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Silver Mountain, ID, Report: A Very Tall, Long, World-Class Bike Park in the Panhandle of Idaho – SnowBrains

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Silver Mountain, ID, Report: A Very Tall, Long, World-Class Bike Park in the Panhandle of Idaho – SnowBrains


Tyler Mayer getting the goods at Silver Mountain’s bike park in the Idaho Panhandle. | Photo: SnowBrains

Report from June 8-9, 2024

Views of lush green forests and deep blue lakes came more and more into view as we gained elevation on Silver Mountain’s gondola on Saturday morning.

Idaho’s Panhandle is even more gorgeous from the air, I thought as we sailed along America’s longest gondola.

The day was sunny, warm but not too much so, and there was no wind; it was perfect weather to check out Silver’s Mountain Bike Park.

We got to the top of the gondola, hopped onto our bikes, and then took a blue trail called Jack Ass back down to town.

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This was not your regular mountain bike trail; it was eight miles long with a vertical drop of over 3,000 feet and it took over 45 minutes of continuous biking to get down.

I’ve never ridden a trail like that before.

Through the forest. | Photo: SnowBrains

Silver Mountain is known for being one of Idaho’s premiere ski areas but what may not be as known is that it also has the #1 rated mountain bike park in the Pacific Northwest for four years running.

An assortment of green, blue, and black trails are accessible right from the top of the gondola; some are shorter and go straight to Chair 3, where you can hit multiple laps back to back, while others are long and enduring like the ones that go for eight miles down to the town of Kellogg where the gondola terminal is located.

Silver’s Bike Park has a little bit of something for everyone.

Trail map. | Photo: SnowBrains

We started with Jack Ass, a blue trail, then hit another blue called Burro Loco, which was slightly more technical.

That was insanely fun.

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The trails under the gondola start in an open field where some ski runs are then descend into thick forest.

Once in the forest, the trails branch off and you have dozens of options for more trails to hit, from green to blue to black flow and technical trails.

We had to take frequent breaks because our hands got so tired from the epically long downhill trails—a good problem to have.

The trails just went on forever here…

Wildcat, a blue trail, was one of our favorites of the trip.

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We had to stop for lunch at Noah’s canteen to refuel and the food was excellent and not too expensive (go for the chicken sandwich!)

Gondola. | Photo: SnowBrains

After mostly riding blues on the first day we felt ready to take on some black trail on Sunday.

We started with Snake Pit that led to Chair 3, a steep technical trail.

It was exactly that: steep, rocky, technical, and challenging in the best ways.

By the bottom, I was worked but extremely stoked.

More black trails, please.

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Jack Ass trail. | Photo: SnowBrains

Then we hit a couple of black flow trails from the gondola down to town called Hammer and Ghost Pepper.

These were steep trails that cut through the woods with playful jump lines all throughout the trails.

We caught some good air and landed on some very well-constructed landings all while keeping a nice flow through the endless twists and turns of the trails.

The berms were smooth and fast; a couple of them were huge and had you accelerating at uncanny speeds.

The vibes were high and everyone at the bike park we encountered had smiles on their faces.

That’s what a nice bike park does.

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Air time. | Photo: SnowBrains

At one point we hit a technical black trail called Snaggletooth and I biked the rockiest, most technical section of trail I ever have and flowed it.

I only did it because I was following Tyler who was following a local who made it look smooth.

Then a crew of more locals followed us and rode the technical section with ease and we all exchanged stokey high fives at the bottom.

Bike culture is fun.

Ghost Pepper black trail. | Photo: SnowBrains

After miles upon miles of long, tall downhill trails through gorgeous, thick, moss-covered forests, we were officially tired.

Tired, but happy.

We elected for one more ride down Ghost Pepper and after that decided to call it a day.

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Each day we rode last weekend, the weather was beautiful, the dirt was beyond beautiful, the trails were completely uncrowded, and the stoke was high.

Tyler sending. | Photo: SnowBrains

I was thoroughly impressed with Silver Mountain’s bike park and I can see how it’s the top-rated bike park in the PNW.

I could also see myself coming here every summer after the snowmelts and getting my ‘mountain bike’ on.

It’s that good.

Thanks, Silver Mountain!

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To learn more about Silver Mountain’s Bike Park, visit the resort’s website. 

