From Ski Slopes to Electric Karts: A Week of Adventure in Idaho

Last updated January 10, 2024 by Totally Boise

From the snowy peaks of local ski resorts to the chilly depths of a charity polar plunge, there's plenty happening to keep both residents and visitors buzzing. This week, we're taking a closer look at how a winter wonderland has invigorated our ski slopes, the adrenaline-fueled switch to electric go-karts, and the inspiring efforts of community members braving icy waters for a noble cause. Plus, we've got the inside scoop on Boise's very own Maddie Zahm's new album and an important update on Governor Brad Little’s plans for Idaho’s public schools.

Weekend Snow Brings A Big Boost to Local Ski Resorts

Multiple ski areas in Southwest Idaho saw their busiest day of the season Sunday after a weekend snowstorm blanketed slopes with powder.

Bogus Basin, Tamarack Resort, and Brundage Mountain all got a boost from the weekend's snow.

The excitement on the slopes is high, as Bogus Basin received around 11 inches of snow from the weekend's storms.

"Busiest day of the season, so far," Bogus Basin General Manager Brad Wilson said. "We actually parked-out at about 10 o'clock [Sunday] morning, which we only did twice last year. There's a lot of pent-up demand to go skiing, and when this powder hit the slopes - people wanted to come."

The 21st Annual Gebert-Arbaugh Polar Bear Challenge

Over 400 people took the plunge into the icy cold waters of Lucky Peak to help Make-A-Wish Idaho at the 21st annual Gebert-Arbaugh Polar Bear Challenge. The event took place on Saturday, Jan. 6. President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Idaho, Janie Best, said that they raised enough money to fulfill 12 wishes and she thinks the number will go even higher.

All of the proceeds from the plunge go directly to Make-A-Wish Idaho and last year the organization granted 127 wishes to kids with critical illnesses. The first year 36 people attended the event. This year they will grant over 140 wishes.

Fast Lane Goes Electric

When you're on the track, torque and speed are essential, and that's what you get with electric cars.

Boise-based go-kart track, Fast Lane, spent more than a million dollars transitioning to a new home with electric karts that it says will set them up for a bright future.

"The old gas cars besides being stinky and dealing with oil changes and then you gotta dispose of the oil. The new ones are just basically a battery and a motor," said the owner of Fast Lane, Bradley Gorringe.

Fast Lane Indoor Karting has switched from gas-powered karts to faster electric karts, spending over $1 million transitioning to a new location and electric cars.

Boise-Local, Maddie Zahm, Releases New Album

Recently, in an NPR interview, Maddie Zahm gave us a sneak peek into her latest album, "Now That I've Been Honest," which serves as a candid diary of her life's highs and lows. Maddie touches upon her journey to viral fame with "Fat Funny Friend" and her personal story of coming out as queer. It's a heartfelt exploration of her youth in Boise, Idaho, balancing teenage life with premature adult responsibilities in her church community.

Notably, her song "You Might Not Like Her" became a hit on social media and held special significance for Zahm and her family. During a performance, her parents publicly expressed their support and acceptance, marking a powerful moment of growth and love in their relationship following her coming out.

‘We can do better.’ Idaho Gov. Little Announces $2 Billion in Funding for School Buildings

Recently, Idaho Governor Brad Little declared a $2 billion initiative to enhance public schools over the coming decade. This substantial funding is directed at improving worn-down school facilities throughout the state. Announced during his State of the State address, Little emphasized that this investment will not only help school districts in repairing and updating their buildings but will also offer property tax relief. This decision comes in response to findings from the Idaho Statesman and ProPublica, highlighting the enduring challenges faced by local school districts in maintaining their aging structures. These schools are dealing with issues such as leaky roofs, water-damaged collapsing ceilings, and defective plumbing, largely due to the stringent requirement of a two-thirds majority for passing school bonds.

Reflecting on a Remarkable Week

What a week it's been in Idaho! From the fresh powder creating a skiing paradise to the icy plunge making waves for a good cause, our state has shown its dynamic and spirited nature. We witnessed Fast Lane's exciting transition to electric go-karts, proving that innovation and fun go hand-in-hand. And let's not forget Boise's own Maddie Zahm, whose heartfelt album resonates with so many. Lastly, Governor Brad Little's substantial investment in our school infrastructure promises a brighter future for our students. It's clear, that whether it's in the realm of entertainment, charity, technology, or education, Idaho continues to embrace change and growth, making it a truly remarkable place to be.

If you love learning about all things Boise, we’ve done the research for you! Check out our blog to find local stories and insider tips for exploring Boise.

Catch Up On This Week in Boise