Visit Idaho Blog. The official state tourism blog on travel and recreation in Idaho. - Visit Idaho Blog: It’s the official state tourism blog but it’s full of guest articles, insider tips and the amusing side of travel and tourism in Idaho.

Celebrate American Craft Beer Week in Idaho!

May 14th, 2013 | No Comments

For a state that is one of the country’s leading producers of hops and barley, only 31 beer-making businesses are scattered across Idaho, bringing the count close to its peak in 1888 (pre-prohibition) when there were 33 breweries across the territory. Today, Idaho brew masters are brewing a “boutique style” of liquid gold that is becoming quite popular with beer enthusiasts. So, grab your stein and say “Cheers” to Idaho’s brew masters at these 31 locations.

Bonners Ferry
Kootenai River Brewing Company http://www.kootenairiverbrewingcompany.com/

Boise
Crooked Fence Brewing Company http://cfbrewing.blogspot.com/
Highlands Hollow Brewhouse http://www.highlandshollow.com/
Payette Brewing Co. http://payettebrewing.com/
Sockeye Brewery http://www.sockeyebrew.com/Home.html
RAM Restaurant & Brewery http://www.theram.com/
TableRock Brewery http://www.tablerockbrewpub.com/
Kilted Dragon http://www.kilteddragon.com/
10 Barrel Brewing Company http://www.10barrel.com/contact-us.html

Idaho Falls
Idaho Brewing Company http://www.idahobrewing.com/
Snow Eagle Microbrewery www.snoweaglebrewing.com

Ketchum-Hailey-Sun Valley
River Bend Brewing http://www.bsbrewing.com/blog/2008/03/sun-valleys-finest-beer-river-bend-brewing/
Sawtooth Brewery http://sawtoothbrewery.com/
Sun Valley Brewing Co. http://sawtoothbrewery.com/

Lewiston
M.J. Barleyhoppers www.redlionlewiston.com/mj_barleyhoppers.htm

McCall
McCall Brewing Co. http://www.facebook.com/pages/McCall-Brewing-Company/113649865336672
Salmon River Brewery http://salmonriverbrewery.com/

Meridian
Slanted Rock Brewing Company http://slantedrock.com/

Moscow
The Moscow Brewing Co http://www.moscowbrewing.com/

Nampa
Crescent Brewery www.crescentbeer.com

Pocatello
Portneuf Valley Brewing http://www.portneufvalleybrewing.com/

Post Falls
Selkirk Abbey Brewing Company www.selkirkabbey.com
Bi-Plane Brewing Company http://www.biplanebrewing.com/

Salmon
Bertrams Salmon Valley Brewery http://bertramsbrewery.com/

Sandpoint-Ponderay
MickDuffs Brewing Co. http://www.mickduffs.com/
Laughing Dog Brewing http://www.laughingdogbrewing.com/

Twin Falls
Von Scheidt Brewing Company
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Von-Scheidt-Brewing-Company-LLC/264436875070

Victor
Wildlife Brewing http://wildlifebrewing.com/
Grand Teton Brewing Company http://www.grandtetonbrewing.com/

Wallace
Wallace Brewing Company www.wallacebrewing.com/
North Idaho Mountain Brewery
https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Idaho-Mountain-BrewingCity-Limits-Pub/164588806949279#!/pages/North-Idaho-Mountain-Brewery-City-Limits-Pub-Grill/134960459916213

Idaho Beer Trivia

The largest aroma hop farm in the world flourishes along the US and Canadian border at Elk Mountain Farms, Bonners Ferry.
In 1910 the mayor of Wallace ordered the town to only drink beer after a major fire tainted the water supply.
One of the Nation’s Largest Beer Competitions is held in Idaho Falls.

Global Search http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/directories/find-us-brewery

Compare Idaho Breweries http://breweries.findthebest.com/d/a/Idaho

Posted in Culinary, Idaho Beer

Tagged: American Craft Beer Week, Microbreweries

Rolling Fairways and Flowing Waterways…Your Family Can Enjoy Both in Idaho

April 30th, 2013 | No Comments

The sun is high in the sky and lush grass covers the fairways. From lakeside greens in Northern Idaho to mountain landscapes in the southern part of the State, Idaho’s golf courses are officially open.

