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DON'T MISS THE ACTION AT TAMARACK RESORT!
SEVEN RESORTS IN SEVEN DAYS
I was lucky enough to take the ultimate Ski Idaho adventure last week. Every day brought something new, seven times in a row. My only regret was that I couldn't keep going. But I'll have my chances to get the hills I missed this time around.
Most of my skiing takes place in the Panhandle, where the skiing is awesome. Even so, a southern swing was a sweet treat. We headed south on a Saturday and stayed at the Salmon Rapids Lodge in Riggins. Seven inches of fresh powder was waiting for us on Sunday morning at Brundage, near McCall.
From Brundage, Tamarack and the Inn at Osprey Meadows was a short trip down the highway. No matter what anyone tells you, the skiing, the lodging and the guest experience at Tamarack is world class. Next stop was Bogus Basin, where we carved arcs in the sunshine and watched the lights of Boise from the Pioneer Lodge at dinnertime.
As if things couldn't get any better, after a snooze at Boise's Owyhee Plaza Hotel, Sun Valley followed. I will always be in awe of the big time terrain on Bald Mountain. The view of the Sawtooth Range imprints on your brain. Staying at the Sun Valley Lodge is a special feeling every skier and rider must have. But we had miles to go, resting up that night at the Burley Inn, in the town of Burley on I-84, just a short drive from Pomerelle.
Pomerelle is a sparkling gem tucked away in the Sawtooth National Forest. The parking lot was full of school buses and the hill teemed with kids having an unforgettable day. It was a joy to rip on corduroy that rivals the finest tilled snow I've ever skied at Pomerelle. Then it was on to Grand Targhee, where we basked in the luxury of a blue bird day under the Grand Teton, then crashed in the Teewinot Lodge slopeside.
From the wide-open slopes of Targhee we ventured to thriving little Kelly Canyon just outside Idaho Falls. The hill swarmed with families and kids just embarking on their lifetime ski experience. I wouldn't trade my mountain portfolio for anything, but I couldn't help but be a little jealous, thinking about the adventures that lie ahead for them. ~ Bill Jennings.
IDAHO HOSTS THE 2009 WORLD WINTER GAMES
 In February thousands of Special Olympics athletes from around the world come together to showcase their athletic skills and celebrate the true spirit of competition through winter sports in Idaho at Bogus Basin and Sun Valley.
Bogus will host the alpine ski competitions and Sun Valley will host snowboard and cross country events. The Special Olympics transforms participants, community leaders, and fans world-wide through sportsmanship and spirited competition. The games help citizens throughout the world appreciate the values of respect and compassion, which the athletes and their supporters live by every day.
Special Olympics currently serves 2.8 million people with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 programs in 180 countries. It is a truly global movement, with more than 500,000 athletes in China, more than 210,000 in India, almost 550,000 in the United States, more than 600 in Afghanistan and 4,400 athletes in Rwanda. Special Olympics World Games were held in Ireland in 2003, Japan in 2005 and China in 2007.
Bogus and Sun Valley are open to the public during the games and invite you to the mountain to cheer on these amazing international athletes and celebrate their achievements during the awards ceremonies.
It is estimated that 417 athletes from 39 different countries will compete in snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Along with those athletes will be an estimated 121 coaches, 13 officials, 20 Special Olympics World Winter Games support staff and a large, but undetermined number of family members, friends and fans.
DISCOVER WINTER IN IDAHO AT TAMARACK
 There's no doubt Idaho is the soul of skiing. To that thinking - Tamarack's snow experience is the perfect embodiment of what makes winter so magical.
At Tamarack there's a shared appreciation for pristine powder, corduroy groomers, rails and pipes, serene Nordic trails, high-powered snowmobiles and just how accessible these winter adventures are.
The second best thing to experiencing a day at Tamarack is that you get to do it all over again the next day when you spend the night. That's why Tamarack is offering fantastic holiday lodging packages from Stay & Ski Free to Backcountry Discovery Packages.
