winter is in full swing and we could not be more excited! While some folks bundle up and hibernate and wait for spring to roll around, the colder months for us mean the return of our favorite snow sports And Hot Springs!
Now that it’s snowing, most of us around Payette are geared up and ready to hit the slopes at any of the nearby ski areas. Here in Boise we’re lucky enough to have Bogus Basin just 16 miles away, and the Brew Crew has wasted no time getting after it.
Our local mountain, Bogus Basin, made some big improvements this year with the completion of a new high-speed quad at the Simplot base area to replace the aging Morning Star triple. Not that we don’t love some nostalgia but a faster chair means more time for shredding! Aside from a faster chair, the new Morning Star lift drops you right next to the renovated Pioneer lodge with a brand new deli and bar on the third floor. Make sure you stop in and grab a pint of Payette beer while you’re there!
Fresh Local Fun
Fresh Local Beer (North Fork Lager at Bogus Basin)
Photo Credit: Bogus Basin
Payette crew in their happy place
Lakeview Lift at Brundage Mountain Resort in McCall, Idaho
Having our home mountain right up the road is great but it’s pretty amazing being able to choose between a handful of other mountains with Brundage or Tamarack outside of McCall and Sun Valley all within a 2-3 hour drive.
If you’re thinking a bit more outside the box, Idaho has abundant public land that receives generous enough snowfall to allow for some of the best backcountry skiing and riding you will find anywhere. Check out one of our past backcountry adventures here!
Cr. Jesse Vernuccio
If skiing and snowboarding isn’t your thing, Idaho has you covered with more easily accessible hot springs than any other state. Visit Idaho has a great guide to get you started on a hot spring adventure but some of our personal favorites are Kirkham, Bonneville, and Trail Creek. If you have access to a snowmobile and are feeling adventurous, Burgdorf Hot Springs north of McCall is a serious treasure.
You never know when you might stumble onto one of these hot springs so it’s probably a good idea to keep a swimsuit and towel with you wherever you go! For a bonus to your epic Idaho adventures, grab some Payette brews on your way out of town, easily packed in 12 or 16-ounce cans.
These are just a few examples of winter activities but because the weather is generally pretty mild, that leaves the door open for some less winter-specific fun like fly fishing and fat biking!
Cr. Jesse Vernuccio
On behalf of the Payette Crew, we hope you enjoy the holiday season. Don’t forget, if your refrigerator needs to be stocked or you need gift ideas for the beer lover in your life, we are fully stocked with limited edition Twelve Gauge Barrel Aged Stout and new merchandise in our Tap Room!