The Idaho Golf Trail is a golfer’s playground, with four loops in different regions of the State and 14 courses of world-class golfing. While each loop offers fabulous courses, there is plenty to do around those courses to entertain the whole family. Each loop is unique and offers courses of varying difficulty situated in or near resort-style settings which means plenty of activities nearby.

Jet boating in Hells Canyon

The Trail’s northern loop features Stone Ridge, Coeur d’Alene Resort, Circling Raven and the University of Idaho golf courses. Here, challenging courses meet unique surroundings, including thick fir tree forests and awe-inspiring azure mountain lakes. When the clubs are put away, make time to play at Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park near Coeur d’Alene. Need a break from the sun? Head for Triple Play Fun Zone in Hayden for arcade-style fun and an indoor water park. With beautiful State Parks and some of the state’s largest lakes, families can enjoy water recreation, horseback riding, biking, guest ranches and nature preserves. At the southern end of the loop, continue to Lewiston for a thrilling jet boat trip.

Central Loop golfers can play Meadow Creek, Tamarack, Whitetail and Jug Mountain Ranch, all of which are true gems. These courses are nestled in lush, green valleys surrounded by pine trees and stunning vistas. Families traveling around this loop will want to visit McCall, a small resort town on Payette Lake. Favorite activities include lake cruises and water activities, fishing, mountain biking and hiking, or head indoors for a fun-filled afternoon of ice skating at the Manchester Ice Centre.

Banbury Golf Course

The southern loop features two courses near Boise –Banbury and Falcon Crest — and the classic Sun Valley Resort just a 2.5 hour drive from Boise. The wide open spaces, rolling foothills and mountain valleys make for a truly diverse golf adventure. The family-friendly activities are also diverse. In the Boise area, kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo, museums and nature center or a bike ride on the greenbelt. Whitewater rafting and a scenic train ride are just 45 minutes from town, and a leisurely float down the Boise River is perfect on warm, sunny afternoons. Sun Valley also offers families plenty of activities to enjoy including museums, the botanical garden, family friendly rafting adventures down the Salmon River, horseback riding through the Sawtooth Mountains and mountain bike trails at Sun Valley Resort.

Teton Springs Golf Course

The eastern loop lies just west of the majestic Teton Mountains and Yellowstone National Park. Teton Reserve, Teton Springs and Pinecrest courses take you to another world with wide-open skies and picturesque river valleys. The scenery is breathtaking and the list of entertaining activities is long. Horseback riding, fishing, canoeing and wildlife watching are readily available. Take a drive to spectacular Mesa Falls, see the bears at Yellowstone Bear World near Rexburg, and visit the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls.

The golf options in Idaho are some of the best in the Northwest. Majestic mountains, rolling hills and sparkling waterways surround courses that challenge golfers of all skill levels, and are home to a variety of outdoor activities. Indoor pursuits are also plentiful and include, shopping, museums, art galleries, historic attractions and performing arts. A burgeoning wine industry has taken root in southwest Idaho, spurring the development of more wineries to the north and south, and generating excitement for the fabulous, locally-sourced restaurants popping up across Idaho.

Boulder Beach Water Park

A family vacation along the Idaho Golf Trail can be fun for everyone, with amazing golf, recreation and entertainment. Pick your perfect lodging – guest ranches, hotels, cabins, condos, RV Parks – and start planning your trip of a lifetime. Visit www.idahogolftrail.com and www.visitidaho.org for travel ideas and information.

Posted in Family, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Hot Springs, Hotels, Idaho Travel, Idaho Whitewater, Theme Parks, Uncategorized, Water Parks

Tagged: Biking, Boise, coeur d'alene, Culinary, Cycling, Family Vacations, Golf, Hiking, Horseback riding, Hotels, idaho, Idaho Travel, Sun Valley, Whitewater Rafting

Be A Star and Win Prizes!

