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COME OUT AND PLAY - LEARN A SNOWSPORT MONTH
Last week I skied at Schweitzer on a beautiful day. Lake Pend Oreille was a sapphire set in white gold. Sun glinted off the blue snake of the Pend Oreille River, meandering west. It made me think about how great it is that my passion for skiing brings me to such beautiful places.
 Everyone should be able to experience the mountains in winter. January is Learn a Snow Sport Month at Idaho Mountain resorts. Come out and play on the snow! Banish the blues with clean air, breathtaking views and a great workout. Whether you're looking for group lessons or individualized teaching, Idaho ski areas are ready to help you on your way to a lifetime of skiing or snowboarding. Visit skiidaho.us for details on lesson programs at all the Idaho hills.
While the city turns grey and boney, the surrounding mountains fatten up on pure white snow. Drive up a winding mountain road to enter another world.
There's a vitality one feels in the mountains with the clean air and inspiring views--and the elevation bumps up the UVs you need to stay healthy and energized in the winter.
So head for the hills. Every Idaho resort has lesson programs designed to help anyone get started right away. Skiing and boarding are more fun--and safer-with a lesson background. It's easy to sign up the whole family. In a matter of weeks your outlook on winter will change. Time flies when you're having fun.
I'll see you on the slopes! - Bill Jennings
CELEBRATING WINTER IN IDAHO - WINTER CARNIVALS
 Winter carnivals are a grand tradition in Idaho. Upcoming celebrations include carnivals in Sandpoint January 15-18 and McCall January 30-February 9. Here's a preview of the fun to be had:
Sandpoint Winter Carnival still rockin' after 35 years! Every January, in the dead of winter, Sandpoint, Idaho, cooks up a sure antidote to cabin fever. It's the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, pure fun celebrating the best of the snowy season ... indoors and out.
They've tabbed this year's 2009 Sandpoint Winter Carnival with the theme For the Love of Snow!, and it has a great roster of events - from a first-ever RailJam to a brand-new ArtTrek to the wild Bio Luminesce FireDance, to old favorites including the bonfire and Schweitzer Torchlight Parade and more.
The week kicks off at Schwetizer with -Light up the Night. 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.
 The Historical McCall Winter Carnival. The McCall Winter Carnival kicks off on the slopes of Brundage on Saturday, January 31st with a torchlight parade. Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders can meet at the bottom of the Bear Chair to participate-anyone can meet outside Smoky's Pub (main lodge) to watch the spectacular display. Be sure to bring your camera!
A highlight of the celebration will be the the 23rd Annual Idaho Snow Sculpting Championship. Artists from all over the West will come to McCall to participate. The Idaho Snow Sculpting Championship has an outstanding reputation for providing the opportunity for artist to create sculptures in a scale much larger than would be possible in any other medium. The event will be located downtown with the lake and Brundage Mountain as a backdrop.
The first winter carnival in McCall was in 1924, a fun filled three days that started when the largest train ever to enter McCall arrived carrying 248 persons, including Idaho Governor C. Moore. The Payette lakes Sports Carnival, as it was then called, treated its guests to a large variety of events, dog sled racing; with drivers from all over the state, ski racing and jumping, ski joring (a skier pulled by a horse), snow shoveling contests and snowshoe races.
In 1965 the Winter Carnival was revived and due to a great community effort it was a huge success, now we are well into the "42nd annual winter carnival," The carnival has become nationally known; for which we are proud because it is still a community effort of the highest degree.
DETOUR TO SOLDIER MOUNTAIN FOR A PURE SKIING EXPERIENCE
 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 northeast 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 and great fall lines wherever you look.
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.
POMERELLE: A PRIVATE EXPERIENCE AT A GREAT PRICE . . . WITH TONS OF SNOW
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 comfrotable 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. Why not spend a couple of days. Check out The Marsh Creek Inn (www.marshcreekinn.com) is located on Highway 77, the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway, in the beautiful and historic Albion Valley.
SUN VALLEY: COOL TOWN, HOT DEALS
 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. For just $109 per person based on double 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. To this day it 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 offers great value too.
