Heather Hamilton-Post
June 29, 2025
“We want to bring people together and create those lifelong friendships and relationships and quality time with your family that you don’t always find when you’re so far separated."
Between the sweeping peaks of Valley County and the sparkling waters of Lake Cascade sits Tamarack Resort, a renaissance of its own making. What once served as a symbol of stalled ambition has returned triumphant—a resort come back to life with world-class recreation, a thriving community spirit, and views so breathtaking that guests want to stay just a little bit longer, every time.
Tamarack Resort—America’s only ski, golf, and lake resort—has quickly become one of Idaho’s premier year-round destinations, though the appeal is nationwide. “We’re truly four-season. We have incredible lift-served skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer with terrain at all levels, ziplining, whitewater rafting, a fully operational marina with fuel service, dock and mooring ball rentals, wake boats, pontoon boats, efoils, and jet skis. You can play 19 holes of golf, then enjoy the spa, our luxury dining options,” explained Kara Finley, Tamarack’s chief financial and operating officer. “The design is intended to create memorable experiences for all to enjoy. We want to bring people together and create those lifelong friendships and relationships and quality time with your family that you don’t always find when you’re so far separated.”
With dedicated leadership, new ownership, and a passionate local team, Tamarack is now a bustling town center with shops, nine dining venues, and four seasons of recreation—all within easy walking distance.
Unlike other mountain towns where adventure requires long drives, one of Tamarack’s greatest strengths is in the ease of approach. “You can golf in the morning, mountain bike trails in the resort, walk the dog, and go boating for the evening,” said Osprey Meadows Director of Golf Chris Peterson. And all without leaving the grounds.
As Finley put it, “When you are at Tamarack Resort, you won’t have to spend your time driving around, figuring out who to call, where to go, or how to book activities, dinner reservations, or tee times. We take care of that for you so that you can maximize your vacation time,” she said.
This focus on making memories is no accident—Tamarack’s leadership has been intentional about creating a space that’s safe and inviting, especially for families. New developments, like the Aspen Townhomes and a planned people-mover lift that will connect neighborhoods to the village core, are aimed at making the Tamarack experience even more seamless. Frequent events, live music, and outdoor festivals keep the calendar full and the community spirit alive. For Tamarack, the vision is about more than great recreation—it’s about creating a legacy destination Idaho families can return to for generations.
One of Tamarack’s crown jewels is Osprey Meadows, the resort’s newly redesigned championship golf course. Originally crafted by world-renowned designer Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course underwent a major redesign by the original course architects before reopening in 2023, offering fresh excitement for golfers of all skill levels.
Peterson came to Osprey Meadows after two decades managing private clubs in Washington. For him, the draw was irresistible—not just for the golf, but for the lifestyle and the landscape, which inspired the course itself.
The par-73 course is a visual and technical marvel, weaving seamlessly through forests of pine and aspen, with west-facing holes that send white golf balls soaring against deep green backdrops. Among its most unique features is the 19th “Gambler’s Hole,” designed for players to settle bets after a round. The tee boxes mirror ski trail ratings—from green circles to double black diamonds—a playful nod to Tamarack’s all-season, outdoor ethos. “We have the most unbelievable course views in the state of Idaho,” Peterson said.
With carts stocked with ice-cold water, attention to detail from the maintenance team, and stunning scenery year-round, Osprey Meadows has quickly become a favorite among both locals and visitors. The season typically runs from Memorial Day to mid-October, with the changing colors of the surrounding tamarack trees making late September especially magical.
Beyond the greens and the lifts, Tamarack Resort is a place where natural beauty meets unmatched adventure. Whether it’s hunting for morel mushrooms in the spring, paddleboarding on Lake Cascade in the summer, mountain biking and hiking in the fall, or carving fresh powder in the winter, there’s always a new way to experience the landscape.
JC Paul, Tamarack’s director of mountain operations, has had a front-row seat to that growth. “When I first got here, the village was still wrapped in Tyvek,” he remembered. “Since, we’ve been able to build out the resort in a way that’s very unusual. To watch the resort grow and see the ski and summer experience we provide is rewarding. It’s an incredible place to live and work.”
Unlike other resorts, Tamarack operates its signature Tamarack Express lift nearly year-round, carrying skiers in winter and mountain bikers, hikers, and zipliners during the warmer months. Riders can stop at the Mid Mountain Lodge to grab a meal and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Cascade and the surrounding peaks.
“The mountain completely changes with the season. People who are accustomed to it in the winter are surprised by summer–berries, wildflowers, wildlife like moose, deer, bear,” explained Paul. “It never gets boring.”
But perhaps it is the “Tam-Fam” spirit that truly sets the resort apart—a welcoming culture where visitors can arrive and immediately become part of a bigger community. It’s a place where families can explore separately and come back together to share stories around the dinner table.
“We hope people come up here and see the changes at the resort as a sense of pride for the state—something we do because we’re passionate about a place where people can create memories,” said Finley.
Tamarack’s future is bright—and its best days are just beginning.
