After two flights and a stunning two-hour drive through the majestic mountains and winding river valleys, we finally arrived at Tamarack Resort. Our family has somewhat of a tradition of spending Christmas here, all while trying our best not to turn the slopes into our personal obstacle course.

Fortunately, during the summer months, the lifts are open for mountain biking – a thrilling alternative that I decided not to embrace on this trip. As Sid the sloth from Ice Age said it, “I choose life.”

Over the past decade, Tamarack has undergone a remarkable transformation. The newly constructed apartments, restaurants, resort club, and more, now collectively known as "The Village," snugly nestle next to the main lift. I can’t wait to see how cute it looks in the snow.

One thing I made sure not to miss was witnessing each sunrise, and boy, was it worth the early wake-up calls! The first morning treated us to a striking pink and purple sky, followed by a dramatic orange spectacle, and the last day offered a gentle, golden glow.

Our first morning adventure took us to a golf course outside of town, boasting breathtaking views that managed to divert my attention from my less-than-stellar golfing skills. We tried our luck at golf two more times, hoping my family's golfing prowess would somehow transfer to me. It didn't quite work out, but it hardly mattered. On our final round, we had the entire golf course to ourselves, surrounded by serene quiet, a cool breeze, and panoramic mountain vistas – truly soul-refreshing.

We retrieved our bikes from storage and pedaled down to the lake, where we skipped rocks and dared each other to take a dip. As is my tradition, I collected the first of many fallen leaves during this trip, adding to my ever-growing collection at home. Before you scoff, leaves make fantastic travel mementos – they're unique to the area, free, lightweight, and last indefinitely. Plus, I can use them to spruce up my apartment every fall.

The following day, we rode the lifts up to mid-mountain to explore and savor the awe-inspiring views. Given that we visited after Labor Day, the place was practically deserted, and they kindly allowed us to go up for free. We embarked on a hike to another closed lift, which, in my humble opinion, offered the most breathtaking view of the entire trip.

Of course, we couldn't pass up the chance to experience The Village, especially since this was my first visit since its grand opening. We discovered a self-tap bar – a glimpse into the future, where you grab a card, scan it next to any of the 20+ taps, and fill your own drink. Welcome to the future, folks! In the evenings, we brought our books down to read before getting ready for dinner, making the most of our relaxing time.

And speaking of relaxation, every night before bedtime, we unwound in the hot tub, gazing up at the starry night sky, a perfect way to end our days. We also spent our nights playing card games and enjoying some jackbox TV. Fun fact: Your small intestines measure a whopping 20 feet long! Thank you jackbox TV for filling the gaps in my and my sibling’s educations.

On our last day, we ventured to McCall for lunch and some leisurely shopping. Having grown up in a small town myself, every return visit reminds me of how much I miss it. Everyone knows everyone, there are no parking woes, and no endless queues. You feel a sense of tranquility and safety, even during local hunting season when groups of camouflage-clad men roam about, well aware that their vehicles are loaded with guns.

I already find myself missing the crisp scent of pine that permeated the air. This area truly is a hidden gem, and it makes me wonder about the countless other underrated towns waiting for me to discover.

P.S. Don't forget to check out my 2023 album for more awe-inspiring snapshots from our unforgettable trip! 📸