Big snowstorms increase Idaho snowpack to ideal levels for summer river trips
March 23rd, 2012 | No Comments
I went backcountry skiing near Idaho City last Saturday, and it was grand. Our biggest concern? Avalanche danger because more than 5 feet of new snow had fallen in the Idaho mountains since mid-January. It just came in with a bang!
“What a difference a week makes,” said Ron Abramovich, Idaho snow survey supervisor for the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
We dug a pit 6 feet deep and checked on snow safety. Fortunately, the snowpack had stabilized and we were able to ski some glorious powder all day long. Yippie!
Since that time, Idaho has enjoyed a great winter with a steady dose of snow storms and great powder days. As of late March, mountain snowpacks are now reading 90-110 percent of average, re-positioning Idaho’s world-renowned rivers into an “ideal” scenario with plenty of water for a fun-filled spring and summer season, according to snow survey officials and outfitters.
The Salmon River, a popular national destination for family river trips, now has 97 percent of normal snowpack, and the Middle Fork of the Salmon, the second-most popular wilderness river trip in the United States next to the Grand Canyon, made a similar leap to 95 percent.
“We’re excited about it, and our customers are excited about it,” said Greg McFadden of Canyons, a Middle Fork and main Salmon outfitter that specializes in whitewater kayak instruction as part of weeklong river trips. “The kayak surfing should be great.”
Plenty of moisture will ward off wildfires and the rivers will peak earlier, making for a longer summer season, warmer water temperatures, bigger riverside beaches in August, and a longer fishing season, says Alison Steen, owner of Yellow Jacket River Guides. “It’s looking pretty darn ideal!”
Outfitters on the Lochsa and Selway rivers also like the way the winter snowpacks are shaping up. The Clearwater River Basin has increased from 67 percent of normal in early January to 108 percent now.
“It’s looking to be a safe, enjoyable level,” said Marty Smith, owner of Three Rivers Rafting, which runs trips on the Salmon, Selway and Lochsa rivers. “If we get too much snow up here, it turns people off.”
Idaho’s rivers that are fed by reservoirs, such as on the Snake River, will have plenty of flows this summer regardless because reservoirs are nearly full throughout the Snake River Basin, Abramovich said. That means Hells Canyon of the Snake is likely to have robust river flows throughout the summer season.
Big flows on the Snake open the door to huge fun in Granite Creek Rapids in Hells Canyon. At flows above 20,000 cubic feet per second, boaters can run right up the middle of Granite into what is fondly known as the “green room,” a giant house-sized wave at the entrance. You have to paddle super hard to make it over the crest of the wave, and then hang on for a rip-roaring ride through a series of huge standing waves. It’s guaranteed to please.
For white-knuckle whitewater enthusiasts, consider running a trip on the Class 4+ Murtaugh whitewater reach near Twin Falls. The Murtaugh should run for more than a month this year, plus the water should be pumping big-time over 212-foot Shoshone Falls.
Plus, fishing, floating and camping should be great on two fly fishing jewels in Eastern Idaho — the Henrys Fork and South Fork Snake River.
So if you’re thinking about booking a river trip this summer, check out the trips available at www.ioga.org. I’ve been guiding trips for more than 25 years as a private boater — and for several years with outfiitters — and I can tell you that Idaho is chockfull of great river guides and high-quality outfitters who’ve been leading trips for 30+ years. You can’t go wrong!
Written by guest blogger Steve Stuebner.
Winter Grit
February 24th, 2012 | No Comments
We thought this post from Idaho Public Television’s “Behind the Scenes” diary offered great insight into what it takes to make an outdoor-focused TV show happen, while at the same time giving readers a taste of Idaho’s back country adventures. Enjoy!
All of the stories in this show have two things in common: adventure and grit. I came up with the name for the show after shooting a Skijoring competition in the Wood River Valley, where teams made up of a horse, a rider, and a skier race down a snow packed track over jumps and around gates, sometimes reaching speeds up to 40 miles an hour. It takes grit to do that. When I first started planning the program, I knew that I wanted to find winter activities that not only involved adventure, but daring and determination by the people who undertake them. Skijoring, heli-skiing, back country skiing, and ice climbing all fit the bill.
