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SO MANY MOUNTAINS, SO LITTLE TIME . . . .
 Ever notice how mountain time runs faster than normal time? No matter how early you hit the slopes, before you know it, the sun is angling low and the liftie is loading the last ride. Spring is already just around the corner, but the season is far from over. And with the spring storms, the best skiing of the season in Idaho can be found in March.
Better yet, the best ski packages of the season can be found in March as well. Check out our lodging deals for big savings on packages at world-class mountains like Sun Valley, Tamarack, Schweitzer and Grand Targhee. Or take a late last season trip to an out-of-the-way gem like Lookout Pass, Soldier Mountain or Pomerelle. Our events calendar will get you up to speed for making plans.
At this point in the season, it's time to shake things up a bit. Check out that hill you always wondered about. There's only one way to find out for sure what its like. 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.
Then get psyched for the best Spring skiing in the country. Between powder days, 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. ~ Bill Jennings.
CAT SKIING AT BRUNDAGE ROCKS!
 Rising just outside McCall, Brundage could very well offer more fun per acre than any mountain you ever ski. Conditions are usually outstanding. The snow is deep and the lift lines are short. Lift prices are affordable. There's plenty of room, with about 1,800 vertical feet of skiing over 1,500 acres of terrain. Cruise wide-open groomers or hit the powder in trees and bowls. For the real powder hounds, try snow-cat skiing. This mountain has it all. Including cat skiing!
Brundage Snow Cat Ski Adventures goes out of its way to find the best snow in a powder reserve of 19,000 acres. They make sure you're adequately fueled with plenty of food & drinks, and that everyone has the time of their life. You can't go wrong with runs like Sweetness, Free Willy, Primetime, & Blue Moon Bowl. You won't be able to decide which one is best. It's a blast to follow your guides through the expansive north facing slopes, mellow glade cruisers, steep pitches through the trees.
Not only is the skiing incredible, the views are breathtaking views. You can see Slab Butte, Pollock Mt., The Seven Devils and many other peaks in need of skiing. Snow Cat Skiing is one of the hallmarks of the Brundage experience.
Visit Brundage and you realize the place really has an Idaho feel to it-great snow, a family atmosphere, affordable prices, friendly people, and an un-crowded powder experience--a true snowrider's mountain.
Lodging Deals - Brundage Mountain is proud to offer ski & stay packages through our preferred lodging partner, the Shore Lodge. Just 8 miles from Brundage Mountain, Shore Lodge is beautifully situated on the south shore of Payette Lake. More information:
www.shorelodgemccall.com 1-800-657-6464
http://www.brundage.com/the-mountain/plan-your-trip/lodging-packages/
Brundage also offer packages for other hotel properties, AND for people who would prefer to stay in a cabin or condo through www.inidaho.com.
BOGUS BASIN - BIG BANG FOR YOUR BUCKS!
Boise snowriders are lucky. Just 16 miles from downtown, Bogus Basin is a big mountain 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. In fact, an adult season pass is on sale for just $229 until March 31st.
Check it out for yourself 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.
The fun starts before you get there on the scenic, twisting road to the slopes. Ada County Highway District engineers report that Bogus Basin Road has 172 curves from bottom to top. Despite the curves, the drive only takes about 35 minutes.
Spend all weekend at Bogus and never ski the same snow twice.
With seven lifts and 2,600 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. Join a Mountain Host on weekends for a complementary guided tour of Bogus Basin. 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 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.
Stop in the lodge for some famous Bogus chili fries, then 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 untracked Idaho powder. Then head to the lodge for your favorite beverage and some free popcorn.
LOOKOUT PASS - STEEP DEEP POWDER AND FAMILY FUN!
 Lookout Pass is famous in the northwest for being 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 added last season, steep expert terrain.
With deep snow and terrain that has been meticulously tended for 70 years, conditions are always outstanding. Always a favorite for families and intermediates, Lookout now has terrain that does an epic dump justice. The deep powder and steeps will satisfy the hardest bitten hounds, no matter where they've skied.
The north aspect includes six runs, about 1,000 feet of vertical and the truest sustained steep fall lines in the region. Clineometer readings registered up to 56 degrees on certain pitches.
Lookout's North Star runs are steepest off the high end of the ridge, especially Hercules-- skier's right of Big Dipper. On a powder day, hounds will want to hit the lift line first-it's called Purgatory, an elevator shaft with an audience to cheer you on. If you need a warm up before going steep, cruise past the lift line and hit Red Dog.
