Idaho Tourism News

Press Releases
Press Kit

For further information or media kits, please contact:
Kellie Kluksdal, Idaho Tourism
P.O. Box 83702
Boise, ID 83702
P: 208-334-2470
F: 208-334-2631
Email: kellie.kluksdal@tourism.idaho.gov

For news and information on other Idaho state government agencies including agriculture, commerce, education, transportation and more, please visit Idaho News.

Big Run of Chinook Salmon Heading for Idaho in May

Contact: Kellie Kluksdal 208-334-2470 X2152 kellie.kluksdal@tourism.idaho.gov
Big Run of Chinook Salmon Heading for Idaho in May
Anglers Prepare for a Thrilling Season
BOISE, Idaho (May 6, 2008) —Idaho is the place to be in May and June of this year, as the Chinook salmon run on the state’s Clearwater and Salmon river’s could potentially be the second-highest salmon run this decade and among the top five in the last 30 years.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is predicting that approximately 100,000 spring Chinook will enter Idaho waters from the Columbia and Snake rivers, compared to 29,240 last year. The fishing season officially opened on April 26, but because of cool weather, good fishing is not expected to begin until about May 10, when more fish have made it upstream, giving anglers time to plan their trips.

The opportunity to fish for Chinook salmon, known as “kings,” puts the spotlight on Idaho and the Pacific Northwest when big fish runs occur. As the fish move upriver from the Pacific Ocean, anglers try to catch them on the Columbia and Snake River reservoirs in Oregon and Washington. Then, when the fish move into Idaho in a few weeks, it will be THE place to catch Chinook.

Any fish caught with clipped adipose fins, a key indicator that they are hatchery fish, can be kept for a tasty meal, but wild fish must be returned to the river. Chinook salmon, the largest of all ocean-going species, are highly prized by anglers and put up a big fight when hooked.

Salmon River guides in Riggins are excited about the large fish run, but their enthusiasm is met with anticipation over big rushing whitewater that will be coming down river during the same time the salmon are swimming upriver. That means some guides may take visitors on white-knuckle whitewater trips rather than fishing trips, depending on river flows.

“We may have a small window in early May before the high flows come, but our best shot will be after the river starts dropping in later June,” says Kerry Brennan, owner of Rapid River Outfitters in Riggins. “It’s always kind of a scramble to fish for spring Chinook because of the potential for high water. This year, we know we’re going to have high water because of deep snow pack, and so far, the snow hasn’t really begun melting yet in the high country.”

To find a licensed Idaho fishing guide, check out www.visitidaho.org or the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association at www.ioga.org. For the latest fish counts and fishing information visit the Idaho Department of Fish and Game at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.

Idaho?Adventures in Living
Idaho is home to more than 3,200 miles of whitewater, more than any other state in the lower 48, along with mountains to climb, trails to hike, lakes to fish, 17 ski resorts and much more. So take a break from it all and come out to play. Idaho?Adventures in Living. Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.

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www.visitidaho.org

EXPERIENCE AN IDAHO ADVENTURE CLOSE TO HOME

Contact: Kellie Kluksdal 208-334-2470 x 2152 kellie.kluksdal@tourism.idaho.gov
EXPERIENCE AN IDAHO ADVENTURE CLOSE TO HOME

BOISE, Idaho (May 6, 2008) —Idaho promotes “Adventures in Living” to the world, but an Idaho adventure can also be experienced by those of us who call Idaho home. With travel expenses inching upward almost daily and personal finances being tight, many Idahoans may be looking for affordable alternatives close to home for a family vacation this year.

Idahoans don’t need to travel far for world-class experiences. For an outstanding golf, adventure hit all of the top spots on the Idaho golf trail (www.idahogolftrail.com or www.visitidaho.org). Take a wilderness whitewater vacation (www.visitidaho.org) or go camping in that one spot in Idaho that you always wanted to visit but never made the time. Or, as another alternative, Idahoans may want to consider checking out some of the state’s popular events while toting along boats, bikes, ATV’s, fishing gear or other outdoor toys to enjoy in the surrounding countryside.

Vacation packages are offered by industry partners and outfitters and can be tailored to your needs. Visit http://www.visitidaho.org/vacationideas/ for more information.

