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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Idaho has been getting hammered! Brundage was gifted with 13 inches on Christmas day. Sun Valley got 22 inches! I opened my season at Lookout Pass. It's snowing here as I write, and one by one, Idaho resorts are opening up additional terrain and the full compliment of guest services. New storms are lining up off the coast just in time for a holiday season full of powder. The mountains in Idaho are your best place for epic skiing.
Meanwhile, Targhee announced 100 percent of open terrain in mid-December. You can learn more about the deep powder and big time skiing at Targhee in this issue, along with what you need to know about Silver Mountain and Tamarack. Plus, we've got a comprehensive list of great deals on lodging packages and a full calendar of events for every mountain in Idaho.
Visit skiidaho.us for more information about planning your winter vacation in Idaho. Be sure to check out the great video action shot at all the Idaho hills.
I arrived at Lookout to kick of my season with a classic winter mountain morning. Timber was laden with fresh snow. The sun was a ball of cotton floating in opaque grey clouds. Patches of blue sky emerged for brief moments. Visibility was unlimited. Open terrain was white and pristine.
I cruised along the ridges, getting a feel for linking turns together again. Snow was light and soft, the ride smooth and relaxing. People from Spokane, Rathdrum, Coeur d'Alene, Kellogg, Wallace, Mullan, Moscow and Missoula shared chairs with me. We all grinned like fools.
Later, sipping a pint in Lookout's cozy upstairs bar, I looked out the windows at the mountainside filling the view. Ruddy faces bore contented looks. One of Lookout's owners, Hans Reifer, a 77 year-young gentleman from Vienna, Austria, worked the room, making sure every table had plenty of popcorn.
There's something about sliding down a mountain that makes it easy forget about the cares and woes of the world.
Here's to a Happy New year and Peace on Earth in 2009. - Bill Jennings
DISCOVER WINTER AT TAMARACK
 There's no doubt Idaho is the soul of skiing. To that thinking - Tamarack's snow experience is the perfect embodiment of what makes winter so magical. At Tamarack there's a shared appreciation for pristine powder, corduroy groomers, rails and pipes, serene Nordic trails, high-powered snowmobiles and just how accessible these winter adventures are.
Sweeten this notion with holiday cheer Tamarack-style. Après-ski entertainment, movie nights, shredding with Santa and a New Year's Eve torchlight parade are just a few ways Tamarack is making the holidays merry.
The second best thing to experiencing a day at Tamarack is that you get to do it all over again the next day when you spend the night. That's why Tamarack is offering fantastic holiday lodging packages from Stay & Ski Free to Backcountry Discovery Packages.
Check out Tamarack's full calendar of events at http://www.tamarackidaho.com/events.php. 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.
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. Its well-heeled credentials even include Bliss, a blue cruiser featured in SKI Magazine. But the terrain is balanced with cruisers, steeps, glades and cornices. Vertical totals 2,800 feet with 41 runs served by seven lifts, including three high-speed quads.
Tamarack is also paradise for freeriders, with one of just six Olympic-sized SuperPipes in all of North America. The Hells Canyon Pipe features 22-foot high Olympic-caliber walls and a length of 450 feet.
But for the ultimate Tamarack experience, consider a trip into the backcountry. 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.
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 realize the world-class experience that can be found in Idaho.
SILVER MOUNTAIN - ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST UNIQUE RESORT
 The most obvious feature setting 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.
But who would have ever thought you could ski and surf the same weekend? How about the same day? Now you can. Silver Mountain Resort has brought the beach to the high country with the Silver Rapids waterpark.
You're in for an unprecedented experience. Check out the great deals you can get on lodging packages at silvermt.com. Entrance to Silver Rapids comes with every room.
Silver Rapids features body and tube slides, a lazy river, family raft slide, kid's activity lagoon, and the ultimate in aquatic attractions - a FlowRider Surf Wave. The FlowRider is one ride that will never be the same twice In just 10 seconds, 10,000 gallons of surging water is released into the FlowRider's wave box to deliver the thrills of surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding in a wet, wild, and warm environment.
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 a five-star alpine village with shops, restaurants and the Morning Star Lodge, the region's newest premier condominium resort.
When you arrive in Kellogg. Simply pull off the freeway, park 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.
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. Ultimately, Silver is an enthusiast's mountain at its best on a powder day.
