About Idaho

Idaho Ski Resorts

Idaho boasts some of the best skiing in the world. From world-class resorts to family-oriented ski areas, Idaho has it all. Idaho has 16 ski areas that offer a number of different types of terrain and wonderful snow. The state is home to Sun Valley, America’s first ski resort which still remains one of top in the world, as well as other quality recreational areas.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley, often passionately referred to as the “American Shangri-la,” opened in 1936 and has been serving Idahoans and visitors from around the world ever since. It began in 1935 when Count Felix Schaffgotch was hired by Union Pacific Railroad President Averll Harriman to find the perfect spot for a grand American resort. The Count spent months venturing through the American West in search of the perfect spot for a resort. Almost ready to give up the Count heard of Ketchum, an old mining town in central Idaho. Upon arriving in the Ketchum valley the Count was stunned by its beauty and quickly spread his enthusiasm for the area to Harriman who within days purchased 4,300 acres that would quickly become Sun Valley.

In 1936 Sun Valley opened. The response was amazing, with many of Hollywood’s brightest stars and the world’s greatest athletes flocking to the resorts pristine slopes and world-class resort accommodations. The Sun Valley of today offers guests the opportunity to “rough it in style.” It offers guests year-round entertainment options that go well beyond skiing. Among other things guests have the opportunity to view world-class figure skaters during the resort’s summer Ice Show, enjoy countless restaurants, test their game at the renowned golf course, or hike or bike down the slopes of Baldi in the summer.

http://www.sunvalley.com/

Brundage Mountain

Brundage Mountain lies ten miles outside McCall, a rustic town founded on a tradition of timber, mining, and cattle ranching. Brundage Mountain and McCall have created a unique, authentic Western atmosphere for summer and winter guests. Often hailing itself as “Ski Town USA,” McCall is home to numerous Olympic skiers.

Winter skiing and snowboarding at Brundage are phenomenal. The amazing skiing coupled with the breathtaking views of the Salmon River Mountains, Payette Lakes, Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness, and the famed Seven Devils make Brundage a great place for a family or the most advanced skier. Brundage also offers Catskiing, snow shoeing and an extensive track of Nordic trails for cross-country skiers. In the summer the resort offers white water rafting trips down the Salmon River and over twenty miles of hiking or biking trails that can be accessed by the mountain’s high-speed quad.

http://www.brundage.com/

Bogus Basin

Bogus Basin is located sixteen miles north of Idaho’s capital, Boise. It offers residents in the Boise Valley a quick escape from the city life to experience Idaho skiing at its best. Bogus offers skiers and snowboarders 2,600 acres of skiable terrain and 1,800 feet of vertical drop. The resort boasts two high-speed quads, 1 triple, and four double chairs. Bogus plays host to nearly 40,000 guests each winter.

Young and old alike enjoy skiing at Bogus. In 1998 Bogus decided to slash prices on season passes. Boise was seemingly transformed into a ski town, as Bogus sold more than 25,000 passes for that season. Bogus still offers season passes for a mere $199, as well as affordable family passes.

Bogus Basin is also a great place for summer getaways, weddings, conferences, or retreats. With three distinct lodges, Bogus can host groups from 20 to 400 people.

http://www.bogusbasin.org/

Schweitzer

Schweitzer, situated at the northern tip of the state, is a skiers paradise that offers 2400 vertical feet of varying terrain. The mountain features 2,500 skiable acres and 59 designated runs. Schweiter is also home to Stella, the state’s only six-person high-speed chair lift. Receiving 300 feet of snowfall a year, Schweitzer is a great place for snow enthusiasts of all ages.

Fun activity at Schweitzer is not limited to the winter however. From hiking and biking, to a relaxing round of gold, to a thrilling kyak adventure, Schweitzer is a definite summer destination. With scenic Lake Pend Oreille close by and the town of Sandpoint close by, the possibilities are endless.

Guests of the resort will be have plenty of opportunities for fun in the village that features numerous shops and restaurants. Schweitzer also features two beautiful lodges. Selkirk Lodge offers guests countless eminities including three outdoor hot tubs, an outdoor pool, restaurants, and ski-in ski-out rooms. The White Pine Lodge, recently opened in 2002, features one and two bedroom slopeside condominiums, complete with a full kitchen and fireplace.

http://www.schweitzer.com/index_summer.shtml

Other Fabulous Idaho Ski Resorts

Pomerelle http://www.pomerelle-mtn.com/
Pebble Creek http://www.pebblecreekskiarea.com/
Kelly Canyon http://www.skikelly.com/
Lost Trail http://www.losttrail.com/
Lookout Pass http://www.skilookout.com/
Silver Mountain http://www.silvermt.com/
Magic Mountain http://www.magicmountainresort.com/
Soldier Mountain  http://www.soldiermountain.com/
Snohaven http://www.grangeville.us/idahocounty/snowhaven/index.htm
Cottonwood Butte
Baldy Mountain http://www.skibaldmountain.com/

*For more information about Idaho’s ski resorts go to http://www.idahoskiresorts.com/