Here are a few ideas for sticking close to home this summer:

Kick off the summer vacation by visiting Sun Valley Food & Wine Festival, June 6-8, headlined by celebrity chef Cat Cora. Head out for a hike or a mountain bike ride in Adams Gulch in the morning, or play golf at Elkhorn or Sun Valley, and then sample a great variety of delicious food and fine wine in the afternoon. Restaurants in the Ketchum/Sun Valley area will host demonstrations for the general public..For additional information, visit www.sunvalleyfoodandwinefestival.com

On June 7, Riggins will host the Big Water Blowout, and this year there will be HUGE water! Among the events will be a Dutch Oven Cook Off in the evening and an all day park event for the family that will include a beer garden for adults. Any weekend is a good time for visitors to bring ATV's and ride Race Creek Road up to the ridges of Hells Canyon. Or hike in Hells Canyon and jump on a jet boat for a thrilling ride on the Snake River. Visit http://www.rigginsidaho.com for additional event information.

Weiser National Old-Time Fiddlers Contest, June 16-21. More than 350 of the nation’s top fiddlers gather for thousands in prize money each year in Weiser. Make a day of it or camp in Fiddle Town by Weiser High School, the main venue, and jam with musicians from throughout the nation. Fish along the Weiser River when you get a break, or try a portion of the Weiser River Trail, a rail-trail that runs adjacent to the river. For more information, visit http://www.fiddlecontest.com/

In Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene, the Julyamsh PowWow, hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, has become the largest outdoor powwow in the Pacific Northwest. The event runs from July 25-27. Activities include stick games at the Coeur d’Alene Reservation in Worley, an Indian horse parade, art auction and Indian dancing at the Coeur d’Alene greyhound park near Post Falls. Bring your boat to enjoy one of many freshwater lakes in the Coeur d’Alene region, including Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille or Priest Lake. There are many golf courses nearby as well as trails for hiking and biking, including the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a paved trail along the Coeur d’Alene River. Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information. Watch this YouTube video for an inside look at the powwow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXnCnIs7f70

For a great family-friendly trip, visit Rexburg or Burley in late July for the Idaho International Dance and Music Festival. The traveling show lands in Burley from July 23-25,, and in Rexburg from July 28-Aug 2. Dance and music groups from 14 nations, including Russia, Sri Lanka, Japan, Mexico, Macedonia, Israel, India, Greece, France, China and Belgium will perform. Go hiking, biking or trail riding in the nearby hills in the Sawtooth National Forest, south of Burley, or in the Targhee National Forest, near Rexburg. Fly-fish on the world-renowned Henry’s Fork less than an hour away. For additional information, visit www.rexcc.com

The Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA), the pre-eminent guardian and promoter of the inspirational story of the 19th century westward American migration, will host their annual event in Nampa, August 5-9. Several tours and entertainment options are being planned including a wagon train from Montpelier to Nampa. The wagon train will travel as close as possible to the same route used by those early pioneers who helped settle the West and will pass through portions of the Oregon California Trail, the Jeffery/Goodale Cutoff, the Kelton Road, and trails used by stagecoaches, freighters and drovers. Bring your cameras and the kids or grand kids and let them experience some of what our hardy ancestors may have had to live through. Visit http://www.octa-trails.org/ for more information.

In early August, it’s hot, and there is no better way to chill than to head for the Bear Lake Raspberry Days Aug. 7-9. Cool off with a fresh raspberry shake, made with fresh-picked raspberries, and then go boating on Bear Lake or hiking, biking or trail riding in the Caribou National Forest just above the lake. For additional information, check out http://www.bearlake.org/raspdays.html or http://www.gardencityut.us/raspberrydays.html.

Experience an authentic rodeo during the Snake River Stampede in Nampa, July 15-19. While you’re in town, take in a Boise Hawks baseball game or a Boise Burn Arena Football game. Head into the Owyhee Mountains for the day to go on an ATV ride, hiking or biking, all accessed from the Owyhee Backcountry Scenic Byway.

Idaho—Adventures in Living
Idaho is home to 3,200 miles of whitewater, more than any other state in the lower 48, along with mountains to climb, trails to hike, lakes to fish, 17 ski resorts and much more. So take a break from it all and come out to play. Idaho—adventures in living. Visit www.visitidaho.org for more information and vacation ideas.

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www.visitidaho.org

Brundage Extends Season AGAIN

Contact: April Russell (208) 634-4151 ext. 120 april@brundage.com
Brundage Extends Season AGAIN
Final Day to be a Tribute to Moms
MCCALL, Idaho (May 1, 2008) —The spirit of winter is carrying well into May this year at Brundage Mountain Resort. The resort has received another six inches of fresh snow this week, allowing a final extension of lift operations for Saturday, May 10th.