April 29th, 2013 | No Comments

Idaho’s spring/summer marketing campaign, My ID, showcases Idaho’s beauty and abundant recreation with entertaining, interactive videos. Go to www.visitidaho.org/my-id and put yourself, family and friends into these amusing Idaho adventure videos.

–You Know You’re in Idaho If….(Fun bits about Idaho)
–The Adventurers (Be a super hero on an Idaho vacation)
–Agent 208 (Spy Adventure)
–Are We There Yet? (Family Vacation)
–Adventures in Loving (Romance)

Gather your sense of humor and headshot photos of friends or family from your computer or Facebook account and start creating. You may share the video via email, Facebook and Twitter. Or create a postcard, add a message and send them to friends and loved ones.

Be sure to enter the Sweepstakes to win some great summertime experiences. New prizes are announced weekly! May prizes include:

Week 1–From soaking in the world famous hot springs to enjoying a zipline tour, adventure awaits in Lava Hot Springs. Offer includes lodging, a family pass to the hot pools or swimming pool, zipline tour and dinner at Greystone Manor.

Week 2–Want big rides, big slides and big fun? Welcome to Silverwood, the Northwest’s largest theme park! Win four all-day admission passes, including Boulder Beach Waterpark.

Week 3–This Bear Lake area prize includes lodging at Bear Lake Country Cabins, a $25 gift card to Coopers at North Beach, Sea-Doo rental with North Beach Rentals, a gift basket from Minnetonka Market and Café and National Oregon-California Trail Center passes.

Week 4–This Sun Valley prize includes a 1-night stay and round of golf and cart per person at the Sun Valley Resort and a full day guided fishing trip for two with Silver Creek Outfitters as well as a YMCA family day pass, custom walking tour, and savings at Starbucks and the UPS Store.

Week 5–The Schweitzer Mountain Resort prize includes a Family Fun Pass for four to enjoy a zipline tour, scenic chairlift ride, go rock climbing on the Power Tower, and other fun mountain activities, with a 2-night stay in a Selkirk Lodge family suite in Sandpoint.

Posted in Climbing, Culinary, Family, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Hot Springs, Hotels, Idaho Travel, Idaho Whitewater, Oregon Trail, Roadtrips, Theme Parks, Water Parks

Tagged: coeur d'alene, Family Vacations, Golf, Hot Springs, Hotels, idaho, Idaho’s Great Outdoors, theme park, Whitewater Rafting

Idaho Tourism Launches Marketing Campaign Where Visitors are the Stars

April 4th, 2013 | No Comments

The Idaho Department of Commerce Division of Tourism has launched its 2013 spring/summer marketing campaign, My ID, continuing the successful campaign launched last year. It is designed to showcase the state’s scenic beauty and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities in an entertaining, interactive way on www.visitidaho.org/My-ID.

The Adventurers – Everyone can be a super hero during an Idaho vacation (featured above)
Agent 208 – Experience the mystery and intrigue of Idaho in this spy adventure
Are We There Yet? – The entire family will enjoy this RV trip through Idaho
Adventures in Loving – Romance is alive and well in Idaho

To take part in the online adventure, be prepared with a sense of humor and headshot photos of friends or family from your computer or Facebook account. Once created, the video may be shared via email, Facebook and Twitter. Guests may also put themselves into any of eight customizable postcards, add a message and send them to friends and loved ones.

The My ID integrated campaign also includes an online sweepstakes. The 23-week sweepstakes runs through September 5, with new giveaways announced every Friday. Visitors may enter to win on www.visitidaho.org/My-ID using an email address and Facebook users have a second chance entry option. Sample prizes include overnight stays, whitewater rafting trips, attraction passes, event tickets and even multi-day packages in popular Idaho destinations, including Sandpoint, Sun Valley, Coeur d’Alene, Boise, Victor and Lava Hot Springs.

Have some ‘MY-ID” fun!

