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RESORTS OPENING THIS WEEK, WHILE YOU'RE WAITING, PLAN AHEAD
A few more Idaho resorts are opening this week! Sun Valley opened yesterday, Schweitzer Mountain & Tamarack open tomorrow, Lookout Pass opens Saturday and Grand Targhee opens the entire mountain tomorrow! Check the website for all the Idaho resort links for the latest updates as fresh snow hits the slopes. Bring on the snow!
Determined to ski on Thanksgiving weekend, I accepted an invitation to join my friend Joel Armstrong at Schweitzer for some alpine touring. Schweitzer was closed. But I was eager to declare my season open. I would like to invite you to join me, in a sense, by reading the short narrative of that day in this issue.
As we wait for Mother Nature to get in gear, this is a great time to plan ahead for a perfect ski getaway in Idaho. The best place to get started is skiidaho.us. Make sure everything is ready and waiting so you can hit the slopes right away. While you're at it, enter our contest to win free lift tickets at Idaho resorts and cool schwag like Smith goggles.
Pay attention to things like transportation from the airport. Consider rentals to avoid bulky baggage and extra fees. Line up ski school for the kids and dining reservations. Do some research about the programs the mountain offers. Make sure you know exactly when and where you have to be for maximum fun.
If you can swing it, stay slopeside. Life doesn't get any better than ski in/ski out. Condos with kitchens are perfect for families. If you can't sleep on the hill check out the lodging options near the ski resorts and give yourself plenty of time to find a good parking spot, buy passes, go to the bathroom and avoid liftlines.
Idaho offers you the ultimate winter adventure, especially when you plan ahead.
I'll see you on the slopes. - Bill Jennings
THANKSGIVING TURNS
Determined to ski on Thanksgiving weekend, I accepted an invitation to join my friend Joel Armstrong at Schweitzer for some alpine touring.
Joel skis Schweitzer backcountry every weekend, if he gets his way. I followed him to Big Blue, a peak about three kilometers north of Schweitzer Basin.
Returning to the familiar early morning ski mission routine was a great feeling.
Joel greeted me at his condo with a mug of strong coffee and presented for my use a vintage alpine touring set-up suitable for scraping over rocks. Leaving the village, we drove to an old jeep road cut into the backside of Schweitzer Bowl.
We started climbing with skins from the trailhead at about 5,000 feet. Soon we rolled over the top of the South Ridge and rested at the 6, 389-foot summit of the Lakeview Triple. There was about a foot of wet snow. The lift sat idle, chairs swaying slightly in the breeze. Signage we're used to seeing at eye level towered above us.
The route continued down the saddle where Stiles drops into the bowl. We dropped out-of-bounds there and traversed north, gliding on a cat track at about 6,000 feet. The alpine forest was quiet. Evergreen fragrance filled the air. Moose, deer, snowshoe hare, ermine and grouse had left tracks in the snow along the way.
On Big Blue's summit, we ate lunch basking in sunshine at about 6,600 feet. Roiling clouds crashed like surf on the slopes below us. Distant peaks poked out of a sea of fog out to the horizon.
I savored the view. Looking east with the sun directly behind me, I witnessed a rare and amazing phenomenon. My shadow projected into the mist as an enormous, triangular shape. The head of my shadow was surrounded by a huge, rainbow-colored halo. Soon it winked out as a passing cloud blocked the sun.
Later I learned this was a "Brocken Spectre," named after a peak in Germany where it was observed and described in 1780. It's an optical illusion that occurs when climbers judge their shadow in the mist to be at the same distance as faraway land seen through gaps in the clouds. The colorful rings, called a "glory," are reflections off water droplets like a rainbow.
After that once-in-a-lifetime (perhaps) experience, we managed about a dozen rock-free turns down Big Blue. The return route was paved with diamonds as the lowering sun glinted off the snow. It wasn't an epic beginning for the Idaho ski season, but it was a memorable one.
SCHWEITZER A SECRET NO LONGER
Schweitzer's world-class terrain and breathtaking lake views couldn't remain a secret forever. The locals used to have two massive bowls, abundant glades and long cruisers all to themselves. The word about Schweitzer is spreading, but there's plenty of room, with nearly 3,000 acres and even more outstanding backcountry.
