Winter doesn’t have to be a time of holing up around a fire. Granted, the Wood River Valley has some of the best places to do just that, but the mountains, rivers and trails are often too tempting. While we waited for snow to fall this year, Idaho Mountain Express writers and photographers went in search of intrepid adventurers, both two- and four-legged, and found reason to get off the cozy couch. With any luck, while you’re reading this, the snow is flying, the hills are turning solidly white and people are gearing up for a good long winter. You’ll find plenty of enthusiasts in the pages of this special issue. They include guys who put on parachutes to help them catch air, folks who know just where the best sledding is, and even people who can help you recover from a bad fall. Of course, if it’s a cozy afternoon you need, check out one of the country’s best places for it on page 8. And then cross your fingers for snow. We’re ready.