Nordic skiing and swimming outdoors seems like an unlikely combination. Most years at Terrace Lakes Resort, they are a perfect pair of winter pursuits.
Snowfall has been scarce so far this season, but when it arrives, this resort offers healthy family fun. It’s located near the Boise National Forest about an hour’s drive from the Treasure Valley. Terrace Lakes is situated a few miles out of the town of Crouch in the Garden Valley area. In one visit, you can combine cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on groomed trails, sledding down a snow-covered hill and lounging in the geothermal-heated outdoor pool.
After a big snowfall, piles of snow surround the hot outdoor pool in the winter. You can play in water from natural hot springs. Temperatures range from 96 to 102 degrees.
Members and guests of members receive special rates, but the public pays a day-use $10 adult fee and $5 fee for each child age 4 to 10 (kids 3 and under are free). A day-use pass allows multiple entries to the pool.
Visible from the pool is the golf course clubhouse. The full-service restaurant inside the clubhouse offers reasonably priced hot breakfasts, lunches and dinners on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and breakfasts and lunches on the other days. During the winter, the clubhouse serves double-duty as a ski and pool pass purchase gate, real estate sales office and ski rental shop.
When the resort gets enough snow, it will groom a Nordic track with a pleasing mix of flat terrain on one side of the small valley, and rolling hills on the other side. You can skate ski in the wide portion of the track, or classic ski by using the parallel tracks set by prior skiers. The general public trail fee is $5. Inexpensive classic ski rentals are offered.
If you have a large family, you might consider renting your skis at a ski shop in Boise, guaranteeing a bigger selection of right-sized equipment for all family members. In the summer, the Nordic trails convert to an 18-hole golf course.
Looking for a good deal? Try the Ski and Swim Day pass. The $18 adult fee (or $8 fee for kids ages 17 years and younger) includes ski rental equipment, trail pass and swimming pass.
Near the pool area along part of the Nordic trail and in proximity to the restaurant is a sledding hill. Bring your own tubes and sleds, and then simply walk up the designated sledding area.
All the services are within easy walking distance of the overnight accommodations. Extend your visit to the area with a stay at the resort. Each overnight rental unit includes a two-day swim pass good for multiple visits during your stay. Keep your receipt handy for re-entering the pool area.
Two small rustic cabins with a queen bed and bathroom rent for $69 each. Motel rooms with a queen bed and bathroom cost $50 per room. The townhomes with two beds and two bathrooms run $125 per unit and sleep four to seven people.
Generally there are lots of overnight openings, except the occasional special event. Select an upcoming weekend, book your stay and bring your skis, sleds and swimsuits for a refreshing stay in the mountains.
It hasn’t been a good snow year so far in Idaho. Call for current snow conditions if skiing or sledding is part of your plans.
Natalie Bartley authored the Boise’s Best Outdoor Adventures mobile app, available through iTunes, and two trail guidebooks. Email: natbartley@earthlink.net.
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.