Steamboat Gulch will be open for tubing and sledding this winter in Idaho City

IDAHO CITY, Idaho – Last winter, this popular recreation area sat empty, but that’s changing thanks to one young man’s ambition and the support of two local businesses. Carter Elliot works six different jobs and is also studying business at Boise State University, but now he’s spearheading another effort to open Steamboat once enough snow falls there.

“I just knew that the sledding hill had such a big impact and people had been using it for so many decades,” Elliot said. “We had an opportunity to take over the lease and get it back on track and that was something I wanted to see.”

Steamboat Gulch is located on gift land owned by the Idaho Department of Lands. They want people to use this recreational area, but they need someone to step in and manage it because it has been devastated in the past.

Tim Hurlbut owns Smokejumper Tiny Home Resort and Sarsparilla Ice Cream Parlor and Gift Shop in Idaho City. Tim sent a mass email to his staff asking if anyone would be interested in running Steamboat Gulch. Carter Elliot was committed and his ambition is clear to see in this small town.

“He worked so hard to get the lease done and make everything environmentally friendly,” said Rebecca Barrow, the Smokejumper’s manager. “I’m just really happy for him, he’s a really hard worker and it’s great for a young man to be able to do everything he does. We are really proud of him.”

The toboggan hill will work like this: People will have to stop at Sarsparilla to sign waivers and get their tickets. It costs $20 for Boise County residents and $30 for everyone else. However, people pay per carload, so you can take as many people as you can fit.

They will offer sled rentals, people can purchase firewood, and there will also be two 20-foot tables for adults to sit by the fire and warm themselves. There will also be a mountain-style Uber Eats where people can order food and drinks and they will be delivered every 90 minutes by Sarsparilla.

“We will have chili, hot dogs, nachos, hot chocolate and coffee,” Elliot said. “All the things you want to enjoy and stay warm out here with your family.”

If you want to make a weekend of it, visitors can also get free entry by staying in one of the tiny cabins at Smokejumper. These are right next to the Sarsparilla. They opened in summer 2022 and offer guests a hot tub and a public viewing area for movie nights. Each cabin has a bed, a toilet, a TV and a small kitchen.

“Tim had these tiny cabins brought over from Canada and anyone can stay here, it’s like a hotel,” Barrow said. “We have accessible units, king beds and full size beds.”

Steamboat Gulch will open when there is enough snow for safe operation. The plan is to be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the two weeks when the children are out of school over Christmas.