Check out Tamarack's full calendar of events at http://www.tamarackidaho.com/events.php. Call Tamarack Central Reservations at (866) 320-5194 and refer to promo code SKIIDAHO20 to receive a 20% discount off any Stay & Ski Free Package. That means you could be skiing and staying at Tamarack for as low as $74.50 per night.
When it comes to location and terrain, few luxury resorts have the assets that Tamarack has to work with. It has world class potential. California and Northwest cities along with Denver, Chicago and Salt Lake City are a single flight away.
Tamarack's east-facing aspects shelter the slopes from wind, allow maximum snow retention and give you spectacular views of Lake Cascade. Its well-heeled credentials even include Bliss, a blue cruiser featured in SKI Magazine. But the terrain is balanced with cruisers, steeps, glades and cornices, 41 runs served by seven lifts, including three high-speed quads.
Catch a rapid ride to the summit over impeccably groomed, rolling terrain. You will find that Tamarack skis bigger than its 2,800 feet of vertical over 1,100 acres. Even the blue cruisers can be intense. The velvet surface and wide avenues encourage velocity. Drop from steeps off the summit and challenging, stair-step routes through the Wildwood area. One of your most memorable experiences will be The Grove, a vast glade of telephone pole Tamaracks.
Tamarack is also paradise for freeriders, with one of just six Olympic-sized SuperPipes in all of North America. The Hells Canyon Pipe features 22-foot high Olympic-caliber walls and a length of 450 feet.
But for the ultimate Tamarack experience, consider a trip into the backcountry. Tamarack's guided backcountry services are perfect for strong skiers and snowboarders with a thirst for adventure. Depending on the size of your group, you can ride in a snowcat or experience the thrill of skijoring behind a snowmobile. Professional guides show you endless lines of untracked powder in glades and open bowls to the north and south of Tamarack's in-bounds terrain. Half-day and full day trips are available.
The whole family will find slopes at Tamarack that are both relaxing and challenging. The service is great and the food is excellent. It's the perfect place to discover winter in Idaho.
KELLY CANYON: THE PERFECT FAMILY FRIENDLY SKI HILL
 A drive through one of the most beautiful and historic river valleys of Eastern Idaho brings you to Kelly Canyon Ski Resort in the Targhee National Forest near the South Fork of the Snake River.
You'll find a real nice intermediate hill. Kelly focuses on providing great service for first-timers and beginners to learn. There's also a variety of terrain for all ability levels. The challenging trails are on the backside. Wide runs and accessible terrain drop down the front. Plus it offers the only night skiing in the area. 95 percent of the runs are lit.
Kelly Canyon has 26 trails and 4 lifts covering 740 skiable acres and a 1,000-foot vertical drop. The terrain park is full of boxes and rails and a new 600-foot tubing park is a blast for families and groups. The lodge is cozy, the cafeteria is quick and easy and there are no lift lines.
Come to Kelly in the morning and enjoy the great snow. Warm up on the rolling, gentle slope of Skier's Lane. Head to the Powder Lift for steeper terrain and deeper snow. Then have lunch and be sure to order Kelly's famous French fries with their special fry sauce.
Kelly Canyon prides itself as a learning mountain and certified instructors have provided thousands of lessons for all ages. They teach to all ability levels in both private and group lessons. A series of lessons is available for ages or 4-7 that includes four weekend sessions with four hours of instruction. When they're done the kids can ski anywhere on mountain.
For a great getaway, try the Cutthroat Inn, a real cute little bed and breakfast five mile down the road. Call 208-538-7963 and ask for Cathy.
Kelly Canyon is 26 miles from Idaho Falls, nine miles off U.S. Highway 26, north of Ririe. It's central location gives easy access from Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Rigby and other outlying areas. Buses are provided Saturdays and holidays from area communities.