The first story we shot was heli-skiing. Outdoor Idaho did a piece on heli-skiing about 20 years ago, so I figured it was time to update it. With a blessing from Bruce Reichert, Outdoor Idaho Executive Producer, I set about to find a heli-skiing operation that would play with us. By play with us, I mean a company that would let us ride along on one of their outfitted trips for next to nothing, or at least give us a deep discount. We’re not Warren Miller Productions here at IdahoPTV, so we look to the kindness of strangers to tell many of Idaho’s stories.
Currently, there are only a few heli-skiing operations in Idaho, so the choices were limited. Since the story 20 years ago was done out of the Sun Valley area, I chose to go with an operation out of the Teton Valley on the Idaho side of the Tetons. High Mountain Heli-Ski partners with Teton Valley Lodge and Spa in Victor Idaho, which is a pretty upscale year-around resort. I couldn’t get through to the Heli-ski company at first, so I gave the Lodge a call. They were very excited to help us out, and even offered complementary rooms for the crew. It would be good promotion for them, after all. The Lodge was a little more swank than Outdoor Idaho crews are used to, so we wiped off our boots and accepted the offer graciously.
Luckily, High Mountain Heli-Ski was willing to play with us. What we wanted to capture was the excitement of a skier and/or snowboarder being dropped on a remote mountain top for the first time. Jon Shick, the owner decided he could fit two photographers into the helicopter with two guests and a guide. The Lodge found the guests; now I had to find two photographers. They would have to be good powder skiers and be able to handle the shooting conditions on the mountain. It wasn’t hard to convince Jay Krajic and Jeff Tucker, who also poses as our production manager, to get on board. A free heli-ski trip! You bet. Little did they know the challenges that awaited them. I was a little disappointed there wasn’t enough room in the chopper for me. Oh well.
The winter of 2010-2011 was one for the records. Massive amounts of snow were dumping all over the country, and Idaho was no exception. Trying to find a clear weather window for flying proved tricky. The shoot was postponed twice, and then finally a small window opened. Keep in mind that we don’t all just sit around and wait to jump in the car and go. Every postponement meant rearranging everyone’s schedules, again. Our crew needed to drive from Boise to Victor, about 6 hours, so our plan was to arrive the day before the shoot so we would have time to meet all the players and plot out the next day. When we finally arrived late afternoon it looked like a new front might be moving in. (Expletive, expletive) Winter shoots can be especially difficult because of weather.
We all gathered early the next morning to assess the weather. Our trip was one of several scheduled that day, so about twenty guests had also crowded into the waiting lounge. Lots of logistics going on with paying customers, and a camera shoot to-boot. A weather postponement would make a lot of people unhappy. When I watched the sun creep over the ridge, I breathed a sigh of relief, but I soon found out that the weather gods were going to mess with us all day. All I could keep thinking about was how I could make a story out of this if nobody could ski. We couldn’t camp out here for days waiting for the weather to clear.
As the guides closely tracked the weather on their computers, for what seemed like an eternity, the clouds magically parted. Here we go!
Special thanks to guest blogger Sauni Symonds.
Stanley and its Sensational Sawtooths
February 20th, 2012 | 1 Comment
When year-round recreation meets picturesque views, you’ve arrived in Stanley, Idaho. This is Sawtooth Mountain country, Stanley’s most deserved accolade.
As a last chance opportunity to vacation before the next semester of school began, Stanley was our trip of choice for fresh powder, outdoor recreation and evenings of pleasant relaxation. The roads were perfectly clear as we drove up Highway 21. When a front wheel drive Toyota can make it up to Stanley in mid January, I give my thanks to the local world-class experts in snow plowing (there has to be a 4-year degree for that)!
My girlfriend and I arrived at the Sawtooth Hotel around 3:00 pm. Constructed in 1931, this vintage log cabin with a priceless view of the Sawtooth Mountains, had the most harmonious feeling. On the first floor, hand-built tables and chairs set the stage for an authentic getaway. On the second floor, we found small rooms with old fashioned amenities that make you feel like you are spending the night at grandma’s house. During the winter, the Sawtooth Hotel is open Friday through Sunday for meals. Expect to see mountain aficionados bundled up in ski pants, Salomon boots and Patagonia jackets stopping by for hot food and a cold drink after a long day of skiing.
