Silver Mountain in the Summer

The newest attraction at Silver Mountain Resort has nothing to do with skiing. Of course, neither does mountain biking, hiking, or live music, which all take place at an area known for at least half of the year as one of the region's top ski attractions.

Silver Mountain, in Kellogg, Idaho, is definitely a four-season destination, or at least a place where cold- and warm weather fans alike can find plenty to do, whether the temperature is in the 80s or 8.

This year, the newest attraction is Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark. Near the bottom of the world's longest gondola, in the Morning Star Lodge, you'll find an extensive system of slides, tubes, and water activities.

Click to View Larger Image

"It's nearly the size of a football field - it's huge," said Marketing Director Cathi Jerome.

The structure is enclosed, but includes a special skylight roof which lets UV light pass through.

"It will feel like the outdoors but be indoors," she said. "It's always going to be 82 to 84 degrees inside, and you can even get a tan in the winter."

Silver Rapids features include seven slides including a family raft slide that's five stories tall; a 316-foot lazy river; Flow Rider, which creates waves big enough for you to surf indoors; a basketball activity lagoon; even private rental cabanas.

"We're packed full of things," Jerome said. "We studied a lot of other parks and

Grabbed features from all of them."

Admission to the park is available to all guests at the lodge. In addition to the yea-rround fun at the lodge and Silver Rapids, there are other good things in store at the

mountain this summer.

This includes traditional offerings like hiking, biking,

and chairlift rides plus the return of the Silver Mountain Summer Concert Series. This year's lineup started July 12 with country star Johnny Lang; rock superstar Ted Nugent July 27; and Corbin Bleu (Chad from 'High School Musical') Aug. 2; the 13th annual

Microbrew Festival Aug. 9 featuring Doghouse Boys and Nicole Fournier; and Parrotfest, a Jimmy Buffet-themed music event Aug. 30.

Bike fans always look forward to a variety of competitive events such as the Howl at the Moon Ride Aug. 15, Silveroxx July 19-20 and various Sunday competitions. There will also be a variety of special events and promotions with the mountain, lodge and water park all summer long. Call (208) 783-1111 or visit www.silvermt.com