lodging deals in the season.

Bogus Basin -

Stay and Play
Stay at a participating Boise-area hotel this winter, and play at Bogus Basin Mountain for FREE! Buy one alpine lift ticket or nordic trail pass and get another one FREE (of equal or less value).
No blackout periods
One lift ticket voucher per guest, per night of stay in Boise
Lift tickets valid during time of stay only
Mention the "Stay and Play" offer when placing reservations at participating hotels

Stay and Play is offered through a partnership with the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau with underwriting grant support from the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, Tourism Division.

Also at Bogus-Pioneer Condominiums - stay slopeside, buy one alpine ticket and get another at 1/2 price.

Brundage -

BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN RESORT Ski Free, Stay Free. Brundage Mountain Resort is pleased to partner with InIdaho.com to offer a great way to enjoy a mini-vacation in McCall, ID. Reserve 2 or more nights of lodging and 2 or more days of skiing and InIdaho.com will buy an additional night of lodging and a day of skiing at Brundage for everyone reserved for the lodging stay. Restrictions apply. Book your Ski Free/Stay Free package now or call 800-844-3246 for more information.

BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN RESORT 2008-2009 season passes are now on sale! Buy a FIRST TIMER PASS FOR ONLY $239 and ski the rest of 2007-2008 for free! Renew your ADULT SEASON PASS FOR ONLY $289. Save up to $150 when you buy before May 1, 2008.

Grand Targhee -

Internet Special - reservations accepted online only - save money, time and make it easy with Targhee's online reservation system.

Midweek Lodging Special - Limited time offer - Book now!
Stay with us on a lodging/skiing package anytime Sunday through Thursday nights and enjoy discounted rates.

Season Pass Holder Deal for Select Partners
Bogus Basin, Ski the Summit at Snoqualmie, Pepple Creek, Deer Valley, Welch Village, Northstar, Sierra, and Powder Ridge Resort season pass holders can ski and snowboard for FREE at Grand Targhee Resort when lodging at non-discounted rates. 1 free lift ticket for each overnight stay, with a 2-night minimum. To book your reservation or for more information simply call toll-free 1-800-TARGHEE (827-4433)

Any North American ski area season pass holder can ski and snowboard for FREE at Grand Targhee Resort when lodging at non-discounted rates. 1 free lift ticket for each overnight stay,ket for each overnight stay, with a 2-night minimum. To book your reservation or for more information simply call toll-free 1-800-TARGHEE (827-4433) - this offer is not available through online booking. Please mention this offer and the discount code "BE" when making your reservation. Each pass holder must show their valid 2007-08 photo season pass at check-in. The offer is not valid with any other offers or promotions, and is based on availability

Lookout Pass -

Mention the Ski Idaho e-newsletter for ski packages starting at $109.00 plus tax!

The Wallace Inn (wallaceinn.net) and Stardust Motel in historic Wallace Idaho have the best and least expensive ski packages in Idaho and the surrounding northwest area.

Wallace Inn- queen bedded room for #2 persons with ski passes to Lookout Ski Resort including a complimentary glass of wine or beer each.

Stardust Motel- even more economical; a single bedded room at the Stardust with the same offer- $86.00!!!!!!!!!!!!1

*special group rates also available.
**silver mtn packages also available

Pebble Creek -

Buy one, get one free, lift tickets when you stay at participating Lava Hot Springs Hotels
conveniently located less than an hour from Pebble Creek Ski area. Take advantage of Ski Packages all winter long.

Schweitzer -

Schweitzer Ski Week Deal
Lodging Reservations: 877.487.4643

Experience Schweitzer with a Ski Week! 6 & 7 night stays available (including a weekend) for midweek rates!

Stay Slopeside & Ski Free from only $64 per person at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Your package includes a one night stay for up to four people and free skiing for each person. Package is based on quad occupancy.

Silver Mountain -
Kids Ski FREE....begins March 1 and runs through the end of the season. 2 night minimum at Silver Mountain's Morning Star Lodge. 1 free youth lift ticket for each paying adult. Ski & Stay Packages starting at $85/per person, based on double occupancy Includes 1 night lodging and 1 day lift ticket.

Have a current season pass from another ski resort??
Ski FREE when you book a 3 night room package at Silver Mountain's Morning Star Lodge. Must present valid and current season pass upon check-in. Offer valid now through end of season.

Ski & Stay Packages starting at $85 pp/do
Includes 1 night lodging and 1 day lift ticket.

Romance Packages
Enjoy an extraordinary evening or two at Morning Star Lodge with your sweetheart. Luxurious condo, Chilled Champagne or Huckleberry Wine, 2 complimentary Wine Glasses, Heart Shaped Bath Gel for the tub, souvenir candle and sweetheart chocolates.

Soldier Mountain -

Prairie Inn Ski/Stay Special
Stay at The Prairie Inn and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2247 for reservations.

Soldier Mountain Ranch Ski/Stay Special
Stay with Soldier Mountain Ranch and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2506 for reservations.

Sun Valley -

March 14-16 -- 48STRAIGHT, a consolidation of the Jeep King of the Mountain Series and the Ketchum based Ski Tour, is a jam-packed weekend of on-snow and off-snow activities designed to celebrate the mountain culture. The event will include ski and snowboard cross racing and half pipe competitions, over a dozen live concerts, street parties, fashion shows, film festivals and environmental expos. Here are some lodging/lift packages to take advantage of during the event weekend. Visit 48Straight.com for more event info.

Beginning Thursday, March 27, 2008, Sun Valley Resort will offer a special Spring Ski Package. Skiers are invited to stay in the Sun Valley Lodge or the Sun Valley Inn for only $74 per person double occupancy. This room rate includes a one day ski pass and can be booked for multiple days. This offer will continue through the end of the ski season.

Mid Week Madness Special: Stay and ski at incredible price!

$105 per person based on double occupancy
Includes one night's lodging for 2 in the same room at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket for each person.

$175 single occupancy
Includes one night's lodging at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket.

Available only on selected dates. Package based on availability. For reservations and information call (800)-786-8259 or e-mail reservations@sunvalley.com.

Visit the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber and Visitor's Bureau for more information about hot lodging deals:

Tamarack -

Backcountry Discovery Package
Starting from $295 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a full-day backcountry experience trip per person, per lodging night.

Stay & Ski Free
Starting from $124 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a lift ticket per person, per lodging night.

Discovery Package
Starting from $139.50 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a Discovery Ticket per person, per lodging night.

Snowmobile & Lodging Package
Starting from $223 per person, per night.
Package includes a guided snowmobile trip off Tamarack's summit per person.

Dual Escape Spa Package
Starting from $402 per couple, per night.
Package includes a Dual Escape Massage per lodging night.

Schweitzer offers a stomping good time this Spring

2008-03-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

Schweitzer offers a special winter experience all the way to Spring. This year the mountain celebrates suntans and corn snow with its most anticipated event of the season: The Stomp Games.

Schweitzer throws the Stomp Games on March 14th through 16th. The event moves into the national arena this year. For the first time ever, the winner of the men's pro skier slopestyle event will receive an invitation to be featured in the next Poor Boyz Productions film to be shot at Schweitzer this spring.

The Stomp Games features men's and women's divisions in Slopestyle, Rider X and Rail Jam events. All three events are open to pros and amateurs, skiers and snowboarders. The pro division offers a guaranteed $10,000 total cash purse.

After the on-snow action Dolman, Black and the Brain, a rock band featuring pro skier Micah Black, will play at Taps that night. The free show is open to people 21 and over.

What Schweitzer has always been about is great skiing and riding in its two massive bowls, breathtaking views and abundant glades. There's plenty of room on nearly 3,000 acres, and even more outstanding out of bounds terrain.

In the last year Schweitzer has poured in more than $10 million in upgrades and improvements, including two new lifts: the Basin Express, a high-speed detachable quad, and the Lakeview Triple.

This fall Skiing Magazine rated Schweitzer number 21 in its annual readers' survey of the top 25 ski resorts in North America. The same issue rated Schweitzer among the continent's top three hills for tree skiing. Off the back of the mountain, 2,000 acres of cat skiing await from the top of The Great Escape Quad.

It probably takes a week at Schweitzer to experience all the mountain has to offer. Check out the Slopeside Ski and Stay deals . Starting at only $64 per person, per night, you can stay in Schweitzer Village and get lift tickets for up to four people.

With all the all the great snow, sun and blue sky, this is the Spring to check out Schweitzer, soon to be one of your all-time favorite places to ski.

Go to Pebble Creek for "skiing the way it used to be."

2008-03-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

Pebble Creek rises 8,500 feet above the desert 25 miles southeast of Pocatello in the Caribou National Forest. It's a small mountain that skis big, with long runs and steep drops.

The snowriding community here is a tightly knit group that really cares about their mountain. Ask a local about Pebble Creek and they will tell you it's "skiing the way it used to be." Manager Mary Reitman and her staff will go the extra mile to make sure you have everything you need to get the most out of your experience.

The locals will also tell you "If you can ski Pebble Creek you can ski anywhere." My advice is to hook up with a local like Mike Wade, a railroad engineer from Pocatello. Mike is 62 and he's been skiing Pebble Creek since he was 6.

I couldn't imagine a better representative for Pebble Creek. He showed me the best the mountain had to offer, accompanied with a narrative of the mountain's history from a personal point of view. We skied until our legs were rubber and wolfed down chili and the mountains famous homemade French fries.

Pebble Creek's 2,200 feet of vertical on 1,100 acres offers plenty of terrain variety for every skill level. Plus, the old beginner double lift has been has been converted to a triple chair that on busy days really cuts down on waiting in the beginner area.

The mountain does feature a large amount of expert and advanced trails. Pebble Creek is also known for its easy access to excellent backcountry terrain. For overnight adventurers, the Idaho State University Outdoor Program operates a system of yurts behind the mountain and to the north.

After meeting the challenge of Pebble Creek, soothing therapy awaits in Lava Hot Springs. Natural volcanic mineral baths are located at the base of lava cliffs in this town filled with charm and Western hospitality. In nearby Pocatello, you'll find major hotels and restaurants. Both towns are just 25 minutes from the slopes.

Escape to Cottonwood Butte for a change of pace.

2008-03-07T12:09:00.001-08:00

Great snowriding is so abundant in Idaho, it turns up where you might least expect it. Cottonwood Butte is such a place: a diverse, compact ski hill overlooking the Camas Prairie.

For a different kind of skiing or riding experience, a trip to Cottonwood Butte is an adventure worth taking. Chances are every mountain you've been to is bigger, taller and busier. But you can't go wrong when a lift ticket is just 15 bucks. Plus, after a few runs through powder-filled trails, over mini cliff drops and through the trees, the place really grows on you.

Established in 1967, Cottonwood Butte is 56 miles south of Lewiston and 100 miles north of McCall off Highway 95. The area is easy to get to on a paved, all-weather road. The little red ski lodge offers ski and snowboard rentals, a repair shop, a lunch counter and ski lessons. It's your gateway to 845 vertical feet of surprising variety.

A 3,000-foot long T-bar serves 260 acres parceling out at 28% beginner, 29% intermediate and 43% advanced. The longest run is 4,000 feet. When the sun sets at Cottonwood Butte, the trails are lit and the fun goes on.

It's easy to make friends at Cottonwood Butte. We hooked up with local patroller Pat Hylton to discover the choicest lines. There's never a crowd. Skiers and riders at any level will have an excellent day of skiing and a great time when you're through. So take a little drive and escape to Cottonwood Butte.

Winter has been awesome, but just wait…

2008-02-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Imagine having the best of all worlds: bright sunshine, beautiful mountain panoramas—and plenty of soft, sugar-white snow. Spring is just around the corner in Idaho and that means the best is yet to come.

Spring turns the events and festivals up a notch in the mountains. In fact, one of the biggest mountain resort events in North America happens in Sun Valley in a few weeks with 48STRAIGHT and the grand finale of the Jeep King of the Mountain Tour. Learn more about this big time event in this issue.

We’ve also got features about a few places you probably haven’t been but should: McCall’s Little Ski Hill and Pomerelle—a powder magnet in the Albion Valley. And as usual, we’re your clearinghouse for all the mountain events and best lodging deals.

A record snowpack in Idaho has set things up beautifully for the best Spring skiing in the country. Warmer temperatures and clearer skies will give you firm, fast groomers in the morning and buttery corn in the afternoon. Just follow the sun—and wear your sunscreen. The UV’s at altitude are intense!

Upcoming Idaho Mountain Events

2008-02-27T17:14:00.000-08:00

BOGUS BASIN

February 25 through 28 -- Special Olympics Invitational World Winter Games
Bogus Basin welcomes the world to the 2008 Special Olympics Invitational World Winter Games! Alpine, snowshoe and cross-country events are planned at Bogus Basin.

Saturday, March 15 -- Bogus Basin Freeride Series Hip competition
The Hip Comp, sponsored by the EcoLounge, is the third event in the Bogus Basin Freeride series.

Saturday, March 15 -- Carve & Slice (Ski & Golf)
Ski and golf in the same day - it's what living here is all about! This 2nd annual fundraising event benefits the Butch Wolf Memorial Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to the Junior High and High School Race programs.

Sunday, March 16 -- American Cancer Society Hope on the Slopes
Support the American Cancer Society and hit the slopes to give hope. Ski or snowboard to raise money for cancer research. Discounted lift tickets with your event bib.

BRUNDAGE

Saturday March 1 -- USASA Boardercross and Skiercross

Saturday March 15 -- Brundage Mountain Boarder/Skier Cross

GRAND TARGHEE

February 29 - March 3 -- Targhee Telemark Festival
Black Diamond Equipment and Telemark Skier Magazine present our second annual Targhee Telemark Festival.

March 14-16 -- 15th Annual Anheuser-Busch Spring Snow Games
An event that has become a virtual rite of spring, the "Annual Anheuser-Busch Spring Snow Games" will once again be celebrated on the slopes of Grand Targhee Resort.

KELLY CANYON

March 1 – Rail Jam
Rail Jam, complete with the "rail car" sponsored by 5 0 in Idaho Falls.

March 8 – Ski/Boardercross race

LOOKOUT PASS

March 1 -- Northern Division Masters Alpine GS

March 2 -- Northern Division Masters Alpine Slalom

March 3 -- Lookout Beach Party - Big Kahuna Downhill

March 15 -- Free Ski School - Graduation & BBQ. Costume contest and prizes!

March 15 - Lookout Ski Shop Ski & Board Demo Day

March 15/16 -- Emerald Youth Ski League Finals - Alpine GS & SL

March 17 -- St. Pattys Day - Corned beef and green beer!

SCHWEITZER

Yokes Outrageous Air Show – February 29th – March 1st
Join us for some high-flyin' fun when some of the top skiers and snowboarders come to Schweitzer. Shows on Friday and Saturday at 6pm. Things kick off with a torchlight parade and are followed by a 45 minute aerial show complete with fireworks, music and more. Stick around for the party in Taps (21+) each night.

Stomp Games – March 14-16
Guaranteed prize purse of $10,000 cash! Pro and amateur Slopestyle and Rider X events, plus a rail jam. All events are visible from the village. The winner of the men’s pro slopestyle event will win an invitation to the Schweitzer/Poor Boyz Invitational this spring! Dolman, Black and the Brain featuring pro skier Micah Black play Taps Saturday night free (21+). More information at http://www.schweitzer.com/things_to_do/event_calendar.php/stomp_games/

SILVER MOUNTAIN

March 1 -- Mardi Gras Carnival

March 15 -- Retro Days

March 17 -- St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

TAMARACK

March 7 -- Locals' Cup Race Series
Get your team together and hit the slopes! Telemarkers, Skiers and Boarders are all welcome to sign up or drop in for the sweetest dual GS races of the season. Includes lots of parties, awards and good times!

March 7-9 -- Subaru Factory Team Women's Camp
Skiing, coaching, and video analysis by members of the Subaru Factory Team and Kate Underwood.

March 9 -- Club Alpine Race
This GS Race is available to Skiers and Boarders. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category.

March 12 -- Super G Camp
Super G camp is open to anyone of any age and intermediate ability or better with the desire to learn elements common to the speed events of alpine racing. Focus will be directed at the fundamentals of super G racing; ie. skiing the proper line, course inspection and proper technique and tactics.

SUN VALLEY

March 14-16 -- 48STRAIGHT, a consolidation of the Jeep King of the Mountain Series and the Ketchum based Ski Tour, is a jam-packed weekend of on-snow and off-snow activities designed to celebrate the mountain culture. The event will include ski and snowboard cross racing and half pipe competitions, over a dozen live concerts, street parties, fashion shows, film festivals and environmental expos. Here are some lodging/lift packages to take advantage of during the event weekend. Visit 48Straight.com for more event info.

TAMARACK

SUPERSWEET SATURDAYS OF SPRING - SUPERHERO DAY
Saturday, March 15
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… you and your obnoxious superhero costume! Put on your favorite superhero costume or create your own superhero and fly down the mountain.

Lodging Deals – Ski, Stay and Save!

2008-02-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

You’ll find great lodging deals all season long everywhere in Idaho.

Bogus Basin -

Stay and Play
Stay at a participating Boise-area hotel this winter, and play at Bogus Basin Mountain for FREE! Buy one alpine lift ticket or nordic trail pass and get another one FREE (of equal or less value).
No blackout periods
One lift ticket voucher per guest, per night of stay in Boise
Lift tickets valid during time of stay only
Mention the "Stay and Play" offer when placing reservations at participating hotels

Stay and Play is offered through a partnership with the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau with underwriting grant support from the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, Tourism Division.

Also at Bogus—Pioneer Condominiums – stay slopeside, buy one alpine ticket and get another at 1/2 price.

Brundage -

BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN RESORT 2008-2009 season passes are now on sale! Buy a FIRST TIMER PASS FOR ONLY $239 and ski the rest of 2007-2008 for free! Renew your ADULT SEASON PASS FOR ONLY $289. Save up to $150 when you buy before May 1, 2008.

BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN RESORT Ski Free, Stay Free. Brundage Mountain Resort is pleased to partner with InIdaho.com to offer a great way to enjoy a mini-vacation in McCall, ID. Reserve 2 or more nights of lodging and 2 or more days of skiing and InIdaho.com will buy an additional night of lodging and a day of skiing at Brundage for everyone reserved for the lodging stay. Restrictions apply. Book your Ski Free/Stay Free package now or call 800-844-3246 for more information.

BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN SNOW CAT ADVENTURES. With well over 29 feet of snow this season, it is your turn to get your share of the Best Snow in Idaho™ on over 19,000 acres of pristine Idaho backcountry terrain. To book, call 800-888-7544. SNOW CAT FACTS.

Grand Targhee -

Internet Special – reservations accepted online only – save money, time and make it easy with Targhee’s online reservation system.

Midweek Lodging Special - Limited time offer - Book now!
Stay with us on a lodging/skiing package anytime Sunday through Thursday nights and enjoy discounted rates.

Season Pass Holder Deal for Select Partners
Bogus Basin, Ski the Summit at Snoqualmie, Pepple Creek, Deer Valley, Welch Village, Northstar, Sierra, and Powder Ridge Resort season pass holders can ski and snowboard for FREE at Grand Targhee Resort when lodging at non-discounted rates. 1 free lift ticket for each overnight stay, with a 2-night minimum. To book your reservation or for more information simply call toll-free 1-800-TARGHEE (827-4433)

Lookout Pass -

"Early Bird" 2008-2009 Season Pass sale starts March 3. These are the most affordable season pass rates in the region. Check out these recession busting rates and order on-line at www.skilookout.com. Passes good the balance of this season and all next season.

Mention the Ski Idaho e-newsletter for ski packages starting at $109.00 plus tax!

The Wallace Inn and Stardust Motel in historic Wallace Idaho have the best and least expensive ski packages in Idaho and the surrounding northwest area.