As the sun set, we made our way up Wall Street in downtown Stanley and walked along the groomed cross country ski and snowmobile trails. The sun set behind the Sawtooth Mountains, lighting the white snow caps with a fiery glow, like a volcano was about to erupt.
The next morning we set our sights on the pristine cross country ski trails at Alturas Lake just 20 short miles south of Stanley. Beautiful blue skies, groomed trails and untouched snow (for the backcountry folk) made for an exemplary time. Multiple maps allow plenty of variety and direction throughout the trail system. Our four-hour, 13 kilometer cross country adventure afforded immaculate views and world class photo opportunities, and won’t soon be forgotten.
On our way back from Alturas Lake we stopped along Highway 75 at Red Fish Lake. The road was closed, but that didn’t stop us. With snowshoes on and a camera across my shoulder, we walked the short mile to Little Red Fish Lake. We cut 
through what looked like an abandoned campsite (campsites are closed in the winter) and just as we arrived at the lake, the clouds dispersed as the sun illuminated the sky, exposing the mountains as though hidden behind large castle walls for hundreds of years.
Rounding out our perfect day with the perfect evening, we returned to the Sawtooth Hotel for a refreshing brew and signature burger that really hit the spot. The next time you’re looking for a recreational paradise with beautiful sights, stop in Stanley to satisfy your outdoor cravings.
Idaho Skiing and Boarding in Bellevue Square, WA
February 15th, 2012 | No Comments
You just never know where Idaho will show up.
Saturday afternoon, January 28th, we were at Bellevue Square in Bellevue, Washington handing out FREE ski packages all throughout Idaho. Working together with Microsoft and Escape Outdoors, guests of the Microsoft Store were given the opportunity to sample Kinect Sports: Season Two—which includes an awesome all-new ski game—and then enter to win prizes.
And what great prizes they were: free lift tickets to Brundage, Schweitzer, Tamarack and Sun Valley—who added a stay at the resort. Also included in each drawing where substantial gift certificates at Escape Outdoors and a copy of Kinect Sports: Season Two for the Xbox.
Winners were drawn every hour and each one took home a collection of items. Of course, none of them went to Bellevue Square that day thinking they’d win anything, so all of them were quite pleased. Such as the winner of the 4pm drawing who’s off to Tamarack and Schweitzer after he outfits himself with new winter gear from Escape Outdoors.
The event was hosted in the back gaming area of the Microsoft Store on their huge screen as well as at Escape Outdoors. Idaho brochures and Travel Guides were on-hand for reading—and free for the taking.
Be sure to visit IdahoWinter.org and enter each week to win awesome Idaho snow prizes and packages.
Stay in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and this blog to see where we’ll show up next.
Many thanks to our event partners:
Where’s Wallace? In Northern Idaho!
January 17th, 2012 | 1 Comment
Where’s Waldo? Remember him, the mystery man wearing a camouflage type red and white sweater, matching hat and blue pants? I took a trip to a small, quaint historic town in northern Idaho where many people might ask, where’s Wallace?
Wallace, Idaho, home to a mere 784 people and a long-standing 
history is a timeless experience just off I-90. After arriving at the Wallace Inn, I immediately felt something special about the town, but I couldn’t quite grasp what it was until I had some time to explore. It was like an episode of Cheers, where everyone knew my name! Well, not quite, no one knew my name, but locals acted like we had been neighbors for years. As captivating as the people in town is the history that surrounds it. The rich mining in Wallace led to the building of 13 bars and 13 churches – so you knew exactly where everyone was on Saturday night and Sunday morning.
Until 1988 when the last one closed, there were five bordellos in town to accompany the lifestyles of the lead, copper and silver miners. So if you see small huts (usually about five in a row) or extremely steep, covered staircases from the street to the second story as you’re walking through town, you know you’re in the midst of some Wallace bordello history. Unfortunately, the Oasis Bordello Museum is closed from October to April, but it’s an absolute must see during the warmer months.