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.
Even with all the attention, Schweitzer CEO Tom Chasse continues to strive for improvement.
The most noticeable addition this winter is a $1.4 million dollar fully automated snowmaking installation%u2014the first of its kind in the Northwest Rockies. A new interactive trail map at schweitzer.com lets you view photos and videos of particular runs by clicking on trail map icons. You can also choose custom criteria and print out maps tailored to your skills to get the most out of your day on the mountain.
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 or call 877-ITS-IN-ID. This offer is based on quad occupancy. Availability is limited and restrictions apply.
If you're lucky enough to stay a while, take advantage of multi-day lift tickets, offered online at a discount. These tickets are valid any day of the season and can be purchased in two to five day blocks. Imbedded in these blocks is an "off day" option. Two-day tickets must be used within three days, three day tickets within four, etc.
It probably takes a week at Schweitzer to experience all the mountain has to offer. The Mountain Activity Center is the place to plan your vacation here. Gorgeous views in every direction, great terrain and a nice atmosphere will make this one of your all-time favorite places to ski.
BOISE'S ULTIMATE COMMUNITY ASSET - BOGUS BASIN
Boise snowriders are lucky. Just 16 miles from downtown, Bogus Basin is a big mountain 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.
Check it out for yourself Book a room in Boise at participating hotels 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.
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 Hosts 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. Spend all weekend at Bogus and never ski the same snow twice.
SKI LOOKOUT FOR 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.
To ski early in Idaho, Lookout is usually the place. It has great early season conditions, especially the wide-open cruisers on the front side, which has been meticulously tended in the off-season for 70 years.
The Free Ski School has been around nearly as long. This year Lookout celebrates its 69th season. Started in 1940, this nationally recognized program is offered to kids and teens ages 6 thru 17 years and has introduced over 40,000 participants to the great sports of skiing and snowboarding.
When Lookout says "free," they mean it. All parents have to do is sign up. Sessions are every Saturday at 10 a.m. from January 10 thru March 14, 2009. No lift ticket is required during the lesson sessions. Each youngster must supply their own skis or snowboard. Rental equipment is available from Lookout's newly expanded rental shop. The rental shop is double its original size with new check-in technology to get guests out and on the slopes without delay.
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 Panhandle until you experience Lookout Pass.
EVENTS
Lookout Pass - Dec. 24 Santa Claus arrives at ski area (noon).
Dec. 25 Christmas Day opening delayed until 10:00 am. Christmas Buffet from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Ski with Santa!
Schweitzer - December 19 - Shot In The Dark Rail Jam - The first in a series of monthly rail jams. Shot in the Dark takes place under the night lights right in the heart of Schweitzer's village.
December 20 - USASA Inland NW Series Alpine Snowboard Races - December 21, 2008 - USASA Inland NW Series Slopestyle Competition. Slalom and GS snowboard races as part of the USA Snowboard Association Inland NW Series. Event info online at http://www.usasa.org/
Tamarack - December 20 - Tom Englesby RailJam
This is the premier Tamarack Park Event of the season, so shine up your kangaroo flips and polish up your one-footers, because it's time to drop in. The contest is open to all skiers and boarders and will be conducted in a Jam Session format, with final being held after preliminary judging. Phone: 208.325.1358
Silver Mountain - Dec 31 Silver Rapids New Year's Eve Party & Downhill Torchlight Parade
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. There is also a special Children's Torchlight Parade at 4:45 pm on the Lower Big Horn run. 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.
Sun Valley
December 11-13 - Full Moon Dinners
Dine at Galena Lodge and celebrate the Full Moon! Enjoy a wonderful Prix Fix dinner prepared by Galena Lodge's talented staff.
December 12-13 - Croney Cove European Christmas Market
December 13 - Holiday Sing-a-Long with Caritas Chorale
Popular holiday and Christmas songs with audience sing-along plus selections from Messiah by Caritas Chorale.
December 13 - St. Luke's Holiday Ball
The dining and dancing tradition continues in Sun Valley at the Limelight Room with Black Tie optional.
December 13 - Winterstart Cross Country Ski Race
Kick off your Nordic season with a little competitive racing.
December 14 - Free 'Learn to Ski' Clinic
Skate and classic skiing at Galena Lodge.