For example, kids ages 2-11 fly free Jan. 4-31 and March 1-30 on non-stop Horizon Airlines flights to Sun Valley from Los Angeles and Seattle. Kids 15 and under will also be able to ski and stay free in a participating Wood River Valley lodging property during this same time period. Tickets can be purchased up until the end of the promotional period. Packages must be booked through a Travel Expert for Kids Fly Free at http://www.horizonairgetaways.com/ or call 1-877-359-4674. Plus, Ketchum shops have come together this winter to help off-set rising airline baggage fees. Download these coupons to get valuable discounts on rentals, ski-tunes and shipping by UPS.
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.
After a day on the mountain, you can find great deals at area restaurants as well. Like the dinner specials at Gretchen's in the Sun Valley Lodge, or comfort food at the Ram for under 20 bucks. The Boiler Room has bar and drink specials, and Bald Mountain Pizza is open every day for dinner.
Any passionate skier or boarder worth their salt and pepper should make a pilgrimage to Sun Valley this winter.
SKI IDAHO EVENTS & DEALS
Sun Valley - Through Feb. 6 Sun Valley would like to offer Idaho pass holders from all of Idaho ski areas $25 off the regular one day ticket price and $22 off the regular half day price. Just show another Idaho Ski area pass at any ticket window and receive a discounted lift ticket.
Bogus Basin - January 17 Bogus Basin Ski Club Yurt Lunch. Free Lunch with the Bogus Basin Ski Club Join us at the Deer Point Express Yurt from 11AM to 2PM for lunch*Get a hot dog or hamburger with chili and hot drink when you warm your toes by the fire*
January 18 Free Mountain Tour - Free Mountain Tour. Enjoy a tour of Bogus Basin, compliments of our friendly and informative Mountain Hosts. Tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30am and 1:30pm for intermediate - advanced level skiers and snowboarders. Meet in front of the the large trail map between the retail and rental shops.(Lift ticket is not included.)
Brundage - Tele Daze - Mondays in January - Time: 2:30 pm - 4:15 pm, register by 2:00 pm
This is our celebration of the free-heeling life! Brundage is the perfect place to give telemark skiing a try with these FREE lesson sessions. Start out in our expertly-groomed beginner area, or have an expert instructor help you work those lunges in the fluffy stuff. All abilities welcome! Ages 18 and older. Lift pass not required while in any class.
Brundage Mountain Freestyle Jam - January 24, 2009 - 12:00-4:00 pm - This event is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities - you don't need to be a member of any race organization. Registration information coming soon!
Torchlight Parade - January 31, 2009 - 6:00-8:00 pm - Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders can meet at the bottom of the Bear Chair to participate-anyone can meet outside Smoky's Pub (main lodge) to watch the spectacular display. A beautiful serpentine of lights illumates the night at Brundage Mountain Resort. It's our way of kicking off McCall's Winter Carnival with an activity you can enjoy whether you are a skier or just someone who appreciates all the beauty winter has to offer. Be sure to bring your camera!
Lookout Pass - January 25 - Media Team Races & Appreciation Day
Schweitzer - January 17 -- Schweitzer Lights up the Night - What better way to celebrate winter than with a Torchlight Parade and Fireworks? Join us in the village as we light up the night in celebration of winter at the mountain.
January 30 -- Toyota Ski Free Day - The driver of any Toyota vehicle will be given a free lift ticket valid for that day.
January 30/31 -- 24 Hours of Schweitzer is a team relay for skiers, telemark skiers, and snowboarders beginning at 10:00am on Friday, January 30th and ending at 10:00am on Saturday the 31st. Three intermediate runs and three lifts will be used over the course of 24 hours. Teams will ski and ride for prizes, bragging rights and most importantly fundraising for Cystinosis research and Hank's future.
Tamarack - January 17/18 -- Payette River Mountains FreeRide Series- SlopeStyle - Noon - Cost: $25 - 208.325.1720 - Email: jjoy@tamarackidaho.com
Silver Mountain - January 16-19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend & Downhill Torchlight Parade
January 23 Toyota Ski Free Day - January 23-25 Silver Founder's Weekend - January 31 Winter Parrot Fest - January 31 West Coast Collegiate Conference Races
Grand Targhee - January 17 - 'Ricks Basin Rally' Nordic Race - Thgesecond Nordic race of the season takes place on our Rick's Basin trail network. Events include a skate skiing 15K, 10K, 5K, and a kids 2.5K race.
