With the wood fire crackling in the stove, it is hard to believe it can be 70 degrees in the yurt and the temperature outside can be somewhere in the 20s.

But that's the way it is when you kick back after a snowshoe or ski adventure in the Boise Mountains and stay in one of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation's backcountry yurts northeast of Idaho City.

Families have all the comforts of home, including a gas stove for cooking, cooking utensils, a wood-burning stove, bunks, chairs and a table.

The yurt system makes a weekend winter outing simple because all you have to carry in is a sleeping bag, food, clothing and personal gear. The rest is at the yurt.

Five yurts are located around the Idaho City Area Nordic Trail System, which is about an hour from Boise.

They require a 1- to 2-mile trek on skis or snowshoes.

TIPS FOR USING A YURT

• Some yurts already are booked solid on weekends in the winter, so you'll have more luck if you can plan a trip during the week.

• There is only one yurt that allows dogs - the Rocky Ridge Yurt. It is one of the most popular.

• Once you snag a reservation and head out, get an Idaho Park 'N' Ski permit for each vehicle that will be parked at the trailhead parking lot so you don't return to find a ticket.

• Don't forget to get the yurt door lock combination from Idaho Parks and Recreation. It wouldn't be fun to trek in 2 miles and have no place to stay.

• You'll need two screw-in-type propane tanks for each day for cooking and lights.

• An avalanche shovel will come in handy in case you have to dig your way in or out of the yurt after a big snowstorm, especially to the outhouse.

• Take an Idaho City-area yurt and trail system map so you'll know where you are going.

• A 7.5-minute quadrangle map will come in handy in case you want to explore surrounding areas.

• Take a compass or GPS in case you get lost.

• Take a roll of toilet paper and a roll of paper towels.

• Don't forget your sleeping bag. The yurts are warm, but it gets cold in the morning if the fire dies down.

• An inflatable pillow is a good idea and doesn't take up much space in your pack.

• Take a headlamp. Most likely you'll get to the trailhead at dusk, and it won't be fun negotiating the trail without a light. A headlamp also comes in handy for those late-night runs to the outhouse.

• Although matches are usually left at the yurts, take some extra. You won't want to be at the yurt and not be able to light the cook stove or wood stove.

• Slippers or down booties are a must for those late-night runs to the outhouse.

• Have a full water bottle for the trek in. You melt snow at the yurt for cooking.

• Wear layered, breathable and waterproof clothing on the trek to the yurt or on any backcountry adventure.

• Carry a fully stocked first aid kit and survival kit.

• Don't forget your medications.

• A snow sled is handy for hauling stuff to the yurt, but don't overload it.

Zimo: 377-6445