THE SNOW GODS SMILE ON LOST TRAIL POWDER MOUNTAIN
Everyone is always in a good mood and having a great time at Lost Trail Powder Mountain. The snow is fantastic, there's never a line and the drive that gets you there is breathtaking.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain is a 60-year-old, family-oriented ski area straddling the Montana/Idaho border, which some say is the reason for its consistent snow conditions. The mountain gets 300 inches a year, but somehow, it seems more than that.
It's the place to go if you don't have deep pockets and you like deep powder. A full day lift ticket is only $34.00 for adults and $24.00 for kids.
If you hit the slopes first thing Thursday A.M. you could be delighted by untouched cold smoke powder. Hit the slopes with your friends, come in to warm up at the fireplace with some nachos, then hit the trails again.
You'll have fun exploring a great variety of terrain. LTPM has 20% beginner, 60% intermediate and 20% advanced. There are a few beginner runs off of all chairs. The cruisers are long. Black diamonds drop from off all chairs but three and five.
For overnight lodging there are many fine establishments nearby. Check it out at http://www.losttrail.com/lodging.html.
Getting to Lost Trail Powder Mountain is easy. It's conveniently located just 1/8 of a mile off Hwy 93 and Hwy 43 at the Montana-Idaho Border. Enjoy the pristine view of the Bitterroot Mountains coming from Missoula or Butte. From Salmon and surrounding areas it's just about 45 minutes till you're hitting the slopes.
When you make it out here, look for power lines. You won't see any. That's because Lost Trail is fully run by Bio-Diesel generators. Maybe that's why the snow gods smile upon Lost Trail Powder Mountain.
SKI IDAHO EVENTS & DEALS
Bogus Basin - February 8-13 -- Special Olympics World Winter Games Alpine Events Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is the host venue for the alpine ski competitions during the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. The lodges, slopes and chairlifts are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC during the games and they invite you to 'Be a Fan' and come to the mountain to cheer on these amazing international athletes.
February 16-22 -- $199 Season Pass Sale - Bogus Basin's famous $199 season pass sale starts on Presidents Day (Powder to the People!). See our website for complete details. Ski or ride on your new pass the end of this season PLUS all of next year!
Brundage - February 7-8 -- Brundage Mountain Winter Games. Brundage Mountain is proud to continue the tradition of the Winter Games. Saturday events include: Children & Juniors Recreational Alpine Giant Slalom (3-18 year olds), Mitey Mite Giant Slalom, Physically Challenged Giant Slalom. Sunday events include: Adult Recreational Giant Slalom, Mitey Mite Slalom, Physically Challenged Slalom.
February 13 -- Early Season Pass Sale. You can buy your 2009/2010 pass at the lowest price of the year and ski or ride the rest of THIS season FOR FREE!
February 21 -- Ski Diva Day - We invite you to embrace your inner ski or snowboard goddess here at Brundage Mountain. We're treating women aged 18 & up to half-priced lift tickets so you can unleash that woman-warrior on the slopes. Then, join us in the lodge at 3:30 pm for a relaxing yoga practice, followed by Her Happy Hour drink specials from 4:30 - 6:30 in Smoky's Pub, where you can also enter a free raffle and win a fabulous spa treatment!
Lookout Pass - February 8 Lookout "BIG AIR" Contest
February 14/15 Mardi Gras Festival & Live Music
February 16 Open Monday for President's Day Holiday.
February 20 Toyota FREE Ski Day
February 22 "Battle on the Border" SLOPESTYLE Invitational
Schweitzer - February 6 -- Starlight Race Series - A locals favorite. Friday night races followed by parties in Taps for 21 and over only please.
Tamarack - February 7-8 -- Payette River Mountains FreeRide Series- Boarder Skier Cross
February 13 -- IMD FreeStyle- SuperPipe, SlopeStyle, Single Moguls, Dual Moguls
This Inter Mountain Division FreeStyle Event includes all four events and is definitely one for the spectators! Come check out this awesome event and watch these kids throw down!
