Soldier Mountain is an undiscovered powder heaven just under 2 hours from Boise
Idaho and
1 hour prior
to the ever popular Sun Valley. Going by the name Soldier... it marches to
a different beat, with a more relaxed and rustic community vibe than celeb
riddled Sun Valley up the road.
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 offered up the humble
ski area to a non profit group of Idahoans in October 2012. Bruce Willis is also
selling his nearby Idaho ranch, The Flying Heart Ranch for $14 million, and his Main
Street Bar in Hailey called The Mint for $3.5 million.
Soldier Mountain offers wide open skiing on 1,150 under-appreciated acres with
1,425 vertical. A complete contradiction to nearby star-studded Sun Valley,
Soldier 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. The beautiful
backdrop is the stunning Sawtooth National Forest.
There is a master plan for four new lifts to open expansive terrain, but minimal
skier visits don’t support massive expansion. The cozy
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. Soldier lift tickets are $35 a day, only $19 for kids, and the new Soldier
Mountain Ski Area management intend to keep it community oriented and
affordable.
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. You can reserve the cat
for private powder parties - the only cat skiing in Southern Idaho, for far less
than at other cat ski and heli ski resorts. Word is Diehard star Willis bought the
place for this cat ski amenity - but didn't use it enough to warrant owning the
place.
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. Soldier Mountain 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,
Soldier 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. The beautiful
backdrop is the stunning Sawtooth National Forest.