The resort is now closed on week days, but will be open Saturday & Sunday, May 3 & 4 and for a newly announced closing day on Saturday, May 10th. Lifts will run 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

This is the first time on record that Brundage Mountain has extended its season into the month of May.

“The snow keeps coming and the warm temperatures are staying away,” said resort spokesperson April Russell. “Slope conditions have been excellent and so has the interest from our guests, so we’re staying open to share this great experience and to share our appreciation.”

MOMS & KIDS SKI FREE ON CLOSING DAY

Closing day will include an early Mother’s Day treat with FREE lift tickets offered May 10th for Moms and kids 17 & under.

A regular adult full day lift ticket for closing day will cost $35. Day care and Ski School programs will be offered.

Discount lift tickets are also available on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday May 4th at a full-day adult rate of $40. ($30 for Bogus Basin pass holders who show a valid pass at the Brundage ticket window).

Two Inches Away from All-time Snowfall Record

Normally, Brundage Mountain closes its winter operations after the second Sunday in April. Seasonally cool spring temperatures and consistent snowfall have allowed for four extra weekends this year.

Brundage Mountain is now within two inches of hitting the all-time record for cumulative season snowfall.

The record was set in the winter of 1998/1999, when 430 inches of snow fell on Brundage Mountain. In 2005/2006, the total reached 420 inches. As of Wednesday, April 30th, the resort has recorded 428 inches of season snowfall.

www.brundage.com

First Indoor Waterpark at a Western Ski Resort

Contact: Melisa Glasberg (203) 223-6794 mglasberg@cmdagency.com
First Indoor Waterpark at a Western Ski Resort

KELLOGG, Idaho (May 1, 2008) —Surf Idaho is quickly becoming the new motto for skiers and snowboarders in the know. Rated as one of "Skiing's Biggest Secrets" by SKI Magazine, Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho is bringing the best of wave riding and indoor family waterpark fun to its high-country home in the Northern Rockies. Opening May 30 as the only indoor waterpark at a ski resort in the West, Silver Rapids will transform Silver Mountain into an all-season destination.

The new waterpark, called Silver Rapids, will offer more than 42,000 square feet of the latest aquatic attractions for all ages, nearly the size of a football field. The centerpiece of Silver Rapids is the FlowRider™ Surf Wave, a continuous wave surfing machine that combines the thrills of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding in a safe indoor environment. The FlowRider gives visitors to Silver Mountain Resort the opportunity to hit the slopes and surf giant waves all on the same day.

In addition to the FlowRider, Silver Rapids also features the following attractions:

• Moose Sluice – family raft ride with a twisting and turning waterslide.
• Gold Rush and Prospector Plunge – two enclosed tube slides that can be braved alone or with a friend.
• Cubs Club – an interactive spray deck that toddlers will love, complete with fountains, bubblers and misters.
• Miner's Island – a themed multi-level play structure with interactive water valves and sprays. It comes complete with a giant tipping bucket and two body flume waterslides.
• North Fork Lazy River – a 315-foot-long water trail that surrounds Miner's Island and moves guests along with a gentle current.
• Hoop Lagoon – an activity pool complete with basketball hoops and a warm 83-degree water court.
• The Crossing – features floating lily pad obstacles that the nimble-footed can cross with the help of an overhead cargo net.
• Trestles – a true "wet bar" located on the second floor mezzanine overlooking the waterpark. Guests can soak in the hot tub and enjoy a cool drink while watching the FlowRider action.

"Silver Rapids marks the next phase in the resort's development from its beginning as a historic Idaho mining operation to one of the hottest year-round resort destinations for outdoor recreational sports," said Jeff Colburn, general manager of Silver Mountain Resort. "There's nothing else in the West like it, especially now that Silver Mountain offers the best of snow and water activities for vacationers."

In addition to the debut of Silver Rapids indoor waterpark, Silver Mountain Resort offers a plethora of activities for outdoor adventurers during the summer. For downhill mountain bikers, there are 3,500 vertical feet of trails easily accessible, thanks to the world's longest gondola located at the base of the resort. The Silver Mountain area is also a mecca for fly-fishermen, with close access to tranquil Northern Idaho lakes.