Outdoor enthusiasts also have reason to be excited about this small town in the Idaho panhandle. Whether you’re into skiing and snowmobiling in the winter months or mountain biking and trail running in the summer, Wallace is the ticket for everything recreation. Two pristine mountains, Silver Mountain and Lookout Mountain are both within 10 miles of Wallace. They offer hundreds of miles of road and trail riding, including five nationally recognized trails (Trail of the Coeur d’ Alenes, Northern Pacific, Route of the Hiawatha, Milwaukee Scenic and Centennial Trail) with variable levels of incline so it’s easy to find a ride that’s right for you.
During my time in Wallace, I took the short 10 mile drive to Idaho-Montana border on what many would call a perfect day on Lookout Mountain. Sun shining and fresh powder in 30 degree weather, hello paradise! For the first time I 
experienced the adventurous side of snow-shoeing. After riding up the main lift at Lookout, I ventured down the backside of the mountain through the trees and untouched snow. The spectacular mountain scenery combined with three hours of snowshoeing epitomized what it felt like to find a hidden mountain secret. After seeing endless lifts with shorts lines and beautifully groomed runs I look forward to my next trip to truly take advantage of the slopes and experience what it feels like to be a “local” with the mountain all to myself!
Wallace, Idaho– a place you’ve probably never heard of, but a place you’ll never forget. When you’re in town, be sure to visit the Wallace Mining Museum & Visitor Center for fun facts, cool sights and endless information about the unique town of Historic Wallace.
Written by guest blogger Austin Rogerson.
Hit Idaho’s Mountains This Winter
November 9th, 2011 | No Comments
Snow is dusting our mountaintops.
Scarves, caps and sweaters have become daily necessities. Rosy cheeks, mugs of steaming beverages and white lights can be seen on nearly any street corner. Winter is well on its way, which for many means heading to the mountains for some cold-weather recreation.
With over 20,000 skiable acres and 18 ski areas, skiing in Idaho means endless blue skies, no lift lines and inches upon inches of fresh white powder. And because Idaho is lined on the eastern side by the Rocky Mountains, we’ve got some of the best downhill skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing in the nation.
If you’ve ever been curious about a ski vacation in Idaho, can’t get your last Idaho vacation out of your mind, or even just want to get out an experience more of our great state, Idaho’s ski areas have joined together to offer free lodging, lift tickets and other prize giveaways at www.idahowinter.org. Promotional offers change out each week now through March 2012. You can enter each week to win and even text to enter (text Idaho to 87940).
Here’s a quick rundown of some of Idaho’s resorts and ski areas.
Sun Valley
The nation’s first destination ski resort, Sun Valley offers world-class downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, an updated terrain park and the finest accommodations. Short lift lines, long sweeping runs, and on-mountain lodging make Sun Valley a favorite for families, vacationing couples, or a weekend getaway with friends. If you’re a newcomer to mountain sports, you’ll find Sun Valley’s groomed runs just your speed or for a different experience, enjoy a sleigh ride or run on their all-new snow tubing park. Those who crave a more rugged and daring terrain will have dozens of diverse runs to get their thrills on, including access to Sun Valley Heli, the nation’s pioneering helicopter ski operator. With 250 days of Idaho sunshine a year, Sun Valley consistently rates in the top ten in Ski Magazine.
Grand Targhee
Grand Targhee ranks at the top for best family resorts across the nation. In the heart of the Tetons, Targhee boasts two mountain peaks with over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, and over 500 inches annually. The Grand Targhee Ski & Snowboard School’s friendly and expert instructors will help any beginners realize just how incredible mountain sports can be, or if you’re looking to pick up some tips, they’re happy to take more intermediate skiers and boarders around the mountain, too.
Schweitzer
Take a lift to the top and before you hit the slopes, let your eyes rove over three majestic mountain ranges, three gorgeous states, and snowy Canada. Schweitzer has smooth corduroy groomers, wide-open bowls and gladed runs, all on 2,900 skiable acres. A high-speed six-person lift named Stella, the only in Idaho, assures a swift lift line, allowing you to pack in as many runs as your body allows in a day. If you crave jump and jib features, Schweitzer offers a variety of terrain parks for beginners to experts. And afterwards, hit Hermit’s Hollow tubing hill for a 100-yard glide through the snow. With over 300 inches of annual snowfall, Schweitzer is a destination for the entire ski season.
