Learn about
the ski country of Idaho by reading Winter Fun in
Idaho-ho-ho by Charlie Spence, IFA Member and Aviation
Writer. It features a mini, but thorough tour of the
destination, plus all you'll need to know to plan your trip
including getting there, objective information on places to stay
and things to do. At the end of the article, we've provided a
summary of the contact information for your easy reference.
Enjoy!
Winter Fun in Idaho-ho-ho
by Charlie Spence, Aviation Writer and IFA Member
Idaho has more than 7,200 miles of trails for snowmobiling
Photo courtesy
Idaho Travel Council
When the wintry
winds start blowing, some folks hunker down and hibernate; others head
for the sunny climes, while many seek out the snow-blanketed trails
and slopes. One of the top places to play in the winter is the state
with some of the most varied scenery and recreational sites in the
country'Idaho.
Whether a
beginner or a seasoned expert, the deep-packed snow beckons under
ice-blue skies. Almost any part of the state offers a diversity of
winter playgrounds. Idaho has 17 basic Alpine ski areas, 35 trail
networks for Nordic, and 7,200 miles of snowmobiling trails. Since Sun
Valley opened up the area in1936 as a winter playground, Idaho has
been increasing the offerings of snow recreation opportunities. On the
west side of the Rockies, Idaho misses much of the cold arctic air
that sweeps into the eastern states while still getting the heavy
snowfalls that make for excellent winter sports conditions. Idaho has
so many fine places for lovers of winter that it is difficult to
select any one area. Pick almost any part of the state and there's a
ski resort to suit your talents and your wallet. For these suggestions
of travel destinations, we have selected only the southwest portion of
the state, principally because of its main city, Boise that is easily
accessible. Boise itself lures visitors for its many attractions.
Founded in 1863 as a military outpost along the Oregon Trail, the city
offers many recollections of this historic era, worthy of several days
visit before heading to the ski runs.
Throughout the
state, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation provides plowed
parking and restrooms. Snowshoeing is allowed on most trails, but it
is wise to check first.
Just 16 miles
north of Boise you'll find Bogus Basin with 54 runs for skiing down a
1,800-foot vertical drop. The average snowfall is 250 inches. There
are lodges at the base and at mid-point. Skiable terrain is 2,600
acres during the day and 165 acres at night. The season usually runs
from right after Thanksgiving until April.
To the west of
Boise is the long-popular Sun Valley. Bald Mountain has a 3,400-foot
vertical drop, 14 lifts and 65 runs. Wide ranges of accommodations are
available, and there are package plans, shopping, dining and apr's-ski
facilities. The Friedman Memorial Airport is near and transportation
to the area is available from the Boise Airport
About 100 miles
north of Boise, the area around the town of McCall provides the site
for suburb outdoor activities. McCall has earned the title of 'Ski
Town USA' because it is the home of several Olympic skiers. It is
located on the shores of Payette Lake (which also makes the area an
inviting resort area for a summer get-away). The area offers Alpine
and Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Just three miles outside the city
is the Little Ski Hill Alpine ski trail. The drop here is 405 feet and
there are four runs. It is a fine place for the less-experienced
skiers as well as their more experienced companions. Eight miles north
of McCall, Brundage Mountain offers a 1,800-foot drop with 51 runs.
Snowboarding at Brundage Mountain
Photo courtesy
Idaho Travel Council
The very
adventurous can take off on a snow cat ski journey that takes you into
the pristine, snowy lands of the Payette National Forest. Here there
are 19,000 acres of snowy slopes and powdery bowls. The local
offerings include half-day, full day, or overnights with the tour
operator providing a yurt for your night comfort. (For the
uninitiated, a simple explanation of snow cat skiing has the party
traveling to unspoiled areas in large vehicles that power through the
snow on tank-like tracks to carry the skiers into backcountry
locations.)
If you like
taking off on your own, all of Idaho's snowmobile trails are clearly
marked, but if you want to go off the trails, it is wise to hire a
guide to show you through the picturesque landscapes.
For the Nordic
skiers who seek variety, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
operates a program called Park N' Ski - thirteen separate areas across
the state. You may purchase an annual or temporary permit to enter the
park areas without paying the regular entrance fees on each visit.
Snow tubing is
another unique sport you will find just two miles south of McCall.
This is the fastest growing winter sport. It requires no lessons and
no equipment. Participants sit in a comfortable tube and enjoy a
cushioned ride down hill. The snow tube site here carries you over a
700-foot long path on an 85-foot drop.
Some of the
resorts are family oriented while others offer relaxing apr's-ski
activities, excellent restaurants, and lively nightlife.
Each part of
Idaho offers breath-taking beauty and each offers something a little
different. For more detailed information about other parts of the
state, try the website:
https://visitidaho.org.
Details
How To
Get There
The Idaho Aeronautics Department is one of the
most active in the country and does much to promote flying in
the area. You will find many airstrips throughout the state.
There are important words of caution. In the area of mountains
and canyons, many of the airports have unusual patterns. If you
have not flown into some of the backcountry airports, don't do
it without an instructor familiar with the area and the strip
regardless of your own skills. Also, keep in mind the elevation
of the state and how the mile high altitudes will affect your
aircraft's performance.
The Boise
Airport boasts an average of 280 days of sunshine a year.
However, if needed there are ILS, localizer, MLS, NDB, GPS and
VOR approaches for the IFR pilots. Also, the airport has a cold
fog dispenser system for the few times that ground fog settles
in. There are no landing fees, but FBOs collect tie-down fees.
Six FBOs are on the field.
The airport
at McCall is at an elevation of 5,020 feet, so be alert for your
aircraft's high altitude performance. McCall has an NDB
approach, but also boasts many days of sunshine each year. There
is no landing fee but singles and light twins are charged $4
night tie-down and turbo-powered and heavy aircraft, $10.
Where To
Stay
Your choices of lodging facilities are as varied
as the scenery and the kinds of winter sports you enjoy. Rates
range from $50 to $800 a night. Many places offer packages that
include lodging and skiing, tubing, or other activities. A few
of the choices around McCall include:
-
Bear Creek Lodge Bed and Breakfast: Rates $120
- $200
-
Best Western: $50 - $120
-
Northwest Passage Bed and Breakfast: $70 - $100
-
Brundage Bungalows: $59 - $169
Samples of
package plans:
-
Red Fox Ridge Bed and Breakfast: Two nights
lodging, breakfast, skiing Brundage Mountain: About $315
double occupancy.
-
Super 8 Tubing Weekend: Two nights lodging, two
hours tubing for two adults and two children: About $190.
Many more
offerings are available on the Idaho tourist website:
https://visitidaho.org.
IFA’s Travel Access Discount Program serves up deeper discounts on hotels, car rentals, flights, and activities all over the world. Most of our travel deals are not available to the public, which means rates are much lower than what the average consumer can find online. Click here to start accessing for free today.
Notice: This information is current as of December
2002. It is recommended that you contact the numbers, and/or visit the
websites above to determine any changes to the information.
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