Driving in Idaho's Winter Conditions

Photo courtesy of Getty Images Signature Idaho's breathtaking landscapes transform into a winter wonderland during the colder months. However, with heavy snowfall and icy roads, the beauty of the season brings its own set of challenges, especially for drivers. Navigating these wintry conditions requires caution, preparation, and an understanding of crucial safety measures. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safer drive when facing heavy snow and ice in Idaho. 1. Prepare Before You Go Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by examining tire tread depth, battery health, brakes, lights, and fluids. Equip your car with winter essentials: an ice scraper, snow shovel, blankets, extra clothing, and non-perishable snacks. Four-wheel or all-wheel (4x4 and AWD) vehicles are recommended in areas with dense weather patterns but are not required. With good tires and knowledge of how to drive in winter conditions, most commutes will be fine as long as the roads are prepared accordingly. Plan Your Route: Before setting off, check the weather forecast and road conditions. Consider alternate routes and inform someone about your travel plans, especially if driving through remote areas. 2. Drive Cautiously Reduce Speed: Slow down! Driving at a reduced speed provides better control on icy roads. Accelerate and decelerate gradually to avoid skidding. Maintain Distance: Increase your following distance to allow for longer stopping distances. It takes longer to stop on icy roads, so maintain a safe space between vehicles. Use Low Gears: When driving downhill, use a lower gear to reduce the risk of skidding. This can help maintain control of the vehicle without relying solely on brakes. 3. Practice Safe Maneuvers Brake Carefully: Apply brakes gently to avoid locking up the wheels. If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal. Steer Smoothly: Make gradual steering movements to avoid sudden jerks or overcorrections, which can lead to loss of control on slippery roads. If you do slide, turn your wheel in the same direction as the slide to gain control and gently correct. Stay Vigilant: Pay attention to changing road conditions. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are prone to ice formation, so be extra cautious in these areas. 4. Be Prepared for Emergencies Carry Emergency Supplies: Pack a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, and a charged cellphone. Consider carrying sand or kitty litter to improve traction if your vehicle gets stuck. Know What to Do if Stranded: If stranded, stay with your vehicle, as it provides shelter. Run the engine sparingly to conserve fuel and periodically check the exhaust pipe to ensure it's clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 5. Stay Informed and Updated Stay Connected: Listen to local radio stations for weather updates and road condition reports. Use smartphone apps or websites that provide real-time traffic and weather information. Respect Road Closures: If authorities advise against travel or roads are closed due to hazardous conditions, heed these warnings. Safety should always be the priority. Driving in heavy snow and icy conditions demands caution, preparation, and adaptability. By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with winter driving in Idaho. Remember, it’s not just about reaching your destination—it’s about arriving safely. So, buckle up, stay vigilant, and enjoy the winter wonderland that Idaho offers while staying safe on the roads!  

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Guide to Shopping Local This Holiday Season in Boise

Photo courtesy of Pexels Want to keep your gifts local and support native businesses in the Treasure Valley? We've gathered our favorite shops and events to pick up unique, hand-made, and Idaho gifts for everyone on your list! Events Wintry Market: The perfect place to find gifts, the Wintry Market is a maker’s market in Boise featuring local vendors of art, crafts, and design. This market takes place Friday, Nov 22nd, from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the main floor of the Boise Convention Centre downtown Boise on the Grove Plaza. Food, coffee, and drinks are available to purchase, and admission is $5 on Saturday and $10 on Friday (good for both days).  Merry Makers Market: This market is a month-long pop-up shop with a curated selection of locally handmade gifts. Opening day is November 30th for this artist-created and run market! This pop-up will be located at 1459 North Milwaukee Street and is open through December 23rd. Various Gifts Mixed Greens: Sitting in the heart of Downtown, this local boutique features unique items with something for everyone. For a locally made soap bar, handmade jewelry, unique hand towels, and more, Mixed Greens is the place to go. They also sell lots of Idaho-themed products, the perfect gift for Gem State lovers. RePop Gifts: Filled with an electric mix of pop culture and fandom favorites, this store is sure to have a gift for every fanatic. Products come from over 30 local vendors, as well as regional and national artists. Jewelry Fluff Hardware: Fluff Hardware is a small, women-run, local business that provides unique jewelry pieces inspired by Idaho’s outdoors! Stores also feature other local businesses' hats, purses, and textiles as a one-stop shop for women’s accessories.  Sweets and Other Goodies Goody's/G Willikers A gift for the sweet tooth! Located in Hyde Park, Goody’s has been a neighborhood staple for locals and visitors alike! Their gift selection includes candies, homemade chocolates, caramel corn, cheese corn, stuffed animals, and greeting cards! City Peanut Shop City Peanut Shop has become an iconic part of Downtown Boise, featured in international blogs and magazines. They are famous for their honey-roasted peanut butter, nut-filled brittles, flavored popcorn, and their healthy, uniquely flavored peanuts and tree nuts. a'Tavola Gourmet Marketplace: A gift for the foodie! a’Tavola Marketplace features a wonderful assortment of imported specialty foods, unique gifts, and all manner of things “of the table.” Wine Hyde Park Fine Wines Boise’s favorite wine boutique! Purchase a monthly subscription for the wine lover on your list, including three new wines each month from around the world! Plants A Succulent Day: This local business offers unique succulent arrangements with in-store shopping, pick-up, and delivery options.  Books Rediscovered Books: Located in downtown Boise, Rediscovered Books is “where books and people meet." With a cozy atmosphere and a mix of used and new books, the perfect gift for a book lover is sure to be found. Candles Lit and Co: With an array of creative scents and made in small batches, these high-quality soy candles are the perfect gift.  Outdoor Gear Idaho Mountain Touring: IMT has something for every outdoor enthusiast, with hiking, biking, camping, skiing, and running gear galore.  McU Sports: A Boise favorite since 1972, McU Sports offers an array of ski and snowboard, outdoor, and sports gear. Clothing Ruby Lou: This local boutique has plenty of cute pajamas, sweaters, and other pieces that make the perfect gift for any fashionista.  SHIFT Boutique: This boutique stocks high-quality and unique pieces, with clothing for both women and girls. Banana Ink: The dream for any Idaho lover, this store features sweatshirts, shirts, and hats adorned with tributes to the Gem State.      

