BOISE, Idaho–(October 12, 2006)– With more than 150 km of Nordic trails throughout the state, lots of snow, few crowds and sunny skies, Idaho serves as a popular destination for cross-country skiers.
Several Idaho ski resorts feature cross-country loops and trails, ski schools, camps and rentals, while some feature lodges just to accommodate Nordic skiers.
Bogus Basin ( www.bogusbasin.com ) is a perfect spot for those who want to ski during the day and later enjoy Boise’s nightlife. Located just 16.5 miles from the city, Bogus Basin has 37 km of groomed trails, some featuring solar-powered trail lights for night skiing. Frontier Point Nordic Lodge, located at the Nordic trailhead, is easy to access and provides dining and rentals to Nordic skiers. The resort also offers a youth ski league and full moon tours throughout the winter. A one day adult pass is $12.
As one of Idaho's premier skiing destinations, Sun Valley ( www.sunvalley.com ) features 40 km of manicured and marked trails, all of which begin at the Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center, right out the back door of the world-famous Sun Valley Lodge. Classical, skate skiing and ski touring can also be enjoyed as trail grooming sets and maintains tracks for smooth gliding.
Sun Valley houses the largest Nordic ski school in the Sun Valley/Sawtooth National Recreation Area where the very latest teaching techniques are incorporated into all levels of instruction, clinics and private lessons. Additional ski touring in the nearby Sawtooth National Recreation Area can be arranged by the Sun Valley Nordic Center. A one day adult pass is $16.
Idaho's newest resort is Tamarack Resort ( www.tamarakidaho.com ) and features 30 km of rolling trails enhanced by state-of-the-art grooming and snowmaking, full-width skating lanes and machine-set classic tracks. Located near Donnelly in the West Central Mountains of Idaho the scenery features views of Lake Cascade and Tamarack Mountain. Rental equipment is available on-site in the newly opened and easy-to-access Lodge at Osprey Meadows and races, camps and clinics are held throughout the winter. A one day adult pass is $13.
Stretching more than 32 km, Schweitzer Mountain's ( www.schweitzer.com ) Nordic trails offer spectacular views of Sandpoint and Lake Pend Oreille with challenging and friendly terrain for all levels. Beginners can pick up some Rossignol equipment in the Demo Center and glide the trails with a personal coach from Schweitzer's Snowsports School, while the more advanced will want to check out races scheduled throughout the season. A one day adult pass is $10.
Finally, Ponderosa State Park ( www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov ) is home to one of only two U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association cross-country courses. The park covers most of a 1,000-acre peninsula that juts into beautiful Payette Lake near McCall, Idaho and includes 23 km of groomed Nordic trails. Ponderosa State Park and the community of McCall, Idaho will host the 2008 Masters World Cup, a very prestigious Nordic Ski event. Rates are $4 per car and $2 per person. Idaho Parks and Recreation also has a Park 'N Ski Program that allows you to ski 11 cross country sites across the state.
Learn more about Nordic skiing in Idaho and other winter recreation opportunities at www.idahowinter.org .
Idaho—Nowhere Near Ordinary
Idaho offers more than 150 km of Nordic trails to relax on and enjoy. So take a break from it all and come out to play. Idaho—nowhere near ordinary. Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.