February 14-15 -- Payette River Mountains FreeRide Series- SuperPipe
February 21-22 -- Payette River Mountains FreeRide Series- SlopeStyle/SuperPipe
Silver Mountain - February 7 -- Special Olympics of Idaho
February 7 -- Tom Sherry Ski Free Days & KREM Event to support local food bank
Bring two cans of food and receive a free NIGHT ski ticket.
February 13-16 -- President's Day / Sweetheart's Weekend & Downhill Torchlight Parade
February 27-28 -- Silver Extreme Weekend%u2014Do it all, ski, surf, splash.
Grand Targhee - February 5-8 -- LUNA Chix of North American Ski Training Center (NASTC) Because "girls just wanna have fun!" NASTC and Grand Targhee resort has put together a specialty course for women skiers. Women will have the opportunity to ski and train with some of the best female instructors in the country in a fun and relaxed environment. This adventure weekend is great way explore the off-piste under the attentive guidance of expert instructors and become a more confident and versatile skier.
February 7-8 -- Idaho Falls Ski Club Instructional Weekend - A wonderful weekend of instruction and fun for all ages and disciplines with lodging available too!
February 9-11 -- Evan Floyd Memorial Race Day - Three days of races ending the local winter sports programs with our local schools.
February 14 -- Grand Targhee Sasquatch Snowshoe Series "Cupid's Valentine's Day Race" (with special couple awards). Grand Targhee Resort and Dreamchasers events team up to present the Bigfoot shuffle snowshoe series. The race will be for all levels, with different courses that will wander through the beautiful forest around Grand Targhee Resort. There will be an overall series winners as well as each event winners.
February 14 -- Skate Clinic - Hone your skate skiing technique or try this popular sport for the first time.
February 15 -- Telemark Clinic - Whether you are a beginner trying to master your turn or an advanced skier wanting to shred in the bumps, powder or crud, you will be stoked you signed up for this clinic.
February 21 -- Snowboard Big Air Clinic - This exciting clinic will help you improve your big air skills, such as air, style, tricks, amplitude and overall impression.
February 21 -- Winter Triathlon - Snowshoe, mountain bike, nordic - The event will combine a snowshoe lap distance of 5k, a mountain bike lap on snow of 10k, and a finish with a cross-country or skate ski lap of 10k.
Sun Valley - February 6-8 -- "Her Turn" 2009 Women%u02BCs Ski Clinic - Sun Valley welcomes back women%u02BCs clinic specialist Lisa Densmore! Space is limited so sign up now! Call the SnowSports School for more information (208) 622-2289. The $550 Clinic price does not include lift tickets- but there will be discounted lift tickets available for clinic participants. Registration forms available at the Sun Valley SnowSports School office, River Run Lodge or may be downloaded by going to: snowsports.sunvalley.com or www.sunvalley.com
February 7-13 -- Special Olympics World Winter Games - Sun Valley Resort will host two sports for the 2009 Games: cross-country skiing and showboarding. The Sun Valley Nordic Center will host about 335 athletes from 40 countries. Snowboarding will be held at Dollar Mountain will about 83 athletes from 17 countries. The Special Olympic Games World Winter Games in Idaho will include 3000 athletes from 85 countries.
2009 Winter Comedy Series begins Friday & Saturday - Doors open at 5:30pm- Comedy starts at 6:30 - $10 Cover - Bring your current Sun Valley ski pass or lift ticket for $3 OFF the cover - February 6 & 7: Jimmy Shubert & Scott Bennett
February 13 & 14: Adam Hunter & Jay Davis
February 20 & 21: Joe Klosek & TBA
February 27 & 28: Kristin Key & Leif Skyving
Live Music Late Night after the comedy series- doors at 9pm (free admission with Blaine County ID)
SKI IDAHO LODGING
Bogus Basin - Cheap and Easy Nights - The very popular, really cheap and super easy-to-use discount vouchers from Chevron are back again this season with $10 night lift tickets, $10 night rental packages and $10 walk-in lessons at 6pm! Pick up vouchers from participating Chevron stations with minimum purchase, and then grab your buddies and head for the bright lights and beautiful slopes at BogusOvernight accommodations are available in town or on the mountain. A variety of hotels in the valley offer buy-one-get-one free lift tickets through the "Stay and Play" program. If you are looking for ski-in/ski-out overnight accommodations, stay at the Pioneer Condominiums, buy one alpine lift ticket or Nordic trail pass and get a second one at 1/2 price! YURT at BOGUS BASIN - NEW this season - stay in the yurt at Bogus Basin Mountain for a unique experience!
