The near nonstop barrage of snow-laden storms that have blessed much of Idaho's high country this year with near-record snowpacks haven't ignored the Soldier Mountain ski area north of Fairfield.
In fact, one weekday in particular at Soldier Mountain has become known as a day powder-hounds shouldn't miss hitting the slopes. Because the resort is only open between Thursday and Sunday, the seemingly endless cycle of winter storms have made Thursdays prime powder days, said Larry Davenport, mountain manager for Soldier Mountain.
"The secret's out," Davenport said. "It's just been fantastic."
And despite a slightly-later-than-wished-for opening day of Dec. 31, Soldier Mountain has gone on to record a successful season in terms of skier visits, Davenport said. Increasingly, more and more Wood River Valley skiers and snowboarders are making the drive to Soldier Mountain because of the ski area's top-notch conditions, he said.
Currently, Soldier Mountain is reporting a base snow depth of 65 inches and a summit depth of 80 inches. Total snowfall recorded during the past seven days is 24 inches.
"We're way ahead of where we were at this time last year," Davenport said. "The powder has been the best I've ever seen it here. It's just unbelievable."
In one sense, however, the prime conditions couldn't have come at more of a disappointing time for some. Soldier Mountain's popular backcountry cat-skiing operation—run on more than 1,500 acres of Sawtooth National Forest lands—is currently closed for upgrades.
"It's a sad thing because it's a primo year," Davenport said.
When the cat skiing reopens is still up in the air, he said. "It's doubtful we'll get it going this year," he said.
Davenport said the cat skiing will more than likely reopen next season. "We want to make it more of a first-class operation," he said.
The ski area's snowmaking should also be back in operation next year after a several-year hiatus, Davenport said. "That's our No. 1 goal for next year," he said.
Other happenings at Soldier Mountain:
· Sun Valley Telemark Racing Series will be holding their second annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash Telemark Race at Soldier Mountain on Saturday, Feb. 4.
· Lift tickets will be discounted by 30 percent on Sunday, Feb. 5, for the grand opening of Soldier Mountain's new terrain park. Adult lift tickets will go for $21 and youth tickets for $14. Davenport said he recently spoke with Soldier Mountain employees who were out putting the final touches on the terrain park. "I said, 'Hey, let's show it off.'"
Adult lift tickets at Soldier Mountain sell for $30, youth tickets (ages 7 to 17) for $20 and children 6 years old and younger ski for free.