Wallace Inn- queen bedded room for #2 persons with ski passes to Lookout Ski Resort including a complimentary glass of wine or beer each.

Stardust Motel- even more economical; a single bedded room at the Stardust with the same offer- $86.00!!!!!!!!!!!!1

*special group rates also available.
**silver mtn packages also available

Pebble Creek -

Buy one, get one free, lift tickets when you stay at participating Lava Hot Springs Hotels
conveniently located less than an hour from Pebble Creek Ski area. Take advantage of Ski Packages all winter long.

Schweitzer -

Spring Lodging Package
Stay Slopeside & Ski from only $64 per person at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Your package includes a one night stay for up to four people and lift tickets for each person. Package is based on availability and quad occupancy. Available Sunday – Thursday during February and March; any day in April until closing.
Lodging Reservations: 877.ITS.IN.ID (877.487.4643)

Silver Mountain -

From March through the end of the ski season, kids under 18 can ski for no additional charge with a minimum two-night stay at Morning Star Lodge.

Have a current season pass from another ski resort??
Ski FREE when you book a 3 night room package at Silver Mountain’s Morning Star Lodge. Must present valid and current season pass upon check-in. Offer valid now through end of season.

Ski & Stay Packages starting at $85 pp/do
Includes 1 night lodging and 1 day lift ticket.

Romance Packages
Enjoy an extraordinary evening or two at Morning Star Lodge with your sweetheart. Luxurious condo, Chilled Champagne or Huckleberry Wine, 2 complimentary Wine Glasses, Heart Shaped Bath Gel for the tub, souvenir candle and sweetheart chocolates.

Soldier Mountain --

Prairie Inn Ski/Stay Special
Stay at The Prairie Inn and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2247 for reservations.

Soldier Mountain Ranch Ski/Stay Special
Stay with Soldier Mountain Ranch and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2506 for reservations.

Sun Valley -

Mid Week Madness Special: Stay and ski at incredible price!

$105 per person based on double occupancy
Includes one night’s lodging for 2 in the same room at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket for each person.

$175 single occupancy
Includes one night’s lodging at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket.

Available only on selected dates. Package based on availability. For reservations and information call (800)-786-8259 or e-mail reservations@sunvalley.com.

Visit the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau for more information about hot lodging deals:

Tamarack -

TAMARACK - THIRD NIGHT FREE - Stay TWO nights and get the THIRD night
FREE. Starting at $210. *Valid from January 2-March 22, 2008 on select properties for new reservations booked by February 29, 2008. Rates vary by dates of stay and property types. Package price is per person; based on quad occupancy; subject to availability. Prices subject to change.

Backcountry Discovery Package
Starting from $295 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a full-day backcountry experience trip per person, per lodging night.

Stay & Ski Free
Starting from $124 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a lift ticket per person, per lodging night.

Discovery Package
Starting from $139.50 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a Discovery Ticket per person, per lodging night.

Snowmobile & Lodging Package
Starting from $223 per person, per night.
Package includes a guided snowmobile trip off Tamarack's summit per person.

Dual Escape Spa Package
Starting from $402 per couple, per night.
Package includes a Dual Escape Massage per lodging night.

Great weather and big time events: Sun Valley is the place for perfect Spring skiing

2008-02-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

Warming temperatures and deep blue skies make for perfect Spring skiing at Sun Valley. This year’s deep snowpack has set up the mountain beautifully for your world-class alpine experience.

And if you're a college student or faculty member, the lift rate is hard to beat. For $29/day and a current college ID, students and faculty can take advantage of this great rate starting March 1 and all the way through the end of Sun Valley's ski season.

Also beginning March 1, kids ski free! A maximum of one child (15 years old and under) will receive one free child ticket with each paid adult ticket for the same number of days. For a list of lodging and lift package opportunities during the kids ski free period and to book your family spring getaway, click here.

Temperatures aren’t the only thing warming up this Spring at Sun Valley. On the weekend of March 15/16, Sun Valley hosts the grand finale of the Jeep King of the Mountain Tour combined with “48STRAIGHT”— billed as the “Loudest Show on Snow.” The wall-to-wall schedule of events surrounding 48Straight spans both on-snow and off-snow activities, including world-class ski and snowboard cross racing and halfpipe competitions, over a dozen live concerts, street parties and fashion shows.

Here are some lodging/lift packages to take advantage of during the event weekend. Visit 48Straight.com for more event info.

The sports action will feature the world’s most thrilling snow sport events: snowboard cross and ski cross racing. Headliners include the top names in each discipline, including Shaun Palmer, Nate Holland, Seth Wescott, Lindsey Jacobellis, Daron Rahlves, Casey Puckett and Ophelie David, among many other Olympians, World Cup titlists and national champions. A share of $250,000 and the keys to a new Jeep will be on the line.

The heart and soul of the weekend is the 48STRAIGHT Music Festival, an abundance of diverse live performances on Friday and Saturday evening featuring some of the top acts in the industry, spread across town at popular hot spots and the enormous Basecamp Pavilion.

Come to Sun Valley for the incredible scene—and the incredible spring skiing. Start your day on the long world-class groomers. After lunch the south aspects will have great corn snow. You’ll never forget the invigorating mornings and sun-tanned afternoons.

You don’t need deep pockets for deep powder at Pomerelle

2008-02-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

There’s nothing better than fresh snow and few people. You’ll find that at Pomerelle Mountain Resort, hidden in Sawtooth National Forest about 190 miles away from both Boise and Salt Lake City. It’s 25 miles off Interstate 84 via Idaho 77. Look for the Declo/Albion exit, #216.

Pomerelle is a great hill for families who love to ski and board. Crowds are unheard of, food is good, lift tickets are cheap, and the staff is friendly. Check out the Ladies Day package, which includes a lift ticket, lunch, and a lesson. The most expensive ticket tops out at under $40. Children under the age of 6 ride free with a paying adult. Full, half day, day and night, or night-only passes are available.

Challenging runs for skiers, exciting terrain for snowboarders and scenic trails for cross-country enthusiasts make this a well rounded mountain for any skill level. Most importantly, Pomerelle gets huge amounts of snow--the most in Idaho—about 500 inches a year. At nearly 9,000 feet, often snow totals here are equivalent to Utah resorts three hours south.

Pomerelle grooms 24 slopes serviced by a triple chair, a double chair and a new 450-foot Magic Carpet boardwalk lift. Ride the triple and see the 50 mile-panorama of the Magic Valley.

With 500 acres and 1,000 feet of vertical, the gentle wide runs are a great place to practice your carving skills. And if you go off the groomed trails you can hit deep, iight powder.

The terrain park gets rave reviews. The mountain constantly works with locals to improve the park. The cool instructors will teach anyone how to feel comfortable. Every week it gets better and the hits are always well maintained.

The beautiful and historic Albion Valley is the place for apres ski. Check out the Albion Café, or for fine dining: Annie's Saloon. The Sage Mountain Grill has homemade pies and bread.

If you are looking a private resort experience without the outrageous price, come make some turns at Pomerelle. Why not spend a couple of days. You can stay at the the Marsh Creek Inn , located on Highway 77, the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway.

Little Ski Hill is a lot of fun

2008-02-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

As advertised, The Little Ski Hill is exactly that. But while this small community hill lacks quantity it makes up for it in quality, with wide-open slopes and excellent grooming. It’s also the only place within a hundred miles where you can go night skiing.

To get there, take Highway 55 North three miles northwest from McCall. The Little Ski Hill is located on the left side of the road. It lies in the shadow of its big time big brother Brundage Mountain, but it was here first. It’s been around longer than every ski area in Idaho except Sun Valley and Lookout Pass. The Payette Lakes Ski Club has maintained a non-profit organization status for the Little Ski Hill since 1937, when it was built as a winter diversion for local forest workers.

The ski area is still run by volunteers whose goal is to make skiing and snowboarding lifetime sports for all ages. The Payette Lakes Ski Club hosts a lot of fun events, including Friday family nights and Saturday telemark nights, plus clinics and races on the local, divisional and national levels for the McCall Ski Racing Team and McCall Nordic Ski Team.

There’s something for everyone at The Little Ski Hill. In addition to 25 T-bar served alpine trails, the area has more than 50K of groomed cross country skating lanes, touring trails, and a biathlon range. Best of all an XC trail pass is only $3!

Depending on what day it is, the Little Ski Hill usually has a pretty small crowd on the hill. Plus you can buy a whole season pass for the cost of a day pass at the some big time ski resorts.

One winter in Idaho you don’t want to miss!

2008-02-12T23:18:00.000-08:00

Don’t look now but there’s only seven weeks of skiing and riding left.

It’s time to shake things up a bit. The challenge of new terrain makes you better on snow. Plus, the highway scenery is spectacular. Every day brings something new. You’ll remember the people you meet along the way the rest of your life.

You can read about my latest mountain-hopping tour through the biggest mountain ranges in Idaho in this issue. We also have up to date information about the ongoing Winter Games of Idaho. For something completely different check out the feature on Bald Mountain. You can also learn about how to get the most out of Bogus Basin and Silver Mountain.

But all the mountains in Idaho offer their own outstanding experience. Check out the best deals on where to stay throughout the state right here. Our events calendar will get you up to speed for making plans.

This is one winter in Idaho you don’t want to miss.

Generous winter presents Silver Mountain at its best

2008-02-12T23:15:00.000-08:00

One storm after another has been pounding Idaho and this winter Silver Mountain is at its absolute best. The resort averages 300 inches a year and already reached that total in the first week of February. And the snow here is typical for Idaho: grade triple-A plus light powder.

Other than the huge amounts of high quality snow, what sets Silver Mountain apart is the gondola—a 3-mile scenic ride taking you 3,800 feet from the Silver Valley floor to the Mountain Haus a mile high in the Bitteroot Mountains.

Thanks to the gondola, access to Silver Mountain’s excellent terrain couldn’t be easier. It departs from an emerging five-star alpine village just off the 1-90 exit ramp. Here you will find shops, restaurants and the Morning Star Lodge, the region's newest premier condominium resort. Plus, this spring, you’ll be able to ski in the morning and surf in the evening when the Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark opens in the village. Up and away on the mountain, a six-lane snow tubing park with a conveyor lift offers alternative thrills.

When you arrive in Kellogg, simply pull off the freeway, park your car across the street, check in and you’re ready to ski or ride. Board the gondola and 20 minutes later you’re hitting the slopes.

The layout packs incredible variety into 1,600 acres. It’s possible to explore most of Silver Mountain in a single visit—if you never stop. But the terrain and views on Kellogg and Wardner peaks are best enjoyed over a weekend or more.

Check out the Morningstar Lodge. The upscale rooms are reasonably priced, have lots of amenities, and great service. Studio, one and two bedroom units and family suites with lofts are available

Gentle, expansive beginner runs branch out directly from the Mountain Haus. Jibbers flock to a terrain park that has doubled in size for this season under chair two. For cruising, hit the ridge lines off chair two and the boulevards under chair four. Around and in between, glades, chutes and bump fields proliferate.

Silver is at its best on a powder day—and there’s plenty of those. Your visit here won’t be complete without a hike to Wardner’s summit. The view and sweet powder turns are well worth the effort.

Huge piles of nachos and excellent burgers are served in Mountain Haus bar upstairs. After a huge day on the mountain, ride the Gondola down to the base, have a nice dinner in Noah’s Canteen and then soak in a rooftop hot tub at the Morning Star Lodge.

You would think it couldn’t get any better at Silver Mountain—but it will as the resort continues to upgrade and expand.

-###-

Eight Things Every Skier and Rider Must do at Silver Mountain.

1. Find and pet Ezekiel the Squirrel, our terrain park mascot.

2. Traverse to Wardner Peak and ski waste deep powder after a big powder dump.

3. Cruise Centennial, our longest run at 2.2 miles.

4. Relax in the rooftop hot tubs at Morning Star Lodge in the Village.

5. Try the huckleberry elk skewers in Noah's Canteen

6. Conquer high score with your favorite game in Noah's Arcade

7. Go Tubing!

8. Jib the groomer cab in the terrain park

Bogus showcases terrain park wealth during Winter Games

2008-02-12T23:13:00.000-08:00

Bogus Basin has a rich history in freestyle and The Winter Games of Idaho Slopestyle comes to Bogus on the weekend of February 16.

Speaking of history, his year Bogus Basin celebrates its Black Diamond Anniversary—65 years as Boise’s winter getaway. The mountain recreation area has been a non-profit, community-based ski area since it opened in 1942.

Bogus has three terrain parks. Each park throws out different lines and features to challenge freestyle skiers and riders at any skill level.

For newbies to freestyle, Sunshine Terrain Park is a great introduction to park riding. Take a right off the top of Morningstar Chair and go rider’s left of the Sunshine run.
Claim Jumper Terrain Park is geared for intermediate to advanced riders. The entrance is below the Deer Point #1 Chair unloading area. Last but not least, Playground Freestyle Terrain Park is past the top of Deer Point chairlift, just past the Claim Jumper terrain park toward top of Showcase Chair. This park features an exclusive Planet c- bowl wall ride that has Ski Trax as a riding surface - the only feature of its kind here in the west.

With seven lifts and thousands of acres, Bogus Basin is a great mountain fit for any type of skier or rider, whether you like long and leisurely or difficult and challenging. Hook up with a local and take time to explore.

The slopes are just 16.5 miles from Boise. The drive only takes about 35 minutes. Book a room in Boise at participating hotels in the mountain’s Stay and Play program and get two for one lift tickets for every night you stay.

Bogus Basin is a large resort with a local feel that has it all: high speed lifts, night skiing, trees, bumps, double diamonds, cruisers, terrain park and great backcountry--all in a non-profit, affordable package.

Eight things every skier and rider must do at Bogus Basin:

1. Check out the view of the valley from the top of Deer Point chair #1. Take a picture to send to your friends and family to make them jealous.

2. Eat an order of our famous bodacious chili cheese fries...yummy...

3. Enjoy mountain views from Pioneer Lodge, spectacular at night

4. Go night skiing or riding, a magical experience during a full moon. Chair 3 is open at night and it's your own private Idaho on the backside at night.

5. Scope at the action at any of our 3 terrain parks: the Sunshine terrain park (for beginners and young kids) off of Morning Star #2; or the Playground and Claim Jumper parks off of Deer Point #1 (for intermediate to expert freeriders)

6. Sit by the gas fireplace at the Frontier Point Nordic Center

7. Ride the Pepsi GoldRush Tubing Hill for a different kind of thrill

8. Free popcorn every day at 4pm in Simplot Lodge-just follow the aroma and help yourself!

Bald Mountain takes you back to another era

2008-02-12T23:10:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking for a change of pace from the crowds, quads and condos, consider a getaway to Bald Mountain—seven miles up the road from the small town of Pierce in the Clearwater Mountains.

Bald Mountain is a place from another era, where the price of a family season pass hasn’t risen since 1959. The hill is operated by the Clearwater Ski Club, a group of volunteers doing everything from plowing the road to paying the bill, so people in this remote region can ski and ride.

Small, remote community hills like Bald Mountain play a vital role in the continuity of skiing and boarding. They’re breeding grounds for snow enthusiasts. Low prices—lift tickets priced $15 or less--and easy access help fuel the passion that gets passed on to future generations.

Potlatch Corporation owns Bald Mountain. Nearly 50 years ago Potlatch carved out the hill so workers in nearby logging towns could ski. Today Potlatch leases the hill to the Clearwater Ski Club.

You get plenty of fun for a great price at Bald Mountain. When you arrive fuel up with some homemade biscuits and gravy in the lodge. Then board the vintage T-bar to a surprising variety of terrain on 140 acres. There’s something for everyone—cruisers, trees and short, sweet, steep drops into pillow soft snow.

To get to Bald Mountain take highway 12, cross the Clearwater River on highway 11 and head for the hills. You’ll get to Pierce in about an hour. A great little hotel called the Outback Inn [www.outbackidaho.com] has a variety of rooms and cabins with kitchens, cable and a free continental breakfast.

Then hit the slopes at Bald Mountain. The setting is rustic and the amenities are sparse, but the smiles will be the same you see everywhere.

Lodging Deals – Ski, Stay and Save!

2008-02-12T22:39:00.000-08:00

Great lodging deals continue everywhere in Idaho.

Bogus Basin -

Stay and Play
Stay at a participating Boise-area hotel this winter, and play at Bogus Basin Mountain for FREE! Buy one alpine lift ticket or nordic trail pass and get another one FREE (of equal or less value).
No blackout periods
One lift ticket voucher per guest, per night of stay in Boise
Lift tickets valid during time of stay only
Mention the "Stay and Play" offer when placing reservations at participating hotels

Stay and Play is offered through a partnership with the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau with underwriting grant support from the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, Tourism Division.

Brundage -

Ski Free – Stay Free
Brundage Mountain is pleased to partner with inidaho.com to offer our customers a great way to enjoy a mini-vacation in the McCall, Idaho area. When you reserve 2 or more nights of lodging and 2 or more days of skiing, InIdaho.com will buy an additional night and day of skiing at Brundage Mountain Resort for everyone reserved for the lodging stay.

Midweek Ski & Stay Packages 2007/2008 Starting at $134.60 per person:
2 full-day lift tickets for each person + 1 night's lodging at McCall's brand new AmericInn. (Price based on double occupancy, non-holiday, midweek, price does not include lodging tax.) For Reservations: Call 208-634-2230 or www.americinn.com

Grand Targhee -

Midweek Lodging Special - Limited time offer - Book now!
Stay with us on a lodging/skiing package anytime Sunday through Thursday nights and enjoy discounted rates.

Season Pass Holder Deal for Select Partners
Bogus Basin, Ski the Summit at Snoqualmie, Pepple Creek, Deer Valley, Welch Village, Northstar, Sierra, and Powder Ridge Resort season pass holders can ski and snowboard for FREE at Grand Targhee Resort when lodging at non-discounted rates. 1 free lift ticket for each overnight stay, with a 2-night minimum. To book your reservation or for more information simply call toll-free 1-800-TARGHEE (827-4433)

Lookout Pass -

Mention the Ski Idaho e-newsletter for ski packages starting at $109.00 plus tax!

The Wallace Inn (wallaceinn.net) and Stardust Motel in historic Wallace Idaho have the best and least expensive ski packages in Idaho and the surrounding northwest area.

Wallace Inn- queen bedded room for #2 persons with ski passes to Lookout Ski Resort including a complimentary glass of wine or beer each.

Stardust Motel- even more economical; a single bedded room at the Stardust with the same offer- $86.00!!!!!!!!!!!!1

*special group rates also available.
**silver mtn packages also available

Pebble Creek -

Buy one, get one free, lift tickets when you stay at participating Lava Hot Springs Hotels!

Aura Soma Lava - www.aslava.com - in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, conveniently located less than an hour from Pebble Creek Ski area, includes The Oregon Trail Lodge, The Courtyard Inn & 5 Vacation Rental Homes. Aura Soma Lava also has a private, natural mineral hot pool, just a one minute walk from the Oregon Trail Lodge. Take advantage of our Ski Packages all winter long: 800-757-1233.

Schweitzer -

Stay Slopeside & Ski Free from only $64 per person at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Your package includes a one night stay for up to four people and free skiing for each person. Package is based on quad occupancy.

Silver Mountain -

Have a current season pass from another ski resort??
Ski FREE when you book a 3 night room package at Silver Mountain’s Morning Star Lodge. Must present valid and current season pass upon check-in. Offer valid now through end of season.

Ski & Stay Packages starting at $85 pp/do
Includes 1 night lodging and 1 day lift ticket.

Romance Packages
Enjoy an extraordinary evening or two at Morning Star Lodge with your sweetheart. Luxurious condo, Chilled Champagne or Huckleberry Wine, 2 complimentary Wine Glasses, Heart Shaped Bath Gel for the tub, souvenir candle and sweetheart chocolates.

