Idaho Skiing

By Bob Granstrom

Those in the know head for Idaho to play in the snow when it blankets the state’s outdoors. Bright blue skies and deep bone-dry powder are Idaho promises for fun, without crowds. It’s the perfect scene setting for the variety of winter activities.

Everyone has a different idea about what the winter offers. There are those who can’t wait to be schussing down a snowy mountain on one board or two. Some thrill at racing across a snow field atop a snowmobile. Then, there are some who like to trek through it on snowshoes, or glide across it Nordic-style. There are even some who just want to lay in it and make “snow angels”.

Still others ignore play in the snow, and turn to a frozen lake for ice skating or ice fishing. For those wanting something less strenuous, several Idaho communities hold colorful winter carnivals, complete with ice sculptures, musical entertainment and fireworks.

Which fun winter activity suits you? Whatever it is, Idaho has it!

Ski Resorts
Idaho features 18 ski centers and resorts on a total of 16,000 acres of tests for everyone from beginner to expert. Several have guided snowcat trips with access to thousands of additional acres of virgin powder. The most famous is Sun Valley, the nation’s first destination ski resort, located near Ketchum. Other popular resorts include Schweitzer Mountain, found in the state’s “panhandle” near Sandpoint, Bogus Basin Mountain, close to Boise, and Grand Targhee, not far from Driggs. Most ski resorts in Idaho have designated areas for snowboarders and tubers, and many have groomed trails for those who enjoy the Nordic-style, cross-country activity.

Nordic Cross-Country Skiing
The incredible beauty and quiet serenity of Idaho’s outdoors in the wintertime can best be enjoyed on skinny cross-country skis. Some trails are groomed and maintained like those found at ski resorts. Or, make your own trail.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) operates a unique program called Park N’ Ski for cross-country fans. IDPR features 13 trail systems across the state. The program has some locations with overnight yurt lodging. Other locations in the program have rest areas, warming shelters and restrooms.

Snowmobiling
Idaho has 7,200 miles of perfectly groomed trails and endless miles of untracked, fresh powder for the snowmobiler. With a season that runs from November through April, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the picturesque landscapes found throughout the state.

Snowmobiling on groomed tracks and open public lands does not require registration or consent, but it is recommended that you obtain permission from land owners if you would like to sled on private lands. Many snowmobile shops in communities close to snowmobiling areas have rentals available if you do not own or bring your equipment.

If you want to play in the snow, you can’t beat the State of Idaho. Make your plans soon to give it your winter season test. The door to Idaho is open, and you are welcome. Come on in!

Granstrom, an Idaho resident and an avid outdoorsman, has the http://www.idaho-insider.com website. Visit his site for information about the different adventures the State of Idaho offers lovers of the outdoors. Then, visit Idaho to live out some of these adventures for yourself and your family.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Granstrom

by Susan Whitney Deseret Morning News

Ever since we were kids, we’ve listened to friends brag about their visits to Lava Hot Springs, in Idaho. We know one woman who visits the hot springs several times each winter. We always thought it sounded like a great way to get warm.

This year, in the pinnacle of our middle age, we finally made it to Lava Hot Springs ourselves. My husband and I joined another couple for a cross country ski weekend and a series of long soaks in the mineral pools.

There were dozens of people in the water and hardly anyone on the trails, we discovered. We also discovered a couple of good places to ski.

According to the Idaho Visitors Bureau, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are gaining popularity in the southern part of the state. Snowmobiling has been big for years.

On our recent visit we found one professionally groomed ski trail, as well as one ungroomed trail that had been smoothed by snowmobiles before we got there. We hardly saw another soul on either trail, and heard nothing except for streams flowing over rocks and the call of birds. (We saw ducks on one of the spring-fed streams. We also scared up a wild turkey as we skied by.)

We enjoyed the solitude while we were skiing and felt lucky to have been alone in nature. But when we got home and read a visitor’s guide to southern Idaho, we decided it hadn’t been a matter of luck after all.

