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Outdoors by Gregg Losinski Subnivean Idaho Falls sub•niv•e•an (adj.) Subnivean refers to that zone that is under the snow layer. From the Latin for "under" (sub) and "snow" (nives). As part of my job as educator for the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game, it is my responsibility to create new workshops about various aspects of wildlife for teach- ers. My latest workshop is called WILD About Winter and deals with the extreme conditions that wildlife must endure to survive; but in reality the workshop could just as easily be modeled after those hardy citizens who chose to call Idaho Falls home during the winter. Winter being that period of time that often takes up more than half the calendar year, despite arbitrary astro- logical events such as the winter solstice and spring equinox that attempt to hem it in. In reality, Idaho Falls has basically only one season, Winter, and then a few days that get warmer and then colder during which mosquitoes and sunburns become a temporary concern. The point is that despite the appearance of frozen tundra on the surface, all kinds of life exists below the frigid crust. Nothing better typifies this concept than the ice glazed sculpture at the center of the round- about at Taylors Crossing entitled, "The Protector." Typical academic subnivean discussions traditionally focus on those small critters, primarily rodents that barely manage to survive below the snow, but we here in Idaho Falls have taken our rebellion against winter to the heights of eagles. Winter does little to slow down the hardy souls of eastern Idaho who have gladly become denizens of Ultima Thule. While locals surely do maximize their rec- reational pleasure during those brief frost- free moments, rather than burrow in and hibernate for the winter, they embrace the cold and pursue all forms of outdoor experi- ences that most humans would consider as insane. Whether muscular or mechanical, oppor- tunities abound for fun all around Idaho Falls during that period when snow cov- ers the ground. Skiing of both Nordic and alpine variety is close at hand. Idaho may be world famous for Sun Valley, but Kelly's Canyon is an undiscovered local gem. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers untold miles of cross country skiing oppor- tunity, and those seeking a more groomed experience have Tautphaus Park right at hand to enjoy on a daily basis or just a short drive to experience the splendor of Harriman State Park arrayed in its winter mantle. For those Site engineers yearning to escape the confines of their cubicles, the backcountry skiing of Teton Pass is a sirens call urging them to exceed the limits of their every-other-Friday-off world. Spud fields blanketed in snow make for a limitless snow machiners playground and those seeking an extreme edge only need to head to the St. Anthony Dunes to whet their appetites. Even though winter may grip the land, the rivers of the region flow free in defiance and incredible winter angling awaits those daring enough to weigh anchor. Year-round fishing opportunities abound and even reserved Henrys Lake has been forced to become part of our winter playground. After a hard day at play, the ever so slightly sulphur tinged vapors of Heise Hot Springs serve to draw in those who have spent the day battling the elements. While the rest of the world may seek comfort ensconced in their climate con- trolled cocoons, the hardy folk of Idaho Falls rush headlong into the frigid fading twilight shouting, "Bring it on!" 94 Idaho Falls MagazIne JAN/FeB 2012