Smart Meetings

The route is flanked by high canyon walls and, in some places, the tree-lined banks of the river shade campgrounds and fishing spots. White-water river rafters, kayakers, hikers are in full view along the way. After traveling about 90 miles, you enter the resort, which is a hive of activity these days.

The main part is the new Village taking shape; the first phase, Discovery Square, opened in late 2004, but the Village Plaza, its main core, is slated to open in 2008. However, there was enough happening there to divert President George Bush last summer when he was staying at a nearby private home.

The lodging at this point is a blend of hotel rooms at the resort's first hotel, The Lodge at Osprey Meadows, along with privately owned cottages, chalets and town homes. The Lodge has a European feel, but right next door is the Arling Conference Center, a cluster of buildings that reflects Idaho's turn-of-the-century rural architectural heritage.

What really sets this area off is the fact that it has a major mountain, a 21-mile-long lake, and a substantial meadow. The mountain has more than 600 acres of groomed trails, seven chairlifts and 1,200 skiable acres, ready for backcountry skiing and downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter and then hiking, biking and mountain biking in summer.

Groups can also arrange for guided backcountry skiing, lakeside volleyball tournaments or simply ask for something special.

Between muscle spasms, group members might have seen Lyle Lovett performing at the Tamarack Amphitheater (tamarackidaho.com) earlier this summer, followed by the North Mississippi All Stars and the Doobie Brothers. 

The Arling Conference Center has a total of 15,000 sq. ft. spread among the Chapel, the Grange and the Schoolhouse. The resort's opportunity season is April–May and September–November (tamarackidaho.com).

Getting There

Tamarack and Whitetail, Boise Airport (boise-airport.com). Tamarack operates a shuttle service from the airport.

Not To Be Missed

• A private guided hike on the Canoe Ridge Trail.
• Mountain Biking.
• Whitewater rafting or fly-fishing on the Payette River.
• Guided backcountry skiing.
• Guided snowmobiling.