According to the Idaho Visitors Bureau, there aren’t that many people living in the region. The trail guide says that southern Idaho has 120,000 people and 12,000 square miles of land — for an average of 60 acres per person. More than half the land in southern Idaho is public land.

We skied our first day at the Kelly Park Cross Country Ski Area, off Idaho 34 near the city limits of Soda Springs. We decided Kelly would be a good place to take children who are just learning to ski. It consists of a series of five interconnecting loops. If the kids get tired, you are never far from the car. Kudos to whomever grooms these trails and keeps the park open all winter.

When we first started out, we thought we’d cover the entire park in less than an hour. But sightseeing got the best of us and we skied for several hours, exploring all the loops and taking photos of the lava rock and the frozen lake and the wind-sculpted snowdrifts. (On one of the loops there was also a less-than- inspiring view of a concrete plant.)

The next day we asked around and when we didn’t come across anyone in town who had a favorite cross country ski trail, we set out for a site we’d found on the Internet. It turned out to be gorgeous.

Just east of Lava Hot Springs, on Highway 30, you see a sign for Pebble Creek. Turn left and drive for 10 miles (and if snow is expected you’d best have 4-wheel drive) until you see the sign for the Big Springs Campground. Turn left again, onto Pebble Creek Road, cross the railroad tracks and keep driving until Pebble Creek Road dead ends into Taylor Road. Turn left again and you’ll soon come to a parking lot. Now you can spend a lovely day skiing up a pretty canyon. You are actually on the backside of the Pebble Creek Ski Resort.

Before and after cross country skiing, we explored the town of Lava Hot Springs and tried different methods of dipping in the varied pools surrounding our hotel — the funky little Lava Hot Springs Inn. The two men in our group decided the perfect way to enjoy the water was to stretch out on the wooden slats in the hottest pool of all. Backsides burning, front sides getting snowed on, they dozed away the afternoon.

Because we had hot pools at our hotel, we didn’t pay to go to the actual resort. We did walk up and look at it and it seemed a nice facility. (Adult admission is $5.50 on the weekends and holidays. Children under 12 get in for $5.)

We found several good places to eat in Lava Hot Springs. The restaurant called Thai Food is small and so popular there was an hour wait on the Saturday night when we were in town. We were too hungry to stand around smelling the pad Thai, so we ended up at the White Wolf Restaurant, where we enjoyed the ribs. For breakfast one morning we tried Johnny’s, where our traveling companion delightedly discovered some good espresso.

The Lava Hot Springs Inn was built as a hospital in the 1920s. (We learned about the building and the history of the town and the hobbies of its residents at the free South Bannock Historical Museum.) The inn reminded us of places we used to stay in Moab, 30 years ago, before that town got hip. The museum reminded us of every local museum we’ve ever loved, in that it has a little bit of everything as well as some items you’d never expect — in this case, a pair of huge hand-made Japanese drums.

Now that we’ve done it, finally, now that we’ve made the 2 1/2 hour drive from Salt Lake to Lava Hot Springs, we believe we will go again. Solitary skiing is closer than we knew.

E-mail: susan@desnews.com

Copyright C 2006 Deseret News Publishing Co.
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

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by Lisa Taggart

Everyone’s hoping for a cold snap this month in McCall, Idaho. Not because they’re fans of frostbite, but because subfreezing temps will keep the powder dry on the just-opened ski runs at the region’s new Tamarack Resort. And chilly days will aid construction and preservation of the stars of the town’s 40-year-old Winter Carnival: more than two dozen snow sculptures competing for the festival crown.

“If the weather cooperates, it goes a lot quicker,” says Ben Colley, who has helped build McCall Memorial Hospital’s artistic submission in each of the last six competitions. Last year his homage to The Lion King, inspired by the carnival’s movie theme, took his crew about two weeks to finish, a typical amount of time, barring slush-creating sunshine slowdowns.

