3 minute read

Soldier Mountain Reboots

Photo by Sean Muldoon

BY MEREDITH RICHARDSON

Nestled between the largest city in Idaho and the Wests’ most iconic ski town, the sleepy little farm town of Fairfield looks like just a dot on the map. Drive-bys can be deceptive, however, and just beyond the one gas station stop, there are 3,000 plus acres of skiable terrain called Soldier Mountain–a true Idaho black diamond in the rough.

Founded in 1947 by a group of farmers with two tow ropes in hand, “This resort is the definition of Mom and Pop,” says General Manager, Paul Alden. “The locals needed something to do during the winter, more importantly, for their kids to do. So they pushed the snow around and started the tows and here we are today.” 70 years later, the resort has seen a multitude of owners, including the famous Die Hard superstar, Bruce Willis, to local nonprofits. There have been plenty of unforeseeable challenges–seasons of minimal snow to the 2020 Phillip’s Creek Fire that decimated the brand new mountain bike trails and fried the snowmaking system. But even with consistent pitfalls and shifts in management, the resort has never lost its pulse or possibilities. This explains why a new investment group placed a large bet on its potential. When polished, Soldier Mountain shines.

As one of only three resorts in Idaho that offer catskiing, Soldier is also the only resort to provide backcountry overnight trips with untouched powder out your yurt’s front door. Fresh-groomed corduroy blankets 35 runs and beyond lies 2,000 acres of cat-accessible terrain. Only 90 minutes from Boise, this dot-on-the-ski-map brags no lift lines and fresh tracks without driving 100 more miles for higher-priced lift tickets and upscale crowds. “Soldier is more about the heart of mom and pop resorts,” says says the General Manager, Paul Alden.

Photo by Tony Harrison

This resort is the definition of Mom and Pop...Because we are smaller, we can offer a unique time on the hill and in the backcountry. We recognize faces. We remember names."

-Paul Alden, General Manager

Photo by Tony Harrison

Soldier Mountain is the only resort to provide backcountry overnight trips.

Photo by Tony Harrison

“Because we are smaller, we can offer a unique time on the hill and in the backcountry. We recognize faces. We remember names,” Alden says. “Our culture is friendly. People are really embracing that, and as a result we see a lot of customers return year after year.”

Anyone who has grabbed the last chair up and been the last person down a ski mountain knows the amazing rush. Undoubtedly, Soldier’s coolest offering should be on every downhill lovers bucket list–the chance to rent the entire resort. Imagine–a wedding or family reunion on your own private Idaho ski resort for $7500 a day. Wherever the lift takes you that snow is yours alone. And for an extra fee, the restaurant will serve only you and yours. That’s social distancing as a dream come true!

Photo by Tony Harrison

Soldier’s new management has a clear plan for where the resort is headed, but one major hurdle remains–lodging. Currently, the base of the mountain is home to a rental shop, ticket office, and small restaurant. Completing the guest experience, beyond backcountry yurt trips demand comfortable beds for burning quads and tired heads.

“It’s the single greatest obstacle we need to overcome,” says Alden. “We have a vision for this place and it includes lodging. It’s just a matter of building on private land or doing a land swap with the Forest Service. We are looking at both options right now. This would round out everything we have to offer.”

Still wondering what a dot-on-the map called Fairfield has to offer? Just look for Soldier Mountain sparkling in the distance.

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