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 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.
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).
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.
GRAND TARGHEE IS YOUR PORTAL TO ANOTHER WORLD
 While most Idaho resorts have been waiting patiently for mother nature to get in gear, Targhee opened all 2,400 acres on December 12-the most open terrain in the northern Rockies.
But the good folks at Targhee aren't gloating about their wealth of powder, groomers and glades. To help ease your snow suffering, Grand Targhee Resort is offering a $10 discount on a full day adult lift ticket to anyone who shows a 2008-09 season pass or day lift ticket from any other resort. The offer is good through Wednesday, December 24.
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.
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)
Winter special for Kids: Valid All Winter Long. 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 12/1/08-12/25/08; 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.
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.
EVENTS
Dec.
Bogus Basin - December 26 - Ski and Snowboard School Holiday Session I
Come and join the Bogus Basin Ski and Snowboard School for a session of lessons during your holiday vacation.
December 26 - Freeride Series Night Rail Jam
December 28 - Humanitarian Bowl Teams -- Tubing
Come see the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl players tube! University of Maryland will tube approximately from 10am until 12pm. University of Nevada will tube approximately 1pm until 3pm.
January 10/11 The Cranston Cup North Series SL
The Race is schedule for both Saturday & Sunday located on the ridge beginning at the B pin and finishing at the bottom of Stewart's Gully*Event chair lift access is Deer Point Express..
Brundage - December 27/28 - Christmas Ski Camp for Kids
McCall Ski Racing Team (MSRT) invites all skiers age 6-14 for five days of race training at Brundage Mountain. We will have an introductory progression in Slalom and Giant Slalom. Stance, balance, edging and pressuring are just a few of the things we will focus on.
January 11 - Brundage Vs. Bogus Slalom Showdown
Who's got the slickest skiers in Western Idaho? We're ready to find out with our Brundage Vs. Bogus Slalom Showdown. Take two runs down our slalom course and see how close you can come to identical times.
This free race is January's "Second Sunday" bonus for Brundage and Bogus Basin pass holders. Not a pass holder? You're welcome to run the course for $10 and see how you rate. The individuals with the top three %u2018best finishes' (first run time closest to second run time) win fabulous prizes.
Lookout Pass - January 11 - Winter Carnival - Family Fun Day - Pacific Northwest National Wife Carrying Contest
Schweitzer - December 31 - Kick off the New Year - Schweitzer style.
One of our favorite nights includes parties for all ages including the rockin' Clumsy Lovers concert in Taps, the teen tubing party and the ever popular 'tween' party for kids. These parties sell out every year so get your tickets early!
Tamarack - December 31 - New Year's Eve Gala. Location: The Arling Center Grange & Schoolhouse. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $75 Club Members, $85 Resort Guests. $95 at the Door
Contact: Club Concierge. Contact Phone: 208.325.1005. Contact Email: concierge@tamarackidaho.com
Only 175 tickets will be sold- so get yours now through Tamarack Concierge! Included in ticket prices is heavy hors d'oerves, casino gambling, music, dancing and champagne toast. A no-host bar will also be available. Child care is available for the evening through Tamarack's Wildhorse Youth Activity Center. On-site transportation is always available, as are special lodging packages.
January 4 - 32 Boot Camp at Tamarack Resort. So JP Walker, Simon Chamberlain, Joe Sexton, Stian Solberg and you are going to hang out and try out equipment? That's not a bad vacation. Every year 32 Boots, heaps of shops and this year- Tamarack Resort - are working to bring you up here to ride! Enter the contest on the Transworld Site and get ready to ride, test some killer outerwear and sick equipment for the people that make the finest gear going.
Even if you don't win, come on up and show up those who did! The entire Boot Camp session will take place from January 4 - 21, but two lucky winners will win the Grand Prize of a three-day snowboard getaway courtesy of Transworld, Tamarack and Thirty-two.
January 10-11 - Payette River Mountains FreeRide Series- Giant Slalom/Slalom
Silver Mountain - December 3 - Silver Rapids New Year's Eve Party & Downhill Torchlight Parade.