McCall is a lakeside resort community that’s a 100-mile drive past slopes of snow-edged pines along the Payette River north of Boise. The city’s 10-day winter revel, held January 28 through February 6 this year, is a call to both visitors and locals to get out and enjoy the cold, with dog-sledding demonstrations, snowshoe golf, parades, a hairy-leg contest, dances, ice-skating, hockey, and the Idaho Snow Sculpting Championship. Locals and professionals compete in the two-round competition, which climaxes with a 24-hour sculpt-off.

But whether or not the weather holds for the festival, the stars have aligned to provide central Idaho visitors with expanded winter recreation options.

The big news is the opening of Tamarack Resort (2099 W. Mountain Rd., Donnelly; www.tamarackidaho.com or 208/325-1000), about 18 miles southwest of McCall. In December, Tamarack fired up its five new lifts ($55 per day) after a soft opening last season for snowshoeing and nordic skiing ($10 per day).

The massive resort, which will have cost about $1.5 billion when fully complete, currently includes 25 downhill runs that drop a total of 2,800 feet, 20 miles of nordic trails, 6 miles of snowshoe trails (including a section open to dogs), a ski school, and six restaurants. Lodging is available in 62 rental houses (from $350 per night); a hotel is scheduled to open at the end of the year. Planners hope to draw as many as 70,000 skiers a season to the icy shores of Lake Cascade.

“The skiing here is phenomenal. It’s going to be huge this winter,” says Steve Fredriksen, a Boise insurance broker and avid skier who owns a vacation home nearby. “The runs have a lot of variety–there’s some technical and some powder up top. And the hike and ski opportunities are some of the best anywhere in the state.”

Tamarack adds to the area’s existing ski and snowshoe options. Operating for 44 years, Brundage Mountain Resort ($37 per day; www.brundage.com or 208/634-4151) is the largest, with 43 lift-served trails 8 miles north of McCall. Closer to town, the Little Ski Hill (nordic $6 per day, alpine $8 per day; 3635 State 55; 208/634-5691) is a good bet for families. In town, alongside Payette Lake, 1,000-acre Ponderosa State Park ($2 trail fee, $4 per vehicle to park; Miles Standish Rd. off E. Lake Dr., McCall; www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks or 208/634-2164) has nordic and snowshoe trails.

Opened in 2003, and also near Payette Lake, the Manchester Ice & Event Centre (from $5.50; 200 E. Lake St., McCall; 208/634-3570) is an indoor rink that offers hockey and ice-skating.

McCall makes a convenient base, and downtown’s Hotel McCall continues to provide a classy place to spend the night. But with tourism numbers expected to increase, area lodging choices are expanding as well. There are the rental houses at Tamarack Resort, of course. Plus, in the nearby town of Cascade, the Ashley Inn opened in late 2003 with more than five dozen rooms–all with fireplaces. Just the thing to get you through those cold nights.

For information contact the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce (www.mccall-idchamber.org or 800/260-5130).

Article source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1216/is_2_214/ai_n9770463

By Ben Christensen

Two fabulous Idaho ski resorts share the Payette River Mountains, accompanied by a list of additional ski hills, Nordic systems and other winter recreation opportunities. From Smith’s Ferry Drive north to Goose Lake Road, the Payette River Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for some of Idaho’s outdoor winter recreation, including alpine and Nordic skiing. Two areas in particular, Tamarack Resort and Brundage Mountain Resort, offer both alpine and Nordic skiing as well as full service base area facilities, and act as the main hubs for recreation in the winter months for the Payette River Mountains and surrounding communities of McCall and Donnelly, Idaho.

Tamarack Resort is located in the heart of Valley County, Idaho and the center of the Payette River Mountains geographically speaking. It’s about a two hour drive to Boise and the nearest major airport. The mountain town of Donnelly serves as gateway to Tamarack Resort, offering everything from ski and snowboard rentals to retail stores and five star cuisine. Getting to the resort has become increasingly easier, with more attention given to State Highway 55 during winter months and a newly paved road between the turn-off in downtown Donnelly, all the way to the resort entrance on West Mountain Road.

