STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Galena Lodge will open for the season today--Friday, Nov. 20--with more than two feet of snow to welcome back Nordic skiers and snowshoers.

And, as with everything else during the year of the pandemic, lodge operations will look different.

The patio will boast a food truck named “Pearl’s” after Pearl Barber who operated the Galena Store from 1924 to 1959, lured by the good fishing.

Limited seating will be provided indoors so people are encouraged to bring a blanket and down jacket, along with their face mask, to take advantage of patio seating warmed by fire pits and picnic tables placed along trails for those who want to pack a picnic.

The Winter Menu includes Curry Bowl soup, Mo-Rokin Idaho Lamb Stew, Chili of the Day, Curry Chicken Wrap with peach chutney, Ginger Sesame Bowl with coconut rice, Southwestern Chicken Salad with cilantro buttermilk dressing and a EuroLunch—a selection of meats, cheeses, hummus, fruit and bread.

Galena is moving towards a cashless system so guests bring a credit card.

Guests are also encouraged to book their ski, snowshoe and yurt rentals online at www.galenalodge.com.

Lodge hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Pearl’s will be open from 11 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. during the holidays and full moons with fire pits, heaters and party lights heating things up.

Skiers and snowshoers have one more week to buy BCRD Nordic season passes online at a $50 discount. Visit www.bcrd.org. by Nov. 29 to receive the early season pass price. Discounted season passes will also be available for purchase at the lodge during opening weekend.

Galena’s four yurts may also be booked at rates starting at $125 a night during winter and $100 during summer.

Questions? Call Galena Lodge at 208-726-4010. Or, email info@galenalodge.com.