Brundage - Brundage Mountain is proud to offer ski & stay packages through our preferred lodging partner, the Shore Lodge. Just 8 miles from Brundage Mountain, Shore Lodge is beautifully situated on the south shore of Payette Lake. 1-800-657-6464
Grand Targhee - Family Pizza & Pasta Package - Valid : January 30, 2009 to April 12, 2009, 2 Nights of Lodging, 1 Day of Skiing, and 1 Family Dinner at Powder Mountain Pizza starting at just $379 per room. Kids Ski Free, Stay Free, and EAT FREE! 2 adult lift tickets & 2 junior (12 years & younger) lift tickets. Additional skiers over the age of 12 must purchase lift ticket at the Ticket Kiosk. Price is the same for any combination of adults & children, but a maximum of 2 adult tickets are included in the package. Family Dinner includes 1 large Traditional Pizza, 1 Family Sized Salad, & 4 Pepsi's at Powder Mountain Pizza. Based on availability at time of booking. Price is per room based on Teewinot Lodge, with a maximum of 4 people per room. Other lodging options are Starting from $396 pp.
Value Season Cat Package - 3 nights lodging, 1 full day SnowCat Adventure, 2 full days of in-resort skiing, for as little as $499 per person.
Winter special for Kids - kids 12 and under stay and ski free with a paid adult on a package; one child per adult in the same room.
Exclusive AMEX Lodging Special - Valid : November 21, 2008 to April 11, 2009 - Stay 3 nights, get the 4th night FREE! Offer good for American Express cardholders. Starting from $396 pp. Blackout dates 12/25/08-1/1/09
Lookout Pass - Numerous lodging options abound in the area surrounding Lookout Pass on the Idaho Montana border.
Lost Trail Powder Mountain - Many fine lodging establishments are located anywhere from 5 to 50 miles from Lost Trail Powder Mountain.
Pebble Creek - Buy one get one free lift tickets when you stay at participating Lava Hot Springs hotels, just 25 miles from the hill.
Pomerelle - The Marsh Creek Inn is located in downtown Albion just a short distance from Pomerelle Ski Resort on Highway 77, the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway, in the beautiful and
historic Albion Valley. For more information, or reservations, call 208 673-6259
Silver Mountain - Stay at the region's premier condominium lodge - in the heart of Silver Mountain Resort's new Gondola Village. Located just footsteps from shopping and dining in the village and a full palette of family activities. 866.344.2675 - Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark with EVERY ROOM
Snow and Splash Special - Two days of play plus one night of stay for only $59* per person! Enjoy a comfortable gondola ride to the Mountain Haus where four lanes of slippery sliding await. When you are ready to warm up, head on down to Silver Rapids for more tubing -- this time in 82 degree water! After a tasty meal in Gondola Village it's time to settle in for the night in one of our luxurious studio condominiums. Get MORE at Silver Mountain Resort.
* Four person occupancy. Limited availability and some restrictions apply. Discounted ski tickets for lodging guests available. Promo code: TUBE
Romance Packages - Enjoy an extraordinary evening or two at Morning Star Lodge with your sweetheart. Luxurious condo, chilled champagne or huckleberry wine, 2 complimentary wine glasses, bath salts for the tub, souvenir candle and sweetheart chocolates.
