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MORE FOR LESS IN IDAHO
It's a skiers' market in Idaho, and deals can be found everywhere as resorts dangle carrots to get people on their sticks. Scanning the forecast days in advance, my wife Claire and I planned for hitting the slopes last week during a storm.
We chose Silver because I hadn't yet been there on a classic powder day this season. I looked forward to hitting the water park afterwards, and spending the night at the Morningstar Lodge, where you can stay for as little as $59 a night. Check out the Lodging Deals in this newsletter for info on great affordable ski packages throughout Idaho.
We found four fresh inches at Silver and a snowstorm in progress. There was no hurry to hit my favorite lines. The lack of competition for untracked powder seemed too good to be true, but it was. All day.
We looked forward to hitting the water park at sunset. The transition from ski layers to swimsuit was surreal. I was eager to try the Flow Rider, a simulated surf wave that is the main attraction.
I watched some kids make it look easy. But surfing the Flow Rider was a bigger challenge for me than anything on the mountain. My best advice is to cinch your drawstring tight. After being flipped, pitched and punted by the powerful jet of water, I healed my wounded pride in a hot tub.
Later we wolfed down gourmet pizza in the gondola village, and then crashed in a richly appointed room at the Morning Star Lodge that defied the affordable rate. Our stay proved to me that Idaho offers a unique experience at an incredible price, at any mountain one chooses.
~ Bill Jennings.
IN FEBRUARY SCHWEITZER GETS OUTRAGEOUS
 The Yoke's Outrageous Air Show blasts off at Schweitzer for two nights starting February 27. It's a combination of aerial acrobatics and fireworks that has become one of Schweitzer's most anticipated annual events.
When the sun goes down, skiers will start flying off jumps in formation, with 360 tail grabs and twisting double back flips. At the same time, fireworks will light up the scene. It's sensory overload for the spectators.
The biggest kicker is the center ramp. It's about 30 feet wide and 12 feet high with a 65-degree pitch that will launch multiple performers simultaneously into double and triple back flips. On each side are smaller kickers with a 45-degree pitch for single back flips and upright maneuvers like d-spins, spread eagles, backscratchers and daffys.
Expect a wild crowd. Promoters recommend finding a place to watch in the village by 5:30 p.m. The event starts at 6:00 with a torchlight parade on the slope. Jumping starts at 6:30. The parties go all night long.
Schweitzer was Skiing Magazine's number one Editors Pick for the Best Place to Ditch the Crowds. Honorable mention on that list included Snowbasin, Grand Targhee, Kirkwood and Ascutney, VT.
In its Reader Resort Survey, Schweitzer made the top 10 for Lifts. Powder Magazine singled out Schweitzer as a top resort in the Northern Rockies for its expansive bowls, tight trees, best park in the Pacific Northwest and the unmatched beauty of Canada to the north, Glacier National Park to the east and massive Lake Pend Oreille stretching out below.
Off the back of the mountain, 2,000 acres of cat skiing await from the top of The Great Escape Quad. You will also find the Rossignol Demo Center, where you can get a beer, a snack and a test ride on the latest Rossignol skis.
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 powder turns are worth the hard work.
Schweitzer offers Slopeside Ski and Stay deals. Starting at only $78 per person, per night, stay in Schweitzer Village and get lift tickets for up to four people. For more information go to schweitzer.com.
PEBBLE CREEK CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF WINTER FUN
Ask a local about Pebble Creek and they will tell you it's skiing the way it used to be. As the mountain celebrates its 60th winter, the gear may have changed, but the mountain, located just south of Pocatello in the Caribou National Forest, is still one of the most challenging hills in Idaho.
The snowriding community here is a tightly knit group that really cares about their mountain. And what a mountain it is. In addition to its steep, ample vertical, 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.
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.
IT'S SNOWING IN GRAND TARGHEE
 You won't see any snowmaking equipment at Grand Targee. With a base at 8,000 feet and a summit at 10,000, 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.
As of mid-February 2009, Grand Targhee had a season total of 318 inches-nearly twice that of many other resorts in the Rockies, and more than Utah resorts like Snowbird. If you just happen to show up when its not snowing, the backdrop of the Grand Tetons is the most spectacular alpine setting you will ever ski.
Inside scoop:
Deep powder and expansive 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. Best of all, you can get a screaming deal on a SnowCat Adventure Package with lodging.
The snowcats get 1,000 acres all to themselves on Peaked Mountain, where you can rack up 20,000 feet of exclusive vertical in 10 to 12 epic runs through a huge powder reserve with old growth glades and spectacular views of the Tetons.