Posted in Events in Idaho, Family, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, Idaho Camping, Idaho Travel, Music Festivals, Roadtrips, Scenic Byways, Uncategorized

Tagged: cast a video, Facebook, MYID, Stars, Superheroes, sweepstakes, Twitter, video vignette

The Snowtroopers Explore Idaho Ski Areas

March 15th, 2013 | 1 Comment

Bald Mountain

Sandy Ting, partner of www.TheSnowTroopers.com took an Idaho Road Trip with Peak Media in mid-February, visiting nine of Idaho’s 18 ski areas. So far, she has written about her experiences at six of those areas: Bald Mountain, Sun Valley, Pomerelle, Magic Mountain, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Tamarack Resort and Brundage Mountain. The posts give great descriptions, and the accompanying videos and photos reinforce the fun!

Check out the posts. There is still plenty of snow in Idaho!

Bald Mountain Ski Area

Sun Valley Resort

Pomerelle Mountain Resort

Magic Mountain Resort

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area

Tamarack Resort

Brundage Mountain

Tamarack Resort

Like the Snow Troopers on http://www.facebook.com/snowtroopers to stay posted on more Idaho ski trip reports and videos. Thanks to Peak Media for allowing us and the Snow Troopers to share some of their videos and content. You can experience the entire Idaho Road Trip, including video and photography, with Peak Travels on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/PeakTravels

Posted in Family, Idaho Travel, Roadtrips, Scenic Byways, Skiing, Snowboarding, Uncategorized, Winter Activities

Tagged: Bald Mountain, Bogus Basin, Boise, Brundage, Hiking, idaho, Idaho Travel, Magic Mountain, Pomerelle, Roadtrips, Sandpoint, skiing, Sun Valley, Tamarack Resort

Idaho Public TV Captures Idaho’s Scenic Byways

March 7th, 2013 | No Comments

Idaho's Scenic Byways Amirs, March 10 at 7:00 pm MT/PTand March 14 at 7:00 pm MT/PT More than 2,400 miles of official scenic byways throughout Idaho allow travelers to follow the Oregon Trail, trace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, search out scenic wonders, enjoy quiet beauty, and absorb state history.

“In Idaho, a drive can be an adventure, a journey to places of beauty, history and inspiration,” says producer John Crancer. “It can be a remote trek along a dusty desert pathway or a leisurely spin on pavement bordered by striking mountain vistas.”

Idaho PTV videographers capture views from the system of 31 byways that crisscross the state. Their stories are told by signage and in several cases, interpretive centers. Along the way, people who know these routes talk about the special character of individual byways.

Pend Oreille Scenic Byway committee members tour the route in a classic 1938 Chevrolet. Bicyclists near the Wyoming border find their path lies along the Teton Scenic Byway. One group travels the Sawtooth Scenic Byway in an RV.

Idaho’s Scenic Byways video special airs on March 10, at 7:00 pm MT/PT and repeats Thursday, March 14, at 7:00 pm MT/PT. The video special is a three-way partnership of the Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Department of Commerce-Division of Tourism, and Idaho Public Television.

Take a peek at the video teaser.

Posted in Biking, Family, Hiking, Idaho Whitewater, Roadtrips, Scenic Byways

Tagged: Idaho Public TV

What to do in the Tetons if you don’t Ski? Winter Fly Fishing on the Teton River.

February 15th, 2013 | No Comments

The Teton River on a lovely winter day.

Spending time in nature makes one start to pay attention to the surroundings. Have you ever been on the river fishing when all of a sudden every fish in the river is up and feeding and then, an hour later the biggest hail storm comes through and shuts it down? How about bonefishing when every single fish or school of fish are running and not eating, then the next day the wind blows so hard you can’t stand up on the bow?

Spending time observing the locals of Teton Valley, Idaho is much the same. The locals are aware of the weather as much as they are aware of the day of the week. We live the weather. When the forecast was calling for 10 to 20 degrees below zero temps in the mountains, the fly tying materials were selling off the wall at our fly shop in Driggs, Idaho. Our favorite locals were stocking up and preparing for the cold, just like the native cutthroat on the Teton River before a hail storm in the summer. Locals just seem to know before others.

Linus looking for a native Cutthroat rise on the Teton River.

