By Natalie Bartley  

        Deep in the mountains of the Boise National Forest, there’s an alpine setting with lots of snow and a long season for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Explore the area by accessing the Idaho City trail system, located 17–25 miles north of Idaho City along Idaho 21.

        This trail system is a popular winter day trip destination. You can extend your visit into an overnight trip by renting one of the six backcountry yurts in the system. Four Idaho City Park N’ Ski areas offer plowed parking lots and trailheads accessing 55 miles of marked trails, 26 miles of groomed ski trails, and 15 miles of designated snowshoe trails. Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) manages the trails and yurts. Last year, Beaver Creek Summit Park N’ Ski lot and Stargaze Yurt were added to the system. Four-legged friends are allowed on trails in the Park N’ Ski system, except for the groomed trails out of the Banner Ridge Park N’ Ski lot. Please collect your dog’s deposit, pack it out, and keep pets in control.

        You can sample skiing and snowshoeing at IDPR’s upcoming 26th Annual Free Ski/Snowshoe Day on Saturday, January 7 at the Idaho City Park N’ Ski areas. The Park N’ Ski day pass fee is waived for the day. Future visits require the $7.50 three-day pass or the $25 annual pass.

        Greeters will be at the Gold Fork, Banner Ridge, and Whoop-Um-Up parking areas. Bring your own classical skis, skate skis, or snowshoes, and check out the trails. Gold Fork, Banner Ridge, and Elkhorn trails will be freshly groomed.

        The event includes an open house at the Whispering Pine Yurt. Warm up by the woodburning stove inside the yurt, sip a cup of hot chocolate, and imagine yourself renting a yurt sometime this year.

        During the Free Ski/Snowshoe Day, the Southern Idaho Region National Ski Patrol will offer two beginner snowshoe clinics. Meet at the Whoop-Um-Up Park N’ Ski lot. IDPR will offer clinics for intermediate and advanced snowshoers. Meet at the Sandy Point Parking lot on Highway 21 beyond Discovery Park. Pre-registration is required for all clinics.

INFORMATION
Idaho Parks and Recreation
(208) 514-2418
www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recreation/parknski.aspx

        Pre-register for the January 7 snowshoe clinics and get clinic details by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

        Purchase a season pass for $25 or three-day pass for $7.50 from IDPR headquarters on Warm Springs Avenue, online at the IDPR website (new this year at idpr.idaho.gov/Renewal/default.aspx ), or from local outdoor retailers listed on the IDPR website. In Idaho City, purchase at Tom’s Service Station, Idaho City Grocery, and Donna’s Place.

Getting there

Take Idaho 21 northeast of Boise beyond Idaho City. The four Park N’ Ski areas are between 17 and 25 miles from Idaho City.

Ski and Snowshoe Tips

•  Dress in layers for managing your body temperature.
•  Keep hydrated and nourished with easily accessible water, energy drinks, and snacks.
•  Travel in a vehicle with good snow tires.
•  In your vehicle carry a snow shovel, extra winter clothing, and spare food.
•  Consider carpooling to the Free Ski/Snowshoe Day.

Natalie Bartley is the Boise-based author of the recently released mobile app travel guide Boise’s Best Outdoor Adventures, available at http://sutromedia.com/boise, and the trail guidebooks Best Easy Day Hikes Boise and Best Rail Trails Pacific Northwest, available at amazon.com and at your local outdoor retailer or bookstore.