Strap on the skis or snowshoes and enjoy the snow at any of Idaho’s 16 Park N’ Ski areas . Head out into Idaho’s majestic, snowy mountains for a recreational tour or an invigorating workout. The program offers 180 miles or 290 kilometers of marked trails for everyone to enjoy.  Here are five areas worth trying out.

1. Hanna Flats - 33 miles north of Priest River off State Highway 57. Trails are relatively gentle in a meadow and forest setting on the west side of Priest Lake and well-suited for snowshoers and track skiers.

2. Fish Creek Meadows - From Grangeville travel south on Forest Service Rd. 221 approximately 8 miles. The premium terrain is moderate and well-suited for beginners and intermediate skiers. On clear days, you can see Seven Devils and Gospel Hump Wilderness areas.

3.  4th of July Pass - From Coeur d'Alene travel E. on Hwy I-90 approximately 23 miles, take Exit 28. Three loop trails wind through cedar, fir and pine forests. The snowshoeing trails are almost as extensive as the groomed ski trails. 

4. Brimstone/Buffalo River Park N’ Ski - From Ashton travel N. on Hwy 20 approximately 26 miles. Trails are in a beautiful setting next to Island Park Reservoir, the Buffalo River, Henrys Fork and Box Canyon. A 2.1 mile interpretive trail is a great loop for kids and families.

5. Gold Fork Park N’ Ski - 21 miles north of Idaho City off Highway 21. There are two trail systems on either side of Highway 21; one tours the Gold Fork area, and one loops the Skyline area systems. A separate ungroomed snowshoe trail tours a ridge in the Gold Fork area, a great place to take kids for an easy, low key outing.

 Considering an annual pass to Idaho State Parks? Click here.

1. AmeriTel Inn Towne Square in Boise: Package includes accommodations for two, a Camille Beckman bath amenities basket, apple cider and champagne flutes, Lee’s chocolates, two movie tickets to the Edwards Cinemas and $25 towards dinner at a neighboring restaurant. 

2. The Hunt Lodge-Holiday Inn Express in McCall – Enjoy one or two nights in a lavish Jacuzzi suite in this stunning mountain lodge starting at just $289. Package includes a bottle of champagne, premium chocolates, deluxe continental breakfast and a late 1:00pm check-out.

3. Wallace Inn in Wallace: Spend the day on the slopes of Lookout Pass skiing or boarding then return to your room and enjoy a bottle of champagne followed by breakfast in bed the next morning. Breakfast for two and two adult lift tickets are included in the rate. Rates range from $130 to $170. Available February 11, 12, 13 and 14, 2011.

4. Candlewood Suites Boise Towne Square - Romantic Escape Package includes an overnight stay and one bottle of sparkling wine, a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. Rates range from $115 to $134 per night.

5. Coeur d’Alene Resort – This is the perfect romantic getaway. Enjoy overnight accommodations in a Resort Signature Lake Tower room with chilled champagne and chocolate covered strawberries upon arrival. In the “World’s Most Romantic Spa,” as featured on MSNBC, enjoy a $50 dining credit and 115 minutes of spa services in the private Fireside Couples Spa Suite. Rates starting at $725 with Deluxe Lake View Accommodations.

Cherry Bruschetta
1-2 Alpicella sourdough baguettes, baked and sliced ½ an inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
1 ½ cups pitted sweet cherries, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup diced yellow sweet pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
½ teaspoon chopped garlic
½ teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 oz Ballard Family Dairy Danish Pearl cheese, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Toast baguette slices in 350-degree oven for 5 minutes. Turn, brush with olive oil and bake on other side for 5 minutes.  Combine cherries, cilantro, pepper, onion, lime juice, lime peel, garlic, salt, pepper and remaining olive oil; mix well. Top each baguette slice with thin slice of cheese. Return to oven and heat just until cheese begins to soften (3-5 minutes). Remove from oven and top each baguette slice with a heaping tablespoon of cherry mixture and sprinkle with basil. Serve warm or cold.

Visit the Idaho Preferred website for more delicious Idaho food inspired recipes. 

The American Country Bed & Breakfast in Coeur d’ Alene has just four rooms, but its owners, Shar and Brian Scott have made some big contributions that will benefit all of Idaho’s Innkeepers. At the January meeting of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International , the Scotts were awarded the 2011 “Champion Award” by the Association for their success in founding the new Idaho Bed and Breakfast Association. The Champion Award is presented to entities or individuals who have succeeded in working on behalf of a group of innkeepers – locally, regionally, nationally or internationally – to garner a significant victory for innkeepers. The new Idaho Bed & Breakfast Association will serve the interests of Innkeepers throughout the State. 

With owners so committed to the innkeeping industry, a stay at the American Country Bed & Breakfast is sure to please. In fact, it has been a BedandBreakfast.com award winner for the last three years. Whether its romance or relaxation you are looking for, this couples-only B & B offers guests a comfortable and relaxed stay in one of four cozy bedrooms. Breakfasts are served each morning in your room, in one of two dining rooms or on the front porch or patio. It is only minutes to the lake and the many locally owned shops, galleries, and award winning restaurants in Coeur d’Alene’s active downtown.