Snow on the Mountains Means Family Fun
By Natalie Bartley

Idaho's mountains stand tall and white-capped during the winter, serving as a visual reminder that it's time to get on the snow and have some family fun, both locally and at ski and snowboard areas across the state.

Located in the Boise National Forest 16 miles from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is celebrating its 65th anniversary during December 2007.  It is a community recreation area that has been in continuous service for many decades.  Jenifer Johnson, the marketing director for Bogus Basin, says "we are now in our third and fourth generations of Boiseans skiing."

To celebrate the actual anniversary day on Dec. 20th, Bogus is offering a day of free lift tickets along with food and beverage specials.  During the weekend of Dec. 22-23, there will be other discounts, specials, and treats.

There's plenty more to be enjoyed at Bogus this winter.  Parent-child ski lessons called "Mommy and Me" workshops are conducted every day from 12:30pm to 2pm and are open to dads and moms.  The $55 fee covers the lesson for both the child and parent.  Each parent will need a lift pass and, as is typical at Bogus, children six and under receive lift tickets for free. For kids on their own who can go in a children's lesson, there are adult "chair riders" who help young students get on the lifts during their lessons.

Get a jump on your mountain efficiency by bringing your children under six to get their own photo I.D. season pass at the main office on Bogus Basin Road.  That way you will not have to get the child's free pass ticket each time you go up to the mountain.  Always watch for annual ski pass deals throughout the year for the rest of the family.  

One of the challenges for parents during the winter ski and snowboard season is how quickly the kids outgrow their ski equipment.  Johnson recommends the equipment lease program.  "If you have children, leasing is such a smart way to go; it is extremely popular with parents," she says.

Once the Bogus equipment lease package is purchased, at anytime during the season at no extra charge kids can trade in the rental equipment for different boot sizes to accommodate their changing bodies.

Another family-friendly tip from Johnson is the suggestion to use the Bogus Bucks cash cards.  You pay for the cards in advance and use them in place of cash while on the mountain for food services, rentals, lessons, and other purchases. No cash is involved and you can reload it at anytime with additional cash.  A special sale is on through Dec. 20 where you get an additional 10 percent added onto cards purchased for $50 and above. Thus a $100 card is worth $110.

Elsewhere on the mountain, the Tubing Hill continues to be popular. Johnson said it is sold out every day, so reservations are necessary.  You can buy a tubing pass online for $9 for adults and children before you head up the mountain.  Just remember, to tube you have to be 36 inches or taller. 

Over at the Nordic Center, family events include the Full Moon Friday Nights with food service, free live music, and discounted lessons scheduled for January 25, February 22, and March 21 at Frontier Point Lodge.  The Snowshoe with a Ranger program will continue on select days. Check the Bogus website for upcoming dates. On Saturday, January 12, the Nordic center will celebrate Winter Trails Day by offering free Nordic skiing and snowshoe trail passes, free music, and late afternoon to early evening free ski lessons. 

There is help getting up to the mountain too.  Bus service to Bogus will run on Saturdays and Sundays this year, as well as weekdays at Christmas break and long holiday weekends.  Call 459-6612 for schedules.

For an out-of-town family snow adventure, consider Brundage Mountain Resort, just north of McCall.  New this year are two additional chairlifts, Bear and Lakeview. April Russell, communication director for the resort, says the Bear chairlift is "putting families and beginners in direct contact with advanced beginner terrain that was hard to get to before."  The other lift will serve the more advanced skiers and snowboarders by accessing an additional 160 acres.

Brundage is also rebuilding the Terrain Park.  "Our goal is to create a Terrain Park that has all levels of freestyle terrain in it," Russell says.  Adults and kids can try smaller tricks and build confidence for the medium and large features. If you are at the resort during the holidays, watch for Santa's visit on Dec. 22-23. "Santa will be cruising the slopes, showing off his skills, and handing out candy and holiday cheer," says Russell.

Sun Valley Resort, northeast of the Treasure Valley, gets into the holiday spirit with their annual Christmas Eve Celebration.  It includes a free ice show that starts at 5:30pm at the resort's outdoor rink and includes carolers, hot chocolate, and cookies.  The Torch Light Parade and fireworks follow the ice show.  Two hundred ski patrollers and instructors ski off of Dollar or Baldy Mountain, depending on the snow level. Jack Sibbach, director of sales, marketing, and public relations at Sun Valley Resort, suggests showing up at the ice rink at 4pm to get a seat.  "That is always a very big event," he says.

The resort boasts two new chairlifts this year and 27 new snowmaking guns on Dollar Mountain.  Sibbach says Dollar is their teaching mountain that is more geared to learning skiing and snowboarding.

The newest resort in Idaho, Tamarack Resort near Donnelly, is offering a Parents and Kids Nordic Camp, Dec. 7-9.  Created for parents with children, the camp covers skiing skills, transporting gear or young children on hauling sleds, and the details of family outings.  The $280 per family fee includes daily lessons, rentals, Nordic trail passes, and lunches.  A Saturday-only $150 option is available.

Other family-oriented alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing events will emerge as the season progresses.  So, get ready for family fun this winter!

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
332- 5100       
bogusbasin.org

Brundage Mountain Resort
(800) 888-7544      
brundage.com

Sun Valley Resort
(800) 786-8259
sunvalley.com

Tamarack Resort
(877) Tam-Resort
tamarackidaho.com

Idaho Road Report
Statewide: (888) 432-7623     
511.idaho.gov

Natalie Bartley is a Boise-based writer and a certified Nordic ski instructor who loves exploring Idaho's mountain destinations.