If you’ve never skied before and would love to try but don’t want to pay the rates at large Idaho ski areas or find someone to teach you, try skiing at Blizzard Mountain outside Arco, Idaho. The ski area is run entirely by volunteers; local residents who do it just for the love of it. They are supported by the Lions Club, which contributes all proceeds from the $10.00 donation to charitable causes. Most of the locals continue manning the mountain because it is a place where they can teach youngsters to ski and enjoy the sport. There is a ski lift and a trail groomer, both purchased from commercial areas. The season is generally short, sometimes limited to only Saturdays in February, but the actual length depends on how much snow Mother Nature delivers to the Lost River Valley in any given year. It is best to call ahead to determine when the mountain will be open.

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