Boo, Hiss and Stay
February Packages starting at $75/per person based on double occupancy.Package includes room, dinner, and theatre tickets. February performance: "The Miser a Romantic Comedy".

Soldier Mountain --

Prairie Inn Ski/Stay Special
Stay at The Prairie Inn and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2247 for reservations.

Soldier Mountain Ranch Ski/Stay Special
Stay with Soldier Mountain Ranch and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2506 for reservations.

Sun Valley -

Mid Week Madness Special: Stay and ski at incredible price!

$105 per person based on double occupancy
Includes one night’s lodging for 2 in the same room at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket for each person.

$175 single occupancy
Includes one night’s lodging at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket.

Available only on selected dates. Package based on availability. For reservations and information call (800)-786-8259 or e-mail reservations@sunvalley.com.

Visit the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau for more information about hot lodging deals

Tamarack -

Backcountry Discovery Package
Starting from $295 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a full-day backcountry experience trip per person, per lodging night.

Stay & Ski Free
Starting from $124 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a lift ticket per person, per lodging night.

Discovery Package
Starting from $139.50 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a Discovery Ticket per person, per lodging night.

Snowmobile & Lodging Package
Starting from $223 per person, per night.
Package includes a guided snowmobile trip off Tamarack's summit per person.

Dual Escape Spa Package
Starting from $402 per couple, per night.
Package includes a Dual Escape Massage per lodging night

Upcoming Idaho Mountain Events

2008-02-12T21:54:00.000-08:00

BOGUS BASIN

February 16 -- Winter Games of Idaho Slopestyle
Special Olympics Idaho regional Games

February 23 -- BBSRA J3 Olympics 9:00 AM

BRUNDAGE

February 15-17 -- McCall Ski Racing Team Alpine Super G.

February 21-23 -- USCSA Western Regional Alpine Competition.

GRAND TARGHEE

February 9-13 -- North American Ski Training Center Camp
Unique Multi-Day All-Mountain Free-Skiing Camps for Intermediate through Expert Skiers led by PSIA Demonstration Team Members.

February 16-17 -- 'She Rides' Women's Snowboard Clinic

February 23 -- Habitat Rail Jam Contest Series & Freestyle Clinic

February 29 - March 3 -- Targhee Telemark Festival
Black Diamond Equipment and Telemark Skier Magazine present our second annual Targhee Telemark Festival.

KELLY CANYON

February 16 -- Big Air
Big Air - fly off a jump set on the face. Sponsored by the Sled Shed in Rexburg. $10.00 entry fee. Helmets and release forms required.

LOOKOUT PASS

February 16-17 -- Mardi Gras Festival - Live Music

February 23 -- Northern Division Master Races - Alpine GS Race

February 24 -- Northern Division Masters Races - Alpine SL Race

SCHWEITZER

February 15 -- Starlight Race Series - Race #3
Friday nights in February, skiers, snowboards and telemarkers gather for some all out fun while they dual on Giant Slalom courses.

February 22-24 -- 2008 Don Brooks Memorial Race
Join SARS Masters to celebrate the life of Don Brooks. With a weekend full of racing on Zip Down.

February 23 -- Schweitzer EXTREME XC Ski Race
30k XC ski race. Get ready for some lung-burning, leg-aching fun! Shorter distance courses will also be available.

February 29 -- Yoke's Outrageous Air Show
High-flying action with plenty of big air!

SILVER MOUNTAIN

February 23-24 Winter Games of Idaho – Boarder & Skiercross
Silver Mountain's snowcross contest offers high-speed racing in single elimination format with heats of up to five boarders or skiers trying to cross the finish line first without blowing out of the course.

TAMARACK

February 14 -- US Telemark Series Race
The National Championships will be at Tamarack Resort in Idaho from February 14th to the 17th. Events will be a Telemark GS, Sprint Classic, Classic and a Dual Pro Slalom with a head to head elimination.

February 23 -- Payette River Mountains Freestyle Series- SlopeStyle

February 23 – Hope on the Slopes
The American Cancer Society and Tamarack Resort challenge you to extend beyond your vertical limits to fund the fight against cancer. Every time you hit the slopes with Vertical Challenge: Hope on the Slopes, you will raise valuable funds to support American Cancer Society-funded research.

February 24 -- Payette River Mountains Freestyle Series- SuperPipe

February 25 -- 2008 Special Olympics Invitational Winter Games

SUN VALLEY
February 16 – President’s Day Street Party in Ketchum

February 24 – Sixth Annual Snow Box Derby

Winter Games of Idaho continue through February

2008-02-12T21:14:00.000-08:00

Events continue at Bogus Basin and Silver Mountain, the final venues for this season’s Winter Games of Idaho.

Events remaining include slopestyle and alpine racing at Bogus and Skier/Boardercross at Silver Mountain. For event information see the calendar below or go online at www.wintergamesofidaho.com.

The Winter Games of Idaho, presented by the Idaho Ski Areas Association and Idahowinter.org, is a sports festival created for amateur athletes throughout the northwest. Initiated as part of the Idaho State Centennial celebration in 1990, the Winter Games is designed to showcase Idaho's winter sport opportunities and the state's winter resorts. The Games also provide a forum for training and competition among the region's recreational athletes and potential Olympians.

While winning plays an important role in the sports festival, the Winter Games strive to emphasize individual achievement and good sportsmanship.

Remaining Winter Games of Idaho Event Schedule

Feb. 16
Slopestyle Ski & Board Bogus Basin Boise

Feb. 20
VertiGals Women’s GS Race Bogus Basin
PrimeTimers Alpine GS Race Bogus Basin

Feb. 21
Telemark GS Race Bogus Basin

Feb. 23
Skier & BoarderCross Silver Mountain Kellogg

The Best of Idaho Continued . . .

2008-02-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

Lost Trail/Pebble Creek/Grand Targhee: Challenge yourself with a tour of big-time terrain

By Bill Jennings
A mountain-hopping tour through the biggest mountain ranges in Idaho is a just what you need. Traveling with my uncle Roy Jennings, I drove to Hamilton, Montana about an hour's drive the next morning from our first mountain.

Lost Trail Powder Mountain is a snow magnet just off U.S. Highway 93 at the summit of Lost Trail Pass on the Montana/Idaho border. We found over two feet of the lightest, driest snow I've ever skied.

On the advice of Lost Trail co-owner Judy Grasser, our first drop was Thunder on the lift line of Chair 2. It was a free fall full of face shots and a snorkel would have come in handy. Later we headed to the Saddle Mountain lift and dropped from the 8,200-foot summit into a week’s accumulation of powder in Hollywood Bowl.

Eventually we worked our way to a burn area off the north boundary. I understood why everyone told me not to miss this experience.

Our next destination was Grand Targhee, about 250 miles southeast on the western edge of Wyoming. We continued south on 93 to Salmon and took State Route 28 through the Lemhi Valley, a flat plain lined by jagged peaks up to 12,000 feet high on both sides.

At Rexburg we learned that all routes to Grand Targhee were closed due to heavy snow. I cancelled our condo reservation at Teton Creek about 8 miles from the ski area and hunkered down, dreaming of epic powder. Next morning the highways were still closed.

It was time to improvise. Our original plan was to ski Grand Targhee on Saturday and Pebble Creek on Sunday. We made a beeline to Pebble Creek, a ski area 25 miles southeast of Pocatello.

Pebble Creek rises to 8,500 feet above the desert 25 miles southeast of Pocatello. It’s a small mountain that skis big, with long runs and steep drops. Most of the trails are black/double black.

We were fortunate to meet Mike Wade, a railroad engineer from Pocatello. Mike is 62 and he’s been skiing Pebble Creek since he was 6.

I couldn’t imagine a better representative for Pebble Creek. He showed us the best the mountain had to offer, accompanied with a narrative of the mountain’s history from a personal point of view. We skied until our legs were rubber and wolfed down chili and the mountains famous homemade
French fries.

Pebble Creek is a family place with a strong sense of community. Manager Mary Reitman and her staff will go the extra mile to make sure you have everything you need to get the most out of your experience. And if you want a challenge on your way to Utah powder, pull off I-15 at the Inkom exit.

After a night soaking in the hot pools at Lava Hot Springs about 25 miles southeast of Pebble Creek, State Route 26 to Grand Targhee finally opened. We hit the road at 6 a.m. Sunday and were skiing by 9:45.

Grand Targhee is a ski area in a spectacular alpine setting that reaps a bounty of snow. On a clear day its backdrop is the Tetons. The 10,000-foot summit of Fred’s Mountain was fogged in. We skied bowls and glades on the north and south flanks, but avoided the cliffs on Peaked Mountain. After coming this far, I wanted to live to ski another day.

All we had left was spread out on the slopes of Targhee. We headed to the Trap Bar, drank beer and at the best hot wings I’ve ever had—triple black intensity—awesome heat and flavor. More beer cooled the flames as we grooved to the reggae sound of Two and a Half White Men.

Monday we drove eight-hours from Idaho Falls to the Silver Valley. Looking up at Silver Mountain we could see that it was snowing so we pulled off the interstate and geared up one more time.

I just can’t get enough, can you?

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

2008-01-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

February is a big month in the Idaho mountains. The Winter Games of Idaho are already underway. Alpine events begin this weekend on Brundage Mountain. Throughout the month 19 events will take place at nine venues all over the state.

The world’s best snowboard athletes converge on Tamarack February 9 and 10 for the 2007-08 Chevy U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix. U.S. Olympic medalists, X Games champions and world-class snowboarders go head-to-head at Tamarack on a 22-foot Olympic-sized SuperPipe and on a specially-constructed snowboard cross course.

But there’s something going on at every mountain right now in Idaho—snowriding on perfect snow being the number one activity. Learn more about the awesome backcountry experience at Tamarack in this issue. Plus, check out what’s waiting for you at Lost Trail Powder Mountain and Kelly Canyon—great little regional hills with outstanding snow. For something completely different, little T-bar hills like Bald Mountain and Cottonwood Butte have great skiing and real nice people.

Winter has super momentum this season, with consistent snowfall punctuated by epic dumps. Read on to learn about how to get your share, and the best places to stay while your there…

WINTER GAMES OF IDAHO

2008-01-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

Competitors are showing off their skills and winning medals at the 19th annual Winter Games of Idaho this year in 19 events at nine venues.

Events in this year's Winter Games include alpine skiing (slalom, giant slalom and telemark), ice hockey, Nordic skiing, snowboarding and figure skating. Athletes of all ages and abilities can register for events held through the month of February in venues from North to South.

Find event information and register online at www.wintergamesofidaho.com. Everyone receives a gift for participating.

The Winter Games of Idaho, presented by Tamarack Resort and Idahowinter.org, is a sports festival created for amateur athletes Throughout the northwest. Initiated as part of the Idaho State Centennial celebration in 1990, the Winter Games is designed to showcase Idaho's winter sport opportunities and the state's winter resorts. The Games also provide a forum for training and competition among the region's recreational athletes and potential Olympians.

While winning plays an important role in the sports festival, the Winter Games strive to emphasize individual achievement and good sportsmanship.

Get in on the excitement! Come watch the events and cheer on friends and family at venues across the state including: Brundage Mountain Resort in McCall, Bogus Basin Mountain Resort out of Boise, Silver Mountain in Kellogg, The Sun Valley Skating Center in Sun Valley, Lookout Pass in Wallace, Pomerelle in Albion, Idaho IceWorld in Boise, Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena in Idaho Falls and Pebble Creek in Pocatello.

Winter Games of Idaho Event Schedule

Feb. 1-3 Adult Ice Hockey Tournament Idaho IceWorld
Boise

Feb. 2-3 Alpine Races Brundage Mountain
McCall Mitey Mites, Youth Rec, Adult
& Physically Challenged

Feb. 8-10 Youth Ice Hockey Marmo/Lehto Ice Arena
Idaho Falls

Feb. 9-10 Figure Skating Sun Valley Skating Center
Sun Valley

Feb. 9 Big Air Ski & Board Lookout Pass
Wallace

Feb. 10 Slopestyle Ski & Board Lookout Pass
Wallace

Feb. 16 Slopestyle Ski & Board Bogus Basin
Boise

Feb. 20 VertiGals Women’s GS Race Bogus Basin
PrimeTimers Alpine GS Race Bogus Basin
Feb. 21 Telemark GS Race Bogus Basin

Feb. 23 Skier & BoarderCross Silver Mountain
Kellogg

LODGING DEALS - SKI, STAY AND SAVE!

2008-01-29T16:19:00.001-08:00

Great lodging deals continue everywhere in Idaho.

Bogus Basin -

Stay and Play
Stay at a participating Boise-area hotel this winter, and play at Bogus Basin Mountain for FREE! Buy one alpine lift ticket or nordic trail pass and get another one FREE (of equal or less value).
No blackout periods
One lift ticket voucher per guest, per night of stay in Boise
Lift tickets valid during time of stay only
Mention the "Stay and Play" offer when placing reservations at participating hotels

Stay and Play is offered through a partnership with the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau with underwriting grant support from the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, Tourism Division.

Brundage -

Midweek Ski & Stay Packages 2007/2008 Starting at $78 per person:
2 full-day lift tickets for each person + 1 night's lodging at McCall's brand new AmericInn. (Price based on double occupancy, non-holiday, midweek, price does not include lodging tax.) For Reservations: Call 208-634-2230 or www.americinn.com

Grand Targhee -

Midweek Lodging Special - Limited time offer - Book now!
Stay with us on a lodging/skiing package anytime Sunday through Thursday nights and enjoy discounted rates.

Season Pass Holder Deal for Select Partners
Bogus Basin, Ski the Summit at Snoqualmie, Pepple Creek, Deer Valley, Welch Village, Northstar, Sierra, and Powder Ridge Resort season pass holders can ski and snowboard for FREE at Grand Targhee Resort when lodging at non-discounted rates. 1 free lift ticket for each overnight stay, with a 2-night minimum. To book your reservation or for more information simply call toll-free 1-800-TARGHEE (827-4433)

Lookout Pass -

Mention the Ski Idaho e-newsletter for ski packages starting at $109.00 plus tax!

The Wallace Inn (wallaceinn.net) and Stardust Motel in historic Wallace Idaho have the best and least expensive ski packages in Idaho and the surrounding northwest area.

Wallace Inn- queen bedded room for #2 persons with ski passes to Lookout Ski Resort including a complimentary glass of wine or beer each.

Stardust Motel- even more economical; a single bedded room at the Stardust with the same offer- $86.00!!!!!!!!!!!!1

*special group rates also available.
**silver mtn packages also available

Pebble Creek -

Buy one, get one free, lift tickets when you stay at participating Lava Hot Springs Hotels!

Aura Soma Lava - www.aslava.com - in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, conveniently located less than an hour from Pebble Creek Ski area, includes The Oregon Trail Lodge, The Courtyard Inn & 5 Vacation Rental Homes. Aura Soma Lava also has a private, natural mineral hot pool, just a one minute walk from the Oregon Trail Lodge. Take advantage of our Ski Packages all winter long: 800-757-1233.

Schweitzer -

Stay Slopeside and Ski for only $93 per person based on double occupancy (or $64pp based on quad occupancy)! The Midweek Special is valid Sunday’s through Thursdays and puts you slopeside with 2900 acres of terrain located right at your doorstep. With over 15 feet of snow so far this season, now is truly a great time to book your trip to Schweitzer! Call 877.ITS.IN.ID or visit www.schweitzer.com to book your stay today!

Silver Mountain -

Ski & Stay Packages starting at $85 pp/do
Includes 1 night lodging and 1 day lift ticket.

Sweet Hearts Package for Valentines Day - Valid Feb 8 - Feb 14, 2008
$151/per person, based on double occupancy
Package includes 1 night stay for Valentines in a Studio*, 1 Bottle of Champagne with lodging, 1 day lift ticket per person, and 30 minute massage for 2
(Offer cannot be used in conjunction with Presidents weekend)
*Ask about an upgrade to our Honeymoon Suite *

Presidents Day $199/ per person, based on double occupancy
Offer includes: 2 nights Studio lodging, 2 adult lift tickets for 1 day.
*Ask about our lodging upgrades and availability*

Romance Packages
Enjoy an extraordinary evening or two at Morning Star Lodge with your sweetheart. Luxurious condo, Chilled Champagne or Huckleberry Wine, 2 complimentary Wine Glasses, Heart Shaped Bath Gel for the tub, souvenir candle and sweetheart chocolates.

Soldier Mountain -

Prairie Inn Ski/Stay Special
Stay at The Prairie Inn and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2247 for reservations.

Soldier Mountain Ranch Ski/Stay Special
Stay with Soldier Mountain Ranch and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2506 for reservations.

Sun Valley -

Mid Week Madness Special: Stay and ski at incredible price!

$105 per person based on double occupancy
Includes one night’s lodging for 2 in the same room at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket for each person.

$175 single occupancy
Includes one night’s lodging at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket.

Available only on selected dates. Package based on availability. For reservations and information call (800)-786-8259 or e-mail reservations@sunvalley.com.

Visit the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau for more information about hot lodging deals:

Tamarack -

Backcountry Discovery Package
Starting from $295 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a full-day backcountry experience trip per person, per lodging night.

Stay & Ski Free
Starting from $124 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a lift ticket per person, per lodging night.

Discovery Package
Starting from $139.50 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a Discovery Ticket per person, per lodging night.

Snowmobile & Lodging Package
Starting from $223 per person, per night.
Package includes a guided snowmobile trip off Tamarack's summit per person.

Dual Escape Spa Package
Starting from $402 per couple, per night.
Package includes a Dual Escape Massage per lodging night.

UPCOMING IDAHO MOUNTAIN EVENTS

2008-01-29T16:03:00.000-08:00

BOGUS BASIN

February 3/4/5 – Banff Mountain Film Festival. Join the Boise Nordic Foundation when the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to Boise, with shows at the Egyptian Theatre February 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2008. Tickets at www.idahotickets.com or by phone at 426-1494

February 9/10 – Northwest Collegiate Racing: USCSA western regional championships

February 16 -- Winter Games of Idaho Slopestyle
Special Olympics Idaho regional Games

BRUNDAGE

February 2/3 -- Idaho Winter Games
Events include: Children/Junior Recreational Alpine Giant Slalom, Mitey Mite Giant Slalom and Slalom, Physically Challenged Alpine Giant Slalom and Slalom, Adult Recreational Giant Slalom.

GRAND TARGHEE

February 2 -- Area 7 Special Olympics

February 9-13 -- North American Ski Training Center Camp
Unique Multi-Day All-Mountain Free-Skiing Camps for Intermediate through Expert Skiers led by PSIA Demonstration Team Members.

KELLY CANYON

February 2 -- Slope Style
Take a run through the park complete with rails, boxes and jumps. Sponsored by Barrie's Ski and Sport in Pocatello. $10.00 entry fee. Helmets and release forms required.

February 16 -- Big Air
Big Air - fly off a jump set on the face. Sponsored by the Sled Shed in Rexburg. $10.00 entry fee. Helmets and release forms required.

LOOKOUT PASS

February 9 -- Winter Games of Idaho - BIG AIR Contest. Online applications at www.skilookout.com

February 10 -- Winter Games of Idaho - SLOPESTYLE Competition. Online applications at www.skilookout.com

SCHWEITZER

Superbowl Sunday – February 3rd
Kids pay their age to ski or snowboard at Schweitzer. A full day lift ticket only costs $1 for each year old, up to age 17. Children 6 and under ski free every day with an adult.

College Daze
February 2-3
Discounted college lift tickets are available February 2nd and 3rd for $35 with a valid college ID. Win a season pass during another fun-filled weekend dedicated to college students.

The Heuga Center presents the 2008 Vertical Express for MS
February 9

This event is part of a series of on-snow events at resorts across North America to raise funds for people and families living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Funds raised support The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis’ health and wellness programs.

