Elkhorn Yurt, Idaho's Boise National Forest: January 16-18, 2021

Continuing our MLK weekend tradition, we took our third trip to Idaho to visit the Idaho City yurt system, managed by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. These well-equipped yurts, about 90 minutes north of Boise in the Boise National Forest, are quite popular and are reserved months in advance. Our preference has been for the Banner Ridge yurt, since it provides easy access to a lot of backcountry skiing. However, in spring 2020, I was only able to book the Elkhorn yurt for the 2021 MLK weekend. A slightly longer journey to the yurt from the Park 'N' Ski parking lot on highway 21 - although still mostly on groomed Nordic trails - took us to a secluded spot. The yurt is tucked away and not visible from the trail, perched on a hillside with excellent views. This yurt's deck seemed slightly larger than the one at the Banner Ridge yurt and we enjoyed apres-ski drinks there watching the alpenglow.

From the Elkhorn yurt, the options for backcountry turns were more limited as the terrain is much gentler: more rolling hills, fewer large ridge lines to descend.  Our first day after reaching the yurt, we meandered around reconnoitering. On our second day, we skinned about 2 miles away to a large knob and then picked a circuitous route back to the yurt. Snow quality was fairly good, but there was a sun crust to contend with. Most of the downhill turns we found led us into drainages and gulches which were laborious to slog out of, but we did also find some short but fun glades to ski through. Our third day, with a long drive ahead, we packed up, did the necessary chores to clean up the yurt and prepare it for the next group, and skied out.

Based on my research, it seems like the Banner Ridge yurt, the Stargaze yurt, and the Hennessey yurt offer the best backcountry ski options in the Idaho City yurt system.  

Note: there is not an avalanche forecast that covers this area. The Sawtooth Avalanche Center offers an avalanche forecast for the Sawtooths, but those aren't very close. You're on your own, in other words, in assessing avalanche hazards.

Resources 

• Idaho Park 'N' Ski permit (required for parking along Highway 21 and accessing any of these yurts). Oregon or California sno-park permits are also accepted. Washington state sno-park permits are not accepted.
• Idaho City yurt system