The White Christmas Guarantee

Dashing through the snow… walking in a winter wonderland… I’m dreaming of a white christmas… Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
These Christmas songs evoke visions of Christmas in our youth, when a snowy Christmas was what Santa Clause was all about. Growing up in Pocatello we were lucky enough to have snow at Christmas all through our youth. We celebrated every Christmas Eve and my grandparents home, which was nearby the old Caribou Ski Area, and always had a lot of snow.
When I grew up and moved away and landed in Boise, I found out that not every Christmas was white. It dimmed the aura of Christmas. It didn’t feel quite as special.
It wasn’t until we started spending every Christmas in Island Park that I remembered just how much I love a white, snowy Christmas. I’ve never been disappointed with an Island Park Christmas. Sure, some years were low on snow, but there has always been snow. The boy in me feels a little like we’re in the North Pole, with Santa’s castle is not far away.

We love snowmobiling around Island Park to the various lodges and restaurants during Christmas time. It is so cheerful. The lights at local businnesses light up the outside, and the insides glow with Christmas colors. Everyone is a little extra joyus this time of year.

Often we have friends or family come visit for the holidays. We like to take them to Meadow Creek Lodge on snowmobiles for lunch. For people that aren’t used to real snow at Christmas, it’s a real treat. Going to a snowbound lodge that you can’t drive to is a magical experience.

Of course, part of the Christmas experience is running into old friends during the travels around. There’s also lots of delicious food and treats shared, and every place is open and cheerful. What a great time it is.
For those that have never experienced Christmas in Island Park, I would recommend trying out the full package. Plan your place to stay, bring snowmobiles or rent them, ride around to the different lodges and stop in for a hot beverage to thaw out. Go to Big Springs and Mesa Falls; maybe Two Top and West Yellowstone. Take a ride in a snowcoach, from Island Park or West Yellowstone. Or maybe a sleighride.
You will love it. You have the White Christmas Guarantee!