Weather

Screen Shot: NOAA 6/11/24

Photos 

In the woods. | Photo: SnowBrains
We had gorgeous weather on this trip. | Photo: SnowBrains
Taking the trail back to the gondola. | Photo: SnowBrains
Chicken sandwich at Noah’s. | Photo: SnowBrains
Views from the top. | Photo: SnowBrains
Tyler on Burro Loco. | Photo: SnowBrains
Tyler sending through the forest.| Photo: SnowBrains
Wildcat. | Photo: SnowBrains
The forested sections were super fun. Photo: SnowBrains
Wildcat—one of our favorite trails of the trip. | Photo: SnowBrains
Gondola. | Photo: SnowBrains
Tyler coming out of Snake Pit. | Photo: SnowBrains
Picking trails. | Photo: SnowBrains
Uphill Grill in Kellogg—a must try! | Photo: SnowBrains
Coeur D’Alene Bike Co.—the best bike shop in town that helped us out tremendously. | Photo: SnowBrains
Tyler banking a high-speed turn. | Photo: SnowBrains
Outlaw Bar and Grill in Mullan—a classic! | Photo: SnowBrains

 

 

 

 

 

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Delicious New Menu Item Expected To Hit Idaho Costcos Soon

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Delicious New Menu Item Expected To Hit Idaho Costcos Soon


There’s something special and timeless about the Costco food court.

Having a Costco Card doesn’t just mean you unlock your grocery shopping there but you now get to go to the best food court known to man: The Costco Foodcourt.

Everyone loves their great prices and great options. Whether you’ve wanted to get a pizza to share with your family or one of their beloved giant hot dogs everyone’s got a good reason to go to the Costco Foodcourt.

Costco has been adding a lot of new menu items recently including fun ice cream flavors. Now they have yet again added something new to their menu.

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Idaho Costcos

Where to find Costcos in Idaho.

Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola

Costco has added a new menu item that everyone is already going crazy for. In a new viral Instagram reel an influencer revealed that Costco food courts around the country would be adding chicken strips to their menu! This feels like the perfect addition to the already extremely popular Costco food court and we can already see everyone going crazy over this new menu item.

Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

As of right now it appears the chicken tenders are going to be 6.99 and include 5 chicken strips. They also seemingly have a new sauce that is going to be paired with these chicken strips and it looks delicious!

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Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

Credit: Instagram/costcohotfinds

You’ll have to check out all of the local Idaho Costcos for when these hit stores because they just look delicious!

Look at those chicken tenders:

 

 

 

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Costco Foodcourt’s New Item

It’s a Caramel Brownie Sundae!!!

Gallery Credit: Shannon Buccola

Change Complete at Costco’s Food Courts

Who would have thought that an age old debate would bring out such a reaction in Costco shoppers!?

Gallery Credit: Mateo, 103.5 KISS FM

 

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This is How to Identify an Idaho Christian Nationalist

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This is How to Identify an Idaho Christian Nationalist


You’ve heard that our federal Constitution was made for a moral people.  The line is attributed to the founding father and second President, John Adams.  Notice he said “moral,” not “Christian.”  One of my friends was a graduate of Liberty University, a prestigious Christian school.  His mission in life was to evangelize, but he always cautioned his listeners that our founders spoke of a Creator, and not Jesus.  Some of our early leaders were devout Christians.  Many of them were also womanizers, drinkers, and gave religion no more than lip service.  They were people who wanted to be left alone, and if they practiced faith, it was personal, and they didn’t believe it was the government’s role to dictate morality.

They Mock Good People of Other Faiths

I’m reminded of a story about the 2024 Republican National Convention.  Harmeet Dhillon, a rising star in the party, spoke.  She referenced her Sikh faith, and someone in the crowd felt compelled to shout “Jesus is Lord!”  Now, maybe a majority believes that, but are you sure He wants you to taunt good and moral people?  Or would God prefer a gentler approach?  For instance, you could pray for conversions.

Where does the Great Commission instruct you to be rude to people of good moral character?

Idaho’s Glenneda Zuiderveld was an alternate delegate, and when a seatmate said the man was rude, the state senator dismissed the argument.  “We’re all going to be judged,” she said.  What’s a Senator’s purpose in politics?

The Pot Calling the Kettle Black

A few days ago, a local church had a men-only event for candidates.  A group of liberal women demonstrated outside.  I don’t know why they can’t organize their own event instead, but apparently, they would rather be confrontational.  They’ve accomplished nothing more than preening and making a claim that they’re more virtuous, but the church is within its rights to hold a men-only event.  If you want a women’s only event, I’m not bothered.  Let me add a caveat.  Some of the men involved believe that it’s okay to berate members of the LDS Church as they enter the temple.  I wouldn’t say screaming at someone that they’re going to hell is a sign of moral people.  Again, if you think they’re wrong, then pray for them.

