Tamarack
was North America's newest ski resort, the
first four season development in two decades (since Beaver Creek and Deer
Valley in the 80's). Tamarack is located in western
Idaho, just 20 minutes
from the lakeside town of McCall. Tamarack opened for skiing in 2004, on
2,100 acres of slopes served by seven modern lifts. With 42 trails on a long
and satisfying 2,800' vertical drop.
Tamarack is a
phenomenal ski resort for families. The terrain is never too steep, but has
fun pitches, dips, rolls and knolls as you descend toward the beautiful Lake
Cascade. Take your pick from perfectly groomed runs like Bliss and Serenity,
or get in the glades (kids love to ski glades) in Mystery Glades.
And that's
just what' s on the trail map - Tamarack has plenty of backcountry, 5,054
acres, if you are willing to head out to Grouse Bowl or Banana Bowl.
Tamarack went in super fast without concern for cost. The Credit Suisse
funded resort went into receivership and Tamarack closed in March of
2009 but reopens this season thanks to efforts (and payments) from Tamarack
locals and home owners.
Tamarack's master plan was estimated at $1.5 billion, and much of it
is incomplete. Now, gorgeous on-mountain lodges and luxury
real estate projects in Tamarack Village remain unfinished, under
construction, skiers were being served out of temporary yurts at Discovery
Square.
The Lodge at Osprey Meadows is complete
for on mountain accommodations, with luxury suite lodging overlooking Osprey
Golf Course and the Nordic trails. Morel's restaurant in the Osprey Lodge is
the place to dine at Tamarack, for a leisurely sit down lunch by the fire.
Tamarack's terrain is extremely pleasant from the 7,700' summit. Tamarack
has three terrain parks including Hell's Canyon Superpipe for the freestyle
skiers and riders in the family. An eastern exposure makes the slopes sunny,
with spectacular views of the largest mountain wilderness in the lower 48,
Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
Rumors run like the Idaho white
water as to what will happen to Tamarack Resort - the resort
needs a bail
out - maybe by tennis stars Andre Agassi and Stefi Graf, who have real estate at the
resort. Tamarack could turn out to be one of the best designed ski resorts
with a beautiful ski village and highly scenic skiing. For now check, skiers
can also visit nearby Brundage and stay
at the elegant
Shore Lodge in McCall.
Idaho Ski Reviews:
Idaho Iditarod l Brundage l Sun Valley l Soldier l Tamarack l Bogus Basin l Cat Skiing Idaho
Destinations l Colorado l Utah l Montana l California l Oregon l Wyoming l Canada l New England l Rockies l Top 10 Guides l Family
All Stories by Heather Burke
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