Undiscovered powder heaven lies just under 2 hours from Boise and
1 hour prior
to the ever popular Sun Valley. It goes by the name Soldier...
As part of any Sun Valley ski trip, you must ski Soldier Mountain. You drive
right by it on your way to and from Boise. Soldier is an Idaho gem, circa 1948.
Actor Bruce Willis bought this vintage ski area in 1996, but it remains a humble
happy place for skiers looking for wide open skiing on 1,150 under-appreciated
acres.
A complete contradiction to nearby star-studded Sun Valley, lift
attendants in Carhartt uniforms load the two double chairs (1,425’ total
vertical). The three dozen runs from the 7,177’ Soldier Peak range from
surprisingly well groomed cruisers to spacious bowls and glades.
There is a master plan for four new lifts to open expansive terrain and a new
lodge, but minimal skier visits don’t support massive expansion. Until then the
60’s style base lodge serves smiles and satisfying food, and the pub upstairs
offers a perfect view of Soldier’s slopes with thirst quenching Idaho beer and
wine.
If you want to reach the awesome acreage on 10,095' Smoky Dome, then Soldier’s
Snow Cat skiing at $275 a day promises private powder. Word is Diehard star Willis bought the
place for this cat ski amenity.
Soldier Mountain is
Idaho skiing in its essence. Unique, often untracked ski terrain, and genuine
Idaho friendly spirit with scenery and soft snow is what it’s all about here.
No
fancy lifts and lodging – but no lift lines either.
If you want glamour and glitz– then go to Sun Valley. Solder is more wholesome –
but tons of fun for those of you looking for the essence of skiing.
A complete contradiction to nearby star-studded Sun Valley, lift
attendants in Carhartt uniforms load the two double chairs (1,425’ total
vertical). The three dozen runs from the 7,177’ Soldier Peak range from
surprisingly well groomed cruisers to spacious bowls and glades. 