Also on tap for this summer is the the Sunday Race Series for mountain bikers, and the 13th Annual Microbrew Festival on August 9, bringing together the best beer brewers in the Rockies. The popular Concert & Village party series will feature top national touring acts including Jonny Lang on July 12, Ted Nugent on July 27, High School Musical's Corbin Bleu on August 2 and the Parrot Fest Jimmy Buffett tribute band on August 30.

Silver Mountain Resort has singlehandedly put the town of Kellogg back on the map. The economic hardships the town endured from thousands of jobs lost in the closing of Bunker Hill Mine paled in comparison to the environmental issues it faced. With an estimated 100 million tons of waste from a century of discharges and emissions, Kellogg became a top-priority Superfund site. A massive cleanup effort helped the town recover, allowing it to move forward with plans to create another viable source of revenue – tourism. Two decades later, instead of turning into a ghost town, Kellogg is now prospering and continues its ongoing growth as a top destination for downhill skiers and snowboarders in winter as well as hikers, mountain bikers and boaters in summer. Along with opening Silver Rapids, the resort is currently developing the Galena Ridge golf course community, which will feature an 18-hole championship course.

www.silvermt.com

River Dance Lodge Named to National Geographic Traveler's 2008 "Stay List"

Contact: Ian Kramer 208-765-0841 ian@ROWadventures.com
River Dance Lodge Named to National Geographic Traveler's 2008 "Stay List"

LEWISTON, Idaho (May 1, 2008) —National Geographic Traveler magazine has named the River Dance Lodge to its first annual "Stay List." Selected from more than 600 nominated hotels and resorts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Caribbean region, the River Dance Lodge is the sole Idaho property on the list.

According to the magazine, the Stay List showcases properties with location-inspired architecture, ambience and amenities, eco-stewardship, and an ethic of giving back to the community. Featured locations are also recognized for promoting authenticity and a sense of place. After receiving nominations and input from local travel experts and seasoned travelers, the magazine's editors compiled in-depth questionnaires and conducted extensive research before selecting the top 150 properties for the 2008 Stay List.

The River Dance Lodge is eight custom log cabins overlooking Idaho's Clearwater River, one of the original rivers designated "Wild and Scenic" by Congress in 1968. The lodge partners with ROW Adventures (http://www.ROWadventures.com), a Coeur d'Alene-based adventure travel company, to offer guests guided fly fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and hiking tours of the area.

"We deliver an authentic Idaho wilderness experience," said Vincent Rosan, general manager of the River Dance Lodge. "We hire locally, support our community and offer a broad range of outdoor pursuits. And after an exciting day whitewater rafting, fly fishing or horseback riding, our guests retire to the rustic luxury of their custom log cabins and private hot tubs."

About River Dance Lodge
Situated on the banks of the Clearwater River in Central Idaho, the River Dance Lodge is a celebration of wild rivers, nature and adventure sports. Its eight log cabins are adjacent to the 1.3 million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area and three miles from the historic Lewis and Clark Trail. Call 1-800-451-6034 or visit www.RiverDanceLodge.com for more information.

www.RiverDanceLodge.com

SAVOR SUN VALLEY THIS SPRING

Contact: Bronwyn Patterson (208) 725-2101 bpatterson@visitsunvalley.com
SAVOR SUN VALLEY THIS SPRING

SUN VALLEY, Idaho (May 1, 2008) —The resort area of Sun Valley/Ketchum offers dining deals at top restaurants, low lodging rates, and other specials during May.

The Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber & Visitor’s Bureau invites visitors to Savor Sun Valley this spring and take advantage of the many special deals being offered at area hotels, restaurants, shops, golf resorts and more from May 1st-June 5th. May is a perfect time to make a getaway to visit the area and enjoy small crowds, warm weather and great values. The snow is rapidly melting, the bike paths and many area hiking trails are cleared and the golf greens are ready for play.

DINING DEALS
The perfect place to Savor Sun Valley is enjoying a meal at one of the world-class restaurants tucked away in cute little cabins, where top chefs create locally-inspired dishes and juicy burgers and beer are served in popular hole-in-the-wall joints. Some of the restaurant specials include prix fix three course meals beginning at $21.95 at Chandler’s and $24.95 at CK’s; two for one dinners at East Ave Bistro, free movie passes with each meal at Chandler’s and Baci; and Ladies’ two-for-one specials at Baci and Gretchen’s. Visitors will be tempted to try the town’s new signature cocktail, the “Tatertini”, made from a mixture of pure Idaho potato vodka and huckleberry infused vodka, served at The Roosevelt Grille.