Brundage
Best known for its powder-stuffed glades and luxuriously wide groomed runs, Brundage Mountain is capable of stealing any snow lover’s heart. The new Lakeview lift has opened up an extra 160 acres of terrain, and the Brundage powder consistently offers good downhill skiing and snowboarding. Test your skills on the steep pitches and open glades, or take a long cruising run down Temptation and enjoy a 280 view of the valley below. With 46 named runs and countless secret stashes from north to south, you can spend days exploring Brundage Mountain and still not experience it all.
Silver Mountain
Located in Idaho’s panhandle, Silver Mountain offers extensive gladed areas and hidden gems that make it possible to find fresh powder stashes days after the last storm. Ride the gondola from the base village up to spend the day on the mountain, then take the gondola back to spend the night in cozy lodges with fine dining. Silver Mountain takes the winter driving conditions out of the mix, so you can just enjoy your skiing or boarding experience.
Bogus Basin
Located just 16.5 miles from Idaho’s capital city, Bogus Basin is a hub of activity for locals and visitors alike. The mountain is large enough for seasoned athletes, and comprehensive enough for those still learning. Hit the backside for a thrill, glide on the 35 km of groomed Nordic trails, or try snowshoeing on any of the designated 5 km of snowshoe trails. Bogus Basin’s brand new high-speed quad will get you up the mountain quicker, so you can enjoy more powder. Head up after work for some night skiing, and enjoy the city lights in the valley below. And for those who want to have some fun in the snow, but don’t ski or board, the Pepsi Goldrush Tubing Hill is a great alternative.
Lookout Pass
Voted the most family-friendly mountain resort in the Pacific Northwest by visitors at OnTheSnow.com, Lookout Pass is home to more than 400 inches of light, dry, powder snow annually. Your children can learn for free at the Lookout Pass Free Ski School, while you hit the slopes and enjoy those Blue Bird Ski Days. For the more daring, Lookout Pass has two terrain parks that are sure to get the adrenaline pumping. For a day of family fun, Lookout Pass has you covered.
Snow-Scape at Pomerelle
January 11th, 2011 | 4 Comments
By Danielle Gruden, Intern at the Idaho Division of Tourism
I like to imagine myself a devout snowboarder, slicing through the snow with ease and precision, leaving the lift with balance and grace. However, I am neither. If anything I am a devout helmet wearer and layering queen (to help with the impact of the stumbles and falls). I (sigh) am a newbie; a complete novice.
On winter break from school, I could think of nothing better than seeing my family and snow-scaping . My family and I agreed to meet and hit the slopes at Pomerelle. As I left Boise for a pre-Christmas mountain top rendezvous, anxiety came creeping into my mind. Would this mountain be the death of me – or my chance to prove that I posses some minuscule ounce of coordination and talent on a snowboard? I was determined to make a mole-hill of the mountain that already had me overwhelmed.
My family and I climbed the mountain in Albion, Idaho in a 2008 Toyota Tacoma, crunching the thick layer of fresh snow from the night prior that covered the road. The road was lined with snow markers, with a few feet of white on both sides. As we parked at the base of the ski mountain, people of all ages filled the parking lot – changing from the morning’s comfy attire to snow pants, hats, gloves, and coats. We piled out and began our own exchange of day attire to mountain-wear. As I zipped up my jacket to just below my nose, I looked up at the massive hill I was about to tackle. We grabbed our boards and skis and began the day.
I was first surprised to find that most on the mountain were similar to me – not only my skill-set, but also my determination to pick-up after each fall. The resort was comfortable. Everyone was there to have a great time. There were no pompous, irritated participants whizzing past as you fell, causing you to gaze at them in misery while losing energy to push yourself up once more. Everyone offered hands to help-up, a quick “Come-on!”, or an encouraging smile for your day’s efforts. Ever better, my step-sister Ali, an advanced skier beyond her years, decided to accompany my hillside wrecks by switching to snowboarding. We counted the times we safely glided off the lift – 5 out of 9 – not too shabby in my book (especially since my father is a known lift hog).
