10 things to do in the winter without skis or a board

If you're not a skier or snowboarder, and your idea of a lift is a shot of espresso, don't despair, there are lots of fun things to keep you outdoors during winter.

GO TUBING

No gear or lessons are required to do this. For about the price of a movie ticket, you can get an hour of unlimited tubing at the Activity Barn orBogus Basin. Sun Valley has a small tubing hill on Dollar Mountain.

Bundle up in your winter clothes and hang on for the ride. A cable tow pulls you up the hill and you zoom down groomed runs that are free of rocks and trees.

More information: www.bogusbasin.com, www.activitybarn.com, www.sunvalley.com/SunValley/info/mtn.tube.aspx

GO ON A SNOWMOBILE TOUR

Tamarack resort near Donnelly offers guided tours, and there are other tour operators around the state at Stanley and Island Park. If you have some snowmobiling experience or are a little more adventurous, you can rent a sled on your own in Boise, McCall, Garden Valley and other popular snowmobiling areas.

More information: www.tamarackidaho.com; for local snowmobile rentals go to www.boiseoutdoor.com.

GO SNOWSHOEING

There are numerous places in the Treasure Valley to rent or buy showshoes, and they require no more skill than walking. There are several Park 'n Ski areas where you can find parking. The beauty of snowshoeing is you can go almost anywhere there's a foot or more of snow. Snow-covered logging roads make great impromptu snowshoe trails.

RENT A YURT

If you're in the mood for some warm winter camping, try staying overnight in a yurt. Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation rents yurts at several state parks and the backcountry areas around Idaho City. There are private yurts for rent around McCall.

Bogus Basin Recreation Area near Boise added a new yurt this year. It sleeps 10 and costs $100 a night. Be forewarned, all weekend dates are full and the rest are filling fast.

More information: Check Idaho Parks and Recreation yurts at parksandrecreation.idaho.gov. Click on "Lodging." Reserve the Bogus Basin yurt at www.bogusbasin.org/the-mountain/yurt-reservations/index.aspx

TIPS FOR STAYING IN A YURT, PAGE 4

DRIVE AND WATCH WILDLIFE

You can spot literally hundreds of deer and elk along the Banks to Lowman Highway. There are numerous places to pull over and watch them as they wait out winter. Remember, they are trying to conserve energy, so it is best to stay in or very close to your vehicle so you don't disturb them.

SOAK IN SOME IDAHOHOT SPRINGS

Private hot springs such as Gold Fork outside of Donnelly or Zimms near New Meadows are going to cost you a few bucks, or you can explore the many backcountry springs. Find some near you at www.idahohotsprings.com.

TAKE IN MCCALL'SWINTER CARNIVAL

The ice sculptures are huge, as are the crowds, at this annual event that starts in January.

More information: www.mccallwintercarnival.com

TAKE A HIKE

When most people think winter, they think snow, but the Snake River Canyon remains snow-free almost year-round, and it is a fun place to take a hike in winter. Check out the Snake River Birds of Prey areas near Swan Falls Dam or Celebration Park, or Bruneau Dunes State Park south of Mountain Home.

SPOT BALD EAGLES

The majestic birds winter along the Boise River and at Lake Lowell south of Nampa and Caldwell. You can attend Bald Eagle Day on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. The event aims to raise local awareness and support for the Boise River, Barber Pool and its wildlife.

More information: baldeagledays.blogspot.com

GO ICE FISHING AT CASCADE RESERVOIR

Tackle Tom's in Cascade rents ice augers and has all the other tackle you need to spend a day fishing on ice. Take Idaho 55 to Cascade.

Another option is to bundle up and try winter fly fishing. It is not as cold as you might think, and you can catch trout and whitefish on the Boise River, South Fork of the Boise River and the Big Wood River. They all have good winter fishing.

More information: Call (208) 382-4367.