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Some people wonder why they’re called Christian nationalists.  Do we need to draw them some pictures?

Brad Little Through The Years

Gallery Credit: Kevin Miller





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Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho

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Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho


KUNA — A sister-duo is filling baskets with blankets, snacks and handwritten notes to spread some extra love to moms spending Mother’s Day in the hospital with their newborns.

The effort is led by “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” a nonprofit co-founded by sisters Tiffany and Alyssa Higbee. The organization was born from Alyssa’s own experience spending months in the NICU with her firstborn.

Alyssa’s son was initially in the NICU for about two weeks, then was put back in for about 3.5 months. During that time, several holidays passed, making it especially hard as a first-time mom.

“There was people in companies who would bring us stuff and try and cheer up your day, and it really helped, and so when my son was about 6 months old, we decided that it would be best to try and help moms in the NICU somehow,” Alyssa Higbee said.

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That inspiration led the sisters to create Mother’s Day gift baskets filled with items to bring comfort and encouragement to moms facing the same journey.

WATCH: Learn more about “Helping Hands for NICU Moms”

Local non-profit fills Mother’s Day baskets for NICU moms across Idaho

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The sisters have a 12-year age gap. Tiffany was fresh out of high school when they started the nonprofit in 2023, which meant she had more time to dedicate to the project. Alyssa noted that because of the age gap, they didn’t get to spend a lot of time together growing up, so the project has brought them closer.

“Hopefully, this can bring some hope that you can get out of it … that NICU period, that scary initial phase, it does get easier,” Alyssa Higbee said.

ALSO READ | Fragile beginnings to bright futures: NICU ‘Wall of Hope’ inspires families with stories of strength

Alyssa’s son, who was born in the NICU at St. Luke’s in Twin Falls, is now 3-years-old and healthy. Tiffany said watching her nephew go through the NICU was hard, but seeing him now — jumping, tackling her, and doing everything a little boy does — makes the work even more meaningful.

“It’s cool to see the difference because I know that some kids don’t make it to where he is when they’re in the NICU, and it’s just cool to see that he did,” Tiffany Higbee said.

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This year’s baskets are packed with items donated by nearly 25 local companies — up from just 5 donors in the first year. The baskets include soaps from Wild Highland Soaps, claw clips, bibs, hair bows, chapsticks, socks, lotions, hand sanitizers, coloring books, colored pencils, snacks, minky blankets, and stuffed puppies from Scheels.

Gift cards and coupons are also included from Dutch Bros, Flying M Coffee, a pizza company, Wendy’s (free meal coupons for breakfast and lunch), Albertsons, and a $10 coupon to a baby store.

Tiffany started collecting donations for this year’s baskets as early as November of last year, spending a few hours every week for the past 6 to 8 months to prepare — reaching out to companies, picking up donations, and organizing everything.

The assembly process includes last-minute tasks like ironing vinyl onto bags, opening boxes, and putting together gift card envelopes before the full baskets are assembled and delivered.

“We start putting the bags together, making sure we have everything in there, and then we deliver them on Mother’s Day,” Alyssa Higbee said.

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The baskets are delivered before noon on Mother’s Day to avoid missing moms who may be discharged after doctors do their rounds. Currently, the organization delivers to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in downtown Boise.

Tiffany said delivering the baskets is one of the most rewarding parts of the work.

“I love seeing the moms sometimes we get to watch them come out with their baskets, and they’ll be going through it, and they look really excited and happy,” Tiffany Higbee said.

“Seeing how happy they are or knowing how I cheered them up a little bit for their Mother’s Day because it’s a big holiday, it’s their first with that baby at least,” Tiffany Higbee said.

The first year, the project was funded mostly out of their own pockets. Three years later, as an official nonprofit, they said they no longer have to rely heavily on their own funds thanks to their new partnerships.

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The organization accepts both monetary donations via Venmo and their website, as well as in-kind donations of physical items like soaps, claw clips, and other basket items — year-round.

The organization’s future goal is to expand to all the different NICUs in the area, and potentially the PICUs (Pediatric Intensive Care Units) as well, since that was also part of Alyssa’s experience.

To learn how you can donate or get involved with “Helping Hands for NICU Moms,” you can visit their website by clicking here.

Send tips to neighborhood reporter Brady Caskey

Have a story idea from South Boise, West Boise or Kuna? Share it with Brady below —

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