Our ski day ended around 3 pm and we indulged in a packed lunch of cheeses, apples slices, crackers, chocolate and local beers (to numb the falls). We sat on the outside patio and enjoyed people watching and stories of the day. After the drive home, we soaked away the day’s soreness in the hot tub. No complaints here. Perfect mountain, perfect day.
Pomerelle is a little gem nestled in the Sawtooth National Forest. It offers 24 (almost private) slopes suitable for the beginner or the novice skier. Pomerelle offers a perfect snow-scape for someone that is brand new to the sport, gearing up to become better or looking for a great place to take the family.
Ski Heritage Week: Sun Valley
January 6th, 2011 | 2 Comments
Contributed by guest blogger Jim Garrison.
This coming March 27th – April 3rd the skiing world will turn some of its’ attention to Sun Valley. In concert with the 75th anniversary of Sun Valley Resort; it seems appropriate that the old and new gather and again grace and enjoy the slopes, restaurants, and area.
During this particular week the US Ski Hall of Fame will present the latest inductees along with any number of other events, films, and activities.
Years ago I was lamenting to my friend Dick Barrymore, that I had no money…..guessed that I needed to get a job in the “real” world instead of hanging out skiing in Sun Valley. He thought for a minute and told me, “Jim, you can work hard for years and probably earn a million dollars but, the real key is to not work so hard but live life like you HAVE it.” As a matter of fact, Dick wrote his autobiography titled, “Breaking Even” and titled one of his films, “The High Cost of a Free Ride”. Plays upon the same life thought – live like you HAVE it….
Sun Valley has raised some of those interesting, bigger than life, ski characters over the decades, Barrymore being one of the most colorful. Warren Miller also got his start in Sun Valley – photos of his little trailer in the parking lot, his unique sense of humor and distinctive voice. Bobby Burns, the “original” hotdogger, ski maker, clothing designer – another unique style and innovator who landed in Sun Valley. Most of K2’s “The Performers” who so heavily influenced the young skiers of the 70’s still live in Sun Valley. Olympic winning ski racers, hot doggers, extreme, xcross, half pipers…. from the time the slopes opened to today’s newest generation of Zach and Reggie Christ, Graham Watanabe, Shane Cordeau – and even younger ones still on the rise.
Living like you have a million….. I’ve always felt that if you can ski Baldy well, you can ski well anywhere in the world. The hill seems to fall away from you all the way down, the altitude and run length strengthen your lungs and legs. The snow is fast and often hard which makes solid, crisp edging important and easy to understand sharp from dull edges. To locals, a “Sun Valley foot” of new is a well understand joke played upon us by mother nature. Usually amounting to something around 2 inches. But, it’s almost always good snow, evidenced by that crunchy, squeaky sound under your boots – a combination of cold and dry – ergo, see the fast reference above.
One of Barrymore’s favorite runs to film was – well, all of them…. as long as the back-lighting contrasted with the deep blue sky and the snow flew in the air and hung behind his skiers like wispy tails of smoke. Either Dick or his partner Earl Rickers would call first thing in the morning if the skies were clear and we’d be on the hill ready to go in half an hour. That night we’d look at the “dailies” – a 16 mm rough print of what had been done during the day before.
When it was a particularly cold day and they wanted colored sweaters in the shot, they’d take our jackets with them as they set up their cameras which sometimes might take 15 or 20 minutes. Then with a whistle or a pole wave, we’d have to ski like we were warm – we likened it to running a 100 yard dash with no warm up….in the cold….
Both Dick and Rickers are gone now and we all miss them terribly. But the mountain and snow are still there – the Sun Valley sky is still that deep, dark shade of blue, snow is still cold, dry and fast. Greg Stump, TGR and Matchstick will carry on the tradition. All is right with the world for today.
So, in this 75th year of Sun Valley, this 40th year of “hotdogging”, the reunion of skiers, old and new alike, during the last week of March will be a fun series of events and a chance of a lifetime to ski with the greats of yesterday and today….and to live life like you HAVE a million bucks….
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