Idaho Falls

at www.ioga.org, Idaho has over 7,200 miles of snowmobile trails, more than any other western state, and is maintained by a whopping 29 grooming programs. Back-country skiing is another great guide-worthy activity. Outfitters make it their business to provide top-notch adventures to remote lodges for quiet weekend getaways. You might even learn a thing or two about traveling "yurt-to-yurt" for overnight treks through the Tetons. IOGA members are all "licensed and bonded" and must meet the association's high bar for safety and professionalism. Best of all, these incredible individuals are not in short supply. To order a free IOGA directory, call 800-49-IDAHO. Source: www.ioga.org EASTIDAHOOUTDOORS.COM  37 FACT BOX Fun Fact Idaho was one of the fi rst states  in the West to license and bond  outfi tters and guides. The state  established requirements in  1954, a decade before the Forest  Service began similar regulation.  Not until the 1980s did Montana,  Wyoming and Colorado follow  Idaho's example. In truth, opportunities abound for guided trips throughout our hefty eastern Idaho winters, and for all that you can thank the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association. This non-profi t association represents most of Idaho's licensed outfi tters and guides, especially the smaller outfi ts that offer in-depth expertise for hunting, fi shing, running the rapids, riding trails and more. In the winter months, many of these back- country sages specialize in skiing, snow- mobiling, and backcountry trips for quiet week-long retreats. Most experienced snowmobilers forego hiring a guide for their excursions, but for those just starting out, a guided experience makes perfect sense. The amount of ground to cover can be more than a little intimidating, stretching across 5,000 miles of groomed trails. While you might have plenty of fun chasing other hill-climbers into the forest, consider how much enrichment you could have with a knowledgeable licensed guide—one who will point out all the historical and natural features of an area, or guide you along the historic trails of native tribes, trappers and pioneers. Or perhaps you'll discover a deserted mining town, or maybe soak in a secluded hot pool. According to the association's homepage { C A R E T A K E R S — O U T F I T T E R S A N D G U I D E S } Trails Of all the misconceptions regarding outdoor recreation in the Gem State, here's one of the most unfortunate: Guided summer adventures are a dime a dozen, but when the white stuff flies, you're on your own. Trails

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