Marmot, off the low end of the ridge, is a great introduction to the thrill of powder. The gentler, more forgiving slope is just steep enough for developing the balance and rhythm that opens the door to winter's ultimate sensation.
Phil Edholm, President/CEO of Lookout Pass Ski says the resort's special snow is a benefit of its location on the saddle of the Bitterroot Range, smack dab on the Idaho/Montana border, on the western edge of a colder, dryer continental air mass. When Pacific air spills over the mountains above Lookout, it's ready to unload. The cold, dry continental air triggers 400 annual inches of the lightest, driest powder you'll ever ride.
But what really counts are $32 lift tickets ($21 for juniors) and prices are even less on weekdays. 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 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 Idaho Panhandle until you experience Lookout Pass.
SKI IDAHO EVENTS
Snow fun and sun - that's what Idaho is all about. Discover the fun you can have in Idaho this March!
Bogus Basin - March 7-- Bogus Basin Freeride Series - Sponsored by Newt & Harolds (moved from Feb. 14th)* Registration $25 (cash/check) 8:30am - 11:30am Simplot Lodge 3rd floor $22 day/night lift ticket on with event bib Riders meeting at top of course at 11:45am. Event starts at 12:00noon*
March 14-- Bogus Basin Freeride Series-- Big Air - Bogus Basin Freeride Series Annual Big Air Competition. Registration $25 (cash/check) 8:30am -11:30am, Simplot Lodge 3rd floor. $22 day/night lift ticket with event bib Riders meeting at top of Claim Jumper terrain park at 11:45am* Event starts at 12:00 noon.
March 28-- Bogus Basin Freeride Series-- Slopestyle - Sponsored by The Boardroom. Registration 8:30am - 11:30am, 3rd floor of Simplot Lodge. Registration fee is $25 (cash or check only, no debit/credit cards). Discounted day/night ticket for $22 with event bib.
Brundage - March 7 -- Special Olympics Idaho - Brundage Mountain is proud to host the Alpine and Snowboard events for Special Olympics Idaho's 2009 State Winter Games. More details available at: www.idso.org/website/idaho/games.cfm
March 8 -- Second Sunday Bonus! Brundage Passholders bring a friend for free, Bogus Basin passholders enjoy 1/2 priced lift tickets. Why? Because membership has its privileges. Keep an eye out for our other great "Second Sunday" deals for Brundage and Bogus Basin Passholders, offered on the Second Sunday of each month we're open.
March 15 -- Celebrate Family at Brundage Day - The family that plays together, stays together. We're a family-owned ski area that wants to celebrate YOUR family by offering free lift tickets for Moms & Kids 17 & under.
March 19-27 -- J-3 Junior Olympics & J-4 Festival - Brundage Mountain welcomes competitors and their families for this 4-day event. The Western Region J3 Junior Olympics is a championships event for 13-14 year old athletes representing Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah. This is run in conjunction with the J4 Festival which is a championship event for 12 year olds. This races is also a qualifier for these athletes to participate in the Whistler Cup. The Whistler Cup is an international championship event held each year at Whistler/Blackcomb.
March 29 -- "Gimme a Break Day" - We're giving families a break in honor of Spring Break: Kids 17 & under ski or ride free all day.
Kelly Canyon - March 7-- X Game Rail Jam sponsored by Five-O
Lookout Pass - March 1 -- Schussboomer Crazy Costume Ski & Snowboard Races
March 7/8 -- Northern Division Masters Alpine GS & Slalom Races
March 8 -- Lookout Beach Party - Big Kahuna Downhill (Dress Hawaiian)
March 14 -- Free Ski School Graduation Awards & BBQ
March 21/22 -- Emerald Youth Ski League Alpine GS & SL Finals
March -- 28 Military, Firefighter and Police Appreciation Day
March -- 29 Lookout BBQ - Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day "King & Queen of the mountain downhill"
Pebble Creek - March 7-8-- Annual Telemark Festival - Early on Sunday morning the hearty ones will start before the mountain opens with a Rondo Rally. Hike up close to 1,000 vertical feet, ski down, hike up again and ski down. Meet in the lodge at 7:00am, with the grueling challenge starting at 7:30. People on alpine, Randonee, or snowboard are welcome to join in.
