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:
13 Ways to Celebrate with your Valentine
February 4th, 2012 | No Comments
1) Sweetheart Sunset Dinner Cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene
A romantic dinner on the lake that includes prime rib, chicken piccata, Caesar salad, au gratin potatoes, fresh fruit and a special Valentine’s dessert, served with a complimentary bottle of champagne.
Saturday, February 11th | 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, February 14th | 6:30 – 8:00 pm
2) Wine Tasting and Chocolate Pairing at Sawtooth Winery
Enjoy an array of Sawtooth Winery’s wine paired with
The “Chocolat” Bar’s chocolates, for a most enjoyable taste treat.
Saturday, February 11 |12:00pm to 5:00pm
Sunday February 12 | 12:00pm to 5:00pm
3) Stay & Spa – Mountain Decadence at Shore Lodge in McCall
Steal away to Shore Lodge with the one you love. Shore Lodge has prepared the perfect evening of decadence for you and yours. Decadence package includes: One-night stay in a Lake View Suite; Two one-hour spa treatments of your choice at The Cove, an authentic McCall Spa; in-room champagne and strawberries nightcap.
Be forewarned! The Decadence package is stronger than Love Potion #9. Plan accordingly.
4) Romance Package at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg
Luxurious condo, chilled champagne or huckleberry wine, two complimentary wine glasses, bath salts for the tub, souvenir candle and sweetheart chocolates. Deluxe romance package includes his and her massage and dinner for two at Noah’s Canteen.
5) Celebrate with your Valentine in Sun Valley
Forever Plaid will serenade your sweetheart in the Boiler Room.
Swing back through time to the 1950’s with the Plaids as they revive close-harmony hits such as
Moments to Remember, Crazy ‘Bout Ya Baby, and Love is a Many-Spendored Thing!
Tuesday, February 14 | 7: 30 pm
Cocktails at fire pit 2 hours before show time
6) Trinity on the Beach in Sandpoint
Enjoy live acoustic music, along with food and drink specials.
Tuesday, February 14 | 5:00 – 8:00 pm
7) His & Hers Valentine Special at Hotel 43 in Boise
Spoil each other this Valentine’s Day with a special night .
You will be treated to two nights in a Capitol level room, “Hers” night is tickets for two on Friday, February 17th to La Bohme presented by Opera Idaho plus “His” night tickets for two on Saturday night to the Idaho Stampede basketball game. To top it off, enjoy breakfast for two on both Saturday and Sunday from the Metro Café. Valet parking for two nights, plus special Hotel 43 Valentines treats will be waiting for you upon arrival.
8) The Whole Ski Bang!
Skiing, pampering and tasty treats, this getaway to Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs in eastern Idaho promises quality couple time and a lot more! The Whole Ski Bang! package for two includes: a two night stay at Aura Soma Lava Hot Springs; a day of skiing at Pebble Creek Ski Area; a half hour of facilitated stretching and sports massage, day passes for soaking in the hot springs pools, soothing massages after a day on the slopes; Grounds for Change brand organic coffee, Chocolove chocolate bars, bottled water; chilled champagne or cider and more!
9) Inn-Credible Idaho!
Seeking a bed & breakfast that is intimate, romantic or rustic? Browse through “Inn-Credible Idaho” to find the accommodations that are right for you and your valentine!
10) Sweet to Spicy at the Idaho Botanical Gardens in Boise
Mustard is the king of condiments. From Dijon, France to Boise, Idaho and from sweet to spicy, the possibilities are endless. Join Sylvie Ryan to discover the wonders of cooking with mustard. Sample different mustards, including local products, and prepare a few simple recipes that are sure to bring sweet and spicy inspiration to your Valentine’s Day Feast!
Thursday, February 9 | 6:30 p.m.
11) “The Chocolate Affair” in Downtown Coeur d’Alene
The sweetest ‘Walk’ of the year ~ for the chocoholic. Join in the tasting.
Friday, February 10th | 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
12) Sweetheart’s Weekend at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg
Speed dating session on chair 3 and cupcake tasting paired with wines from Cupcake Winery.
Saturday, February 11
13) Oh Fudge! Make your Valentine’s Day even sweeter with this decadent fudge.
Idaho’s “Black Canyon Fudge” makes mouthwatering sweets with real cream and butter.
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.
‘Twas the month of December and Throughout the Gem State
December 23rd, 2011 | No Comments
Download and share the free audio version
‘Twas the month of December and throughout the Gem State
The elves were so busy as not be late.
For Santa was coming with a sleigh full of fun
To make Christmas in Idaho
Job number one!
With snowmobiling and skiing and fun things to see
Would make Idaho again- the right place to be!
No need to go packing and traveling afar
Idaho’s fun can be found in your car.