SUN VALLEY FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL, JUNE 6th-8th
The culmination of spring is celebrated with the 2nd Annual Sun Valley Food & Wine Festival, held June 6th-8th. The event will feature well-known chefs such as Cat Cora from the Food Network’s Iron Chef, John Tesar from the Rosewood Mansion on TurtleCreek in Dallas, and Jimmy Sneed of Carena’s Jamaican Grille, Anne Callaghan from the Aureole Las Vegas and Larbi Dahrouch from Aqua at the One&Only Pamilla Resort in Los Cabos, from the festival’s newly formed partnership with the Jean-Louis Palladin (JLP) Foundation. It will also feature the spectacular talent and cuisine that can be found locally in the Wood River Valley. Local chefs will be offering demonstrations and vintner dinners as part of the three day culinary celebration. Cooking demonstrations will range from a “lamb extravaganza” to “How to throw the ultimate dinner party”, while vintner dinners will temp taste buds with examples of delicious wine and food pairings. The weekend will end with the Sun Valley/Ketchum Grand Tasting, which offers a diverse sampling of restaurant and caterer favorites including champagnes, wines, vodka and a Bartender’s Cup.

SLEEP WELL FOR $79 PER NIGHT
Many of the area’s hotels and condominiums are being offered at great low rates in May and early June. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a world-class getaway in Sun Valley beginning at just $79 per night.

While you don’t have to do anything more than relax, rest easy and eat well to enjoy spring in Sun Valley, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy:

Swing Into Spring - Great Golf at Great Rates
*Sun Valley Resort’s Spring Golf Package, offered early May - June 1st includes one round of golf, a golf cart and one night’s lodging in a Sun Valley Resort accommodation for only $120 per person per night. Also opening in 2008 will be the first nine holes of a new, 18-hole Donald Knott championship golf course which will join the acclaimed 18-hole course at the resort, with the second nine scheduled to come online in 2009. A state-of-the-art, 58,756-square-foot golf clubhouse and Nordic Center will overlook the course and 18-hole putting green, complete with a restaurant and spa.

Rock and Ride
* Hit the lower elevation hiking and biking trails that run throughout the Wood River Valley and surrounding mountains for a great spring workout in a spectacular setting. Take a wildflower walk with a guide from the Sawtooth Botanical Garden or at the Silver Creek Preserve.

Cultural Immersion
* Stroll through top-notch art galleries and discover a broad range of eclectic offerings, from old masters to innovative emerging artists. The Sun Valley Gallery Association monthly evening Gallery Walk will be held May 24th with most galleries unveiling new shows with guest artists in attendance. www.svgalleries.org

* Watch award-winning independent films at the Magic Lantern Spring Film Festival, May 16th through June 6th, in Ketchum. www.magiclanterncinemas.com

* Listen to lectures/readings by acclaimed authors at The Community Library in Ketchum. Diana Abu-Jaber will discuss her book Origin” on May 6th and John Keahey will talk about his latest work, Venice Against the Sea: A City Besieged on May 12th. www.communitylibrary.org

* Attend a play (“Light up the Sky” at the nexStage Theatre, May 28th-June 1st), a dance performance (“The Toy Shoppe”, May 10-11 and “Spring Showcase” May 15th-17th), or just listen to great music at a local club. www.nexstage.org

Renew Your Body-Mind-Spirit
* Renew yourself with a weekend of wellness at the 11th Annual Sun Valley Wellness Festival, May 23rd through 26th, at the Sun Valley Resort. Chose from over fifty programs on mind, body, and spirit, as well as an exciting selection of vendors and practitioners. Join keynote speakers Dan Millman and Alberto Villoldo and get inspired. www.sunvalleywellness.org

* Challenge yourself and sign up for the 4th Annual Sun Valley/Ketchum US Half Marathon on May 24th, featuring a half marathon, 12K, 5K, and a Kids MaraFun race. www.sunvalleyhalf.com

For complete lodging information, and to book online, visit www.visitsunvalley.com/hotdeals. Complete area information can be found at www.visitsunvalley.com

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www.visitsunvalley.com

Record-Breaking Snowpack Gives Way to Whitewater Adventure

Brundage Mountain Extends Its 2008 Ski Season

Contact: April Russell 208-634-6632 april@brundage.com
Brundage Mountain Extends Its 2008 Ski Season
McCall Resort Closes in on 400 Inch Milestone
MCCALL, Idaho (March 25, 2008) —Near-record snowfall and consistently low spring temperatures are creating ideal conditions at Brundage Mountain Resort. The snow quality is so good and the snow pack so deep, the resort now plans to add extra weekends of operation.

