Idaho, the Gem State, lives up to its name. Beyond its rich mineral deposits, it boasts some of America’s most breathtaking landscapes. Two exceptional resorts, the venerable Sun Valley and the vibrant Tamarack, offer the perfect gateway to these pristine mountains and lakes.
Sun Valley, America’s first purpose-built ski resort, has reigned supreme since 1936. Nestled beneath the rugged peaks of the Sawtooth Range, its legendary powder attracts skiers from around the globe, consistently earning top honors as North America’s best ski resort. The adjacent town of Ketchum, a former fur-trapping and mining boomtown now known for its healing hot springs, provides a charming backdrop with its vibrant dining, nightlife, shopping, and entertainment scene. Ketchum, made famous by frequent visitor Ernest Hemingway, also offers world-class fly fishing streams, endless hiking trails, and, of course, exceptional golf.
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Courtesy: Sun Valley
Sun Valley itself boasts three distinct golf courses in Idaho with a total of 45 holes, each showcasing unique terrain and charm. Two driving ranges and ample putting greens allow golfers to hone their skills. The championship 18-hole Trail Creek course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., stretches across 6,968 yards. For a shorter round with stunning 360-degree views of the Wood River Valley, the alpine links-style nine-hole White Clouds course offers 3,600 yards of play.
After a round, indulge in luxurious accommodations featuring suites with granite details and furnishings that capture the region’s essence. Other resort amenities include a year-round ice-skating rink, a bowling alley, and golf simulators where you can virtually play over 100 world-renowned courses, from Kapalua to St. Andrews.
Just a short drive away, the Robert Trent Jones-designed Elkhorn Golf Club, ranked as Idaho’s top course, awaits. This challenging 7,214-yard layout features large, undulating greens and over 100 strategically placed bunkers. Like the resort courses, Elkhorn offers spectacular mountain vistas, including views of the ski trails you’ll conquer in winter.
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No visit to Sun Valley is complete without a dip in The Lodge’s iconic round swimming pool, a throwback to the Idaho resort’s original design from 1939. Heated year-round, the Sun Valley Lodge pool and hot tub provide the perfect place to unwind.
About 100 miles north of Boise, a scenic two-hour drive along the picturesque Payette River Scenic Byway (Highway 55), lies Tamarack Resort. Situated on the southern shore of beautiful Payette Lake, Tamarack offers year-round recreation.
Winter activities range from snowmobiling and alpine, Nordic, and backcountry skiing to fat tire biking and guided ice fishing adventures. Summer, spring, and fall bring a bounty of outdoor music and art festivals, along with lakeside activities like sailing, jet skiing, and swimming. Thrill-seekers can try whitewater rafting, zipline tours, disc golf, and the ever-popular axe throwing.
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Tamarack offers a wide variety of accommodations, from cozy cottages and chalets to spacious village condos and estate home rentals.
The highlight, of course, is the golf. The Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Osprey Meadows is a natural wonder, offering a truly unique golfing experience. The first nine holes wind through lakes, streams, wildflower meadows, wetlands, and groves of aspen. The back nine climbs to higher ground, showcasing majestic ponderosa pines. The design seamlessly blends these diverse landscapes, creating a course with doglegs, split fairways, wetland hazards, dramatic waterfalls, and occasional island greens and fairways, all connected by bridges and boardwalks.
After a delicious meal at The Reserve in Tamarack Village, perhaps roasted wild mushrooms and elk tenderloin paired with a “Strawberry Fields” cocktail, treat yourself to a huckleberry waffle cone at the Sugarloaf Creamery.
Courtesy: Tamarack
To complete your Tamarack experience, indulge in a spa treatment featuring Western-inspired services like the Wild Syringa & Honey Body Mask, the West Mountain Spring Water & Citrus Scrub, or the classic Huckleberry & Pine Scrub.
Finally, relax in the outdoor hot tub with your favorite beverage, overlooking the golf course and reflecting on your Tamarack adventures.
Sun Valley and Tamarack offer distinct and unforgettable experiences. You’ll undoubtedly want to return to these Idaho wonderlands, eager to savor the unique flavors of each season.