March 14-- Annual Snowboard Rally - Expect plenty of Boarder action on the mountain. With Pebble Creek being noted for its abundance of natural extreme terrain, there are plenty of skilled boarders wanting to show their stuff. Of course, skiers are also welcome.
March 15-- PSA Town Challenge - This Dual Slalom is a team event! Bring your own partner, or we'll assign one to you. There are categories for male, female and mixed teams, all grouped by age. Awards Ceremony and Apres Ski Party as the lifts close.
March 21-- Cowboy Classic - "Barrel Racing" Pebble Creek style!! In the exciting Barrel Race Event, take a wild ride down the mountain astride a barrel, tethered by two skiers or boarders. Expect lots of spills and action as cowboys and cowgirls from High School Rodeo Teams take a wild ride down the mountain astride a barrel tethered by two downhill skiers or boarders. Race time is 1:00pm.
March 28-29-- Spring Celebration and Fools Fest - Dummies mounted on skis or snowboard will cruise a downhill course with a jump at the end. Judging will be based on style, big air, staying on course, staying intact and closeness to a target. Plus, wear a full costume or full retro and get a lift ticket for $10.
Pomerelle - March 7 -- Hot Iron Night - Rail jam under the lights!
March 28 -- Competition XXX - a triple challenge - open to all skiers, boarders and mountain bikers! The BIG BANG!!!
Schweitzer - March 5-10-- Western Regional Championship Races - Some of the best skiers in the west convene at Schweitzer for this national level race.
March 14-- The Huega Center Vertical Express for MS Express - 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 event 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.
March 15-- Grom Stomp - Calling all Groms! New this year is the first ever freeride event for skiers and snowboarders from ages 6-11. Event includes a rider cross and slopestyle designed specifically for you, prizes and more. Download the Grom Stomp Fact Sheet, liability release form and registration form now!
March 21/22-- Stomp Games - Back and bigger than ever! Some of the best riders in the region will compete for over $10K in cash prizes. Guarenteed purses in all pro categories. Rail Jam, Slopestyle and Ridercross events with both pro and amateur divisions open to riders.
Silver Mountain - March 7 -- Mardi Gras Celebration, March 7/8 -- Silver Cups Races, March 14 -- Retro Days '08 Photos, March 17 -- St. Patrick's Day Celebration, March 21/22 -- Silver Extreme Weekend-Do it all, ski, surf, splash, March 22 -- Freeride exhibition (pro riders on big features)
Grand Targhee - March 6-8 -- Adult Targhee Tee-Off Skiing Competition - Grand Targhee Resort will hold a Freeskiing competition off the North side of Peaked Mountain.
March 11 -- Grand Targhee Sasquatch Snowshoe Series - Grand Targhee Resort and Dreamchasers events team up to present the Bigfoot shuffle snowshoe series. The race will be for all levels, with different courses that will wander through the beautiful forest around Grand Targhee Resort. There will be an overall series winners as well as each event winners.
March 14-15 -- Adult Targhee Tee-Off Snowboarding Competition - Grand Targhee Resort will hold a snowboarding competition off the North side of Peaked Mountain.
March 21 -- Telemark Clinic - Whether you are a beginner trying to master your turn or an advanced skier wanting to shred in the bumps, powder or crud, you will be stoked you signed up for this clinic.
March 22 -- Skate Clinic - Hone your skate skiing technique or try this popular sport for the first time.
March 27-29, -- Targhee Tee-Off- A Junior Snowboard Comp - Grand Targhee Resort will hold a Snowboarding competition off the North side of Peaked Mountain.
Sun Valley - March 5-- Annual Janss Pro Am Classic - The Janss Pro Am is composed of three days of themed, team event FUN and GIANT SLALOM RACING to benefit the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Each team is made up of one pro and four amateur racers. For more information please contact (208) 726-4129 or visit www.svsef.org and click on the 2009 Janss invitation on the Fundraising page to see a schedule of events and prices. To register please contact Karoline Droege at 208-726-4129x111 or karoline @svsef.org
March 21-- Baldy Snowshoe and Ski Challenge - Ski/Snowshoe Race up Bald Mountain ... Contact the Elephants Perch for further information: 208-726-3497, www.elephantsperch.org
March 21/22-- Hi-Risin' Sun Valley Fly-In
Paragliding enthusiasts will gather in Sun Valley/Ketchum to participate in a race, contests and flights at Bald Mountain.
