By the way, I believe this was an upside-down ski area. Kind of makes me wonder what caused them to close, and when - and who owns the land now.
EDIT: After a bit more research, I discovered that the ski area has been turned into a retreat center, called the Palouse Divide Lodge, by its current owners. Here's what they have to say:
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Formally called the North/South Ski Bowl, it had operated as a small alpine ski area, surrounded by the St. Joe National Forest. The current owners Lane and Shirley Hathaway have expand the facility to accommodate large or smaller groups for retreats, such as church groups, quilting clubs, cross country groups, family reunions and more.
In addition, they give a history of the place:
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The area was originally developed in the 1930's as a small downhill and ski jumping training facility for Washington State University. Comprised of 60 acres the old lodge was built by the WPA in 1939. WSU eventually acquired ownership and operated the ski area until 1980 when it was sold to a private party. Previously called North South Ski Bowl, the ski area went through a succession of ownerships until 1999 when it was purchased by Lane and Shirley Hathaway and converted to a conference and retreat center now called Palouse Divide Lodge. The day lodge was enlarged in 2006, to include a new gift shop, conference room, and lodging accommodations in the Main Lodge.
They no longer operate the ski lift, as expected, as the area closed to the public in 1999. I found all this at myidaholodge.com.
This post has been edited by agillskis: 15 March 2009 - 09:45 AM
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