The 2008 Vertical Express for MS is open to all skiers, snowboarders, and telemarkers of all ages and abilities. Teams of three people must raise a minimum of $300.00 to enter the event. To register for the event visit the Vertical Exprees Website or call the Heuga Center at 1-888-DO-IT-4MS.

For more information contact Schweitzer Mountain Resort VEMS Event Directors:
Pam Burke (208) 660-0661 or
Billy-Bob Goyen (509) 994-5493

February 10 -- Selkirk Classic USTSA Telemark Race

SILVER MOUNTAIN

February 1, Friday Night Rail Jam Series “Pajama JAM”

February 2-3, NASTAR Racing

February 2.3 West Coast Collegiate Conference Races

TAMARACK

February 1 -- IMD FreeStyle- SuperPipe, SlopeStyle, Single Moguls, Dual Moguls

February 3 -- National Women's Winter Tour

February 8-10 -- Chevrolet U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix
Come up to Tamarack and experience the madness of the USSA Grand Prix... Check out today's top riders as they tackle the pipe and each other in the Boarder Cross in what's sure to be the highlight event of the season!

February 14 -- US Telemark Series Race
The National Championships will be at Tamarack Resort in Idaho from February 14th to the 17th. Events will be a Telemark GS, Sprint Classic, Classic and a Dual Pro Slalom with a head to head elimination.

SUN VALLEY
February 2 -- Sun Valley Telemark Race Series
Idaho's Original, Bob Marley-All Terrain, Big Air & Powder 8's

February 3 – 12th Annual Galena Cross Country Ski Festival

POMERELLE

February 9 -- Slope Style Competition - Sweet ride for skier & boarders!

TAMARACK WELCOMES BACK CHEVY U.S. SNOWBOARDING GRAND PRIX

2008-01-29T15:07:00.000-08:00

Tamarack Resort is gearing up to welcome back the country’s greatest snowboard competition series, the 2007-08 Chevy U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix. On February 9-10, U.S. Olympic medalists, X Games champions and world-class snowboarders go head-to-head at Tamarack on a 22-foot Olympic-sized SuperPipe and on a specially-constructed snowboard cross course.

Thousands of Idahoans turned out to cheer on the top-notch snowboarders

during the Grand Prix’s inaugural visit to Idaho last February. After winning the pipe competition at Tamarack, Olympic silver medalist Gretchen Bleiler remarked, “Having a pipe this big really does a lot for the progression of the sport. The crowd was awesome and just everything about being here was so good.”

So the call is out to all Idahoans to show up and turn up the volume for a literal Who's Who of snowboarding. In addition to Bleiler, riders scheduled to compete at Tamarack include Olympic medalists Hannah Teter, Kelly Clark, Lindsay Jacobelis and Seth Wescott, along with X Games medalists Steve Fisher, Scotty Lago, and Idaho native Nate Holland.

“The field of athletes for the Grand Prix brings together the best group of snowboarders out there, with young riders on the scene going head to head with seasoned pros,” said Ken Rider, Tamarack’s Director of Resort Sales and Marketing. “With the nearly eleven feet of snowfall we’ve received since December and the level of competition headed our way – Tamarack is the place to be for big powder and big air!”

The 22-foot Olympic-sized Hells Canyon SuperPipe is almost ready for riders. Tamarack’s mountain operations team is starting to build the pipe, in hopes of opening it within the next week.

To help fans get to the resort, Tamarack will be running shuttles from Boise and throughout the Payette River Mountains during the course of the competition. Keep checking www.TamarackIdaho.com for the latest Grand Prix details.

Grand Prix Event Schedule at Tamarack Resort
February 8 8:30am – 9:30am Men’s HP Practice
9:30am – 2:00pm Men’s HP Qualifiers
9:00am – 2:00pm SBX Practice
2:00pm – 3:00pm Women’s HP Practice

February 9 9:00am – 12:30pm SBX Practice
9:00am – 9:30am Women’s HP Practice
9:30am – 11:30am Women’s HP Qualifiers
February 9 12:30pm – 1:15pm HP Finals Practice
1:30pm – 3:00pm HP Finals
Awards Immediately Following
February 10 8:30am – 9:00am SBX Practice
9:00am – 1:00pm SBX Time Trials
1:30pm – 3:00pm SBX Final Heats
Awards Immediately Following

The 12th Grand Prix series kicked off in Breckenridge Resort, CO December 14-15, heads to Tamarack February 9-10, before concluding at Killington Resort, VT on March 15-16.

If you can’t make the full weekend of competition – NBC will air the Tamarack stop of the competition on February 16.

SNOW GODS SMILE ON LOST TRAIL!

2008-01-29T14:41:00.001-08:00

Everyone is always in a good mood and having a great time at Lost Trail Powder Mountain. The snow is fantastic, there’s never a line and the drive that gets you there is breathtaking.

Lost Trail Powder Mountain is a 60-year-old, family-oriented ski area straddling the Montana/Idaho border, which some say is the reason for its consistent snow conditions. The mountain gets 300 inches a year, but somehow, it seems more than that.

It’s the place to go if you don’t have deep pockets and you like deep powder. A full day lift ticket is only $31.00 for adults and $21.00 for kids.

If you hit the slopes first thing Thursday A.M. you could be delighted by untouched cold smoke powder. Hit the slopes with your friends, come in to warm up at the fireplace with some nachos, then hit the trails again.

You’ll have fun exploring a great variety of terrain. LTPM has 20% beginner, 60% intermediate and 20% advanced. There are a few beginner runs off of all chairs. The cruisers are long. Black diamonds drop from off all chairs but three and five.

For overnight lodging there are many fine establishments nearby. Check it out at http://www.losttrail.com/lodging.html.

Getting to Lost Trail Powder Mountain is easy. It’s conveniently located just 1/8 of a mile off Hwy 93 and Hwy 43 at the Montana-Idaho Border. Enjoy the pristine view of the Bitterroot Mountains coming from Missoula or Butte. From Salmon and surrounding areas it's just about 45 minutes till you’re hitting the slopes.

When you make it out here, look for power lines. You won't see any. That's because Lost Trail is fully run by Bio-Diesel generators. Maybe that’s why the snow gods smile upon Lost Trail Powder Mountain.

KELLY CANYON: THE PERFECT NEIGHBORHOOD FAMILY FRIENDLY HILL

2008-01-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

A drive through one of the most beautiful and historic river valleys of Eastern Idaho brings you to Kelly Canyon Ski Resort in the Targhee National Forest near the South Fork of the Snake River.

You’ll find a real nice intermediate hill. Kelly is a great place for first-timers and beginners to learn. There’s also a variety of terrain for all ability levels. The challenging trails are on the backside. Wide runs and accessible terrain drop down the front. Plus it offers the only night skiing in the area. All the major runs are lit.

Kelly Canyon has 26 trails and 4 lifts covering 740 skiable acres and a 1,000-foot vertical drop. The terrain park is full of boxes and rails and a new 600-foot tubing park is a blast for families and groups. The lodge is cozy, the cafeteria is quick and easy and there are no lift lines.

Come to Kelly in the morning and enjoy the great snow. Warm up on the rolling, gentle slope of Skier’s Lane. Head to the Powder Lift for steeper terrain and deeper snow. Then have lunch and be sure to order Kelly’s famous French fries with their special fry sauce.

Kelly Canyon prides itself as a learning mountain and certified instructors have provided thousands of lessons for all ages. They teach to all ability levels in both private and group lessons. A series of lessons is available for ages or 4-7 that includes four weekend sessions with four hours of instruction. When they’re done the kids can ski anywhere on mountain.

For a great getaway, try the Cutthroat Inn, [cutthroatinn.com] a real cute little bed and breakfast five mile down the road. Call 208-538-7963 and ask for Cathy.

Kelly Canyon is 26 miles from Idaho Falls, nine miles off U.S. Highway 26, north of Ririe. It’s central location gives easy access from Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Rigby and other outlying areas. Buses are provided Saturdays and holidays from area communities.

TAMARACK BACKCOUNTRY TOURS GO ABOVE & BEYOND

2008-01-29T14:17:00.000-08:00

There’s no doubt that Tamarack Resort is carving out the quintessential upscale winter experience in the heart of the scenic Payette River Mountains. Its well-heeled credentials even include Bliss, a blue cruiser featured in SKI Magazine last fall. But for the ultimate Tamarack experience, consider a trip into the backcountry.

Tamarack’s considerable investment in luxury amenities gets a lion’s share of the attention, but this emerging big time resort is thoroughly committed to backcountry touring. And it’s got great assets to work with—over 5,000 acres of terrain under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, with more to come.

Tamarack’s guided backcountry services are perfect for strong skiers and snowboarders with a thirst for adventure. Depending on the size of your group, you can ride in a snowcat or experience the thrill of skijoring behind a snowmobile. Professional guides show you endless lines of untracked powder in glades and open bowls to the north and south of Tamarack’s in-bounds terrain. Half-day and full day trips are available.

Dropping from a ridgetop into the unknown and floating through virgin powder is an unforgettable experience. Your guide won’t steer you wrong. Just tell them what you like. Turn through wide-open spaces and cedar forests. Drop over cliffs or blast through the pillows of snow-covered boulder fields. It’s up to you.

Come back down to earth in-bounds and explore balanced terrain with cruisers, steeps, glades and cornices. Vertical totals 2,800 feet with 41 runs served by seven lifts, including three high-speed quads. Best of all there’s a limit of only 2,000 skiers a day on 1,110 acres.

This season Tamarack has made a big commitment to freeriders. If that’s your scene, don’t miss out on one of just six Olympic-sized SuperPipes in all of North America. The Hells Canyon Pipe opened in mid-January, featuring 22-foot high Olympic-caliber walls and a length of 450 feet.

Olympic and XGame Medalists will converge on Tamarack February 8-10 for the U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix. Top snowboard athletes will compete in the SuperPipe and on a specially constructed Snowboard Cross course

Stay and Play:
Stay slopeside in two- and three-bedroom cottages, chalets and vacation homes at the base of Tamarack Mountain. Various packages are available all season long. For more information see tamarackidaho.com/vacation_planning/lodging_packages.php. Rooms are also available in the nearby towns of McCall to the north and Cascade to the south.

DISCOVERING THE BEST OF IDAHO

2008-01-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

For winter recreation and inspiration, Idaho has the best you will find. And it’s not just the superstar resorts. Another breed of hill thrives in remote corners of the state. These small community mountains have a friendly vibe and dedicated groups of supporters, pouring their love into the mountain so people in the sticks have somewhere affordable to ski and ride.

I took an incredible Idaho journey covering the full spectrum of Idaho mountain life. Our stops included Bald Mountain, where the price of a season pass hasn’t changed since 1959—to Tamarack, where hundreds of millions of dollars are being poured into a world class four season resort. At all these hills, the snow is the same—as well as the passion for winter and gravity induced adrenaline. Read about my journey in this issue.

You’ll also learn about the latest at the big time hills of Schweitzer and Grand Targhee, plus their little brother with the big snow: Pomerelle. And don’t forget to check out our latest feature—instant access to every snow report in Idaho—so you know where to go when it snows.

FROM T-BAR’S TO TAMARACK: DISCOVERING THE BEST OF IDAHO

2008-01-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Idaho is full of big-time hills that rake in headlines, crowds and megabucks. But there’s another world out there offering the same adventure in a different way. And they’re all in this together, as I found out on a fascinating journey through time and place.

The small community hills play a vital role in the survival and growth of the ski industry. They’re breeding grounds for snow enthusiasts. The low prices and easy access help fuel the passion that gets passed on to future generations.

On a Friday night we passed through Orofino on highway 12, turned left on highway 11, crossed the Clearwater River and headed into the mountains. About an hour later we arrived in the town of Pierce in the Clearwater Mountains. It was buried in snow. Our destination was a darling little hotel called the Outback Inn, [www.outbackidaho.com] where we rested up before a big adventure: hitting three T-bar hills the next day.

Bald Mountain
First stop was Bald Mountain, seven miles up the road. It’s a place from another era, where the price of a season pass hasn’t risen since 1959. We were warmly welcomed by the Clearwater Ski Club, bright sunshine and 30 inches of fresh snow. Our guides were Melissa Skiles and Chris Kuykendall of the Clearwater Ski Club. This group of volunteers does everything from plowing the road to paying the bill, so people in this remote region can ski and ride.

The ancient T-bar brought us to 684 feet of vertical and 140 acres of short, but sweet drops into pillow soft snow. The setting was rustic and the amenities sparse, but the smiles were the same you see anywhere.

Cottonwood Butte
Our next stop was about a two-hour drive southwest to Cottonwood Butte. A snowstorm and Cottonwood patroller Pat Hylton greeted us there. He joined us on the 3,000 foot T-bar and showed us to the best of 840 feet of vertical that included, cliff drops, trees and numerous powder filled trails.

The skiing at Cottonwood was excellent, but we had to leave in order to hit Snowhaven before the day was done.

Snowhaven
A mile high above the town of Grangeville we found Snowhaven. This thriving 40-acre powder collector with 440 feet of vertical overlooking the Camas Prairie is run by Scott Wasem. Snowhaven local Chuck Hepner joined us on the T-bar and lead us to the deepest the hill had to offer. An intense snowfall filled in our tracks. We couldn’t leave without a shot at the tubing hill and we felt like kids again.

After a night in Riggins on the Salmon River it was time to return to the 21st century

Brundage
The morning we pulled into Brundage dawned cold, clear, blue and white on this big-time hill. Conditions were outstanding. The snow was deep and even though it was Sunday, the lift lines were short. We followed our local guide Cory to all the best powder stashes in the trees and bowls. In between we ripped at mach speed on wide-open blue cruisers. We took a break at the yurt on the summit and ate chili, sipped fortified hot chocolate and drank in the inspiring view. Then we skied until we couldn’t possibly make another turn.

Tamarack
We concluded a trip that began on the most humble of hills with a stay at one of the world’s most spectacular recreation destinations: Tamarack Resort. After pounding Brundage we recovered in The Lodge at Osprey Meadows, one of the most elegant, luxurious mountain hotels in Idaho. The following morning, guides Dave Williams and John Costa lead us on a backcountry tour. We explored the glades and open bowls to the north and south of Tamarack, getting pure, untouched lines, deep powder and an unforgettable skiing experience.

No matter which mountain you may find yourself on this season, unforgettable is the only way to describe winter in Idaho.

BIG SNOWFALL KEEPS THE SNOWCATS ROLLING AT GRAND TARGHEE

2008-01-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

Your satisfaction is guaranteed at Grand Targhee. It’s a pretty safe bet. The resort has scored the most snow in the Rockies since the start of the season, and its still coming down. Targhee picked up more than four feet of snow last week. They report a 102 inch base and conditions couldn’t be better. Plus, incredible lodging deals make it easy to get your share.

More than 500 inches of snow a year falls on Grand Targhee. With such abundant powder, national ski magazines rate Targhee among the top resorts in the West for snow quality and quantity-- less than 5% water content, and you know what that means.

NOW is the time to take advantage of the resort’s amazing snowcat skiing. It’s the only way skiers and boarders can experience ten awesome new runs on Peaked Mountain-- a huge powder reserve of 1,000 untracked acres accessible only by snowcat. You can rack up 20,000 feet of exclusive vertical in 10 to 12 epic runs.

Two peaks at Targhee total more than 3,000 acres of terrain and there’s powder everywhere. On Fred’s Mountain, only 400 of 1.500 acres are groomed. Black diamonds take 70 percent of the terrain. And there’s something for everyone. There is a beginner's powder area and hundreds of acres of wide-open slopes for intermediates and other cruisers.

Three terrain parks include Middle Earth, a new ‘natural’ terrain park with a rolling landscape that changes with every snowfall. As snow accumulates, long gliding slopes become rolling moguls that flow into a ‘fish bowl’, then split into three different levels draining into the ‘Water Fall’ natural half pipe, and end at the Power Reserve Traverse.

For nightlife, you will always find great music in the Trap Bar. Plus, fun Nordic races and a snowboard camp for Ladies Only are coming up. Check events/camps on grandtarghee.com for details.

Amazing deal: deluxe off-site lodging at $99 per night:
Teton Creek Condominiums [http://www.grandtarghee.com/lodging/vacation-condos/teton-creek/] are only 8 miles from the base of the resort. At just $99 (two night minimum, guests enjoy resort amenities and shuttle service to and from the slopes. Or, book a package at Teton Creek or Grand Targhee and kids 14 and younger stay and ski free (one child per paid adult).

It’s easy to get to Grand Targhee from the Idaho Falls or Jackson Hole airports. Midweek lodging specials [grandtarghee.com/lodging/] are available at three slopeside lodges. Townhomes and condominiums are available at Aspen Pointe, less than11 miles from Targhee. Plus beautiful homes are available at Creekside Meadows near Driggs.

Grand Targhee is paradise for powderhounds this season. So come and get it. But if you’re looking for a laid-back, friendly, uncrowded ski resort where you can relax with friends or family, this is your place.

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Eight Things Every Skier and Rider must do at Grand Targhee:

1. Snowcat skiing on peaked Mountain – ten new runs this year, over 1,000 acres

2. Ski or ride the North Boundary accessible off of the Blackfoot chair. It’s a huge powder reserve with untracked POW until at least 1:00 p.m.!

3. Ski or ride in Grand Targhee’s new “natural” Middle Earth Terrain Park

4. Snowboard in “Ladies Waist” a natural half pipe located on the face of the mountain under the Dreamcatcher quad chair. Fun for skiers too!

5. New this season – Cosmic Pizza – Montana’s best pizza is now served at most Grand Targhee food outlets (5 total restaurants)!

6. Nordic skiing in Rick’s Basin. It’s the most beautiful terrain and offers incredible views of Teton Valley – all 15k of it. Great for the novice but also offers challenging terrain for the tougher track skiers.

7. Hiking up to Mary’s for fresh tracks long after the lift served terrain is tracked out – the gates leading to Mary’s are open about 90% of the time. Only avalanche work closes these gates to paradise!

8. Skiing or riding in the “The Good” - “The Bad” and “The Ugly.” The fall line can’t be beat - for advanced intermediate and expert snow sliders.

SCHWEITZER CELEBRATES WINTER CARNIVAL

2008-01-16T17:43:00.000-08:00

People around the world are discovering that Schweitzer offers a special winter experience. Each year the mountain celebrates the old man by Lighting up the Night with Winter Carnival. This winter the festivities begin on Saturday, January 19.

This is your chance to do it all, from running gates, playing ski poker, sending the kids on a scavenger hunt and taking in a spectacular fireworks display. But that’s not all. There’s a full weekend of Winter Carnival events.

What Schweitzer is really about, though, is great skiing and riding in its two massive bowls, breathtaking views and abundant glades. There’s plenty of room on nearly 3,000 acres, and even more outstanding out of bounds terrain.

This fall Skiing Magazine rated Schweitzer number 21 in its annual readers’ survey of the top 25 ski resorts in North America. The same issue rated Schweitzer among the continent’s top three hills for tree skiing.

In the last year Schweitzer has poured in more than $10 million in upgrades and improvements, including two new lifts: the Basin Express, a high-speed detachable quad, and the Lakeview Triple. This new tandem will increase total uphill capacity at Schweitzer by 28 percent this winter.

Other improvements include renovation of the Lakeview Lodge and new snowmaking capability—not that they need it this winter. They’re reporting a 106” base and more snow is on the way.

The Basin Express makes the mountain more family friendly, unloading mid mountain to wide-open gentle slopes and the Stomping Grounds terrain park. The Lakeview Triple starts mid mountain and takes snowriders to some of Schweitzer’s most challenging steeps and chutes.