Sun Valley - Sun Valley Lodge on Conde Nast Gold List - The Conde Nast Traveler has tapped Sun Valley Lodge for its prestigious 15th Annual Gold List, the only hotel in Idaho to receive the recognition. Sun Valley Resort joins about 150 other distinctive hotels throughout the U.S., considered to be, "The best places to stay in the world, selected by more than 32,000 readers of Conde Nast Traveler." Conde Nast further states, "At this resort in a tyrolean-esque village, you feel like the spirits of a more elegant time as you walk the corridors .staff appear genuinely delighted to have us." Sun Valley Lodge scored over 90 points in categories for location, design and activities.
Special Olympics, February Lodging Specials
. Sun Valley Special Olympics 2009 Free Night Special
. Sun Valley, Idaho World Games 2009 Lodging Special
. Special Olympics Lift Tower Lodge rooms (Ketchum) starting at $85 per room, per night!
. Airport Inn rooms (Hailey) starting at $85, per night!
. High Country Motel (Bellevue) starting at $65 per room, per night!
Enjoy the Savings with our Threepeat Vacation Special! - That's right, the more you plan your Sun Valley trips this winter the greater the savings. Stay at any of our lodging accommodations and receive 10% off on your first visit this winter, 25% off on your 2nd visit and 50% off on your 3rd visit.* Call 800-371-9180 and our reservation specialists will pair you with your ideal Sun Valley vacation rental. Mention Promo Code "ISL OTT " to claim this offer. Call 800.371.9180 to book today!
Last Minute Steals and Season-long Deals for your Sun Valley Vacation. Check out all of the deals below with a visit to our web specials!
Mid-Week Madness! Stay 1 Night, Ski 1 Day Mid Week Starting at $109 1/4/09-3/24/09
February Extravaganza! Recieve 10% off at ResortQuest 2/1/09-2/25/09
Sun Valley Ski Club Weeks! Enjoy a Week (or two!) of 7 Nights Lodging, 5 Days Skiing starting at $858 2/28-3/14
Schweitzer - Stay Slopeside & Ski from only $78 per person at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Your package includes a one night stay for up to four people and lift tickets for each person. Package is based on quad occupancy. Lodging Reservations: 877.ITS.IN.ID (877.487.4643)
www.schweitzer.com/plan_vacation/vacation_packages/
Tamarack - Choose from the Lodge at Osprey Meadows, Townhomes, Cottages, Chalets, Estate Homes and Resort Homes.
$100 Bonus Nights!
* Book lodging and receive an additional night for $100
* Starting at $68 per person, per night
Stay & Ski Free
Call Tamarack Central Reservations at (866) 320-5194 and refer to promo code SKIIDAHO20 to receive a 20% discount off any Stay & Ski Free Package. That means you could be skiing and staying at Tamarack for as low as $74.50 per night.
Tamarack Regular Season Packages:
Packages are valid from January 2nd -- March 22nd, 2009
Winter Snowmobile Lodging Package
* Starting at $374 per person, per night
* Package includes a half-day guided snowmobile trip off Tamarack's summit per person, per lodging night.
Nordic Discovery Package
* Starting at $122 per person, per night
* Package includes one night's lodging and a First Timer Classic or Skate Lesson, Nordic Rental & Trail Ticket.
Winter Discovery Package
* Starting at $157 per person, per night
* Packages include one Discovery Ticket per person, per lodging night
Winter Backcountry Discovery Package
* Starting at $142 per person, per night
* Package includes a full-day backcountry experience, per person, per night.
SKI IDAHO MEMBERS:
Bald Mountain - Bogus Basin - Brundage - Cottonwood Butte - Grand Targhee - Kelly Canyon - Little Ski Hill - Lookout Pass - Lost Trail - Magic Mountain - Pebble Creek - Pomerelle - Schweitzer Mountain - Silver Mountain - Snow Haven - Soldier Mountain - Sun Valley - Tamarack
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