March trip

We live in south Texas, and have a March 16, 2008 week trip planned to Blanchard, Idaho, staying at the Stoneridge resort. There are 4 of us-2 guys want to ski and 2 wives don%26#39;t. We have never been in this area before. We will have a car. Do we need a 4 wheel drive in March? Where would be good skiing? Any other recommendations for things to do and see at that time of year?

March trip

If you are going to travel on the main roads or highways a 4 wheel drive will not be needed but if you are going to drive up to one of the ski resorts (Schweitzer or 49 Degrees North) it may be wise to have a 4 wheel or all wheel drive vehicle. Stoneridge is likely to have some snow on the ground but in March but we usually are having warm enough days to keep the valley roads in clear and good shape. The nearest ski areas are Schweitzer (www.schweitzer.com )near Sandpoint, Idaho, 49 Degrees North (www.ski49n.com) near Chewelah, Washington, or Mt. Spokane (www.mtspokane.com) which is visible from Stoneridge but not a straight driving route. Also in the area is Silver Mountain (www.silvermt.com) near Kellogg, Idaho which is a longer drive but its all Highway/Interstate. The closest is probably Schweitzer which is the biggest of the ski resorts in the area. All the resorts have had good snow pack this year so unless there is an unusually warm early spring, there should be good ski conditions in March. Unfortunately you will be in the area in the in between season, too early for summer activities too really be started (golf, boating on the lakes, fishing, hiking) and winter activites (ski, snowmobile) starting to wind down. Sandpoint and Coeur d%26#39; Alene offer a variety of shopping, drinking, and eating opportunites in nice downtowns adjacent to very large and scenic lakes, you may want to also drive up to Priest Lake for scenery. Stoneridge its self is in a rural area so its likely if you want variety in shopping and eating choices you will have to drive into either Sandpoint of Coeur d%26#39; Alene

March trip

I visit Idaho pretty much every winter to ski. My relatives live in a beautiful place called Teton Valley, home of Grand Targhee Ski Resort. It%26#39;s a fantastic spot that hasn%26#39;t been ruined by developers and isn%26#39;t crowded like other ski resorts in Idaho. The powder is amazing! The drive from the major town in the valley (Driggs) up to Targhee is about a 15 minute drive and it%26#39;s said to be the best kept road in the valley,so you won%26#39;t be needing 4 wheel drive. There%26#39;s a great spa at the resort for the ladies that aren%26#39;t into the skiing part. I recommend the the Targhee Hot Stone Massage. It%26#39;s the best!

i always wonder about first time posters, call me weird...and Grand Targee, is A LONG WAYS FROM BLANCHARD, but indeed, a wonderful place...enjoy

Didnt even see the Blanchard part. Sorry about that!