March 27/28-- 5th Annual Holding Cup Intercollegiate Alumni Handicap Race
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.
SKI IDAHO LODGING
From "Cheap and Easy Nights" to luxurious accomodations Idaho has it all!
Bogus Basin - Cheap and Easy Nights - The very popular, really cheap and super easy-to-use discount vouchers from Chevron are back again this season with $10 night lift tickets, $10 night rental packages and $10 walk-in lessons at 6pm! Pick up vouchers from participating Chevron stations with minimum purchase, and then grab your buddies and head for the bright lights and beautiful slopes at Bogus
Stay and Play - Overnight accommodations are available in town or on the mountain. A variety of hotels in the valley offer buy-one-get-one free (of equal or lesser value) lift tickets through the "Stay and Play" program:
Brundage - Brundage Mountain is proud to offer ski & stay packages through our preferred lodging partner, the Shore Lodge.
Just 8 miles from Brundage Mountain, Shore Lodge is beautifully situated on the south shore of Payette Lake. More information: www.shorelodgemccall.com 1-800-657-6464
Grand Targhee - Each of the three western-style lodges at Grand Targhee are located within steps of the lifts. Ski "home" to the Targhee or Teewinot Lodges, or the Sioux Lodge suites. Targhee also offers a wide range of condominiums, vacation homes and townhomes a short distance away. For Reservations and all the details call 1-800-TARGHEE (1-800-827-4433)
Silver Mountain
Hot Deals - Stay at the region's premier condominium lodge - in the heart of Silver Mountain Resort's new Gondola Village. Located just footsteps from shopping and dining in the village and a full palette of family activities. 866.344.2675 - Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark with EVERY ROOM
Snow and Splash Special - Two days of play plus one night of stay for only $59* per person! Enjoy a comfortable gondola ride to the Mountain Haus where four lanes of slippery sliding await. When you are ready to warm up, head on down to Silver Rapids for more tubing -- this time in 82 degree water! After a tasty meal in Gondola Village it's time to settle in for the night in one of our luxurious studio condominiums. Get MORE at Silver Mountain Resort.
* Four person occupancy. Limited availability and some restrictions apply. Discounted ski tickets for lodging guests available. Promo code: TUBE
Sun Valley
Midweek Madness - $109 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. $183 - single occupancy - Includes one night's lodging at the Sun Valley Resort and one day lift ticket. These great rates are good for the following dates only: March 2009: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 22, 23, 24
Spring Ski Package - Sun Valley Resort's Spring Ski Package, offering incredible savings on lodging and skiing, is now available for booking. The package begins March 28 and runs through the end of the ski season. For only $74 (per person double occupancy) guests can stay in a Sun Valley Resort hotel room and ski for one day. Single occupancy rate is $121. This package may be booked for multiple days. Based on room availability. Multiple days also available. Tax not included. For Reservations and Information call (800) 786-8259.
Enjoy the Savings with our Threepeat Vacation Special! That's right, the more you plan your Sun Valley trips this winter the greater the savings. Stay at any of our lodging accommodations and receive 10% off on your first visit this winter, 25% off on your 2nd visit and 50% off on your 3rd visit.* Call 800-371-9180 and our reservation specialists will pair you with your ideal Sun Valley vacation rental. Mention Promo Code "ISL OTT " to claim this offer. Call 800.371.9180 to book today!
Schweitzer - Stay in the heart of the Village at Schweitzer. Enjoy the rustic charm of Northern Idaho, shops and dining options at your doorstep and spectacular views whichever way you look. From a luxurious fully furnished condo to a European style hotel, Schweitzer awaits your arrival. For the value minded, perhaps a hotel in Sandpoint proper with all its wonderful shopping and restuarant options suits your style. Regardless of where you choose to lay your head, our friendly North Idaho brand of hospitality await you and your guests.
Stay Slopeside & Ski from only $78 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 quad occupancy. Lodging Reservations: 877.ITS.IN.ID (877.487.4643) www.schweitzer.com/plan_vacation/vacation_packages/
SKI IDAHO MEMBERS:
Bald Mountain - Bogus Basin - Brundage - Cottonwood Butte - Grand Targhee - Kelly Canyon - Little Ski Hill - Lookout Pass - Lost Trail - Magic Mountain - Pebble Creek - Pomerelle - Schweitzer Mountain - Silver Mountain - Snow Haven - Soldier Mountain - Sun Valley - Tamarack
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