Boise, ID – Idaho is a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders who enjoy some of the world’s best runs without the touristic cacophony. With more than 22,000 skiable acres, and an extraordinary array of nordic ski trails and loops, it’s been a secret handshake for a club of enthusiasts seeking blue skies, fresh powder, and few crowds.nHome to 18 ski areas ranging from the legendary Sun Valley Resort to Boise’s backyard favorite, Bogus Basin, other hot spots include Schweitzer, Silver Mountain and Brundage Mountain. All resorts are family friendly and offer a well-balanced mix of novice, intermediate and expert terrain.

Sun Valley Resort is heading into its landmark 75th winter season. This milestone will be acknowledged with everything from a 75th Season Rail Exhibition to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. On Dec. 17, the resort’s Dollar Mountain will host an all new 75th Season Rail Exhibition showcasing an additional 24 new rails and jibs in its three new terrain parks – Old Bowl, Half Dollar, and Poverty Flats.

During Christmas week, attention turns toward Sun Valley’s world famous outdoor ice rink where 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek will star in a very special 75th Ice Show on Tuesday, Dec. 21, commemorating Sun Valley’s original opening night.

The International Skiing History Association and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame hosts their annual gathering in Sun Valley Mar. 27-Apr. 3, 2011, highlighted by the Hall of Fame induction ceremony of the class of 2010 and a special tribute to the Founders of Freestyle on Apr. 2. The week will also include Stumpfest, a brand new film festival.

Lookout Pass ski area near Wallace, straddling the Idaho/Montana state line, is also celebrating its 75th anniversary this winter. New ski and snowboard terrain is opening this winter in the Lucky Friday, Buffalo Gulch, Meadows and front side glade areas. Boomers’ Fridays provide reduced lift ticket prices for anyone over age 40, and the ski area is offering free lessons for kids 6 through 17 years of age every Saturday starting Jan. 8, 2011. Lessons begin at 10 a.m. and no lift ticket is required during the lesson sessions, but pre-registration is suggested.

Brundage Mountain, just north of McCall, celebrates 50 years of skiing and riding this winter. All winter long, Brundage Mountain is celebrating its 50th season with a flurry of upgrades, events and special deals. A brand new Children’s Terrain Garden will be located this season near the Kid’s Center on Easy Street. The Terrain Garden challenges the skills of beginner skiers and riders without the intimidation of steeper hills and larger park features.

Advanced skiers and riders will find more room to explore Brundage this winter after a tree-thinning and an ongoing brush clearing project. A new fleet of ski and snowboard rental gear featuring the latest Rossignol Amptek technology will be available in the rental shop.

Schweitzer Mountain, located near Sandpoint, has added the Starfish Terrain Park this winter, bringing the resort’s total to three. Starfish features beginner and intermediate jumps and jibs. The resort’s grooming fleet has been updated with two new Prinoth BR-350 groomers.

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, a Treasure Valley favorite, is located 16 miles north of downtown Boise. Bogus is notable for its 165 acres of night skiing terrain — both downhill and Nordic — more than any other ski area in the northwest. A new 400-foot moving carpet has been installed in Bogus’ Coach’s Corner beginner area for the winter ahead.

Bankruptcy proceedings have cast doubt on whether Tamarack Ski Resort in Donnelly will open this winter, but if it does, it will offer skiing and riding Thursdays through Sundays during the 2010-2011 season on 850 skiable acres, with more than 5,000 acres of expert backcountry terrain and 265 acres of gladed tree skiing on the mountain.

Kellogg’s Silver Mountain continues its development plan that has transformed the resort from a day-use ski operation to a year round destination featuring a mountain for skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers. Silver Mountain is now home to Silver Rapids, Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark.

Idaho Winter Sweepstakes, held each week for 16 weeks, brings new opportunities to enter and win a winter ski or snowboard getaway to Idaho’s resorts and ski areas. The sweepstakes kicks off Nov. 12 at Bellevue Square in Bellevue, Wash., complete with offers and a colossal Idaho winter paper sculpture in Center Court. For more information visit www.idahowinter.org