Idaho is a popular winter destination for skiers and boarders who enjoy some of the world's best runs without the touristic cacophony. With more than 22,000 skiable acres, and an extraordinary array of nordic trails and loops, it’s been a secret handshake for a club of enthusiasts seeking blue skies, fresh powder, and few crowds.
Home to 18 ski areas ranging from the legendary Sun Valley Resort to Boise’s backyard favorite, Bogus Basin, other hot spots include Schweitzer, Tamarack, Silver Mountain and Brundage Mountain. All resorts are family friendly and offer a well-balanced mix of novice, intermediate and expert terrain. For a listing of all of Idaho’s great ski areas, visit http://www.idahowinter.org.
The highlights of the 2010-2011 ski season include:
Sun Valley (http://www.sunvalley.com), Sun Valley Resort is heading into its landmark 75th winter season. This milestone marks the resort’s most assorted winter season with special events attracting skiers and riders with everything from a 75th Season Rail Exhibition to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
* December 17, Dollar Mountain hosts an all new 75th Season Rail Exhibition showcasing an additional 24 new rails and jibs in its three new terrain parks – Old Bowl, Half Dollar, and Poverty Flats.
* Christmas week - attention turns toward Sun Valley’s world famous outdoor ice rink where 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek will star in a very special 75th Ice Show Tuesday, December 21, commemorating Sun Valley’s opening night .
* The International Skiing History Association and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame hosts their annual gathering in Sun Valley March 27-April 3, 2011.
* Hall of Fame induction ceremony of the class of 2010 and a special tribute to the Founders of Freestyle, April 2, 2011.
* Stumpfest, inaugural film festival launches in Sun Valley, 2011. Learn more at http://www.skiinghistory.org and http://www.skihall.org.
Lookout Pass near Wallace is also celebrating its 75th Anniversary. Lookout Pass straddles the Idaho/Montana state line - ski two states on one mountain.
* Powder enthusiasts, new open terrain in the Lucky Friday, Buffalo Gulch, Meadows and front side glade areas.
* Boomers’ Fridays, reduced lift ticket prices for anyone over age 40.
* FREE lessons for kids 6 through 17 years of age every Saturday starting January 8, 2011, at 10:00am. No lift ticket required during the lesson sessions but pre-registration is suggested. http://www.skilookout.com
Brundage Mountain (http://www.brundage.com), just north of McCall, celebrates 50 years of the Best Snow in IdahoTM. All winter long, Brundage Mountain is celebrating its 50th season with a flurry of upgrades, events and special deals.
* Brand new Children’s Terrain Garden located near the Kid’s Center on Easy Street. The Terrain Garden challenges the skills of beginner skiers and riders without the intimidation of steeper hills and larger park features.
* Advanced skiers and riders - more room to explore after a tree-thinning and an ongoing brush clearing project.
* New fleet of ski and snowboard rental gear featuring the latest Rossignol Amptek technology.
* Plan Your Trip online at http://www.brundage.com, easier than ever to put together a memorable vacation to Brundage Mountain.
Schweitzer Mountain (http://www.schweitzer.com), located near Sandpoint, features the greatest number of runs in the state – 92!
* Added the Starfish Terrain Park, bringing the total to three. Starfish features beginner and intermediate jumps and jibs.
* Upgraded grooming fleet with two new Prinoth BR-350 groomers. These highly efficient groomers bring miles of fresh corduroy to skiers and riders each day.
* Mobile website - access snow conditions, book lodging and buy lift tickets.