BY KAREN BOSSICK

While Mother Nature has been stingy with snow this year in Idaho, a few Idaho ski resorts are getting in the Christmas spirit, nevertheless.

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area near Mullan in North Idaho is offering skiers and snowboarders dressed as Santa from head to toe the opportunity to purchase a lift ticket for just $20 today—Saturday, Dec. 23.

And Tamarack Resort south of McCall is giving guests dressed as Santa, elves or in other holiday costumes a free lift ticket on Christmas Day. There also will be complimentary coffee, donuts and Monster energy at the VIP Santa Soiree that day.

Sun Valley Resort, of course, will treat guests to its longstanding Christmas Eve ice show, torchlight parade and fireworks show beginning at 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve.

Only 14 of the Gem State’s 19 ski areas will be open for Christmas given the paucity of snow and warm temperatures that have hindered snow making.

Hailey’s Rotarun Ski Area, Bald Mountain near Pierce, Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Area in Grangeville and Cottonwood Butte ski area are among those that have had to delay opening. Little Ski Hill in McCall is operating as a hike-to-rail park basis.

Sun Valley Resort has both Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain open but runs are limited.