Free Ski/Snowshoe Day at Idaho City

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is sponsoring Free Ski/Snowshoe Day.
Come play at the Idaho City Park N’ Ski area on Saturday, January 10th. The Idaho City Park N’ Ski area is located about 17 miles north of Idaho City on Highway 21. There you will find 3 areas with large plowed parking lots and toilets. Collectively, the area offers 50 miles of marked ski trails of which 26 miles are groomed for skiing.

The Park N’ Ski fee has been waived that day to encourage you to test out those new skis and snowshoes. For those new to Nordic skiing, at the Gold Fork and Banner Ridge Park N’ Ski parking lot the SIR Nordic Ski Patrol will offer free ski tips from 11:00 am. and to 2:00 pm. For those wanting to learn new snowshoe skills the department is offering 4 snowshoe clinics.

Free Off-Trail Snowshoe Clinics

Discover what snowshoeing is all about. Leo Hennessy (Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Non-motorized Trails Coordinator) and several local expert snowshoers will lead off-trail snowshoe trips that will teach backcountry snowshoe techniques and route finding tips. This short course will give you the confidence to travel off the beaten path and see an untouched winter wonderland. All ability levels will be accommodated. Each class will be limited to 12 participants. Beginner’s classes will snowshoe 1-2 miles on gentle hills and particpants must be in good aerobic condition. The intermediate to advanced level snowshoers, must be in excellent aerobic condition. The group will travel 3- 4 miles on steep terrain and must be willing to fall a few times. The advanced group will be a little more challenge by elevation and distance.

There will be two beginner clinics at the Whoop-Um-Up Park N’ Ski parking lot. One beginning at 11:00 am. and the other at 1:00 pm. The beginner clinics will last about 1.5 hours. You are on your own for driving up but we recommend carpooling in a 4x4 vehicle if possible.

The intermediate and advanced clinic will meet at 9:00 am. at the Discovery State Park. The lot is located adjacent to Highway 21 just as you start up the hill on the way Lucky Peak Dam. Parking is free. Please plan to car pool because parking is limited. If you volunteer to drive, please bring a snow shovel, good snow tires and a full tank of gas. We will be back in Boise by 5:00 pm.

What You Will Need: Bring your own snowshoes and poles. If you do not have a pair you can rent them at REI, Greenwoods, Benchmark or Idaho Mountain Touring for $10 to $15 per day. We hope to have lots of deep powder snow, so bigger snowshoes are best if you have a choice. Poles are critical, so don’t forget them! Also, have waterproof boots, layered wicking clothing (no jeans or cotton), wind and rain gear, warm hat, pair of gloves, sunglasses, daypack, lunch, water, emergency gear and knee high gaiters to keep the snow out of your boots.

Bring a friend and enjoy a day on the snow. Sorry no dogs or young children allowed. To reserve a spot, e-mail Judy Ditto at jditto@idpr.idaho.gov before the cut-off of December 28th. Please e-mail your name, phone number, class choice and start time.