January 17-23 - Grand Targhee Resort and NSAA celebrate National Safety Week
January 18 - 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.
January 25 - 'She Skates' Women's Skate Ski Clinic - A women's specific skate skiing clinic designed for women who want to learn skate ski for the first time OR take their current skate skiing ability to the next level.
January 31 -- February - 'She Rips' Weekend - Snowboarding, Tele, & Alpine instruction catered to the women of winter sports and will coincide with the Mary's Nipple Challenge Breast Cancer Fund Raiser.
January 31 - Mary's Nipple Challenge - A breast cancer fundraiser, the "Mary's Nipple Challenge" will be a special feature of a weekend of activities for a local breast cancer organization.
January 31 - February 4 - North American Ski Training Center: Catskiing and Powder Adventure
Sun Valley - January 25 - Ski the Boulder Clinic - This is a chance to ski the entire length of the BMT race course. The $25 entry gets you casual instruction from great valley ski instructors, aid stations on the way down the trail, and a shuttle back to Galena Lodge. Meet at Galena Lodge at 10am. Contact Galena Lodge, 726-4010, for more details.
January 31 -- Ski the Rails - Ski the Rails, annual cross-country ski along the Wood River Trails, starts a 10am on Serenade Lane in Ketchum on January 31 and finishes at Myrtle Street in Hailey. Shuttles available to take skiers north to Serenade Lane beginning at 11am. Dogs are allowed on the bus as long as they are on a leash. The last bus departs at 2:45pm.
SKI IDAHO LODGING
Bogus Basin - Overnight accommodations are available in town or on the mountain. A variety of hotels in the valley offer buy-one-get-one free lift tickets through the "Stay and Play" program. If you are looking for ski-in/ski-out overnight accommodations, stay at the Pioneer
Condominiums, buy one alpine lift ticket or Nordic trail pass and get a second one at 1/2
price! YURT at BOGUS BASIN - NEW this season - stay in the yurt at Bogus Basin Mountain for a unique experience!
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 - Value Season Cat Package - 3 nights lodging, 1 full day SnowCat Adventure, 2 full days of in-resort skiing, for as little as $499 per person.
Winter special for Kids - kids 12 and under stay and ski free with a paid adult on a package; one child per adult in the same room.
Roll Outta Bed & Ride Package - Valid 1/4/09-1/29/09; 3/29/09-4/11/09 - Ski & Stay Slopeside for as little as $89 per person, per night.
Value Season Cat Package - Valid 1/4/09-1/29/09; 3/29/09-4/11/09 - 3 nights lodging, 1 full day SnowCat Adventure, 2 full days of in-resort skiing, for as little as $499 per person.
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 - Martin Luther King Holiday Special - 3 day weekend forecast: Snow and 84 degrees! Come to Silver this weekend to ski, snowboard, splash, snow tube, surf and stay for just $79/person (quad occupancy) or $99/person (double occupancy). Two night min. and subject to availability. Promo code: MLK .
Sun Valley - Now's the time to visit Sun Valley again or for the first time! The crowds are gone and conditions are superb. Take advantage of all that Sun Valley has to offer from world class skiing on Bald Mountain, the new Sun Valley Club and Nordic Center, delicious dining options and great shopping. Experience the magic of Sun Valley for yourself! Looking to stay and ski? Take advantage of the Mid-Week Madness Ski & Stay Package. One nights lodging at the Sun Valley Resort, double occupancy, and a 1 day lift tickets for each person for only $109 per person, per night.
Schweitzer - Stay Slopeside & Ski from only $78 per person. The package includes a one night stay for up to four people and lift tickets for each person. Lodging Reservations: 877.ITS.IN.ID (877.487.4643)
Tamarack - Choose from the Lodge at Osprey Meadows, Townhomes, Cottages, Chalets, Estate Homes and Resort Homes. 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 $72 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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