It probably takes a week at Schweitzer to experience all the mountain has to offer. Off the back of the mountain, 2,000 acres of cat skiing await from the top of The Great Escape Quad. Don’t miss the Idyl Hour T-bar for a ride to Little Blue and some of the mountain’s fastest, longest cruisers and classic glades. The T-bar also gets you closer to some of Schweitzer’s legendary out-of-bounds terrain. If you’re lucky, you can tag along with a local for a hike to Big Blue. The sweet, deep powder turns are worth the hard work.

Another great amenity Schweitzer has going for it is the town of Sandpoint, just 11 miles down the hill. Sandpoint sits along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. The town is full of great places to shop, eat and stay. Numerous Sandpoint properties offer lift tickets with their lodging.

Of course, there’s nothing like staying slopeside at Schweitzer. Check out the Slopeside Ski and Stay deals . Starting at only $64 per person, per night, you can stay in Schweitzer Village and get lift tickets for up to four people.

With all the new amenities and the all the great snow, this is the season to check out Schweitzer, soon to be one of your all-time favorite places to ski.

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Eight things every skier and rider must do at Schweitzer:

1. Dig into a loaded baked potato at the Outback Inn on a snowy wintry afternoon

2. Pause at the top of the new Lakeview Triple chairlift to take in the amazing view of Lake Pend Oreille

3. Explore the trees off the Idyle Hour T-bar and find a new line and some powder stashes.

4. Refuel at the end of the day with Buffalo Stew and a glass of hearty red, fireside at the Chimney Rock Grill.

5. Spend some time with the kids on the tubing hill

6. Resolve to start the new year with a new sport - take a lesson in nordic skiing, rent your gear at The Source, and see the wonder and peace and quiet of the nordic trails.

7. Say hi to the Stomping Grounds Terrain Park rangers, who are always there to fine tune jumps and supervise the action. Whether you hit the rails and jumps or just watch other get airborn, our terrain park is not to miss.

8. Re-connect with friends or family over a long weekend in a winter wonderland. Stay at the White Pine Lodge and soak in the hot tub after a long day on the slopes.

POMERELLE: A PRIVATE EXPERIENCE AT A GREAT PRICE . . . WITH TONS OF SNOW!

2008-01-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

There’s nothing better than fresh snow and few people. You’ll find that at Pomerelle Mountain Resort, just 25 miles off Interstate 84 via Idaho 77. Look for the Declo/Albion exit, #216.

Pomerelle is a great hill for families who love to ski and board. Crowds are low, food is good, lift tickets are cheap, and the staff is friendly. Challenging runs for skiers, exciting terrain for snowboarders and scenic trails for cross-country enthusiasts make this a well rounded mountain for any skill level.

Most importantly, Pomerelle gets huge amounts of snow--the most in Idaho—about 500 inches a year. At nearly 9,000 feet, often snow totals here are equivalent to Utah resorts three hours south.

Pomerelle grooms 24 slopes serviced by a triple chair, a double chair and a new 450-foot Magic Carpet boardwalk lift. Ride the triple and see the 50 mile-panorama of the Magic Valley.

With 500 acres and 1,000 feet of vertical, the gentle wide runs with the occasional drop are a great place to practice your carving skills. And if you go off the groomed trails you can hit powder unlike any you may have ever seen.

The terrain park gets rave reviews. The mountain constantly works with locals and any one who has a good idea to improve the park. The cool instructors will teach anyone how to feel comfortable in the park. Every week it gets better and the hits are always well maintained.

If you are looking a private resort experience without the outrageous price, come make some turns at Pomerelle. The next big event here is the Winter Games of Idaho on January 26. The “Tykes to Teens Challenge” offers all skiers and boarders a chance to show their stuff.

Why not spend a couple of days. Check out The Marsh Creek Inn is located on Highway 77, the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway, in the beautiful and historic Albion Valley.

Sun Valley offers “Jump Into January” ski and stay specials

2008-01-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

Sun Valley offers “Jump Into January” ski and stay specials
Children 15 years and younger ski free

The Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau (SVKCVB) is enticing skiers and visitors to the Sun Valley area to take advantage of their Jump into January promotion running January 2nd-31st, 2008.

The ski and stay packages begin at $240 per person and include two nights lodging and two days of skiing or snowboarding. In addition, children 15 years and younger ski free with the purchase of an adult lift ticket.

“January is a great time of year to visit the Sun Valley/Ketchum area”, said Carrie Westergard, Marketing Director of the SVKCVB “The skiing can’t be compared.”

January is jam-packed with events in the Sun Valley/Ketchum area. Below is a selection of the events taking place during the month. For a complete list of events, and for more detailed event information, visit www.visitsunvalley.com

January 2nd-31st Kids 15 and under ski free with the purchase of an adult lift ticket

January 11th & 12th Sun Valley Suns hockey game. Watch as the Suns play the BC Rossland Warriors.

January 19th Free Nordic Ski Day/Free Nordic Ski Lessons at Galena Lodge

January 20th-21st Full Moon Dinners at Galena Lodge. Enjoy a hearty meal and ski under the full moon.

January 26th Billy Goat Loppett. 10km, 5km, and 1.5km skate ski race for all levels.

January 26th Ski the Rails Nordic-ski the Wood River Trail from Ketchum to Hailey.

Sun Valley/Ketchum offers non-stop daily flights from Seattle, Los Angeles and Oakland on Horizon Air and from Salt Lake City on Skywest/The Delta Connections. Visit www.visitsunvalley.com/hotdeals for more information on the Jump into January special.

2008 MCCALL WINTER CARNIVAL GOES WILD, WILD WEST

2008-01-16T15:56:00.000-08:00

The 2008 McCall Winter Carnival is set for January 25- February 3 and will be themed Wild, Wild West! This year’s event will continue with many of the well-loved traditions of Carnivals past, such as elaborate snow sculptures, Monte Carlo Night, the Mardi Gras Parade and the popular beer garden.

In addition this year, some new events and opportunities for visitors will be available including an extreme rider snowmobile event

and locally designed commemorative pins and shirts. Also new this year is the ability to purchase items such as event tickets, merchandise and sponsorship opportunities online with your credit card.

“The McCall Chamber is excited to host the 43rd Annual McCall Winter Carnival. We recognize that thousands of people come to town each year to enjoy the McCall way of life and experience the winter events with their families. We are excited to enhance this event and we encourage vendors and sponsors to sign-up quickly because space is running out,” said Tamara Sandmeyer, Executive Director of McCall Chamber of Commerce.

Other events, including Snowshoe Golf, the Monster Dog Pull, the Snowmobile Fun Run and live music are scheduled for the 10-day festival. Sign-ups for Sponsors, Event Chairman and Vendors are being accepted now.

For more information on how to benefit from the event or get involved, contact Jesse Murphy at jesse@infuzemarketing.com or 208-866-6085 or see The 2008 McCall Winter Carnival Web site at www.mccallwintercarnival.com. This site is constantly being updated with additional features and information for 2008, so remember to visit periodically for new information.

TAMARACK’S HELLS CANYON SUPERPIPE IS NOW OPEN TO FREERIDERS!

2008-01-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

At 450-feet long with towering 22-foot walls, Tamarack Resort’s monstrous Hells Canyon SuperPipe is one of just six in North America to feature the new Olympic standard – 22-foot walls--four feet higher than typical pipes.

Hells Canyon has opened just in time. The return of the country’s greatest snowboard competition – the Chevy US Snowboarding Grand Prix – is just one month away.

World-class snowboarders return to Tamarack February 9-10 for the second stop of the series to compete in the SuperPipe and on the snowboard cross course.

The SuperPipe provides a great venue not only for the world-class competitors in the upcoming Grand Prix, but for athletes near and far who want to train in one of the top pipes on the continent.

Last year’s inaugural stop at Tamarack brought crowds in the thousands to cheer on the who’s who of the sport. This year promises to provide just as much high-flying competition and entertainment.

“We love being able to offer such world-class amenities so athletes can really push the sport,” said Ken Rider, Director of Resort Sales and Marketing. “With the pipe right at the base and visible from our Village, anyone can enjoy the show whether they’re on the mountain or enjoying après fare from our patios.”

The Grand Prix events are free to all spectators. Check the Grand Prix page at www.TamarackIdaho.com for the latest schedule, news on which riders will show up to show off, and high-flying video from last year’s competition.

Having the only pipe of this size in the region provides a unique opportunity for teams and clubs to come train on the new Olympic standard. The world-class recreation amenities combined with Village and lodging facilities just steps away creates an enviable environment for training the next generation of freeride stars.

For more information on training on the Hells Canyon SuperPipe, contact Tamarack’s Leisure Group Sales Manager Jeff Carroll at 208.325.1019 or jcarroll@tamarackidaho.com

BOARDER ON QUEST TO RIDE EVERY IDAHO SKI RESORT

2008-01-08T23:39:00.000-08:00

David Schor calls himself a philosopher and musician by education, and a jack-of-all trades. He’s also a licensed Universal Life Church minister. But most of all, he’s a snowboarder.

David has been able to do what most of us have only dreamed of doing. Accompanied most often by his dad, in the winter of 2005-06 he rode every mountain in Oregon. Last winter he checked off all the Washington hills. This winter he’s in the process of bagging every Idaho resort.

You can get a day-by-day update of his progress online at http://skiid.blogspot.com

“I am a licensed minister,” he said, “However, church, in the traditional sense, has never been a big part of my life. In my case, 'church' is as I see fit to make it.”

The past several winters David’s church has been the mountains. His “Ski Idaho Challenge” is the final portion of his “Northwest Ski Challenge” trilogy. So far this winter he’s visited Snowhaven, Cottonwood Butte, Little Ski Hill, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass, Schweitzer, Payette Lakes, Brundage and Tamarack.

As far as his ministry, his approach is simple.

“Do that which is right,” he said. “Do that which is left! Love is the key. There is much to be learned in life, and we ought to help each other learn.”

We asked him how Idaho compares with Oregon and Washington so far. Ultimately, it’s the snow.

“The most striking difference is the superb quality of the snow in Idaho,” he said. “Both Oregon and Washington have much more moisture in their snow, particularly in the Cascades. It is rare to get truly light, dry, snowball-proof snow in the Cascades, but so far it seems to be the norm from what I have seen in Idaho. With this light, dry powder, lines that would be chopped up ice in Oregon or Washington become pleasantly smooth and effortless powder puff in Idaho. I have found great variety of terrain in Idaho as well, from family-friendly cruising and trees at Lookout Pass to big-mountain cruisers and steeps at Schweitzer. The local T-bar hills have been a blast as well, each boasting large expanses of powder with much less traffic than the larger resorts.”

David’s plans include checking off all the Idaho hills by mid-January. Who knows, you could even meet him on a chair somewhere. Chances are, you already have. The guy is everywhere.

SUN VALLEY MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK

2008-01-08T23:38:00.000-08:00

You don’t have to spend a bundle to experience Sun Valley, the birthplace of skiing in north America. You can ski and stay at an incredible price with the Mid-Week Madness Special. http://www.sunvalley.com/sunvalley/Info/promotions/sp.promo.midweek.aspx

For just $105 per person based on double occupancy, or $175 single occupancy, you get one night’s lodging for two and a one day lift ticket for each person.

Sun Valley introduced North America to alpine skiing with its creation in 1936 and to this day sets the standard for world-class mountain resorts. The legendary mountain where the chair lift was invented and the world’s first ski school started is affordable too.

Mid Week Madness is incentive enough to make a pilgrimage to Sun Valley this winter. You’ll find a mountain with 3,400 feet of sustained, impeccably maintained vertical. Jack Sibbach, Sun Valley’s Director of Sales, Marketing and P.R. says that with the abundance of high speed lifts, constant pitch and lack of lines, it’s not uncommon to rack up 50,000 feet of vertical in a day.

There’s even more to Sun Valley that no other mountain in the country can offer. It’s innovative Lift Exchange Program lets destination skiers who buy a multi-day lift ticket exhange a day of skiing for another activity.

“If the weather’s not good or you overdo it on the first day, you can exchange skiing for another activity,” Sibbach said. “There are 10 or 11 different things you can do instead—massagae, dinner and a movie, sleigh ride—either way you’ll get your money’s worth.”

Last season hundreds of guests took advantage of the Lift Exhange. Sibbach said that some people came on five-day packages and did different things every day without skiing.

BOISE'S WINTER GETAWAY CELEBRATING BLACK DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

2008-01-08T23:37:00.000-08:00

This year Bogus Basin celebrates 65 years as Boise’s winter getaway. The mountain recreation area has been a non-profit, community-based ski area since it opened in 1942. It’s a large resort with a local feel that has it all: high speed lifts, night skiing, trees, bumps, double diamonds, cruisers, terrain park and great backcountry--all in a non-profit, affordable package.

It couldn’t be easier to join the Black Diamond celebration. The slopes are just 16.5 miles from Boise. The drive takes about 35 minutes. Book a room in Boise at participating hotels [link to http://www.boise.org/stayandplay/] in the mountain’s Stay and Play program and get two for one lift tickets for every night you stay.

With seven lifts and thousands of acres, Bogus Basin is a great mountain fit for any type of skier, whether you like your snowriding long and leisurely or difficult and challenging. Take time to explore. Hook up with a local and ask for a trip OB and down "Chair 7" or through the infamous Triangle or Waterfall/911 areas on Pine Creek.

Enthusiasts agree the place to check out is The Face--several hundred acres of steep black and double diamond terrain, peppered with widely spaced trees, cliffs and cornices. Hike to the very top above Superior and follow the crest to cornices, cliffs and deep Idaho’s signature powder snow.

Beginners enjoy Silver Queen for hill skiing and Cabin Traverse for trail skiing. Lift 5 is great for intermediates, with gentle slopes interspersed with trails. For kids, there’s a mountain full of hidden "jump trails" to enjoy. Just ask a local where they are, and make sure you keep up.

If you like long cruisers, Pine Creek is the place to go. With one of the longest chair lifts you will ever ride. Spend all day there and always find places you haven’t been.

Do it all. You’ll find the best of the Idaho winter at Bogus Basin.

Sidebar:

Eight things every skier and rider must do at Bogus Basin:

1. Check out the view of the valley from the top of Deer Point chair #1. Take a picture to send to your friends and family to make them jealous.

2. Eat an order of our famous bodacious chili cheese fries...yummy...

3. Enjoy mountain views from Pioneer Lodge, spectacular at night

4. Go night skiing or riding, a magical experience during a full moon. Chair 3 is open at night and it's your own private Idaho on the backside at night.

5. Scope at the action at any of our 3 terrain parks: the Sunshine terrain park (for beginners and young kids) off of Morning Star #2; or the Playground and Claim Jumper parks off of Deer Point #1 (for intermediate to expert freeriders)

6. Sit by the gas fireplace at the Frontier Point Nordic Center

7. Ride the Pepsi GoldRush Tubing Hill for a different kind of thrill

8. Free popcorn every day at 4pm in Simplot Lodge-just follow the aroma and help yourself!

SOLDIER MOUNTAIN-PEACEFUL POWDER INTERLUDE

2008-01-08T23:36:00.000-08:00

Should you be traveling to Sun Valley from Boise you owe it to yourself to visit Soldier Mountain. You’ll discover a secret snow riders in the remote Camas Valley have known for years: great terrain, high quality snow, cheap lift tickets and perhaps best of all, an average of about 200 skiers a day on nearly 1,200 acres—and that doesn’t include the cat skiing and Soldier’s renowned backcountry access.

You’ll find this hidden jewel in the Sawtooth National Forest, 12 miles north of Fairfield: “The Best Undiscovered Small Ski Town in the West. Soldier Mountain is 70 miles north of Twin Falls, 55 miles northest of Mountain Home and 50 miles southwest of downtown Hailey.

Taking a left off Highway 20 and driving through Fairfield on your way to the hill is like going back in time to a simpler--and less expensive—way of life. A lift ticket for just $30 brings you to a panorama over the Camas Prairie where you can see seven different mountain ranges.

You may want to spend more than a day here. Stay at The Prairie Inn in Fairfield (208-764-2247), or the Soldier Mountain Ranch 14 miles from the hill (208-764-2506) and get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2247 for reservations.

Full, half day, backcountry, and punch card tickets are available. Military personnel get discounts and children under 6 or seniors over the age of 70 ski free. College and group rates are also available.

Soldier Mountain ski area has a base elevation of 5,800 feet and a summit elevation of 7,200 feet. Vertical totals 1,425 feet of glades, bowls and groomers. One of the most popular features is the terrain park, considered one of the finest in Idaho. You’ll find it from the top of Chair 2, next to the Air Ride run. Features include a triple hit tabletop with 15-30 foot gaps that transition into groomed roller landings. An eight-foot spine is parallel to the quarter pipe, cornices, ramps, rails, and rollers. No inverts are allowed.

But Soldier Mountain’s main attraction is fresh snow in the backcountry. full day snowcat adventures depart the base at 8:30 a.m. and return to the top of the ski area by 4:00 p.m. You get personal access to 1500+ acres of spectacular backcountry terrain in the Sawtooth National Forest plus lunch in a backcountry yurt.

Plus, you don’t have to be an expert to experience cat skiing or boarding. Trips an intermediate snowrider will never forget are available as well. Call (208)764-2526 for more information.

SKI, STAY AND SAVE IN JANUARY

2008-01-08T23:35:00.000-08:00

Soldier Mountain -- http://www.soldiermountain.com/specials.asp

Prairie Inn Ski/Stay Special
Stay at The Prairie Inn and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2247 for reservations.

Soldier Mountain Ranch Ski/Stay Special
Stay with Soldier Mountain Ranch and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2506 for reservations.

Sun Valley - http://www.sunvalley.com/SunValley/info/promotions/sp.promo.aspx

Mid Week Madness Special: Stay and ski at incredible price!

Soldier Mountain -- http://www.soldiermountain.com/specials.asp

Prairie Inn Ski/Stay Special
Stay at The Prairie Inn and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2247 for reservations.

Soldier Mountain Ranch Ski/Stay Special
Stay with Soldier Mountain Ranch and ski with us and you will get $10.00 off your room rate. You will also receive a voucher good for a $10.00 discount on adult tickets and $5.00 discount on youth tickets. Call (208) 764-2506 for reservations.

Sun Valley - http://www.sunvalley.com/SunValley/info/promotions/sp.promo.aspx

Mid Week Madness Special: Stay and ski at incredible price!
http://www.sunvalley.com/sunvalley/Info/promotions/sp.promo.midweek.aspx

$105 per person based on double occupancy
Includes one night’s lodging for 2 in the same room at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket for each person.

$175 single occupancy
Includes one night’s lodging at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket.

Available only on selected dates. Package based on availability. For reservations and information call (800)-786-8259 or e-mail reservations@sunvalley.com.

Visit the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau for more information about hot lodging deals:
http://www.visitsunvalley.com/static/index.cfm?action=group&contentID=72

Bogus Basin - http://www.boise.org/stayandplay/

Stay and Play
Stay at a participating Boise-area hotel this winter, and play at Bogus Basin Mountain for FREE! Buy one alpine lift ticket or nordic trail pass and get another one FREE (of equal or less value).
No blackout periods
One lift ticket voucher per guest, per night of stay in Boise
Lift tickets valid during time of stay only
Mention the "Stay and Play" offer when placing reservations at participating hotels

Stay and Play is offered through a partnership with the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau with underwriting grant support from the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, Tourism Division.

Brundage - http://www.brundage.com/lodging.aspx

Midweek Ski & Stay Packages 2007/2008 Starting at $78 per person:
2 full-day lift tickets for each person + 1 night's lodging at McCall's brand new AmericInn. (Price based on double occupancy, non-holiday, midweek, price does not include lodging tax.) For Reservations: Call 208-634-2230 or www.americinn.com

Grand Targhee - http://www.grandtarghee.com/lodging/

Midweek Lodging Special - Limited time offer - Book now!
Stay with us on a lodging/skiing package anytime Sunday through Thursday nights and enjoy discounted rates.

