I didn’t know hidden gems like this still existed. I grew up watching Cheers! You know…Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. And they’re always glad you came! When it comes to ski resorts, that’s exactly what Tamarack Resort feels like. A place where connection and interaction still mean something. A vacation to Tamarack Resort is sure to be an experience that will create memories of a lifetime for you and your family.
When we arrived at Tamarack ski resort, I instantly felt the local vibe. The lift attendants were friendly and would chat with me in line. The employees working the ticket booth were helpful, kind, and attentive. Today, with how much disconnection I see when I travel, I value these small personal touches more and more.
While safety measures are still in place, the overall vibe at Tamarack Resort was super chill.
Disclosure: This blog was sponsored by Tamarack Resort however the opinions expressed in this blog are, and always will be, truly our own.
Lodging at Tamarack Resort
Tamarack Resort is a destination resort with plenty of lodging options that are right next to the lifts making it so easy to stay and play on your next family ski trip.
We stayed in The Lodge at Osprey Meadows, which has hotel rooms, studios, and fully equipped condominiums. I absolutely loved having a full kitchen, incredible views, cozy couches to snuggle up on to watch movies, comfy beds, and a huge jacuzzi bath tub.
The 2 bedroom condo we stayed in at The Lodge was perfect for our family of 7. We prefer eating healthy and being able to make huge, delicious dinners in our room each night, relax by the fire, and play board games made this the perfect ski trip for us.
The outdoor jacuzzi is about the size of a small swimming pool and was the perfect way to recover after an exhilarating day on the slopes.
When you stay at The Lodge at Osprey, you get 2 Tamarack Passports per night, per room which, in the winter, gives you overnight hot wax, a scenic lift ride, snowshoe rental, and a nordic trail pass. In the summer, you get a scenic lift ride, cruiser bike rental, kayak rental, umbrella and chair rental, disc golf rental, fishing pole and tackle rental. Wow! That’s a lot!
I know we’ll definitely be going back here in the summer to take advantage of that plus do some of the amazing downhill mountain biking that Tamarack has.
While The Lodge is only a 5-minute walk to the lifts, you can stay even closer by booking a room at the Village. There are also chateaus, cottages, townhomes, and estate homes scattered around the ski area at Tamarack.
Click here to book your stay at Osprey Lodge or other Tamarack Lodging!
The Village at Tamarack Resort
Plus, right next to the lodge and ski lifts is The Village with a quaint coffee shop, marketplace, and Food Hall offering healthy options.
Relaxing at the coffee shop midday was great when we needed a short break from skiing. Since we cooked our meals in our room we didn’t really shop at the market but I did go through it and saw it had a pretty big selection of food and drinks, including a huge selection of beer and wine. It even has fresh-made sandwiches and salads if you are looking for something to grab and go.
The food hall opened just after we left so we didn’t get a chance to try it but I’ve heard that they have gluten free and dairy free options which definitely would’ve been a win for us!
Tamarack is Great for Families
Tamarck is the perfect destination for your family ski trip if you love quaintness, feeling like a local, incredible scenery, a diversity in the levels of runs, and the ease of staying right next to the lifts.
Learn for Free
I think it’s the best place to go if you are just teaching your kids to ski because the beginner lift, Discovery Chair, is FREE!
This is a true bunny slope with a very gradual slope so total newbies will feel safe and get to learn in a great setting.
Of course, if it were me I’d put the kids in ski school and go play myself. Tamarack’s ski school is run by world renowned skier,
Kids Ski Free
On top of that, Tamarack has an amazing offer when you visit midweek! When you book a minimum 1 night stay at Osprey Lodge, kids get free lift tickets midweek (Monday through Friday)!
This is a crazy good deal for families considering how expensive it can be to go ski at many resorts! Get the details here.
What Type of Ski Runs are at Tamaracks
I’m barely an intermediate skier but I just loved making laps on The Waltz. Now, I know it’s a green run, but, it’s incredibly flowy and has unbelievable views of the mountains and overlooks Cascade Lake.
My girls, who are solid intermediate snowboarders, loved all the blue runs that are up at the top. Plus, you get even more epic views of Cascade Lake from up there! Note though that there are no beginner runs at the top.
Lift Tickets for Tamarack Resort
Lift tickets run anywhere from $85-100 for adults, $50-65 for teens, and $30-45 for kids per day, which is pretty average for a ski resort.
But don’t forget, the Discovery area at Tamarck is free for everyone and if you’re staying at Tamarack lodging midweek, your kids ski free!
But what I love most about Tamarack is their season pass!
Boundless Pass
Tamarack’s all-season pass gives you access to the epic adventures in the surrounding mountains, meadows, and lake ALL YEAR ROUND. For a family like ours, that means we get lift tickets in the winter to ski and lift tickets for the downhill mountain biking in the summer, which looks really fun.
With the all-season pass, you also get free rentals for cross country mountain biking, SUP, and kayaking. Plus, free yoga classes! Family passes are only $1200 and include all of this for
We were at Tamaracks early in the season so not all the runs are open but it never felt crowded even on the weekend.
Click here to get your lift tickets or grab a Boundless Pass for year round family adventure!
Making the Most of Your Visit to Tamarack
I like to gather as much information as possible before I go anywhere. I want my surprises to come in the form of epic views and an amazing mocha breve not in the form of getting lost or not being prepared with the right gear. This was our first trip to Tamarack so I really had no idea what to expect.
Here are all the best tips I have for planning your trip to Tamarack and arriving prepared:
- Parking: The Main Parking is at the third roundabout and right next to the Sports Dome, the Village, and base area. There are a few other parking areas that are a short walk away, but certainly not as convenient as getting to the main one. If you arrive on a busy weekend, there is overflow parking lower down at the Aspen or North Shuttle Parking Lot and a shuttle will take you straight to the base area.
- When You Arrive: The Sports Dome is where you’ll get rentals, tickets, and if you need to purchase any clothing or gear. Even if you are riding the Discovery Chair for free, you still need to go into the Ticket Window in the Sports Dome to get your free lift ticket.
- Lodging: If you stay at The Lodge or cottages, it’s a short 5-minute walk to get to the Sports Dome, the Village, and base area with the Discovery and Tamarack Express lifts.
Fun Things To Do For Non-Skiers
Our oldest son doesn’t like to downhill ski but had a great time exploring all the cross country trails that surround Tamarack Resort.
How to Get to Tamarack Resort Idaho
Tamarack is located in Donnelly, Idaho, which is about 2 hours north of Boise and a half hour south of McCall, Idaho.
To me, one of the coolest parts of Tamarack Resort is that it truly has something for all seasons. While this blog featured all that it has to offer in the winter, I am so excited to visit Tamarack in one of the other seasons to experience all it has to offer.
I can’t wait for our trip to Tamaracks in the summer or fall to do some of my favoirte sports like mountain biking, boating, hiking, rafting, and ziplining. Idaho is one of the best states for outdoor adventure, finding your happy place, self-care, creating memories with the ones you love, and connecting with nature.
Click here and start booking your trip to Tamarack Resort
Be sure to check out our other Idaho blogs and save them to your Idaho board for when you are ready to plan your summer vacations.
- 21 Things to Do in Idaho in Summer
- Idaho Road Trip
- Lava Hot Springs, Idaho
- 13 Awesome Hikes in Idaho
- Best Day Hikes in Sawtooths
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