Elevated Experiences

This is the unassuming state often confused with Iowa. Or Ohio. Or, perhaps worse, the state simply known for potatoes. But in Idaho, you’ll find some of the Northwest’s best travel experiences all draped with an unassuming and unpretentious culture.

These are a few of our favorite elevated experiences in the state.

Go Winetasting on a Chopper

Silverhawk Aviation will take guests on a VIP winetasting experience via helicopter to Idaho’s award-winning—but still under-the-radar—Snake River Valley AVA located a short distance from Boise. Show up in jeans and pre-order your desired charcuterie.

Wilderness Yurts with Saunas AND Bathrooms

The new Idaho Wilderness Yurts offer real nature experiences with a touch of luxury (think indoor toilets and saunas, which are an anomaly in backcountry destinations like these). In the winter, one must ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile into these remote accommodations.

A Ski Resort All to Yourself

You can reserve an entire Idaho ski resort for the day for $6K. Soldier Mountain’s exclusive “My Mountain” package includes lift tickets for as many people as you want to invite—for 50 guests, that’s only $120 per person. What the resort lacks in luxe amenities, it makes up for it in private powder stashes.

Carve Your Own  Path Through Powder

Feel the rush of excitement as you glide through untouched terrain on a private cat skiing adventure. Brundage Mountain Resort and Soldier Mountain offer expert-guided excursions amid breathtaking scenery.

Hot Springs with Charm

 Idaho is bubbling with hot springs, but from your remote “hippie dips” to more pool-like offerings, there is a sweet spot of nature meets comfort. That’s Maple Grove Hot Springs, located in southeastern Idaho—about two hours from Salt Lake City. It’s an off-grid property with a strong commitment to nature where overnight guests stay in chic but minimally furnished yurts, canvas glamping tents or wood cabins. Spend your days soaking in the mineral springs, exploring the riverfront and taking advantage of ongoing/included classes and workshops like yoga and indigenous storytelling from local Shoshone tribe members.

Enjoy a Stogie in a Silo

Located just outside of Emmett in a rural, unincorporated county in Idaho, you’ll find one of the best-stocked humidors cleverly tucked inside a silo. Paired with elusive whiskies and more obscure liqueurs, The Cigar Silo is an unexpected yet charming spot.

A River Trip Paired with Wine

Rafting one of the most remote stretches of wilderness in the Lower 48 while being poured champagne and sleeping on a cozy cot under the stars is about as low-key luxury as you can get. Idaho River Adventures partners with family-owned and operated vineyards and wineries to offer select wine and rafting trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River each summer.

Airstream Glamping by a River

The Idaho side of the Tetons is quiet and much more unassuming than, well, the other side. To amp up the luxury while still staying low-key, book the new retro Airstream camper at Moose Creek Ranch. It’s privately situated by a creek with views of the mountains, full plumbing and WiFi. https://moosecreekranch.com/cabins/airstream-glamping/

A Chartered Yacht, but on a Lake

Great Northern Nauticalin northern Idaho offers overnight charters on Lake Pend Oreille aboard their all-season, 50-foot yacht. Expect gourmet food such as strip steak and prawns paired with Idaho scenery and wildlife like bald eagles, moose and even grizzly bears. The lake is surrounded by national forest and just a few small towns, so you’ll be the only boat for miles.

A Backcountry Dinner Party with Stars for Chandeliers

The Boulder Yurt Dinner is the winter dinner party you’ve been waiting to throw. As the sun sets your group (up to 10) skis or snowshoes 1.5 miles until you arrive at the cozy, gorgeously decorated yurt where your backcountry chefs have cooked a delicious feast. Take in the night sky on your way back—your route is in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, an internationally designated dark sky park that is among the darkest locations on the planet.

Guided Fly Fishing (where you’ll swap Igloo coolers and streamside PB&Js for celebrity sightings + small batch tequila)

Henry’s Fork of the Snake River in Idaho is considered one of the most bucket list-worthy, dry fly-fishing locations in the world. The Southfork Lodge (owned by Jimmy Kimmel—yes, THAT Jimmy—and angler Oliver White) is an excellent base camp for fishing adventures, while the eco/luxe Henry’s Fork Lodge is lauded for its culinary program in particular. The nearby Three Rivers Ranch at Warm River is an Orvis- endorsed lodge operated by Lonnie Allen—an expert angler and world traveler. Don’t miss her family’s award-winning tequila brand, Volans Tequila, in the lodge after a day on the river. Nestled along the renowned South Fork of the Snake River is Lodge at Palisades Creek, another Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing lodge offering all-inclusive fly fishing excursions and fall waterfowl hunts that beckon enthusiasts year-round.

Golf at Altitude without the Attitude

 In Idaho, golfers will discover welcoming public courses showcasing Idaho’s diverse terrain. The Bronze Buffalo Ranch at Teton Springs was designed by Master Course Architect Gary Stephenson, U.S. Open Champion Steve Jones and golf legend Byron Nelson to complement the Teton Valley’s natural landscape and scenic appeal. The Coeur d’Alene Golf and Spa Resort takes ample advantage of its alpine lake location with an experience beginning with a high-speed ride across the lake in a sleek mahogany boat. Then there’s the Floating Green—the 14th hole is actually on an island. At Tamarack Resort, look for the return of golf with the Robert Trent Jones Jr-designed Osprey Meadows Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course opening in summer of 2024. Try your luck at the gambler’s hole—a par-3 hole located at the end of the round to help settle friendly wagers. Whoever loses is buying rounds at the adjacent Seven Devils Taphouse, where an automated, self-pour tap wall features 40 regional beers, ciders and wines. The Sun Valley Golf Club, nestled within the stunning Sun Valley Resort, offers two 18-hole courses and one nine-hole course epitomizing luxury and natural beauty in a stunning setting. Guests of Shore Lodge in McCall enjoy the exclusive opportunity of booking a tee time at one of Idaho’s iconic, award-winning courses, Whitetail Club.

Idaho Guest Ranches Getaways

For a true western experience, filled with horseback riding, gourmet country dining, evening entertainment and more, saddle up for an all-inclusive stay at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch near Sandpoint, Red Horse Mountain Ranch near Harrison or Diamond D Guest Ranch in Stanley. Accommodations include lodge suites or log cabins along with three hearty meals a day and all the outdoor activities you can handle.

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