SnowCat Adventure Package -
3 night/ 3 day Lodging/Ski Package includes 3 full-day lift tickets, 3 nights lodging PLUS a FREE SnowCat Adventure Trip!

Lookout Pass - http://www.skilookout.com/ski/lodging.php

Mention the Ski Idaho e-newsletter for ski packages starting at $109.00 plus tax!

The Wallace Inn (wallaceinn.net) and Stardust Motel in historic Wallace Idaho have the best and least expensive ski packages in Idaho and the surrounding northwest area.

Wallace Inn- queen bedded room for #2 persons with ski passes to Lookout Ski Resort including a complimentary glass of wine or beer each.

Stardust Motel- even more economical; a single bedded room at the Stardust with the same offer- $86.00!!!!!!!!!!!!1

*special group rates also available.
**silver mtn packages also available

Pebble Creek - http://www.pebblecreekskiarea.com/hotels.html

Buy one, get one free, lift tickets when you stay at participating Lava Hot Springs Hotels!

Aura Soma Lava - www.aslava.com - in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, conveniently located less than an hour from Pebble Creek Ski area, includes The Oregon Trail Lodge, The Courtyard Inn & 5 Vacation Rental Homes. Aura Soma Lava also has a private, natural mineral hot pool, just a one minute walk from the Oregon Trail Lodge. Take advantage of our Ski Packages all winter long: 800-757-1233.

Schweitzer - http://www.schweitzer.com/plan_vacation/vacation_packages/great_deal/

Stay Slopeside & Ski Free from only $64 per person at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Your package includes a one night stay for up to four people and free skiing for each person. Package is based on quad occupancy.

Silver Mountain - http://skisilver.com/Lodging/default.aspx?page=Hot_Deals_And_Packages

Ski & Stay Packages starting at $85 pp/do
Includes 1 night lodging and 1 day lift ticket.

Martin Luther King Day - Valid January 19 - January 20, 2008
$199/per person, based on double occupancy
Package includes: Stay 2 nights lodging in Studio, 3rd night free, 2 adult lift tickets.

Sweet Hearts Package for Valentines Day - Valid Feb 8 - Feb 14, 2008
$151/per person, based on double occupancy
Package includes 1 night stay for Valentines in a Studio*, 1 Bottle of Champagne with lodging, 1 day lift ticket per person, and 30 minute massage for 2
(Offer cannot be used in conjunction with Presidents weekend)
*Ask about an upgrade to our Honeymoon Suite *

Presidents Day $199/ per person, based on double occupancy
Offer includes: 2 nights Studio lodging, 2 adult lift tickets for 1 day.
*Ask about our lodging upgrades and availability*

Romance Packages
Enjoy an extraordinary evening or two at Morning Star Lodge with your sweetheart. Luxurious condo, Chilled Champagne or Huckleberry Wine, 2 complimentary Wine Glasses, Heart Shaped Bath Gel for the tub, souvenir candle and sweetheart chocolates.

Tamarack - http://www.tamarackidaho.com/vacation_planning/lodging_packages.php

Backcountry Discovery Package
Starting from $295 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a full-day backcountry experience trip per person, per lodging night.

Stay & Ski Free
Starting from $124 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a lift ticket per person, per lodging night.

Discovery Package
Starting from $139.50 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a Discovery Ticket per person, per lodging night.

Snowmobile & Lodging Package
Starting from $223 per person, per night.
Package includes a guided snowmobile trip off Tamarack's summit per person.

Dual Escape Spa Package
Starting from $402 per couple, per night.
Package includes a Dual Escape Massage per lodging night.

EVENTS

2008-01-08T23:32:00.000-08:00

Events on the Hill: The winter action in Idaho is getting hot!

Schweitzer
Winter Carnival - Schweitzer Lights up the Nights
Saturday January 19

Schweitzer celebrates winter in the great outdoors. Join us Saturday evening as we kick things off with a Bang! This year we light up the night with torchlight parade and a fireworks display on the mountain.

All day: Complimentary NASTAR Runs
Take your passport up to the NASTAR course for 2 complimentary runs to test your racing skills! This is a fun way to try racing gates. No medals or prizes will be awarded, but you’ll have bragging rights!

All day: Poker Skiing!
Take your passport to each lift to get a playing card. At the end of the day we’ll meet to get card number 7!

Events on the Hill: The winter action in Idaho is getting hot!

Schweitzer
Winter Carnival - Schweitzer Lights up the Nights
Saturday January 19

Schweitzer celebrates winter in the great outdoors. Join us Saturday evening as we kick things off with a Bang! This year we light up the night with torchlight parade and a fireworks display on the mountain.

All day: Complimentary NASTAR Runs
Take your passport up to the NASTAR course for 2 complimentary runs to test your racing skills! This is a fun way to try racing gates. No medals or prizes will be awarded, but you’ll have bragging rights!

All day: Poker Skiing!
Take your passport to each lift to get a playing card. At the end of the day we’ll meet to get card number 7! Best 5-card hand wins! Register at the Activity Center.

2pm: Kid’s Scavenger Hunt in the Village
Join our Activity Center Staff for some fun in the snow! We need your help to solve some silly riddles that will lead us to clues! Please dress to for outside fun, and we’ll have Nestles Cocoa for all of our helpers! Please sign up in advance in the Activity Center.

5pm: Ididernot
What if the Iditarod was pulled by human power and the dogs were passengers? Join us to build a cardboard sled and race through the Schweitzer Village. This is a great family event! We’ll provide all of the materials. No charge. Sign up in advance at the Activity Center.

6pm: Torchlight Parade and Fireworks

Silver Mountain
Saturday, January 12 - USASA Snowboard Event

Lookout Pass
Sunday, January13 Winter Carnival
Winter Carnival Family Fun Day
Pacific Northwest National Wife Carrying Contest

Brundage
Saturady, January 26 -- USASA Slalom and GS
The Payette River Mountains FreeRide Series is set for the 2007-2008 season. Helmets and USASA memberships are required for all events. All competitors under 18 must have a parent/gaurdian signature. Membership dues can be paid on line at a cost of $65 until October 31st. November 1st the cost rises to $75. Membership must be current before you can compete. Go to usasa.org. Check the schedule for event dates. Cost for each event is $25. Helmets are required without exception!

Grand Targhee
Friday and Saturday, January 12-13

USSA Mogul Competition

USSMA Randonnee Race
Grand Targhee, USSMA and COSMIC have come together to provide a new venue for a randonnee race with some twists to the race circuit. This event will have teams races and a freeride event.

Pebble Creek
Friday, January 11 and Again on Saturday, January 19

Free Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Workshop
In conjunction with the National Slope Safety Awareness Week and sponsored by Pebble Creek Ski Area, the Pebble Creek National Ski Patrol and the City of Pocatello Department of Parks and Recreation.

Pomerelle
Saturday, January 26
Winter Games of Idaho - Pomerelle Mountain 'Tyke's to Teen's Challenge' - all in school skiers & boarders - 1st through 12th grade.

Tamarack
Friday and Saturday, January 5-6 – Alpine Masters Western Idaho Open
Invited to participate are racers of all levels, from beginners who enjoy exciting race courses, to former college racers and Olympians. Age ranges are 21 to over 80 with competition occuring in five-year age groups (25-29, 30-34, 35-40 and up).

Wednesday, January 9 -- Masters' Race Training and Public Racing
This program features slalom and giant slalom training, including personal coaching, video analysis and timed runs. Training will focus on improvement of GS & SL fundamentals, learning and improving proper technique and tactics involved in ski racing. This program is for the adult skier interested in learning race skills for the first time, the experienced adult racer and any skier interested in improving their skills in fun, active, high-energy environment.

Friday and Saturday, January 12-13/2008 - Payette River Mountains Freestyle Series

IT'S SNOWING - COME AND GET IT!

2008-01-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

Idaho mountains received the ultimate gift over the holidays. A steady barrage of storms fattened up the slopes throughout the state—just in time for all the winter events that get rolling full swing in January.

The slopes have also been prepped perfectly for David Schor, a snowboarder from Oregon on his way to ride every mountain in Idaho this season. The last two winters he’s hit every mountain in Oregon and Washington. Learn more about him and his Idaho quest in this issue.

Events of note this month include Schweitzer’s Winter Carnival, a big weekend of celebration both on the hill and down in Sandpoint on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Plus, recreational racers of any ability can test their mettle in a variety of events at Tamarack and Brundage. Perhaps the most intriguing event coming up is probably the Pacific Northwest National Wife Carrying Contest at Lookout Pass. You can read all about that here too, plus the hottest lodging deals at places like Sun Valley, Schweitzer, Grand Targhee and Tamarack.

It’s been snowing a ton. It’s snowing right now. Winter in Idaho is as good as it gets. - Bill Jennings

Getting the Gift of Snow!

2007-12-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

I hope you’re all going to get a chance to reap nature’s bounty this holiday season by visiting one of Idaho’s 18 ski areas. Another epic storm hammered the Panhandle with snow this week and more storms are forecast for the entire state. Check out the photo Phil Edholm, President/CEO of Lookout, sent me this morning! It looks like the great Idaho winter that meteorologists have been talking about for months is finally building a full head of steam. Get all your work done and go get it! - Bill Jennings

You won’t find another place quite like Silver Mountain

2007-12-20T12:17:00.000-08:00

The most obvious feature setting Silver Mountain apart is the gondola—a 3-mile, 3,800 scenic ride taking you 3,800 feet from the Silver Valley floor to the Mountain Haus a mile high in the Bitteroot Mountains.

The most obvious feature setting Silver Mountain apart is the gondola—a 3-mile, 3,800 scenic ride taking you 3,800 feet from the Silver Valley floor to the Mountain Haus a mile high in the Bitteroot Mountains.

Thanks to the gondola, access to Silver Mountain couldn’t be easier. East or west, it’s a straight shot to Kellogg on 1-90. Just off the exit ramp you will find an emerging five-star alpine village with shops, restaurants and the Morning Star Lodge, the region's newest premier condominium resort.

But there’s more. Early next year, you’ll be able to ski in the morning and surf in the evening when the Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark opens in the village. Up and away on the mountain, a six-lane snow tubing park with a conveyor lift offers alternative thrills.

When you arrive in Kellogg. Simply pull off the freeway, park your car right across the street, check in and you’re ready to ski or ride. Board the gondola and 20 minutes later you’re clicking in and hitting the slopes. In this way Silver Mountain is virtually unique in North America—you ski down from the base lodge, instead of taking another lift.

Regardless of what kind of skier or rider you are, you won’t be disappointed. First of all, the snow is light, dry and arrives in generous dumps. Plus, a nearly 360-degree layout packs so much adventure into 1,600 acres you have to personally experience it to really understand.

It’s possible to explore most of Silver Mountain in a single visit—if you ski non-stop and don't care about the breathtaking views. But the incredible variety of terrain on Kellogg and Wardner peaks is best enjoyed over a weekend or more.

Gentle, expansive beginner runs branch out directly from the Mountain Haus. Jibbers flock to a terrain park that has doubled in size for this season under chair two. For cruising, hit the ridge lines off chair two and the boulevards under chair four. Around and in between, glades, chutes and bump fields proliferate.

Ultimately, Silver is an enthusiast’s mountain at its best on a powder day. For the good stuff, head directly to chair four and the Wardner Peak Traverse. Bear in mind that your visit here won’t be complete without a hike to Wardner’s summit. The view, the sweet powder turns and the sense of accomplishment are all well worth the effort.

Good quality fuel is available in the Mountain Haus cafeteria. Huge piles of nachos and excellent burgers are served in the bar upstairs. After a huge day on the mountain, watch the sunset turn the snow from silver to crimson as you the Gondola down to the base. Have a nice dinner in Noah’s Canteen and then soak in a rooftop hot tub at the Morning Star Lodge.

The upscale rooms are reasonably priced, have lots of amenities, and great service. Studio, one and two bedroom units and family suites with lofts are available (link underlined text to: http://www.silvermt.com/Plan_Your_Trip/default.aspx?page=Hot_Deals_And_Packages)

The alpine experience here will only get better as the resort continues to upgrade and expand. Easy access, great terrain and plenty of powder make Silver Mountain a must see for all adventure seekers.

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Eight Things Every Skier and Rider Must do at Silver Mountain.

1. Find and pet Ezekiel the Squirrel, our terrain park mascot.

2. Traverse to Wardner Peak and ski waste deep powder after a big powder dump.

3. Cruise Centennial, our longest run at 2.2 miles.

4. Relax in the rooftop hot tubs at Morning Star Lodge in the Village.

5. Try the huckleberry elk skewers in Noah's Canteen

6. Conquer high score with your favorite game in Noah's Arcade

7. Go Tubing!

8. Jib the groomer cab in the terrain park

Brundage Mountain is bigger and better than ever with new lifts and terrain

2007-12-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

This winter two new chairlifts are rolling at Brundage this season, opening the south side of the mountain for the first time ever. The new Lakeview Bowl encompasses 160 acres overlooking Payette Lake. This $3.5 million investment is the largest in the resort’s history.

This winter two new chairlifts are rolling at Brundage this season, opening the south side of the mountain for the first time ever. The new Lakeview Bowl encompasses 160 acres overlooking Payette Lake. This $3.5 million investment is the largest in the resort’s history.

Together, the new lifts more than double the resort’s uphill capacity to 6,700 people per hour. This should help maintain Brundage’s uncrowded character as it grows.

Brundage is also the first Burton Snowboard Learn to Ride Center in Idaho. Burton has designed special snowboards for new riders and rental shop associates here get special training on how to properly fit this revolutionary gear. Brundage Mountain Snowboard Instructors go through clinics to get the most out of this equipment using proven teaching techniques endorsed by the AASI.

The Lakeview Lift Triple Chair takes you to breathtaking views of Payette Lake. In typical Brundage style, only four runs in Lakeview Bowl will be groomed. Most of the acreage will be untouched powder fields and glades.

The second fixed-grip triple, the Bear Chair, provides easier access to under-utilized runs and ties together the Brundage Kid’s Center facility with more beginner terrain. For those of you who have children of different ages and abilities, the drive-up Day Care Center/Snowsports School offers a unique convenience.

Most of the groomers here are intermediate, but experts have endless options. Shoot over to the extreme skiers right side of the hill to Hidden Valley (follow the expert only signs) and go big. For real powder hounds, try the backcountry snow-cat program operating on 19,000 acres of Payette National Forest. Splurge on an overnight trip and enjoy an experience you won’t forget.

To truly embrace the mountain lifestyle, stay in a private cabin or chalet. Contact www.inidaho.com for a variety of packages that offer a third night of lodging and third day of skiing for free with the purchase of the first two days. Midweek, Brundage Mountain is offering a special deal with one night’s lodging and two days of lift tickets for two people for under $165. Full details available at www.brundage.com/lodging.aspx.

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Eight Things Every Skier or Rider Must do at Brundage:

1 Take in spectacular views of Payette Lake as you explore 160 acres of new terrain in the Lakeview Bowl.

2 Venture out into Hidden Valley to understand what people mean by “Nature’s Terrain Park”.

3 Ski with a Pro. Meet at the bottom of the Blue Bird quad on weekends from 9:30 -10:30 am to take some free runs with our top instructors. They’re full of tips to help you improve your technique or challenge new terrain

4 Pop into our mountain-top yurt for a warm greeting, warm drinks and snacks. In Spring, it moves outside and you’ll enjoy the view of the Salmon River Mountains from our Ice Bar.

5 Backcountry SnoCat Adventures on 19,000 acres of backcountry. It’s the biggest Cat operation in the lower 48 – Meow!

6 Make a donation to the Centennial Tree. Just follow the trail of lacy underwear after Winter Carnival…or ask any local where to find it.

7 Let out a loud “Yoo Hoo” as you drop off-trail on a powder day. Your call will likely be answered in kind.

8 Get nostalgic about your last visit by looking for yourself in the Photo of the Day or Video of the Week on www.brundage.com.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

2007-12-20T12:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
Ring in 2008 doing your favorite thing--skiing & riding--at your favorite place an Idaho mountain resort!

SCHWEITZER

An Elegant Evening in Chimney Rock Grill
Enjoy live acoustic music and choose from a special dinner menu for an elegant evening in Chimney Rock Grill. Appetizer and dessert functions will also be available. Reservations are required. Please call the Chimney Rock for details at 255-3071.

Happy New Year!
Ring in 2008 doing your favorite thing--skiing & riding--at your favorite place an Idaho mountain resort!

SCHWEITZER

An Elegant Evening in Chimney Rock Grill
Enjoy live acoustic music and choose from a special dinner menu for an elegant evening in Chimney Rock Grill. Appetizer and dessert functions will also be available. Reservations are required. Please call the Chimney Rock for details at 255-3071.

Teen’s Night out at the Tubing Hill
New Year’s Eve party for 12-18 year olds. Tubing, snowskate jam, music, pizza, light-your-own fireworks, and more! Tickets are $25 at the Activity Center (Please purchase in advance). Ticket price includes cover charge and snacks, & space is limited. Call the Activity Center for tickets. 208.255.3081

Tween’s Party in the Lakeview Lodge
Calling all 7-11 year olds, this New Year’s Eve party is just for you! Games, crafts, food, movies with popcorn and more! Tickets are $25 at the Activity Center (Please purchase in advance). Space is limited, so buy your tickets today! Call the Activity Center for tickets. 208.255.3081

And for the Wee Ones…
Kinderkamp will be open until 12:30am for children ages 4 months to 6 years. Reservations required. Enjoy food, games and movies! Please call 255-3038 for additional information and reservations. Sorry season passes do not apply.

SUN VALLEY

Galena Lodge Holiday Dinners
December 28, 2007 - December 31, 2007, 7PM
http://www.bcrd.org
Location: Galena Lodge, 24 miles N on Hwy 75
Phone: 726-4010
Five-course plated and served dinner during Holiday Season. Sit at large tables and meet new friends. Take the stress out of the holiday and escape to Galena. Reservations required.

Children’s New Years Eve
December 31, 2007, 6PM-1AM
http://www.sunvalley.com
Location: Sun Valley Playschool
Phone: 622-2288
Admission: $15 per hour per child
Children age 18 months to five years will enjoy games, crafts, movies and entertainment at the Sun Valley Playschool, including a visit to the Sun Valley Inn Continental Room. Snacks provided. Sleeping facilities available. Charge is $15 per hour per child. Dinner is optional for an additional $8. Advance Reservations required.

Kid’s New Years Eve Party
December 31, 2007, 7:30pm-1am
Location: Continental Room, Sun Valley Inn
Phone: 622-2135
Admission: $75 per child
Guests age 6-14 years are invited to join the fun in the Sun Valley Inn Continental Room. Arcade games, prizes and Fast Track auto racing are only a few of the fun activities to be provided. Food & beverages included. Adult supervised.

Limelight News Years Eve Party
December 31, 2007, 9PM
Location: Limelight Room, Sun Valley Inn
Phone: 622-2135
Admission: Tickets $65-$95
The Limelight Ballroom party includes hors d'oeurves, champagne toast, music, dancing. The High Street Band will be performing. Call 622-2135 for information and reservations.

Lodge Dining Room New Years Eve Dinner
December 31, 2007, 8PM
Location: Sun Valley Lodge
Phone: 622-2800
Admission: $425 per couple
Celebration in the Lodge Dining Room includes three-course dinner, champagne, dancing. Music by Sun Valley Trio. Call 622-2800 for reservations.

TAMARACK

New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
Join the festivities and celebrate at Tamarack on the snowfront from dusk to midnight!

