STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

A ham and brie sandwich with raspberry balsamic fig jam will be among the draws at Galena Lodge when it opens for the 2023-24 winter season on Friday, Nov. 17.

Beginning Friday, the lodge will be open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No reservations are needed this year—the lodge has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

The lodge is offering early season opportunities to learn or fine tune classic and skate skiing techniques  in the December VAMPS and DONS group ski clinics. Packages for “Never Ever” to “Upper Level” Nordic skiers include one lesson a week for three weeks during December. A lunch of soup and bread with classmates is included in the deal.

The rustic lodge, located 24 miles north of Ketchum, also offers private instruction.

Reservations are being taken for stays at Galena’s four yurts—the Honeymoon, Miner’s, Senate View and Stars Perch. The lodge also offers ski and snowshoe rentals and has outdoor gear and clothing for purchase.

Need a loaner dog? Rio—the dog of Galena lodge manager Kyle and Chelan Oldemeyer--will be happy to join recreationalists on a ski or snowshoe trek.

To book a lesson, a yurt or gear, visit https://www.galenalodge.com.

There was only a smattering of snow around the lodge as of Wednesday. But there's a chance of snow over the weekend.

Questions? Call 208-726-4010.