If I were king for a day, I would build a parking lot the size of a football field at Idaho City. It would be for skiers, snowshoers, snowmobilers, sledders and tubers, or whoever else wants to use it.
Idaho City is already a popular place, but more of a stop over than a destination, especially in a big snow year. Everyone gets shoe horned into a few parking places outside of town. I was up there last weekend, and there were cars jammed into any wide spot from Hilltop to Banner Ridge. There were dozens of cars parked on the shoulder of the highway near Hilltop because they wanted to go sledding.
Idaho City has lots of flat terrain nearby, and it seems like it would be pretty simple to flatten out some of the old mine tailings and make a parking area. It would take some effort to keep it plowed, and if the folks at Idaho City wanted to charge a couple bucks to park there, I wouldn't complain. It would be a lot cheaper than the ridiculous $7.50 minimum it costs for Park N' Ski areas, and closer, too.
You could have a snowmobile trail that leads to nearby roads and groomed trails, and leave some of the snow near the parking area untracked for skiers and snowshoers.
I'm sure there's a slope someplace nearby that would make a fun sledding area.
A big parking area would bring a lot of money to Idaho City. I know I would rather eat lunch at a restaurant than from a brown bag. I would love to take people up there and rent snowshoes and take them for a hike. It seems like a natural. I could see myself using it in summer, too, for motorcycle and mountain bike riding.
Everyone knows there's need for more winter parking, and Idaho City could profit from winter recreation much more than it already is. This isn't a case of build it and they will come, they're already coming, but many are driving right through without stopping and spending.
Delicious
Digg
Yahoo
Let them eat cake and gamble
If I were KING I would allow gambling in Idaho City.
It would be a sweet little town to have gambling halls in the spirit of the old west. To say nothing of the economic boom to Boise County and the poor people of Idaho City.
Yay! Gambling, booze and low broads...
I knew where that was headed.
Yes, a Park and Ride/launch zone would be great!
Otherwise you have "Bronco Parking" and that's bad.
Don't quit your day job
"It would take some effort to keep it plowed, and if the folks at Idaho City wanted to charge a couple bucks to park there, I wouldn't complain. It would be a lot cheaper than the ridiculous $7.50 minimum it costs for Park N' Ski areas, and closer, too.
You could have a snowmobile trail that leads to nearby roads and groomed trails, and leave some of the snow near the parking area untracked for skiers and snowshoers."
Mr Phillips thinks a couple of bucks to park is reasonable, not $7.50 for the Park N' Ski areas. Then he asks for groomed trails.
Let's solder together the thoughts in Phillips' mind. He's willing to pay a little, but not a little more for services like site acquisition, plowed parking and trail grooming, and an outdoor privy. In other words, he's like all typical Idahoans looking for that free ride. I get the impression that he's willing to suggest ideas for things to be developed but does not want to pay his fair share.
Alternatively, he may not realize his ideas cost money.
I haven't been there in years and there is ISP or ? for tickets
Same problem, same cure.
Gambling In Idaho City
Sounds great! I would go up the mountain for that! Would need more hotels because you don't want folks drinking (goes with gambling, right?) and driving down HWY 21. Wonder what hoops you would have to jump through to get it done. Don't suppose we could have an Indian Reservation up there anywhere....maybe a cowboy reservation...
Clarification
I don't want grooming. The grooming I mentioned would be to link with nearby groomed snowmobile trails. Snowmobilers pay for grooming, and should get what they pay for.
I prefer to snowshoe off groomed trails. I think grooming kind of defeats the purpose of snowshoes, but others seem to like it.
I have no problem paying my fair share, but I stand by what I said. I think $7.50 to park in a plowed lot is too much, and I am also not interested in a $25 annual pass, which is why I don't usually go to Park N' Ski areas.
Roger
How much did the gas, vehicle, toys run you?
That's not thinking a lot about it.
If I were queen
for a day in Idaho City, I'd bring back the hot springs swimming pool! Sure do miss that on a winter weekend.
Is that the one...
near the mercury contaminated creek?
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