After the area cold front, the winter temps were forecasted to be back up to 26 to 36 above zero. Think about a 43 to 53 temperature change, it is a change most experience when spring conditions turn to the summer heat or the summer breeze turns to the fall chill. Here in the Tetons, that’s winter. The locals watch as the Teton river freezes over with temps in the 14 below zero range and the landscape, from the Big Holes to the Tetons, looks white. When the temps warm up by 43 degrees, the river comes alive again, flowing through the valley bringing definition to the basin. We start to see locals buying their 2013 season fishing license, and the local talk of “Hey, anyone gone fishing lately?”, “Anyone been to the Henry’s Fork, anyone going tomorrow? It’s supposed to be warmer – in the 30s?”, and the midges size 22’s and 24′s leave the shop with more of our local fishing pals. They are the ones that are fishing our rivers right now, while others wonder, “what do you do in the Tetons in the winter if you don’t ski”?

Written by Jennifer Cornell, Fly Fishing Guide for Three Rivers Ranch and fly shop guru @ www.TRRoutfitters.com

Posted in Fishing, Idaho Outfitters, Roadtrips, Winter Activities

Tagged: fly fishing, idaho, teton river, winter activities

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Idaho Wine Country

February 6th, 2013 | No Comments

Throughout Idaho, wineries are offering special Valentine’s Day activities including tastings, chocolates and gourmet cheese.

Below is a selection of the wineries open to celebrate Valentine’s Day. For more winery events, information and directions, please visit www.idahowines.org.

44th Street Wineries
107 1/2 E. 44th Street 
Garden City, Idaho 83714
Celebration on February 14th from 6:30-10pm

Join Cinder, Coiled and Telaya Wines for their Valentine’s Day Progressive Dinner and Dancing at the Winery. Cost is $85/person and seating is limited. Make your reservations here.

Huston Vineyards
16473 Chicken Dinner Rd.
Caldwell, ID 83607
208.455.7975
Celebration February 15-17 from 12-5pm

Join Huston Vineyards as they launch their 2012 Chicken Dinner White. Dream Chocolate will be pairing their specialty chocolates with the Chicken Dinner wines for a special Valentine’s Day weekend!

$5 per person fee includes tasting and specialty chocolate pairings from Dream Chocolate.

Indian Creek Winery
1000 N McDermott Rd
Kuna, ID 83634
208.922.4791
Celebration February 9-10 from 12-5pm

Indian Creek will have two new releases out, the Reserve Star Garnet and Reserve Pinot Noir that they will be tasting along with a full lineup of wines. St. Lawrence Gridiron food truck will be on hand to offer some tasty food choices, and the winery will provide chocolates to pair with the Radiant & Ruby Dahlia Ports.

The winemaker will be helming a ‘Valentine’s Blending Station’ where guests can blend their very own bottle for a small additional cost. There will also be a ‘Couple’s Creation Station’ where guests can make a Valentine’s cork necklace or a wine label coaster.

Local artists Lauren T. Kistner Arts, Angie’s Metal Art, DeMoss Glass art, Crzy Lady Creations and Gypsy Lovers Designs will also be on hand showing off their art and music to the crowds.

Travis from local band Hillfolk Noir will be playing both days from 1:30-4pm, and there will be sales on select wines.

$5 per person fee includes a special stemless glass to keep, tasting of several wines, chocolate pairings and Valentine’s crafts.

Sawtooth Winery
13750 Surrey Lane
Nampa, ID 83686
208.467.1200
Celebration February 9-10 from 12-5pm

Sawtooth Winery is celebrating Valentine’s Day with their third annual Valentine’s wine and chocolate tasting event!

Guests can enjoy an array of Sawtooth wines delicately paired with The Chocolate Bar’s gourmet chocolates. Additionally, there will be specials including 30% off cases of chocolate wines and 20% off selected wines.

The event is only available to 21+, and the fee is $10 per person if purchased beforehand here or $15 per person at the door. The event is free to wine club members.

Syringa Winery/Split Rail Winery
3500 Chinden Blvd.
Garden City, ID 83714
208.490.0681
Celebration on February 9th from 12-6pm

Split Rail and Syringa will be doing a combined wine and chocolate pairing. Cost is $10 to try 4 wines (2 Split Rail, 2 Syringa), each paired with a different chocolate. Boxes of chocolates can be purchased with the wines as Valentines gifts.