From Sun Valley to Boise — Coeur d’Alene to Shoshone
From eastern to western
A land all its own.
This place is so special
Said the elves with a cheer
Let’s all ask Santa to move here next year.
I heard Santa say as he flew off in the night
This state is a Gem
In fact out of sight!
Holiday Lights Add Sparkle to the Season
December 21st, 2011 | No Comments
One of the best things about the sun setting so early this time of year is that it leaves more time to enjoy the gorgeous holiday light displays all over the great state of Idaho. If you’re planning on being out and about this season here are some sparkling events to take in.
Coeur d’Alene Resort Holiday Light Show — Coeur d’Alene
America’s largest floating holiday light show extravaganza features over one million lights and 150 holiday displays. Cruise boats offer a close-up view of animated light displays and holiday scenes along Lake Coeur d’Alene. You’ll also see America’s tallest living Christmas tree!
Winter Garden aGlow — Boise
Winter Garden aGlow is a favorite family holiday tradition. See a dazzling display of over 250,000 lights and enjoy hot refreshments, holiday music, and the warmth of roaring bonfires.
Festival of Lights — Preston
This winter festival offers a lovely display of Christmas lights in Eastern Idaho. Stroll down brightly lit Main Street, then visit the light village in City Park. Call 208-852-2403 for more information.
Winter Spirit —Lewiston
Locomotive Park comes to life with lights, music and the sound of laughter – turning it into a winter wonderland. Walkways are decorated with lighted arches and the large gas fireplace is the perfect place to warm chilly fingers or toes.
Helicopter Christmas Lights Tour of Boise
See the Christmas lights of Boise like never before. Tours depart from Western Aircraft at the Boise Airport. Fly over downtown Boise for a flying reindeer’s view of the Capitol, then soar over the spectacularly lit Botanical Gardens, the foothills and some of the more festive neighborhoods.
Winter Wonderland — Caldwell
Downtown Caldwell’s Indian Creek is illuminated with 250,000 lights. Bridges that span the creek, railings, lamposts, trees and numerous character displays are coverd with twinkling lights. This signature event brings families and visitors from all over to enjoy the beauty and celebrate the holidays.
Early Season Snowshoe Outing Delivers Sun and Scenery
December 12th, 2011 | 2 Comments
Saturday, December 3, 2011 was forecasted to be a beautiful day in Sun Valley, Idaho and mother nature did not disappoint. The air was crisp, cold and mantled by a clear azure sky from horizon to horizon. My friend and I were anxious to strap on our snowshoes and tread some powder. 
Immediately, we were faced with a dilemma: where do you snowshoe in Sun Valley? We were staying at the incomparable Sun Valley Lodge and decided to query the concierge. She informed us that The Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center trails were not yet officially open, but there were several excellent nearby alternatives. She provided us with a couple of maps designating nordic ski and snowshoe trails along Idaho Highway 75 heading north toward Galena Summit.
Determined to find some pow-pow to play in, we hopped in the car and headed north. Along the way, we saw several nordic 
enthusiasts enjoying the many groomed trails off the highway. The concierge recommended a snowshoe trailhead at Billy’s Bridge about 10 miles outside of town. With clear roads and immaculate weather, we were there in no time. We quickly geared up and crunched our way to the trailhead about 100 yards from the parking turnout.
The awesomeness began not two steps into the trail. There, situated along the tree line overlooking a clearing across from an impressive mountainside, stands a mountain goat viewing porch outfitted with a bench, informational display and two viewing scopes. From this perch, the lucky viewer can observe native mountain goats traversing the jagged rocks. We were not so lucky, but we were still treated to the breathtaking scenery!
Finally, we hit the trail with gusto. The snow was perfect; light, fluffy and glowing in the sunlight. We followed the well marked trail toward the creek where it turned and led us along the bank until we came to Billy’s Bridge. We crossed the bridge and stopped to take in the view. Picturesque would be putting it mildly. I could have spent all afternoon in that spot, but we carried on. The trail brought us along the other side of the creek
and further into the clearing with stands of pine and aspen shooting out of the snow. We could not help but stop several times to drink in the beauty. We anticipated seeing some wildlife, but I was hoping for the small cuddly variety rather than large and growling. After about 45 minutes, we reversed our tracks and headed back. It saddened us to end our trek, but we had scheduled massages back at the lodge. Priorities!
Back at the viewing porch, we took one last hopeful sweep of the landscape and marveled at its grandeur. I look forward to returning to Billy’s Bridge in the future as a new favorite winter destination. A big thank you to mother nature and the helpful staff at Sun Valley Lodge for such a memorable adventure!
Guest Blogger Jennifer Colson is an avid reader, designer and all around enthusiast.
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