Getting to Tamarack Resort has never been more convenient for the winter vacation traveler. Once there, guests enjoy everything from five star lodging to a full list of resort services and amenities. The skiing and snowboarding experience is both premier and exclusive. Slopes are never crowded on account of three high speed quad chair lifts servicing over eleven hundred acres of terrain…plenty more if you’re willing to take a backcountry tour. Plus the resort limits the number of daily lift tickets sold to assure slopes don’t become over-crowded. Cold winter nights keep the snow fresh from early December thru late March and skiing in May is not uncommon for Tamarack Resort. Tickets are priced high in comparison to other Idaho ski resorts, but reasonable for resorts boasting more than two-thousand vertical feet and full snow-making capabilities! An Olympic size half-pipe and one of the most elaborate terrain parks in the Northwest attract national competitions and an international audience, drawing competitors and spectators alike from around the world to this emerging ski resort in Donnelly, Idaho.

Brundage Mountain Resort lies to the north as the sleepy old giant, just waking up to growth in the area, but always looking over the Payette River Mountains to the south with an air of grandness. One of the oldest ski areas in the country, it is also one of the reasons McCall lives up to its nickname of “Ski Town, USA.” The area has long been a place where families have come from all over to recreate with each other in the Idaho outdoors.

What it lacks in comparison to Tamarack Resort in vertical feet, it makes up for in diversity of terrain and steepness. Those who enjoy skiing off-piste take full advantage of Brundage Mountain Resort’s terrain. The base area provides day services, but has not yet been developed to the full resort-level. Brundage Mountain Resort opens this year with two new chair lifts and additional terrain and trails, a sign the resort is embracing this growth and adjusting to the market in preparation for additional development. For the moment, Brundage Mountain Resort is still a gem in the rough, only crowded around the holidays, and always home to the deepest, lightest powder!

Other area ski attractions include Ponderosa State Park, Jug Mountain Ranch and Little Ski Hill. In the towns of McCall, Donnelly and Cascade you’ll find everything from a movie theatre to an ice skating rink. Snowmobiling trails are endless and competitions are held valley-wide. Events like Winter Carnival, the Masters Nordic Competition and the USSA Grand Prix are just a few of the great reasons to visit the Payette River Mountains this winter!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Christensen

By: John Maxim

There are many choices in choosing a snowmobile tour in Idaho. You can enjoy a guided tour or set out on your own personal adventure when you locate the perfect snowmobile tour in any region of Idaho you desire. You can navigate the numerous trails alone or with a professional tour guide and the beauty of the area in incomparable. You can choose from day trips or overnight packages and ride on established trails or in the open powdered snow.

Multi-day or single day tours are available to areas of Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and the Continental Divide Trail. You’ll get knowledgeable tour guides, meals if you choose, and numerous options as far as lodging or camping. You can customize your snowmobile tour in Idaho to match your ideas and the professional tour guides will attend to your every need. You can book your snowmobile tour in Idaho online and the accommodations are outstanding. Day or overnight tours, snow coach tours, and tours to natural hot springs are all available to you at reasonable prices.

Togwatee Pass is a very popular snowmobile destination. Here you will find the top snowmobilers in the country. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are also popular destinations. Each year the National Parks Service implements a plan for use of the parks by snowmobilers and the trails are clearly marked and designed for safety. Your snowmobile tour in Idaho can be customized to your specifications and can include small or large groups of people. The lodging and riding choices are enormous. Snowmobile tours in Idaho are competitively priced and it is easy to reserve your choice in hotels, camping, and snowmobile rentals.

The terrain and weather in Idaho allows for unique opportunities in snowmobiling. Everyone, from beginners to the expert snowmobiler, can find the perfect snowmobile tour in Idaho. From the mountain ranges to the National Forest, there are many breathtaking trails from which to choose. Instruction and training is available for the less experienced and the snowmobiles are in excellent operating condition. A snowmobile tour in Idaho is an excellent way to spend your vacation and the adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression.