December 14 - Free Ski Day on all North Valley Trails
Trails include Galena trails and the Harriman trail.
CHRISTMAS EVE IN SUN VALLEY December 24, 2008 - 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.
LODGING & EARLY SEASON DEALS
Tamarack Resort -- Winter Kick-Off Sale
Accommodations starting at $109 per night. Book by December 19, 2008 for this exclusive Ski Idaho special. Package valid through the 2008/2009 Winter Season, no black-out dates! Nightly rate starting at $109, plus taxes/fees, based on lodging in a hotel room in The Lodge at Osprey Meadows. Other lodging options are available for this promotion. Subject to change and availability. Not valid with other promotions or groups and other restrictions may apply. Please refer to promotional code: SKIIDAHO01. Toll Free: (866) 320-5194 mail: info@tamarackidaho.com
Bogus Basin - NEW this season - stay in the yurt at Bogus Basin Mountain for a unique experience! * $100/night (2 pm check-in; 1pm check-out) * Sleeps 8-10 (4 bunks and 1 futon) * Pack in/pack out * Hike or ski in/hike or ski out
Grand Targhee - "White Christmas at Targhee"
Ski & Stay Slopeside throughout the Holiday Season for as little as $148 per person, per night. Price includes accommodations at the Targhee Lodge, one lift ticket per day for up to 2 adults per room, and breakfast daily. Price is based on Double Occupancy and is subject to State & Local taxes. 3 Night Minimum required. Price is valid from Dec. 25, 2008 to Jan. 3, 2009, and is based on availability at time of booking. Children Ski & Stay for FREE (up to 2 free child lift tickets per room, per day). Children's breakfast ($4.95) is not included in package. Package may be upgraded to any other Grand Targhee property at an additional cost. Mention "Holiday package" at time of booking
SnowCat Adventure Package
Offer valid season opening through December 21, 2008 - 3 night/ 3 day Lodging/Ski Package includes 3 full-day lift tickets, 3 nights lodging PLUS a FREE SnowCat Adventure Trip. Starting at $396 per person.
Silver Mountain - Winter Special
Lodging and waterpark packages starting at $134* per night for 2 persons and $169* per night for up to 4. *some restrictions apply. May not be combined with other offers or packages.
Gift Card Bonus - Receive a $50 gift card when you stay two nights or more from Nov. 30th-Dec. 18th. Prices start as low as $149 per room. *some restrictions apply. May not be combined with other offers or packages.
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)
Christmas at Schweitzer - Wondering what to get them for the Holidays? Announcing the grandest Christmas ever (all for under a grand)! Packages from $995 include 4 nights of lodging and 4 lift tickets each day (2 adult & 2 Jr.), PLUS a special holiday gift from Schweitzer.
Brundage - Brundage offers packages for hotel properties, AND for people who would prefer to stay in a cabin or condo through www.inidaho.com.
McCall Lodging - McCall is located approximately 8 miles from Brundage and serves as the resort's hub. A wide variety of lodging options are available in McCall including hotels, cabins/private homes, condominiums and bed & breakfasts.
New Meadows Lodging - New Meadows is north of Brundage approximately 7 miles. Lodging options include a hotel and a bed & breakfast.
Riggins Lodging - Located on the beautiful Salmon River 36 miles north of Brundage. Riggins offers several hotel options.
Donnelly Lodging - The small town of Donnelley is located just 19 miles south of Brundage. Donnelley lodging includes a hotel and several private home rentals.
Cascade Lodging - Cascade is located 35 miles south of Brundage. There are multiple hotel options for a Brundage Vacation trip.
Sun Valley - From ski packages start at $85/person that includes lodging and lift ticket, %u2028to kids ski free, you'll get loads of value when you plan your %u2028get-a-way to Sun Valley. Check out all of our web specials!
The Pre-Holiday Package begins Wednesday, November 26 and includes one night's lodging and one day of skiing for only $72 per person double occupancy ($117 per person single occupancy). This package may be booked multiple days through Thursday, December 18, 2008 .
For more information and to take advantage of this special offer, call our reservations office toll-free 1-800-786-8259 (1-800-SUN-VALY) or email reservations@sunvalley.com.
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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