Normally, Brundage Mountain closes its winter operations after the second Sunday in April. This year, resort managers plan to operate seven days a week through Sunday, April 13. After that, Brundage will continue lift service for two additional weekends, April 19-20 and April 26-27.

“Right now our snow depths are on par with what they were in early February,” said resort spokesperson April Russell. “The whole time it’s been raining in the Treasure Valley, it’s been snowing up here at Brundage Mountain.”

“Our snow base is nearly eight feet deep at the base and well over 10 feet deep on the summit. We’re confident we can continue to offer an excellent skiing experience well into the month of April,” added Russell.

The resort is also closing in on a major snowfall milestone and looking forward to celebrating it with visitors.

Brundage Mountain is just 12 inches away from the elusive 400 inch milestone for cumulative season snowfall. While Brundage Mountain has surpassed the 400 inch mark in four of the last 20 years, most U.S. ski resorts consider a 300 inch season to be a landmark.

Visitors will want to follow the progress toward that 400 inch goal at www.brundage.com/snowreport.aspx. Starting the day after that total reaches 400 inches, a full-day adult lift ticket will be just $40 (normally $48). That price will continue for the remainder of the season. (That’s 400 inches of snow for the equivalent of 400 dimes!)

The resort’s traditional Crazy Daze celebration will be held as scheduled on April 12 & 13. It’s a whole weekend of live music, with headliner Bouncing Souls taking the stage on Sunday. Big prizes will be awarded for the winners of the Crazy Daze Costume contest and the resort’s second annual Pond Skimming Contest. (photo attached). Full details are available at brundage.com.

Interested parties can check the March snow conditions for themselves, by viewing a video feature at http://www.brundage.com/video-gallery.aspx.
www.brundage.com

Idaho Golf Trail Adds Two New Courses

Contact: Kellie Kluksdal (208)-334-2470 kellie.kluksdal@tourism.idaho.gov
Idaho Golf Trail Adds Two New Courses

BOISE, Idaho (March 25, 2008) —Idaho is quickly becoming recognized for its outstanding golf opportunities including those on the Idaho Golf Trail, a tour of some of Idaho’s finest courses.

Two new courses were recently added to the trail- Falcon Crest Golf Club near Boise, and Jug Mountain Ranch near Donnelly. Each course adds a new element to the already popular trail.

Falcon Crest Golf Club, located just 15 minutes southwest of Boise, is a par-72 course stretching over 7,089 yards. With views of the Boise Valley and surrounding mountains, the course design combines the natural terrain with water, grass, sand and stone, making each hole a one-of-a-kind experience, whether playing 18 holes on the championship course or just nine on the executive course.

Jug Mountain Ranch is a 7,265-yard, par-72 course designed by Donald Knott, whose previous work included the widely acclaimed Links at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach), Rancho La Quinta, Sun Valley Resort, and more than 60 other courses worldwide. In its January 2008 issue, Golf Digest ranked the course as the “second best new public course under $75.”

The Idaho Golf Trail brings together ten unique and challenging courses across the state to provide a great golf experience. The trail is divided into three sections. In the northern Panhandle are Circling Raven , Coeur d’Alene Resort and StoneRidge all near Coeur d’Alene. Southern Idaho is home to Banbury, Falcon Crest Golf Club, and Sun Valley Golf Course, while the newly created central loop includes Osprey Meadows at Tamarack Resort, Whitetail Golf Club, MeadowCreek and Jug Mountain Ranch.

The courses selected for the Idaho Golf Trail are situated in or near resort-style settings to provide the ultimate quality golf experience. Ranging from the Scottish-style layout at Banbury to the 60 white-sand bunkers at Circling Raven, the Idaho Golf Trail offers something for golfers of all skill levels.

Idaho is home to over 100 golf courses, 17 ski resorts and more whitewater than any other state in the lower 48. For more information and detailed descriptions about the courses along the Idaho Golf Trail, please visit idahogolftrail.com.

For details on Idaho's vacation opportunities, such as attractions, lodging and summer events, go to visitidaho.org.

www.jugmountainranch.com