Winter fun in Idaho

Idaho is a choice spot for winter pursuits. Everything from casual wildlife watching to adventuresome sleigh rides await motorhome travelers.

Dog sledding, Idaho style
Visit the annual Ashton American Dog Derby for two days (Feb. 15 and 16, 2008) of mushing and barking as teams from the United States and Canada compete in the oldest sled dog races in the lower 48 states.

There's also a "Mutt Race," Junior Musher competitions, ice sculpting competitions and snowshoe races down Main Street.

www.americandogderby.org

After a day of checking out the action at the dog derby, why not try some action of your own? Dog sled outfitters are abundant in eastern Idaho and the dogs are harnessed up and ready to run.

At Grand Targhee Resort, enjoy a unique experience with a guided back-country excursion through majestic mountains and rolling hills.

www.grandtarghee.com

Another great ranch for dog sledding is Teton Ridge Ranch, located just north of Driggs, Idaho. A team of magnificent Alaskan huskies take travelers on an incredible ride through glistening snow. Guests can even try mushing the dogs themselves.

www.tetonridge.com

The rink
Don’t miss a minute of the action at the Sun Valley Ice Rink named by Budget Travel Online as “one of the top 10 ice skating rinks in the nation.”

Known for headlining the biggest names in skating over the years, including Olympic gold and silver medalists, professional skaters are known to train here during the off-season.

A large sun shade keeps this outdoor rink open 365 days makes year-round training possible. Catch a glimpse of the stars in action as they shine on the ice in amazing performances all year long.

www.sunvalley.com/resort_rec/resort_skating.cfm

Over the river and ...
Enjoy the opportunities to relive those early days when traveling to Grandma's house meant a brisk ride through the snow. Whether you're in northern Idaho, the central part of the state or eastern Idaho, sleigh riding opportunities are easy to come by.

A Sun Valley outing takes visitors up to Ernest Hemingway's haunt, Trail Creek Cabin, for a festive dinner. Another company, called "A Winter's Feast," ferries guests to one of two Mongolian yurts for a five-course gourmet meal.

www.visitsunvalley.com  or www.sunvalley.com

Near Boise, Bogus Creek Outfitters offer an evening sleigh ride into the Boise National Forest for a gourmet meal overlooking the lights of the valley.

www.boguscreek.com

Moon National Monument
For casual snow touring, take a guided snowshoe trip through the surreal, snow-covered landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument.

Each tour begins with a 45- to 60-minute classroom session and ends with several hours out in the park on snowshoes with park naturalist. There, learn how life copes with winter at the monument and discover that winter is an active time for many of the park animals.

The hike is limited to 15 people. Reservations are required.

www.nps.gov/crmo

Winter wildlife watching
Idaho is well-known for its wildlife and you can take your pick of animals and ways of viewing them on frosty winter days.

In central Idaho, Horse-drawn sleigh rides take travelers within a few yards of elk herds feeding in high mountain meadows. Call Vickie Eld (208) 325-8876 for info.

At Harriman State Park, Gray's Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Idaho, watch trumpeter swans, whooping cranes and several varieties of ducks and geese relax in safety for the winter.

Visitors also can view wildlife and get some great exercise at the same time with self-guided cross-country ski tours.

www.idahoparks.org

In southwest Idaho, Lake Lowell National Wildlife Refuge near Caldwell provides a safe haven for snow geese as well as other water birds.

www.swita.org

At Ponderosa State Park, cross-country skiers work up an appetite and then burn off the calories as they ski one mile to a yurt — a cozy hut stocked with firewood, cooking utensils, stoves and dishes — for a tasty meal served up by Blue Moon Outfitters.

One seating per evening features such appetite-pleasers as hot spiced wine, grilled salmon, leg of lamb or pork tenderloin with all the trimmings. Contact: Blue Moon Outfitters, (208) 634-3111.

Several outfitters offer guided trips in the Sawtooth, Smokey, Boulder and Pioneer mountains of central Idaho. Sun Valley Trekking, Sawtooth Mountain Guides and Venture Outdoors take visitors to huts equipped with saunas and wood-fired hot tubs.

Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association: www.ioga.org

Whether watching wildlife or figure skaters or embarking on a guided snowshoe trip, motorhomers have many reasons to “get away” to Idaho during winter.

Idaho Vacation and Travel Planning Guide
www.visitidaho.org