West-Central Idaho’s ski season got off to a sluggish start thanks to low snowfall and warm temperatures, but late March storms helped offset the slow beginning. Next up; the Summer season, including the May 23 opening of Osprey Meadows Golf Course at Tamarack Resort and the debut of the resort’s new 100-slip marina.
Tamarack Resort, 90 miles north of Boise, is the only U.S. resort where guests can ski, golf, and boat in one place. The 3,600-acre resort recently completed a $200M revitalization, which included restoration of Osprey Meadows Golf Course – designed by Robert Trent Jones II – and the new marina on Lake Cascade.
“The marina is a huge piece of Tamarack’s identity as a four-season destination,’’ said Gabe Navarro, managing partner at MMG Equity Partners and the key owner/developer of Tamarack Resort. “Lake Cascade is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the region, and having direct lake access through the marina allows us to fully integrate the water into the Tamarack experience.
“The marina is a big step forward for the resort and really reinforces Tamarack’s identity as a mountain, lake, and golf destination all in one place. It’s a great indicator of how much the lake component of the resort really resonates with people.
“It opens the door for boating, paddle sports, fishing, and lakefront gatherings, and it creates another reason for guests to come back in the summer. For many visitors, the combination of mountain, lake, and golf all in one place is something you simply can’t find elsewhere.’’
Located in the Payette River Mountains region of Idaho, Tamarack offers recreation, real estate, vacation rentals, event space and an alpine-style village. The winter brings 2,800 feet of vertical on 1,530 acres of skiable terrain in addition to Nordic and snowshoe trails. In the summer, in addition to golf, the resort is home to mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, rafting, and watersports on Lake Cascade.
“Over the past several years we’ve invested heavily in revitalizing the village, improving infrastructure, expanding amenities, and enhancing the overall guest experience,’’ Navarro told me. “Guests notice everything from new residential offerings and improved dining to enhanced recreation opportunities and community spaces. What’s most rewarding is hearing longtime visitors say Tamarack now feels like the resort it was always meant to be.
“One of the unique aspects of Tamarack is how quickly we transition between seasons. Our teams are incredibly focused on making that shift seamless – moving from skiing and snow sports to golf, mountain biking, lake activities, and hiking.
“This year has been about continuing to build momentum in summer while maintaining the strong winter experience guests expect. The encouraging part is that more people are starting to think of Tamarack as a year-round destination rather than a single-season resort.’’
And with the 2024 renovation of Osprey Meadows – it’s even more as a golf destination. At nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, the layout stretched 7,447 yards from the tips, with five tee options. The renovation, Navaro said, enhanced playability while preserving wetlands, native trees, beaver habitats, and historic bald eagle nesting sites. Nearly 70 percent of the fairways and greens incorporate water features.
RTJII really designed two separate nines at Osprey Meadows. The front weaves through lakes, wetlands, streams, wildflower meadows, and aspen groves; the back climbs into ponderosa pines with sweeping Lake Cascade views. Waterfalls, island-style greens, doglegs, split fairways, and boardwalk bridges create a true sense of journey and wilderness.
A 19th hole, “The Gambler,’’ is a par-3 that many players use a s “double or nothing finish. It’s a fun way to complete a round on a terrific golf course. There’s also 23,000 square-foot social and putting green – the largest of its kind in this region.
“Osprey Meadows is truly one of the most spectacular mountain golf courses in the Northwest,’’ Navarro said. “The design takes full advantage of the natural terrain, and many holes have incredible views of Lake Cascade and the surrounding mountains.
“As part of the resort revitalization, we’ve focused on elevating the overall golf experience – from course conditions to the clubhouse and guest amenities. The goal has been to ensure the course matches the world-class setting it sits in.’’
Feature Photo: Osprey Meadowns Golf Course
Photos Courtesy of Tamarack Resort
