New Heli-Horizons

Backcountry skiing

North Idaho’s first helicopter skiing outfitters have all the permits necessary to start flying from the Coeur d’Alene area next season.

Peak Adventures snowcat skiing and snowboarding outfitters of Cataldo, Idaho, are testing helicopter landing and pickup areas this month in the mountains south of the Silver Valley.

“We want to have everything in order before we start booking trips,” said Terri Rengstorff, who runs Peak Adventures with Steve Matthews.

Meanwhile, the couple continues to run snowcat skiing trips. A weekend of skiing, complete with guides, transportation and lunch, costs $315.

Backcountry skiers who have camping gear can book the snowcat for overnight trips.

Info: Peak Adventures, P.O. Box 50, Cataldo, ID 83810, telephone (208) 682-3200. , DataTimes