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Guide to Idaho's Ski Resorts

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Idaho boasts world-class skiing that beckons both seasoned snow enthusiasts and eager beginners. With fresh powder, steep slopes, and majestic peaks, Idaho is a hidden gem in the ski and snowboarding world. Whether you are seeking a challenging black diamond run or looking for a family retreat on the slopes, there is something for everyone in Idaho. Check out this list of Idaho's top ski resorts!   Sun Valley Mountain Resort Located in the town of Ketchum, a three hour drive from Boise, sits the expansive Sun Valley Mountain Resort. Known for its top notch skiing and as a training ground for Olympians, Bald Mountain is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders with steep pitches and long runs. There is also a second hill, Dollar Mountain, which is the perfect place for beginner skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes. Sun Valley Resort Village sits only minutes from the hill, and is surrounded by multiple restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and a bowling alley. Downtown Ketchum offers a western ski town feel, with high end restaurants (try the Pioneer Saloon for a delicious steak) and classy boutiques and stores. To be at the heart of the action, stay at Sun Valley lodge or a wide variety of other options offered by the resort, or one of the many hotels in downtown Ketchum.    Bogus Basin A beloved local hill to Boiseans, Bogus Basin sits only 16 miles out of Boise. Bogus has 10 lifts that serve 88 runs across 2,600 acres of terrain. With night skiing offered as well, many Boiseans make the trip up on a friday night to enjoy some skiing and food at one of the multiple lodges. Bogus offers lodging at the Pioneer Condos, a ski-in-ski-out experience that cannot be beat. Also consider staying in Boise and making the short drive up for the day!    Brundage Mountain Ski Resort Located a two hour drive from Boise to McCall, Brundage is a classic Idaho ski resort with amazing terrain and a friendly vibe. Brundage is known for having the “best snow in Idaho”. Its elevation and location create the perfect storm for snow (and powder!), with an average of 320 base area inches of snow per year. Brundage Mountain also offers guided SnowCat skiing trips for experienced skiers searching for untracked powder on 18,000 acres of backcountry terrain. McCall offers a range of lodging options in the charming mountain town, with top choices including Shore Lodge and Hotel McCall.     Tamarack Mountain With fresh powder and 2,400 thousand vertical feet of terrain, Tamarack Mountain in Donnelly is a skier's delight. Tamarack receives an average of 300 base inches of snow per year, and has a range of groomed corduroy, wide-open bowls, and tree runs. Tamarack offers a variety of lodging options next to the hill, with estate homes, Tamarack Village condos, and cabins for rent. The Village at Tamarack also has a variety of options for dinner, breakfast, and a drink just steps from the hill. It is a mini version of larger resorts like Telluride or Aspen, giving it a sophisticated, yet approachable appeal.   Schweitzer Ski Resort In the rugged Selkirk mountains sits Sandpoint, a northern Idaho town that is home to Schweitzer ski resort. With 2,900 acres of skiable terrain and a variety of high angle groomers, tree runs, and bowl skiing, this resort has something for every skier. The mountain village surrounding this hill offers family-friendly activities, dining, spa, and slopeside lodging. This hill is about an 8 hour drive from Boise.   Pomerelle Mountain Resort Located in southeast Idaho outside of the small town of Albion, Pomerelle is one of the oldest ski areas in the western United States. Sitting 8,762 feet above sea level, the resort receives an average annual snowfall of 500 inches, making it one of the snowiest resorts in the state. It has a small town feel with less of the tourist crowds, making this a hometown hero of resorts for those in the eastern side of the state.   Soldier Mountain If you’re really looking to escape the crowded lift lines and experience a more laid back Idaho ski day, check out Soldier Mountain outside of Fairfield. This charming family-friendly resort packs a big punch in terms of terrain, with 7,177 vertical feet of mountain doused in fresh powder. It is the most affordable option and ideal for beginners and tiny skiers with a designated magic carpet area. A fun fact: Bruce Willis owned Soldier Mountain for a bit before donating the mountain to a non-profit. It is now owned by an investment group of skiers and riders.    

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