But 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.
Lodging options abound:
It's easy to get to Grand Targhee from the Idaho Falls or Jackson Hole airports. Each of the three western-style lodges at Grand Targhee are located within steps of the lifts.. Townhomes and condominiums are available at Teton Creek and Aspen Pointe, less than 11 miles from Targhee. Beautiful homes are available at Creekside Meadows near Driggs.
For Reservations and all the details on the packages below, call 1-800-TARGHEE (1-800-827-4433)
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..
SKI IDAHO EVENTS &S
Bogus Basin - February 22 -- Special Olympics - Nordic (Cross Country/Snowshoe) competition for the local area athletes. Registration begins at 10:00am upstairs in Frontier Point Lodge - competition begins at 11:00am. Trails will remain open to the public and competition will take place on portion of the Nordic highway only!
February 16-22 -- $199 Season Pass Sale - Bogus Basin's famous $199 season pass sale starts on Presidents Day (Powder to the People!). See our website for complete details. Ski or ride on your new pass the end of this season PLUS all of next year!
February 25-26 -- Bogus Winter Games - The VertiGals Giant Slalom Recreational Race for all ladies, skiers and snowboarder, age 18 . GS for Primetimers is for skiers age 50 . Saturday night is the Bogus Winter Games Telemark Race. Medal awards for skiers/boarders in age categories following the race. Visit bogusbasin.com to download a registration form and bring it with you on race day.
February 25 -- Night Riders Corporate League Racing - Form a team of coworkers, friends and family and join the fun on Wednesday nights at Bogus Basin for the Night Riders Corporate Race League. This is a great after work, after school, after hours midweek recreational race league with a serious focus on FUN!
February 21 -- Ski Diva Day - We invite you to embrace your inner ski or snowboard goddess here at Brundage Mountain. We're treating women aged 18 & up to half-priced lift tickets so you can unleash that woman-warrior on the slopes. Then, join us in the lodge at 3:30 pm for a relaxing yoga practice, followed by Her Happy Hour drink specials from 4:30 - 6:30 in Smoky's Pub, where you can also enter a free raffle and win a fabulous spa treatment!
Febraury 26-28 -- IMD Women's Junior Olympic Qualifier - Brundage Mountain welcomes competitors and their families for the Intermountain Division Womens' Junior Olympic Qualifier. This event features three Super G's and one Super Combined. Events take place on Sidewinder and Alpine.
Brundage - February 21 -- Ski Diva Day - We invite you to embrace your inner ski or snowboard goddess here at Brundage Mountain. We're treating women aged 18 & up to half-priced lift tickets so you can unleash that woman-warrior on the slopes. Then, join us in the lodge at 3:30 pm for a relaxing yoga practice, followed by Her Happy Hour drink specials from 4:30 - 6:30 in Smoky's Pub, where you can also enter a free raffle and win a fabulous spa treatment!
Lookout Pass - February 20 -- Toyota FREE Ski Day
February 22 -- "Battle on the Border" SLOPESTYLE Invitational
February 27 -- Ski NW Rockies/KREM - 2nd Harvest Food Drive
February 28 -- Up Down Ski Race - Test your endurance with a skin to the top and
challenge your agility with a skier cross race to the bottom.
February 28 -- Season Pass holder Spaghetti Fest from 3 till 5 pm. Foods on us!
March 1 -- Schussboomer Crazy Costume Ski & Snowboard Races
Pebble Creek - February 21 -- C.W. HOG Skiathon - The major winter fundraiser for the C.W.HOG organization. 100% of the proceeds go to purchase adaptive equipment and offer lessons to skiers with disabilities. The patio between the Lodge and the Office will be the place to sample some Dutch Oven Cobbler, a HOG specialty. The Ski-A-Thon is open to any skier, with or without disability. Participants who raise $150 or more receive a free lift ticket and PASS sweatshirt. Top pledge gatherers are eligible for great prizes to be awarded at the Ski-A-Thon Awards Party and Snowball.
Schweitzer - February 21-22 -- Don Brooks Memorial Masters Ski Race
February 27-28 -- Yoke's Outrageous Air Show - Watch as the action takes to the sky. Olympic skiers join local talent in a Big Air Show for a spectacular evening of entertainment. Stick around for the crazy themed parties that follow in Taps.
Tamarack - February 21-22 -- Payette River Mountains FreeRide Series- SlopeStyle/SuperPipe
February 28 -- USSA Race--YSL Giant Slalom
Silver Mountain - February 27-28 -- Silver Extreme Weekend-Do it all, ski, surf, splash.