About the Author:

John Maxim is an expert on outdoor fun and adventures. He can be found on the web at http://www.snowmobileground.com

By: John Maxim

Snowmobiling in Idaho is an exciting winter adventure. You can experience un-paralleled beauty and view the extensive wildlife with a snowmobile tour. Snowmobile rentals in Idaho are reasonably priced and touring packages are available as well. Touring packages may include snowmobile rental, hotel, and detailed information on snowmobiling and maps that detail the most popular trails. There are a variety of snowmobiles from which to choose and you are certain to find the one that suits your needs.

Snowmobile rentals in Idaho are comfortable and safe. You will be trained on the operation of the snowmobile, the proper safety precautions, and the proper navigation of the various trails. For the more experienced snowmobiler, the top brands in snowmobiles are available and you are sure to be pleased with the powerful engines and numerous features. There are literally hundreds of miles of well-marked trails that are maintained and groomed daily.

You will have your choice in lodging when you choose a complete vacation package along with your snowmobile rental in Idaho. Indoor swimming pools, Jacuzzis, a large selection of rooms and beds, and meals are included in some packages. You will be able to find complimentary shuttle service to and from your hotel to snowmobiles shops and trails, and there are plenty of choices in outdoor clothing and gear if you so desire. You may choose from self-guided tours or professionally guided trips.

Your winter vacation can be the trip of a lifetime when you take advantage of the many snowmobile rental opportunities in Idaho. Snowmobiles are fun and exciting, but most importantly, safe to ride. Beginners will receive detailed instructions on the operation and safe use of the snowmobile you choose. The trails are plainly marked and maintained daily to ensure your safety. Snowmobile rentals in Idaho are affordable and you will be certain to find top quality snowmobiles from leading manufacturers.

Finding snowmobile rentals in Idaho is a great way to spend a winter vacation and the scenery is breathtaking. Some trails include parts of Yellowstone National Park and beautiful snow-capped mountains surround all trails. Affordable, safe, and sure to make lasting memories, snowmobile rentals in Idaho are a wonderful way to spend your winter vacation.

 

About the Author:

John Maxim is an expert on outdoor fun and adventures. He can be found on the web at http://www.snowmobileglobe.com

By Peter Emerson

Transport is essential, regardless of the weather conditions. Sometimes, man has to rise above his surroundings and devise innovative means of transport. This was especially true in places where snow is an almost permanent feature. Skiing originated in Scandinavia as a necessity and since then, has seen a lot of progress in style, technology and use.

The father of modern skiing is said to be Sondre Norheim. He came up with the idea of using bindings that help in turning when skiing downhill, and this was improved upon by Mathias Zdarsky, which led to what is now known as alpine skiing. Hannes Schneider came up with the idea of body rotation for steering. The Arlberg technique became popular as the popularity of the sport also increased.

There are numerous types of skiing events: Alpine skiing (or Downhill skiing), Backcountry skiing (off Piste skiing), Cross-country skiing (Nordic skiing), Extreme skiing, Heliskiing, Newschool skiing, Telemark skiing, Speed skiing, Ski jumping, Ski mountaineering, Ski touring, Snowboarding, Snow kiting, Freestyle skiing and Cat skiing.

With this came a variety of techniques to enable a correct manner of skiing, and these helped in getting the best out of the sport. It became necessary to have the right clothing and equipment for all-around safety.

Skiing has proved to be a sport where even physically challenged people are able to join in, thanks to technological advances. The use of outriggers, ski tip retention devices, sit skis, single and double color guides and inter-skier communication takes care of most needs of these people.

Ski slopes are color coded to define difficulty levels with green indicating beginners’ slopes and black for the experts. Snow conditions that are favored by all are the packed powder, granular snow, corn snow, and the most challenging of all, crusts.

There are many types of resorts for the uninitiated as well as the experts and competitions are held for every level. Facilities provide the equipment, ensuring medical supervision and well laid out, well marked tracks.

Learn from the experts, get your kit and you’ll experience the thrill of speed few activities can compare with!

Skiing provides detailed information on Skiing, Water Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Jet Skiing and more. Skiing is affiliated with Colorado Ski Resorts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emerson