GRAND TARGHEE

Celebrate the Holidays with Torchlight Parades, New Year's Eve Fireworks & Teton Valley Shuttle Service
Grand Targhee’s Annual Torchlight Parades begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. on both Christmas day and New Year’s Eve. Participants (12 & older) are to meet by 4:45 p.m. at the Ski and Snowboard School for registration. There’s also a special Children’s “Glowstick Parade” on the beginner terrain on both occasions. Children 12 & younger can register before 4:15 p.m. at the Ski & Snowboard School and be prepared to load the Shoshone lift at 4:30 p.m. sharp (minimum age for children’s participation is 5). A special fireworks display will immediately follow the Torchlight Parade on New Year’s Eve with complimentary refreshments available on the plaza. Participating in the parades is free of charge.

SEASON TAKING SHAPE!

2007-12-06T10:34:00.000-08:00

An Epic storm hammered Idaho's Panhandle with snow earlier this week. The impact lessened in the south but everyone got a peice of the action! At this writing Sun Valley, Tamarack, Lookout Pass and Grand Targhee are open. Brundage, Schweitzer and Lost Trail opened today, Silver is opening Friday, Soldier Saturday and the balance are waiting to open after the next big storm. Game on!

TAMARACK WANTS TO CHANGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR WINTER ADVENTURE

2007-12-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

Located in the heart of the scenic Payette River Mountains, Tamarack is the first newly permitted four-season resort in North America in more than two decades. It was established with the mission to redefine the upscale winter experience.

Few luxury resorts have the assets that Tamarack has to work with. Its east-facing aspects shelter the slopes from wind, allow maximum snow retention and give you spectacular views of Lake Cascade. The terrain is remarkably balanced with cruisers, steeps, glades and cornices. Vertical totals 2,800 feet with 41 runs served by seven lifts, including three high-speed quads.

Best of all there’s a limit of only 2,000 skiers a day on 1,110 acres.

Inside scoop:
Intermediate skiers, and experts looking for a thigh-burning warm-up should head to Bliss, a rolling run featured in SKI Magazine this fall as Rookie of the Year in its Best of the Blues roundup. SKI noted, ""The views of Lake Cascade and the surrounding mountains are sublime, and while Bliss is steep enough to make your thighs burn, it mellows out from time to time to give you a break"

Looking for untracked powder and prime tree skiing? Head to the Mystery Glades toward the southern boundary of the resort. Insiders recommend the glades off Enigma and in the Tamarack Grove on the northern resort boundary. Here the tamarack trees are tight, but they’ve dropped their needles for the winter and the sight lines are great.

This season Tamarack has made a big commitment to freeriders. If that’s your scene, don’t miss out on one of just six Olympic-sized SuperPipes in all of North America. The Hells Canyon Pipe should open in mid-January, featuring 22-foot high Olympic-caliber walls and a length of 450 feet.

Olympic and XGame Medalists will converge on Tamarack February 8-10 for the U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix. Top snowboard athletes will compete in the SuperPipe and on a specially constructed Snowboard Cross course

Powder hounds in search of an epic day, should start with a guided tour in 5,000 acres of expert backcountry terrain and get face shots all morning. Then have yourself an epic lunch.

Food for thought:
How does a Peanut Butter & Bacon Burger with a fried pickle spear sound? If it gets your mouth watering, or your curiosity peaked - the place to be for Après Ski is Seven Devils Pub on the snowfront. Kicking back on the patio with a mug of your favorite microbrew and check out the action in the SuperPipe at the same time. The place rocks with live music every Saturday throughout the season.

Morels Restaurant in the Lodge has some of the best gourmet fare in the mountains, from Wild Game Bolognese to Ostrich appetizers to Kobe Beef Hot Pastrami Sandwiches and Gourmet Mac & Cheese.

Stay and Play:
Stay slopeside in two- and three-bedroom cottages, chalets and vacation homes at the base of Tamarack Mountain. Various packages are available all season long. For more information visit www.tamarackidaho.com/vacation_planning/lodging_packages.php . Rooms are also available in the nearby towns of McCall to the north and Cascade to the south.

The whole family will find slopes at Tamarack that are competitive and challenging. The staff is very friendly and the food is excellent. It will make you appreciate the world class experience that can be found at a smaller resort that doesn’t get overrun. Over the years, more runs will open and amenities will continue to grow. It’s not too far fetched to say this place could one day become one of the premier ski resorts in America.

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Eight Things Every Skier and Rider Should Do at Tamarack:

1. Take the Summit Express to the 7,700-foot summit and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Payette River Mountains (grab a snack or cocoa at the Packer's Station Yurt to enjoy with your view)

2. Ski Bliss or Serenity top to bottom - no stops (beware the lactic acid)

3. Have a go at the Hells Canyon SuperPipe

4. Ski through the Tamarack Grove - key is to look for the space, not the trees!

5. Enjoy après ski on the Seven Devils or Canoe Grill patios

6. After a powder dump, go for first tracks off the cornice on Adrenaline or Me First

7. Book a Backcountry Experience (5,054 acres of powder - super-accessible terrain)

8. Stay overnight in a ski-in/ski-out cottage or chalet - hot tub included!

GRAND TARGHEE - DEEP POWDER AND BIG TIME TERRAIN

2007-12-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

Your satisfaction is guaranteed at Grand Targhee. It’s a pretty safe bet for management, especially with the way the season is going so far.

During Thanksgiving week Grand Targhee opened 1,500 acres of skiable terrain, more than any other resort in the Rockies, including Utah and Colorado. Tickets were discounted because of the “limited” terrain, but their unconditional snow guarantee applied. If not happy within an hour, you could trade your ticket in for a pass to be used on another day. There were no takers.

It’s not hard to imagine why. More than 500 inches of snow a year falls on Grand Targhee. And you can bet it’s light, dry champagne so often dreamed about but never indulged enough by most of us, except the Targhee locals.

With such abundant powder, national ski magazines rate Targhee among the top resorts in the West for snow quality and quantity-- less than 5% water content, and you know what that means.

Inside scoop:
Deep powder and big time terrain are the main attractions here. For the best of both, book a SnowCat Adventure on Peaked Mountain—a huge powder reserve of 1,000 untracked acres accessible only by snowcat. Until December 21, you can get a screaming on a SnowCat Adventure Package with lodging.

Two peaks at Targhee total more than 3,000 acres of terrain. The snowcats get 1,000 of them all to themselves on Peaked Mountain, where you can rack up 20,000 feet of exclusive vertical in 10 to 12 epic runs. The huge powder reserve is better than ever this season, with ten new trails off the top, plus new glades through old growth Douglas Fir and White Bark Pine. The spectacular views of the Tetons from the southeast ridge-line will blow you away.

There’s powder everywhere at Targhee. On Fred’s Mountain, only 400 of 1.500 acres are groomed. Black diamonds take 70 percent of the terrain. But there’s something for everyone. There is a beginner's powder area and hundreds of acres of wide-open slopes for intermediates and other cruisers.

More Targhee Treats:
Three terrain parks include Middle Earth, a new ‘natural’ terrain park with a rolling landscape that changes with every snowfall. As snow accumulates, long gliding slopes become rolling moguls that flow into a ‘fish bowl’, then split into three different levels draining into the ‘Water Fall’ natural half pipe, and end at the Power Reserve Traverse.

Here are a few of the other treats at Targhee: You can ride a sleigh on a starlit evening to a roundtable dinner in a snow-buried yurt; your kids can enroll in the Powder Scouts program, which gives kids ages 6 to 12 a full day of instruction, food, and skiing; and a spa offers everything from massage to a mineral mud wrap, along with hot tubs, sauna, exercise room, and heated outdoor pool.

The intense adventure at Targhee requires a lot of fuel and you have a lot of dining choices. For a quick bite, grab a snack from Snorkel’s, scarf killer nachos from the Trap Bar & Grille, or load up in the full-service cafeteria. For fine dining, you can’t go wrong at the Targhee Steakhouse. At night, The Trap Bar and Grille jams with bluegrass, rock, reggae and blues.

Lodging options abound:
It’s easy to get to Grand Targhee from the Idaho Falls or Jackson Hole airports. Midweek lodging specials are available at three slopeside lodges. Townhomes and condominiums are available at Teton Creek and Aspen Pointe, less than11 miles from Targhee. Beautiful homes are available at Creekside Meadows near Driggs.

Make no mistake, Grand Targhee is paradise for powderhounds, But if you’re looking for a laid-back, friendly, uncrowded ski resort where you can relax with friends or family, this is your place.

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Eight Things Every Skier and Rider must do at Grand Targhee:

1. Snowcat skiing on peaked Mountain – ten new runs this year, over 1,000 acres

2. Ski or ride the North Boundary accessible off of the Blackfoot chair. It’s a huge powder reserve with untracked POW until at least 1:00 p.m.!

3. Ski or ride in Grand Targhee’s new “natural” Middle Earth Terrain Park

4. Snowboard in “Ladies Waist” a natural half pipe located on the face of the mountain under the Dreamcatcher quad chair. Fun for skiers too!

5. New this season – Cosmic Pizza – Montana’s best pizza is now served at most Grand Targhee food outlets (5 total restaurants)!

6. Nordic skiing in Rick’s Basin. It’s the most beautiful terrain and offers incredible views of Teton Valley – all 15k of it. Great for the novice but also offers challenging terrain for the tougher track skiers.

7. Hiking up to Mary’s for fresh tracks long after the lift served terrain is tracked out – the gates leading to Mary’s are open about 90% of the time. Only avalanche work closes these gates to paradise!

8. Skiing or riding in the “The Good” - “The Bad” and “The Ugly.” The fall line can’t be beat - for advanced intermediate and expert snow sliders.

LOOKOUT PASS FIRST OUT THE GATE IN PANHANDLE

2007-12-06T09:19:00.000-08:00

True to form, Lookout Pass was the first Panhandle hill to open on November 29. This little hill in the back pocket of the Bitterroots is a snow magnet.

An epic storm that is hammering the Panhandle as I write this dumped 51 inches in two days at Lookout.

To ski early in Idaho this season, Lookout is the place. It has great early season conditions, especially the wide-open cruisers on the front side, which has been meticulously tended in the off-season for 70 years.

Lookout Pass strives to be a family ski hill, and families never had it so good: cheap lift tickets, deep snow, free ski school, down home atmosphere--and with the brand new North Star lift this season, steep expert terrain. There’s truly something for everybody at Lookout.

The North Star lift adds five new runs with steep, sustained fall lines and 400 more feet of vertical to Lookout’s stats. But the numbers that really count are $30 lift tickets ($19 for juniors) and 400 annual inches of the lightest, driest powder you’ll ever ride. Ticket prices are even less on weekdays. And if you’re over 40, Boomer Fridays are 18 bucks!

To get in on the good stuff at Lookout, stay in the historic town of Wallace about 10 miles west on the interstate. Go to the Wallace Inn and say you heard about it in the Ski Idaho eNewsletter and get great ski and stay packages starting at $109. For more information on additional places to stay, go to skilookout.com/new/lodging.php.

It may not be the biggest, but size isn’t everything. At Lookout, its all about the snow.

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BOGUS BASIN BOISE'S WINTER GETAWAY

2007-11-21T21:12:00.000-08:00

Boise’s winter getaway celebrating Black Diamond Anniversary.

The first thing a visitor notices about Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is the scenic, twisting road to the slopes. Ada County Highway District engineers report that Bogus Basin Road has 172 curves from bottom to top.

What they will always remember however, is a large resort with a local feel that has it all: high speed lifts, night skiing, trees, bumps, double diamonds, cruisers, terrain park and great backcountry--all in a non-profit, affordable package.

This year Bogus Basin celebrates its Black Diamond Anniversary—65 years as Boise’s winter getaway. The mountain recreation area has been a non-profit, community-based ski area since it opened in 1942.

It couldn’t be easier to join the Bogus Basin celebration this year. The slopes are just 16.5 miles from Boise. Despite the curves, the drive only takes about 35 minutes. Book a room in Boise at participating hotels [link to http://www.boise.org/stayandplay/] in the mountain’s Stay and Play program and get two for one lift tickets for every night you stay.

With seven lifts and thousands of acres, Bogus Basin is a great mountain fit for any type of skier, whether you like your snowriding long and leisurely or difficult and challenging. Take time to explore. Hook up with a local and ask for a trip OB and down "Chair 7" or through the infamous Triangle or Waterfall/911 areas on Pine Creek.

Enthusiasts agree the place to check out is The Face--several hundred acres of steep black and double diamond terrain, peppered with widely spaced trees, cliffs and cornices. Hike to the very top above Superior and follow the crest to cornices, cliffs and deep Idaho’s signature powder snow.

Beginners enjoy Silver Queen for hill skiing and Cabin Traverse for trail skiing. Lift 5 is great for intermediates, with gentle slopes interspersed with trails. For kids, there’s a mountain full of hidden "jump trails" to enjoy. Just ask a local where they are, and make sure you keep up.

If you like long cruisers, Pine Creek is the place to go. With one of the longest chair lifts you will ever ride. Spend all day there and always find places you haven’t been.

Do it all. You’ll find the best of the Idaho winter at Bogus Basin.

Sidebar:

Eight things every skier and rider must do at Bogus Basin:

1. Check out the view of the valley from the top of Deer Point chair #1. Take a picture to send to your friends and family to make them jealous.

2. Eat an order of our famous bodacious chili cheese fries...yummy...

3. Enjoy mountain views from Pioneer Lodge, spectacular at night

4. Go night skiing or riding, a magical experience during a full moon. Chair 3 is open at night and it's your own private Idaho on the backside at night.

5. Scope at the action at any of our 3 terrain parks: the Sunshine terrain park (for beginners and young kids) off of Morning Star #2; or the Playground and Claim Jumper parks off of Deer Point #1 (for intermediate to expert freeriders)

6. Sit by the gas fireplace at the Frontier Point Nordic Center

7. Ride the Pepsi GoldRush Tubing Hill for a different kind of thrill

8. Free popcorn every day at 4pm in Simplot Lodge-just follow the aroma and help yourself!

SKI LOOKOUT FOR A DROP DEAD BARGAIN ON DEEP POWDER

2007-11-21T21:04:00.001-08:00

Ski Lookout for a drop-dead bargain on deep powder

Lookout Pass strives to be a family ski hill, and families never had it so good: cheap lift tickets, deep snow, free ski school, down home atmosphere--and with the brand new North Star lift this season, steep expert terrain. There’s truly something for everybody at Lookout.

The North Star lift adds five new runs with steep, sustained fall lines and 400 more feet of vertical to Lookout’s stats. But the numbers that really count are $30 lift tickets ($19 for juniors) and 400 annual inches of the lightest, driest powder you’ll ever ride. Ticket prices are even less on weekdays. And if you’re over 40, Boomer Fridays are 18 bucks!

To ski early in Idaho this season, Lookout is the place. It has great early season conditions, especially the wide-open cruisers on the front side, which has been meticulously tended in the off-season for 70 years.

Phil Edholm, President/CEO of Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, credits Lookout’s abundant snowfall to a pair of weather phenomena called “orographic lift” and “continental effect.” The effects combine to deliver generous dumps of high quality snow.

Edholm said the snow is a benefit of the resort’s location on the saddle of the Bitterroot Range, smack dab on the Idaho/Montana border. Higher peaks stand immediately to the southwest. A microclimate exists here, on the western edge of a colder, dryer continental air mass.

Orographic lift occurs when moist Pacific air moves east over the steadily rising terrain. The air mass gains altitude, expanding as it cools. Less dense, cooler air can’t hold moisture like warm air. When Pacific air spills over the mountains above Lookout, it’s ready to unload. The cold, dry continental air triggers lots of fresh powder.

Edholm says that historically when a ski area expands it sees a 20 percent increase in skier visits. He’s expecting a great year, combined with the La Niña climate forecast for a big winter. Another snowcat has been added to the fleet, food service has been expanded and 120 new K2 skis and 50 snowboards have been added to the rental shop.

To get in on the good stuff at Lookout, stay in the historic town of Wallace about 10 miles west on the interstate. Go to the Wallace Inn and say you heard about it in the Ski Idaho eNewsletter and get great ski and stay packages starting at $109. For more information on additional places to stay, go to skilookout.com/new/lodging.php.

It may not be the biggest, but it’s one of the best run, most impeccably maintained mountains you will ever ski or ride. You truly haven’t experienced winter in the Panhandle until you experience Lookout Pass.

SIDEBAR

Eight things every skier and rider must do at Lookout Pass:

1. Ski or ride "Cloud 9" on a powder day for the perfect pitch.

2. Enjoy a long cruise down Rainbow Ridge on perfect seamless corduroy early in the morning.

3. Take in the spectacular views of the St. Regis Basin and Copper Basin from the top of the mountain.

4. Try a bowl of famous Lookout Chili.

5. Relax in the Loft Pub & Grub with a cold one from the tap and a hot bratwurst sandwich.

6. Snowride the longest quarter-pipe in the nation, at 1,111 feet in length, in "B-52" Terrain Park.

7. Join the fun by participating in the Pacific Northwest Wife Carrying Championship on January 13.

8. Catch some BIG AIR during the Winter Games of Idaho competition on February 9.

THE WORD IS GETTING OUT ABOUT SCHWEITZER

2007-11-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

This expansive mountain in the Idaho panhandle with world-class terrain and Tahoe-style lake views, used to be a well-kept secret. But people around the world are now discovering that Schweitzer offers a special winter experience.

For decades locals have reveled in its two massive bowls, breathtaking views and abundant glades. Now they have to share, but there’s plenty of room on nearly 3,000 acres, and even more outstanding out of bounds terrain.

This fall Skiing Magazine rated Schweitzer number 21 in its annual readers’ survey of the top 25 ski resorts in North America. The same issue rated Schweitzer among the continent’s top three hills for tree skiing.

With all the attention, the mountain isn’t resting on its laurels. Visitors this year will notice over $10 million in upgrades and improvements, including renovation of the Lakeview Lodge and new snowmaking capability. The original double Riblet has been replaced by two new lifts: the Basin Express, a high-speed detachable quad, and the Lakeview Triple. This new tandem will increase total uphill capacity at Schweitzer by 28 percent this winter.

About the only thing Schweitzer lacked up to now has been convenient access to easier skiing on the front side. The Basin Express makes the mountain more family friendly, unloading mid mountain to wide-open gentle slopes and the Stomping Grounds terrain park. The Lakeview Triple starts mid mountain and takes snowriders to some of Schweitzer’s most challenging steeps and chutes.

It probably takes a week at Schweitzer to experience all the mountain has to offer. Off the back of the mountain, 2,000 acres of cat skiing await from the top of The Great Escape Quad. Don’t miss the Idyl Hour T-bar for a ride to Little Blue and some of the mountain’s fastest, longest cruisers and classic glades. The T-bar also gets you closer to some of Schweitzers more legendary out-of-bounds terrain. If you’re lucky, you can tag along with a local for a hike to Big Blue. The sweet, deep powder turns are worth the hard work.

Another great amenity Schweitzer has going for it is the town of Sandpoint, just 11 miles down the hill. Sandpoint sits along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille. The town is full of great places to shop, eat and stay. Numerous Sandpoint properties offer lift tickets with their lodging.

Of course, there’s nothing like staying slopeside at Schweitzer. Check out the Slopeside Ski and Stay deals [link to http://www.schweitzer.com/plan_vacation/vacation_packages/great_deal/]. Starting at only $64 per person, per night, you can stay in Schweitzer Village and get lift tickets for up to four people.

With all the new amenities and the great La Niña weather pattern taking shape, this is the season to check out Schweitzer. Gorgeous views in every direction, great terrain and a nice atmosphere will make this one of your all-time favorite places to ski.

