Idaho ski areas swap skis for bikes, boats as summer season opens

Idaho’s ski resorts are trading powder for pedals, paddles and putters this summer, with more than a dozen areas opening for warm-weather operations offering everything from lift-served mountain biking to a brand-new marina on one of the state’s largest lakes.

Tamarack Resort near Donnelly is making the biggest splash this summer quite literally. The resort opened the first-ever marina and fuel dock on Lake Cascade on May 22, cementing its status as the only ski, golf and lake resort in America. Tamarack Marina features 100 public boat slips, watercraft rentals, lakeside dining and a sandy beach. The resort’s Osprey Meadows Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, was just named the top public golf course in Idaho by Golfweek. Lift-served mountain biking opened the same day across the resort’s 41-plus miles of trails.

In North Idaho, Lookout Pass opened the Route of the Hiawatha scenic bike trail May 22. The 15-mile, all-downhill trail along the Idaho-Montana border is considered the crown jewel of the national rails-to-trails initiative, drawing more than 60,000 riders each summer. The trail runs daily through Sept. 13, with full moon night rides planned for June 27 and Aug. 1.

Silver Mountain Resort near Kellogg begins weekend mountain biking operations May 23, shifting to daily service June 13. The resort’s 40-trail bike park, a four-time winner of MTBparks.com’s Best in the Northwest award, debuts a new intermediate trail called “Elk Diary” this summer. Silver Mountain also operates Silver Rapids, the state’s largest indoor waterpark, and offers e-bike rentals for exploring the nearby Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.

Schweitzer near Sandpoint opens June 13 with more than 40 miles of mountain bike trails and up to 3,800 feet of vertical descent. Summer offerings include disc golf on two nine-hole courses, scenic chairlift rides overlooking Lake Pend Oreille, ziplines, horseback riding and the returning Northwest Winefest July 18-19.

Bogus Basin near Boise opens June 19 and operates Wednesdays through Sundays through Labor Day. The Basin Gravity Park includes Idaho’s top-ranked mountain bike trail and hosts the Boise Mountain Bike Festival June 27. The nonprofit ski area also operates the Glade Runner mountain coaster, a challenge course and free summer concert series.

Brundage Mountain Resort near McCall also opens June 19, offering 30-plus miles of mountain bike trails, scenic chairlift rides with 360-degree summit views, disc golf and free weekly concerts. The resort adds a Wife Carrying Challenge to its Fourth of July lineup this year.

Sun Valley Resort kicks off summer June 26 when the Roundhouse Gondola begins spinning on Bald Mountain. Lift-served mountain biking opens July 1. The resort is replacing two lifts for the coming ski season, with construction affecting parts of the mountain this summer. Notable events include Brothers Osborne and Chase Rice performing July 3-4 and Portugal, The Man on Sept. 6.

Grand Targhee Resort near Driggs opens June 12 with 17 miles of lift-served downhill trails and more than 50 miles of multi-use trails. Three new downhill trails debut midsummer. The resort is also reviving the Targhee Fest after a seven-year hiatus July 10-11.

Soldier Mountain near Fairfield hosts three Picnic Patio Parties June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16, featuring e-bike group rides, live music and lift-served mountain biking. E-bikes are now permitted on trails all season.

Pebble Creek Ski Area near Inkom stages its 62nd annual Wildflower and Music Festival June 27, featuring five bands and scenic chairlift rides. Magic Mountain near Kimberly hosts two public archery shoots and a NICA race. Pomerelle Mountain near Albion opens to the public Aug. 1-2 for the Pomerelle Pounder mountain bike race.

For a full schedule of events and opening dates, visit skiidaho.us.

This story was written using artificial intelligence with human oversight.