Grand Targhee - February 21 -- Snowboard Big Air Clinic - This exciting clinic will help you improve your big air skills, such as air, style, tricks, amplitude and overall impression.
February 21 -- Winter Triathlon - Snowshoe, mountain bike, nordic - The event will combine a snowshoe lap distance of 5k, a mountain bike lap on snow of 10k, and a finish with a cross-country or skate ski lap of 10k.
February 27 - March 2 -- Targhee Telemark Festival - Black Diamond Equipment and Telemark Skier Magazine present our third annual Targhee Telemark Festival. With a strong legacy of a one day event stretching back 27 years, our expanded multi-day festival has pumped up the vibe volume - don't miss out!
February 28 -- Saturdaze in the Park - Big Air - Annual event on Saturday for skiers and snowboarders. This spectacular event is part of the Saturdaze in the Park series and features big hits in the terrain park.
February 28 -- Snowboard's Aggressive Lines Clinic - Grand Targhee Ski & Snowboard School is offering an aggressive lines clinic. We want to provide an opportunity to advance your riding skills in a safe, fun, and unbiased environment.
Sun Valley - 2009 Winter Comedy Series Friday & Saturday - Doors open at 5:30pm- Comedy starts at 6:30 - $10 Cover - Bring your current Sun Valley ski pass or lift ticket for $3 OFF the cover - February 6 & 7: Jimmy Shubert & Scott Bennett
February 20 & 21: Joe Klosek & TBA
February 27 & 28: Kristin Key & Leif Skyving
Live Music Late Night after the comedy series- doors at 9pm (free admission with Blaine County ID)
SKI IDAHO LODGING
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 BogusOvernight accommodations are available in town or on the mountain.
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. 1-800-657-6464
Grand Targhee - Family Pizza & Pasta Package - Valid : January 30, 2009 to April 12, 2009, 2 Nights of Lodging, 1 Day of Skiing, and 1 Family Dinner at Powder Mountain Pizza starting at just $379 per room. Kids Ski Free, Stay Free, and EAT FREE! 2 adult lift tickets & 2 junior (12 years & younger) lift tickets. Additional skiers over the age of 12 must purchase lift ticket at the Ticket Kiosk. Price is the same for any combination of adults & children, but a maximum of 2 adult tickets are included in the package. Family Dinner includes 1 large Traditional Pizza, 1 Family Sized Salad, & 4 Pepsi's at Powder Mountain Pizza. Based on availability at time of booking. Price is per room based on Teewinot Lodge, with a maximum of 4 people per room. Other lodging options are Starting from $396 pp.
Exclusive AMEX Lodging Special - Valid : November 21, 2008 to April 11, 2009 - Stay 3 nights, get the 4th night FREE! Offer good for American Express cardholders. Starting from $396 pp. Blackout dates 12/25/08-1/1/09
Lookout Pass - Numerous lodging options abound in the area surrounding Lookout Pass on the Idaho Montana border.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain - Many fine lodging establishments are located anywhere from 5 to 50 miles from Lost Trail Powder Mountain.
Pebble Creek - Buy one get one free lift tickets when you stay at participating Lava Hot Springs hotels, just 25 miles from the hill.
Pomerelle - The Marsh Creek Inn is located in downtown Albion just a short distance from Pomerelle Ski Resort on Highway 77, the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway, in the beautiful and
historic Albion Valley. For more information, or reservations, call 208 673-6259
Silver Mountain - 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 - 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!
Last Minute Steals and Season-long Deals for your Sun Valley Vacation. Check out all of the deals below with a visit to our web specials!
Mid-Week Madness! Stay 1 Night, Ski 1 Day Mid Week Starting at $109 1/4/09-3/24/09
February Extravaganza! Recieve 10% off at ResortQuest 2/1/09-2/25/09
Sun Valley Ski Club Weeks! Enjoy a Week (or two!) of 7 Nights Lodging, 5 Days Skiing starting at $858 2/28-3/14
Schweitzer - 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/
Tamarack - Choose from the Lodge at Osprey Meadows, Townhomes, Cottages, Chalets, Estate Homes and Resort Homes.
$100 Bonus Nights!
* Book lodging and receive an additional night for $100
* Starting at $68 per person, per night
Stay & Ski Free
Call Tamarack Central Reservations at (866) 320-5194 and refer to promo code SKIIDAHO20 to receive a 20% discount off any Stay & Ski Free Package. That means you could be skiing and staying at Tamarack for as low as $74.50 per night.
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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