Woodriver Cellars
3705 N Highway 16
Eagle, ID 83616
208.286.9463
Celebration February 14-16 from 6:30-9pm

Guests can treat a loved one to a special dinner for two at the Woodriver Cellars tasting room. Each evening will feature a four-course dinner for two by candlelight, paired with WRC wines; a bottle of WRC Sweet Pink and chocolates to take home; live music and a tour of the winery with our winemaker (Available on Thursday & Friday evenings only.)

Cost is $130 per couple, and reservations are available each night between 6:30-9pm. Full menu is available here.

Zhoo Zhoo
18835 Symms Rd.
Caldwell, ID 83607
208.283.1501
Celebration February 9-10 from 12-5pm

Local wine sisters, the Zhoo Zhoo girls, will host their annual Valentine Open House at Hells Canyon Winery. The event will feature wine tastings (including barrel tastings of new releases and reserve wines from both Zhoo Zhoo and parent brand Hells Canyon), treats and discounts on bottle and case purchases.

Entry is $5 and includes a commemorative stemless “kiss” glass and tasting.

Posted in Culinary, Events in Idaho, Idaho Travel, Idaho Wine, Uncategorized

Tagged: 44th Street Wineries, cheese, Chocolate candy, Cinder Wine, Coiled Wine, Huston Winery, idaho wineries, Indian Creek Winery, Sawtooth Winery, Split Rail Winery, Syringa Winery, Telaya Wine, Valentine's Day, wine

Idaho’s “Rec Tech” Innovators

January 23rd, 2013 | No Comments

This post by Greg Hahn with Idaho Public Television, gives a behind the scenes look at the Outdoor Idaho episode focusing on Idaho’s growing recreational technology (rec tech) industry and the adventurous men and women behind some of Idaho’s rec tech innovations. Reposted with permission.

If you love the outdoors, you’re probably a little bit of a gear junkie.

Maybe it’s all about your bike, or your skis, or your hunting or fishing gear – in those off-seasons, when you can’t use it, you’re reorganizing it all, wandering wistfully down the aisles of your favorite outfitters, checking out the ads in all those outdoors magazines.

bts_CharlieBike You know what works, and what would work just a little bit better – if only somebody made that!

You aren’t alone, of course. There are tens of thousands of us in Idaho, and a handful of the most industrious, or maybe the most adventurous, or even the most impatient of us have stopped waiting for somebody else to invent what they can already envision – and have made a living in the industry known as “recreation technology.”

I came across Waterworks–Lamson when my wife bought me a new fly reel for my birthday – a far fancier one than I would have ever sprung on myself. And I was delighted and intrigued to find out that the company makes these reels right here in Boise.

I called them up, sat down for an interview with one of the partners, and learned that the designers were fly fishermen who wondered why so much new technology had gone into lighter and more responsive poles, but the reels themselves were virtually identical to those from the turn of the century. They said they came to Idaho because they finally had a good excuse to move to their vacation spot for good – fly fishermen would much rather have a fly reel made in fly fishing country than in southern California, and the folks hired to assemble the reels here would be far more likely to know their way around a river (and a fly pole). It was the perfect fit.

bts_BuckKnives We had heard a similar story about Buck Knives, the four-generation manufacturer that moved from San Diego to Post Falls to much fanfare a few years ago. And the more we asked questions, the more people we found. It sparked a summer of discovery for us – and everywhere we turned, we found more great stories.

Take Glen Eberle, who wondered why, when he competed as an Olympic biathlete, were gun stocks so bulky and heavy when the technology existed to make them lighter and stronger. Now Eberlestock outfits athletes, hunters and military members around the world from Boise.

Or Kate Schade, who wanted to save money on lunch when she skied in the Tetons, so she made calorie-loaded, but great-tasting energy bars for herself and her friends. Now, Kate’s Real Foods is a growing employer in tiny Victor, Idaho.

In Sun Valley alone, Ed “Scotty” Scott invented the modern ski pole and Bob Smith created the first modern goggles – and now both of their names are known the world over.