January 7 - Silver Mountain's 41st Jackass Days Celebration
January 10 - USASA Snowboard Event
January 10 - Silver Rapids Open Surf Competition
Grand Targhee - December 31 - New Year's Eve Celebration
In keeping with resort tradition, lodging guests and day visitors will enjoy participating in Grand Targhee's Annual New Year's Eve Torchlight Parade. The Parade will begin at approximately 5:30 pm on New Year's Eve day. Participants (12 & older, intermediate skiers/riders) meet by 4:45 pm at the Ski and Snowboard School for registration and ride the lift up at 5:00 pm. The adults use roadside flares and older clothing is recommended. There is also a special Children's Torchlight Parade at 4:45 pm on the Lower Big Horn run. Children (14 & younger, minimum age is 5, with basic stopping and turning skills) can register before 4:15 pm at the Ski and Snowboard School and ride the lift at 4:30 pm. The Children's parade uses non-toxic glow sticks. A special fireworks display will immediately follow the Torchlight Parade on New Year's Eve with complimentary refreshments. Also, there will be live music in the Trap Bar. There is no cover charge for New Year's Eve entertainment.
January 2-4, 2009 - Grand Targhee Ski Team Slopestyle & Mogul Competition
January 10-11, 2009 - USSMA Randonnee Race
The Grand Targhee Randonnee race is a kick-off race for the 2009 National ski mountaineering race series, which is held at some of the premier ski resorts in North America. This event will have teams races and a freeride event. Portions of the event proceeds will go to the non-profit, Protect Our Winters.
more info »
January 10, 2009 - Winter Trails Day
Winter Trails® and Grand Targhee Resort host the Winter Trails Day on Saturday, January 10, 2009. Winter Trails Day, now entering its 14th year, offers children and adults NEW to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing for FREE, and to discover the great fitness and social benefits with these easy-to-learn winter sports.
Sun Valley - HISTORIC ROUNDHOUSE RESTAURANT
Opens Monday, December 22, for the winter season.
Looking for a little bit of nostalgia? Opened in 1939, Roundhouse was the first day lodge on Bald Mountain. It is located midway up Bald Mountain on the River Run side. Features sit down service around a four-sided fireplace. Great wine list. Non-skiers welcome. Buy a "foot traffic" pass and meet your friends for lunch. Open in the Winter for lunch only. Reservations recommended.
CHRISTMAS EVE IN SUN VALLEY December 24, 2008. Times: 5:30PM. Location: Sun Valley Lodge Terrace. Admission: Free
Sun Valley Christmas Eve festivities begin at 5:30pm with Sun Valley Carolers beginning the show. "Nutcracker On Ice", a short holiday performance with world class skaters will begin around 5:45pm. Following will be the traditional torchlight parade down the mountain, fireworks and a special appearance from Santa. Free ice skating after the show. Free hot chocolate, cider and cookies prior to start of festivities. Meet on the Sun Valley Lodge Terrace or in the ice rink bleachers to view the performances.
CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER AT GALENA LODGE December 24, 2008. Times: 6:30 Seating
http://www.galenalodge.com. Location: Galena Lodge, 24 mi N on Hwy 75. Phone: 208-726-4010.Admission: $50 person, $25 kids 12 & under
Enjoy the holiday without having to cook and clean up. Enjoy the evening with family and friends in peaceful surroundings with a crackling fire, friendly staff and delicious food. Four course Prix Fix Dinner. $45 per person, $25 kids 12 & under, & does not include tax, gratuity or alcohol.
Reservations required: 208-726-4010.
LODGE DINING ROOM NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION December 31, 2008. Times: 8PM Seating. http://www.sunvalley.com. Location: Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley Village. Phone: 208-622-2800. Admission: $425 per couple
The Lodge Dining Room New Year's Eve party includes an exquisite gourmet five-course meal and bottle of champagne, and entertainment and music for dancing by the Sun Valley Trio. Please call Sun Valley Restaurant Reservations at 208-622-2800 to reserve a place. Credit card required to confirm reservation.
LIMELIGHT NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY. Times: 9pm-1am. http://www.sunvalley.com
Location: Limelight Ballroom, Sun Valley Inn. Phone: 208-622-2800. Admission: $79
The Limelight Ballroom will be the center for an hors d'oevres buffet, dancing , complimentary party favours and champagne for the annual New Year's celebration at the Sun Valley Inn. Swinging music by the High Street Jazz Band and special guests "Eclipse". Ticket cost is $79 which includes tax & gratuity. For tickets please call the Sun Valley Recreational Center: 208-622-2135.
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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