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SIDEBAR:

Eight things every skier and rider must do at Schweitzer:

1. Dig into a loaded baked potato at the Outback Inn on a snowy wintry afternoon

2. Pause at the top of the new Lakeview Triple chairlift to take in the amazing view of Lake Pend Oreille

3. Explore the trees off the Idyle Hour T-bar and find a new line and some powder stashes.

4. Refuel at the end of the day with Buffalo Stew and a glass of hearty red, fireside at the Chimney Rock Grill.

5. Spend some time with the kids on the tubing hill

6. Resolve to start the new year with a new sport - take a lesson in nordic skiing, rent your gear at The Source, and see the wonder and peace and quiet of the nordic trails.

7. Say hi to the Stomping Grounds Terrain Park rangers, who are always there to fine tune jumps and supervise the action. Whether you hit the rails and jumps or just watch other get airborn, our terrain park is not to miss.

8. Re-connect with friends or family over a long weekend in a winter wonderland. Stay at the White Pine Lodge and soak in the hot tub after a long day on the slopes.

IT WON'T BE LONG . . .

2007-11-21T20:50:00.000-08:00

For most of the state so far, La Nina has just been a tease. But the long-range weather pattern has everyone excited at the Idaho Ski Areas Association. In a perfect world, you’re skiing powder on Thanksgiving weekend. Years when I’ve found myself getting face shots in mid-November I could hardly believe it was actually happening. That’s what you call a dream come true. We’ll have to settle for anticipation for now.

Anything can happen in the mountains from the time I write this to the time you read it. Grand Targhee was ready to open on Friday, November 16th with 31 inches at mid mountain. But alas, it was a false alarm. Targhee guarantees their snow and it didn’t quite meet that standard yet. But you can always count on the cruisers at Sun Valley for the holidays. With the world’s most sophisticated snow-making system, including 12 additional acres on Dollar Mountain, they can guarantee your turns on Turkey Day.

This time of year, conditions can change in a heartbeat. Before long the storms will be waiting in line off the Pacific coast. When they finally hit, Lookout Pass in the Panhandle cannot be overlooked for great early season conditions,. Check out the feature in this issue about Lookout, and learn more about a microclimate that delivers the most powder in Idaho, early and often, to this small but mighty mountain.

And in the meantime, put on your dancin’ shoes, get on your knees, sacrifice an old pair of boards on a bonfire—do whatever it takes to make it snow!

Welcome to Prime Snowrider Habitat!

2007-11-05T22:17:00.000-08:00

Bill Jennings

Imagine the winter of your dreams. November powder days. Frequent dumps of high quality snow. Terrain equal to the best in the world in your backyard. Paradise, right? This fantasy plays out for real in Idaho: a snowrider’s paradise in the heart of the Northwest Rockies.

The statement above was chosen as the tagline for the Ski Idaho e-Newsletter because here at the Idaho Ski Areas Association, we can’t think of a better way to describe the winter abundance we’re blessed with. The Ski Idaho e-Newsletter is our invitation to you to get out there and make the most of it.

Somebody’s got to set a good example, and I’m so glad it’s me. As the Editor of Ski Idaho News, I’ll keep a line of communication constantly open with all 18 of Idaho’s ski areas. You can count on me to give you up to date information about what’s new, where the action is, where to score the best deals on lodging, and how to plan your winter adventure in Idaho.

I’ll personally check out as many hills as possible during the course of the season-- like the resorts we have featured in this issue. Sun Valley, the place where skiing began in America, has an experience that speaks for itself. Brundage is an Idaho gem you won’t want to miss. Pebble Creek is an undiscovered glory hole of awesome terrain and affordable prices.

Every mountain’s got a story, and I’m looking forward to finding some good ones.

I’ll see you on the slopes.

WHAT'S NEW IN IDAHO

2007-11-05T22:15:00.000-08:00

From the Panhandle to Pocatello, Idaho’s resorts have something for everyone. And this season there’s even more to bring you here and keep you coming back. Check out a few samples of what’s in store.

Brundage -Two News Lifts and 160 Acres of New Terrain
Brundage Mountain is pleased to announce the largest on-mountain investment in the resort's history. Two new chairlifts will adding 160 acres of brand new terrain and more than double the mountain’s total uphill capacity.

Grand Targhee - New Employee Housing
Dreaming about the ideal winter job? Grand Targhee Resort has brand new employee housing that will outclass any in the industry.

Lookout Pass - New Northstar Lift opens coveted north flank
The new North Star double chairlift will provide access to six new runs on the north aspect of the mountain. Three of the runs are rated expert and three are intermediate runs. Enjoy fall-line skiing on the coveted north flank of the mountain with panoramic views of the Bitterroot Mountains and the Coeur d'Alene River Valley.

Magic Mountain - New management upgrades terrain park
Magic Mountain is under new management and eager to server your winter activity needs. New terrain park features with rails and jumps will increase the challenge for jibbers.

Pebble Creek - New triple lift improves beginner area
The Aspen double lift has been converted into a state of the art triple that will shorten lines and brighten smiles in the beginner area.

Schweitzer - Two New Chairlifts and over $10 million in upgrades and improvements
Two new chairlifts including the Basin Express, a high speed detachable quad, and the Lakeview Triple, will increase total uphill capacity at Schweitzer by 28% this winter. These lifts will ease access to low angle intermediate terrain for skiers and snowboarders, the Park and Schweitzer Bowl’s steeps and chutes.

The Cirque Group Welcome Center, a new group services office conveniently located in Schweitzer Village, houses Schweitzer’s expanded group services staff.

The Lakeview Lodge sports a new outdoor patio for après ski fun, and there are additional upgrades to the building’s interior. Other investments include grooming and snowmaking equipment as well as improvements to the chairs on the Great Escape Quad.

Silver Mountain - Improvements and upgrades throughout enhance the experience

Glading in the Chair 2 Basin - mountain crews were busy all summer long busting out some sweet new gladed areas in the chair 2 basin.

Red & Black is Back - Chair 4 has been completely refurbished and repainted to the original red and black Riblet colors.

New Restaurant & Bar– Noah’s Canteen. History comes to life at Noah’s Canteen, Silver Mountain’s new restaurant located in the gondola village. Everyday at high noon and 4pm the historic Bunker Hill Mine whistle blows, brining back the unique sound of the past. The whistle has been resurrected, restored and permanently placed in the gondola village. For resort guests, they’ll hear the sound of lift tickets going on sale at noon as well as the signal to kick-off happy hour.

Expanded Terrain Park - Silver's terrain park saw the highest number of park junkies ever last season. So much so – that they carved out some extra real estate and cleared out a couple tree islands, giving the park nearly double the terrain. Look for some new “Spinny” signature features this season.

Beginner Terrain Doubles in Size - More room to learn how to carve. After your trip down the slope, take an easy ride back up on our moving carpet lift.

Extended Snow Tubing Park - Tubing down the hill just got better with an additional 100 feet of fun. A 6th lane has been added to ensure that you are capturing as much tubing vertical as possible.

Sun Valley
Dollar Mountain adds two quad chairs and more snowmaking - Two new high-speed detachable quad chairlifts will replace Quarter and Dollar lifts on Dollar Mountain, doubling the lift capacity on Sun Valley’s beginner and children’s ski mountain.

Sixty percent of Dollar Mountain’s ski runs will be under snowmaking. Twelve acres and 27 new York Safyr Tower Guns will be added to the existing snowmaking system. Ski runs that will be covered include Sheepherder’s Dip, New Bowl, Graduation, Poverty Flats, and Quarter Dollar Bowl.

Tamarack
Village and lodge facilities continue to take shape - Construction on the heart of Tamarack’s Village Plaza is in full swing. Completion is scheduled for late summer 2008. In addition, construction is underway on the Mid-Mountain Lodge – a 30,000 square foot building steps from the Tamarack Express – and the Lodge at Osprey Meadows Lake Wing – a $28 million extension to the Lodge.

A new, 22-foot Olympic-sized SuperPipe--one of only six in North America to showcase the new Olympic standard: 22-foot high walls.

Two new runs for this season for a total of 41.

RESORT SPOTLIGHT - SUN VALLEY

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It happened in Idaho first.

Sun Valley introduced North America to alpine skiing with its creation in 1936 and to this day sets the standard for world-class mountain resorts. The legendary mountain where the chair lift was invented, the world’s first ski school started is right in your backyard. And to top it off, the world’s largest snow-making system lays down a perfect base.

Any Idaho passionate skier or boarder worth their salt should make a pilgrimage to Sun Valley this winter. You’ll find a mountain with 3,400 feet of sustained, impeccably maintained vertical. Jack Sibbach, Sun Valley’s Director of Sales, Marketing and P.R. says that with the abundance of high speed lifts, constant pitch and lack of lines, it’s not uncommon to rack up 50,000 feet of vertical in a day.

The huge vertical total you will rack up at here is bound to wear you out. Fortunately Sun Valley’s accommodations provide all the amenities a snow rider could imagine and more. From the historic elegance of Sun Valley Lodge to cozy condominiums throughout the mountain village, there’s something for everyone here.

There’s even more to Sun Valley that no other mountain in the country can offer. It’s innovative Lift Exchange Program lets destination skiers who buy a multi-day lift ticket exhange a day of skiing for another activity.

“If the weather’s not good or you overdo it on the first day, you can exchange skiing for another activity,” Sibbach said. “There are 10 or 11 different things you can do instead—massagae, dinner and a movie, sleigh ride—either way you’ll get your money’s worth.”

Last season hundreds of guests took advantage of the Lift Exhange. Sibbach said that some people came on five-day packages and did different things every day without skiing.

You can do a lot more at Sun Valley that just ski or board. But with such a great mountain, that should definitely come first—and soon. State of the art snowmaking virtually guarantees that Sun Valley begins its 56th season on Thanksgiving Day.

Lodging Deals

Thanksgiving Package -- a new family tradition at Sun Valley:

Wednesday, November 21 through Sunday, November 25, 2007.
Includes four night’s lodging, three days of skiing topped off with a lavish Thanksgiving feast. Rates begin at $293 per person double occupancy (tax not included).

Pre-holiday Package – normally you can’t get a room for half the price, and it comes with lift tickets:
Sunday, November 25 through Monday, December 18, 2007.
Includes one night’s lodging and one day of skiing for only $70 per person double occupancy ($113 per person single occupancy). This package may be booked multiple days.

To take advantage of these special offers, call Reservations toll-free (800)-786-8259 or e-mail reservations

RESORT SPOTLIGHT - BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN

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Brundage Mountain Ski Area is celebrating 46 years as one of Idaho’s premiere ski and snowboard areas.

This winter, there is even more of Brundage Mountain for visitors to enjoy. Two new chairlifts will be ready to roll at season’s opening, whisking powder lovers up the south side of the mountain for the first time ever. The new Lakeview Bowl encompasses 160 acres overlooking spectacular Payette Lake.

Conditions are usually outstanding, which is why Brundage Mountain has earned the reputation for the Best Snow in Idaho™. It's no secret that the snow is deep and the lift lines are usually short. The mountain gets frequent storms, so skiers and boarders can cruise on freshly groomed runs or search for powder stashes in the trees and bowls.

For beginners, Brundage is one of the best mountains in Idaho to learn on—the drive-up daycare and Kid’s Center makes it easy to get the whole family where they need to go. The new Bear Chair triple provides easy access to beginner and advanced beginner terrain close to the Kid’s Center.

A majority of the groomed runs are rated for intermediates, but experts who like to head off-trail have endless options. Shoot over to the extreme skiers right side of the hill to Hidden Valley (follow the expert only signs) and go big. For the real powder hounds, try the backcountry snow-cat program which operates on 19,000 acres of Payette National Forest. Splurge on an overnight trip and enjoy an experience you’re not likely to forget.

Visit Brundage and you’ll pick up on that authentic Idaho feeling. Just eight miles away, the town of McCall will impress you with its friendly, low-key vibe. For a great steak dinner, try The Mill. Traditional lodging options include the Hunt Lodge, a brand new AmericInn and the Hotel McCall, a quaint old hotel with unique character.

To truly embrace the mountain lifestyle with a stay in a private cabin or chalet, contact http://www.inidaho.com/ for a variety of packages that offer a third night of lodging and third day of skiing for free with the purchase of the first two days. Midweek, Brundage Mountain is offering a special deal with one night’s lodging and two days of lift tickets for two people for under $165. Full details available at www.brundage.com/lodging.aspx.

With the best snow in Idaho, a family atmosphere, affordable prices, friendly people, and an uncrowded powder experience, Brundage is a true snowrider’s mountain.

RESORT SPOTLIGHT - PEBBLE CREEK

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Friendly atmosphere, challenging terrain and affordable lift tickets.

Ask a local about Pebble Creek and they will tell you it’s “skiing the way it used to be.” The snowriding community here is a tightly knit group that really cares about their mountain. And what a mountain it is. Located just south of Pocatello in the Caribou National Forest, Pebble Creek is known for its friendly atmosphere, challenging terrain and affordable lift tickets.

The locals will also tell you "If you can ski Pebble Creek you can ski anywhere." The mountain’s 2,200 feet of vertical on 1,100 acres attracts extreme skiers, but also offers plenty of terrain variety for every skill level. Plus, the old beginner double lift has been has been converted to a triple chair that on busy days will cut down on waiting in the beginner area.

The mountain does feature a large amount of expert and advanced trails. Pebble Creek is also known for its easy access to huge helpings of excellent backcountry terrain. For overnight adventurers, the Idaho State University Outdoor Program operates a system of yurts behind the mountain and to the north.

A strong sense of emotional ownership is evident at Pebble Creek among the locals.
Recently a late, loyal Pebble Creek skier left money for the Pocatello Ski Association to use to encourage kids skiing and boarding. A group of Senior Olympians runs a free kids racing program allowing kids, who may have otherwise not had a chance, experience the thrill of racing. Idaho State University also operates a large adaptive skiing program.

After meeting the challenge of Pebble Creek, soothing therapy awaits in Lava Hot Springs. Natural volcanic mineral baths are located at the base of lava cliffs in a town filled with charm and Western hospitality. In nearby Pocatello, you’ll find major hotels and restaurants featuring cuisine with a regional flair. Both towns are just 25 minutes from the slopes.

LODGING DEALS - SKI, STAY AND SAVE!

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Great early season lodging deals are available everywhere in Idaho.

Brundage -
Midweek Ski & Stay Packages 2007/2008 Starting at $78 per person: 2 full-day lift tickets for each person + 1 night's lodging at McCall's brand new AmericInn. (Price based on double occupancy, non-holiday, midweek, price does not include lodging tax.) For Reservations: Call 208-634-2230 or http://www.americinn.com/

Bogus Basin -
Stay and Play - Stay at a participating Boise-area hotel this winter, and play at Bogus Basin Mountain for FREE! Buy one alpine lift ticket or nordic trail pass and get another one FREE (of equal or less value). No blackout periods. One lift ticket voucher per guest, per night of stay in Boise. Lift tickets valid during time of stay only. Mention the "Stay and Play" offer when placing reservations at these participating hotels. Stay and Play is offered through a partnership with the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau with underwriting grant support from the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor, Tourism Division.

Grand Targhee -
Midweek Lodging Special - Limited time offer - Book now! SnowCat Adventure Package - Valid : November 16, 2007 to December 21, 2007. 3 night/ 3 day Lodging/Ski Package includes 3 full-day lift tickets, 3 nights lodging PLUS a FREE SnowCat Adventure Trip!

Lookout Pass -
Mention the Ski Idaho e-newsletter for ski packages starting at $109.00 plus tax! The Wallace Inn (wallaceinn.net) and Stardust Motel in historic Wallace Idaho have the best and least expensive ski packages in Idaho and the surrounding northwest area. Wallace Inn- queen bedded room for #2 persons with ski passes to Lookout Ski Resort including a complimentary glass of wine or beer each.

Stardust Motel- even more economical; a single bedded room at the Stardust with the same offer- $86.00!!!!!!!!!!!!

*special group rates also available.
**silver mtn packages also available

Pebble Creek -
Buy one, get one free, lift tickets when you stay at participating Lava Hot Springs Hotels! Aura Soma Lava - in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, conveniently located less than an hour from Pebble Creek Ski area, includes The Oregon Trail Lodge, The Courtyard Inn & 5 Vacation Rental Homes. Aura Soma Lava also has a private, natural mineral hot pool, just a one minute walk from the Oregon Trail Lodge. Take advantage of our Ski Packages all winter long: 800-757-1233.

Schweitzer -
Early Season Lift/Lodging Deal! November 21, 2007 to December 20, 2007. Stay Slopeside & Ski Free from only $64 per person at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Your package includes a one night stay for up to four people and free skiing for each person. Package is based on quad occupancy.

Silver Mountain -
Thanksgiving Day Ski Package. Stay 2 Nights, Get the 3rd Free! Looks like an early snow year - La Nina is coming. Book your special now. **This special not available in conjunction with any other offers or discounts.

Sun Valley -
The Pre-Holiday Package. Begins Sunday, November 25 and includes one night’s lodging and one day of skiing for only $70 per person double occupancy ($113 per person single occupancy). This package may be booked multiple days through Monday, December 18, 2007. To take advantage of this special offer, please call our Reservations office toll-free (800)-786-8259 or e-mail reservations@sunvalley.com

Thanksgiving Package. Complete with all the trimmings begins Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 21 and runs through Sunday, November 25, 2007. The package includes four night’s lodging, three days of skiing topped off with a lavish Thanksgiving feast. Package rates begin at $293 per person double occupancy (tax not included).

Visit the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau for more information about hot lodging deals.

Tamarack -
Discovery Package. Starting from $130 per person, per lodging night. Package includes a Discovery ticket per person, per lodging night. Package Details »

*Valid Winter Opening - December 20, 2007. Package is based on double occupancy in a Hotel Room in The Lodge at Osprey Meadows. Two nights minimum stay is required. One-day Discovery Ticket per person per night booked is included in package. Discovery ticket includes access to the lifts, as well as the nordic and snowshoe trails. Taxes and surcharges not included. Subject to change and availability. Not valid with other promotions or groups and other restrictions may apply. Other lodging options available for this package.

Stay & Ski Free
Starting from $96 per person, per lodging night.
Package includes a lift ticket per person, per lodging night.
*Valid Winter Opening - December 20, 2007. Package is based on double occupancy in a Hotel Room in The Lodge at Osprey Meadows. One daily lift ticket per person per night booked is included in package. Three nights minimum stay is required for arrivals on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Four nights minimum stay is required on arrivals Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Taxes and surcharges not included. Subject to change and availability. Not valid with other promotions or groups and other restrictions may apply. Other lodging options available for this package.

Other Idaho Lodging Packages

SEASON KICKOFF EVENTS

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As if all this talk about La Niña hasn’t got you excited enough, there’s a ski area in your backyard planning a festive celebration to jump-start the season! Put on your dancin’ shoes, think snow, and check out the lineup of pre-season shindigs:

Silver Mountain, November 10
Season Pass Party, Annual Bonfire & Snow Dance

Brundage/Tamarack, November 10
Pray 4 Snow Party – 6-10 p.m. Raise a glass, Praise Ullr, Let's Get That Snow Fallin'! Join us in downtown McCall at Babblefish with bonfire, music, food, drink and fun to pray for another great snow year!

Bogus Basin, November 10
Annual Snow Blast & Dance, 12-4 p.m. at the Bogus Basin office and parking lot (in Boise at 2600 Bogus Basin Road). Help us kick off the season and encourage Ol' Man Winter to "let it snow"!
Live music & dancing
Raffle Drawings
Chants and dance to the snow gods
Food and drink specials

Grand Targhee, November 16
Opening Day - Scheduled opening of the resort for Winter operations. Conditions permitting.

Sun Valley, November 17
Galena Lodge opens for the winter season. Sun Valley Center for the Arts presents First Person: Stories from the Edge of the World.

Sun Valley, November 22
Galena Lodge Thanksgiving Day dinner, plus, ski season opens on Bald Mountain!

Lookout Pass, November 24
Season Pass holder Spaghetti Fest from 3 till 5 pm. Foods on us! Get your pass picture too.

Other Activities in Idaho