In a Lewiston famed for housing some of the best jet boat companies around, Darell Bentz’ custom shop makes some of the best – with bts_whitefistpump ideas he has forged in decades of adventurous river-running.

In Idaho, companies make boot dryers, whitewater rafts, drift boats, ammo, guns, high-tech outdoor clothing that incorporates your electronics, climbing gear, tough outdoor bags, knives, backpacks and much, much more.

We couldn’t come close to fitting all the good stories into our show on Idaho’s “rec tech,” but I hope it gives you a taste of the variety of companies out there. And I know it includes some amazing people – adventurers, risk-takers, inventors, entrepreneurs. Folks young and old who share one major characteristic: They love to be outside in Idaho.

Posted in Biking, Climbing, Fishing, Hiking, Idaho Camping, Idaho Outfitters, Idaho Travel, Idaho Whitewater, Roadtrips, Scenic Byways, Skiing, Snowboarding

Tagged: Biking, bungee surfing, Camping, Cycling, Hiking, Horseback riding, idaho, Idaho Travel, Idaho’s Great Outdoors, Road Biking, Roadtrips, Running, skiing, snowshoe, Whitewater Rafting

Ski Locally – In Another State – Idaho!

January 16th, 2013 | No Comments

Do you go to the same ski resort every year? Do you go because you love it or because you know it? Why not try something new with the kids?

Our family had yet to ski Brundage, even though it’s so close and the snow is dependably great. This is our third ski season in Idaho: this was the year.

Brundage Mountain, for the uninitiated is where you go to get a true local flavor, but with world class snow, easy and affordable access and fun for gnarly skiers as well as families with little kids.

Brundage is a mere two-hour, stunningly beautiful drive from the (easy to use) Boise Airport. Much of the drive follows the Payette River into the town of McCall. Although McCall is an isolated mountain town, there is a long tradition of good food and luxury lodging.

The great news is that Brundage, a true local resort, is blessed with over 320 inches of snowfall annually and an 1800 foot vertical drop, and endless off-trail terrain. My husband likes skiing through the trees — I prefer a more groomed run. We could still ski together as he weaved in and out of the trees adjacent to the run. On our first run, it had been groomed at closing the day before and had about three inches of powder sitting atop the corduroy. Glorious morning skiing — and we weren’t even the first ones on the slopes! We put the kids in ski school for both days and they had a great time. If you get only one thing out of this post, get this: Put your kids in Ski School! Not all day every day, but every year and for the first few days at least. You will have a better time, they will have a better time and when you all ski together toward the end of the day, you will have perhaps, missed each other. The kids will want to show off their new skills! You might consider taking a lesson yourself.

Brundage has a Bears Kids Program where you drop them off around 9:30 (they ski at 10:30) and for half day, pick up is at 1:30, for full-day, 3pm. Lunch, snacks, and games are included. Although the school is open seven days a week, weekdays are typically light and there was a 2:1 ratio for my kids on a Monday. You can even drive your car right up to the front door — so much easier than lugging the kids’ skis through a resort.

After their lesson, we were able to ski off the Bear Chair — a lift with easier runs mingled with intermediate. We were all able to find runs that we could all agree on, despite our varying levels.

We even had tasty, affordable food: they have a new area with sit-down service called Smoky’s Bar & Grill. They have an area for adults only as well as an area for families. Or, you can grab and go from the 3rd floor of the lodge or even bring your own food.

On our last day, we had taken off our ski boots and about to leave when the overcast sky turned exceptionally blue. We put our ski boots back on and skied for another 2 hours in full sun! Our kids were so much more confident than a mere 2 days earlier, thanks to their lessons. Thanks, Brundage. We’ll be back!

Submitted By Off The Beaten Path TravelingMom Elizabeth Rodgers.

Note: The 1st days lift tickets and ski school were sponsored by Brundage Mountain.

Posted in Family, Idaho Travel, Skiing, Snowboarding, Winter Activities, Winter Events

Tagged: brundage montain, Family Vacations, kids ski programs, learn a snowsport month, ski idaho, visit idaho