While west-central Idaho’s ski season saw a slow start due to low snowfall, late March storms brought welcome relief, setting the stage for an exciting summer. Tamarack Resort is now preparing for the May 23 opening of its Osprey Meadows Golf Course and the grand debut of its new 100-slip marina, marking a significant transition into its warmer-weather offerings.
Situated just 90 miles north of Boise, Tamarack Resort stands alone as the only U.S. destination where guests can enjoy skiing, golf, and boating all from a single location. This expansive 3,600-acre resort recently completed a substantial $200 million revitalization project. Key components of this extensive undertaking included the meticulous restoration of the Robert Trent Jones II-designed Osprey Meadows Golf Course and the construction of the state-of-the-art marina on Lake Cascade.
Gabe Navarro, managing partner at MMG Equity Partners and a primary owner/developer of Tamarack Resort, emphasized the critical role of the new marina in defining Tamarack’s identity as a premier four-season destination. Lake Cascade, renowned as one of the region’s most beautiful alpine lakes, is now seamlessly integrated into the Tamarack guest experience through direct access. This development significantly broadens the resort’s appeal, enabling a wide array of activities such as boating, paddle sports, fishing, and lakeside gatherings, thereby offering compelling reasons for return visits during the summer. Navarro noted that the unique convergence of mountain, lake, and golf experiences in one place is a rare find for visitors.
Nestled within Idaho’s scenic Payette River Mountains, Tamarack Resort provides a comprehensive range of amenities, including diverse recreational opportunities, real estate options, vacation rentals, and an charming alpine-style village. Winter transforms the resort into a snowy paradise with 1,530 acres of skiable terrain, boasting a 2,800-foot vertical drop, complemented by extensive Nordic and snowshoe trails. During the summer, in addition to championship golf, guests can indulge in mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, rafting, and various watersports on the pristine Lake Cascade.
Navarro highlighted the considerable investments poured into revitalizing the village, enhancing infrastructure, and expanding amenities, which have collectively elevated the overall guest experience. He expressed particular satisfaction in hearing long-time visitors comment that Tamarack now truly embodies the resort it was always envisioned to be. A distinctive feature of Tamarack is its fluid and rapid transition between seasons, ensuring a vibrant and engaging experience year-round, rather than being confined to a single season.
The 2024 renovation of Osprey Meadows has further solidified its status as a world-class golf destination. Perched at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level, the course stretches an impressive 7,447 yards from the championship tees, offering five distinct tee options to suit all skill levels. Navarro confirmed that the renovation not only improved playability but also meticulously preserved critical natural elements, including wetlands, native trees, beaver habitats, and historic bald eagle nesting sites. Remarkably, approximately 70 percent of the fairways and greens now incorporate beautiful water features.
Robert Trent Jones II masterfully designed Osprey Meadows, effectively creating two distinct nine-hole experiences. The front nine gracefully weaves through serene lakes, wetlands, meandering streams, vibrant wildflower meadows, and picturesque aspen groves. In stark contrast, the back nine ascends into towering ponderosa pines, rewarding golfers with breathtaking, sweeping views of Lake Cascade. The course’s design incorporates dramatic waterfalls, challenging island-style greens, strategic doglegs, unique split fairways, and charming boardwalk bridges, all contributing to a profound sense of journey and immersion in the wilderness.
Adding a touch of unique charm, the 19th hole, affectionately known as “The Gambler,” is a par-3 often utilized by players for a “double or nothing” finish, providing a memorable and fun conclusion to a round on this exceptional course. The resort also boasts a sprawling 23,000-square-foot social and putting green, recognized as the largest facility of its kind in the entire region.
Navarro proudly affirmed that Osprey Meadows ranks among the most spectacular mountain golf courses in the Northwest. Its design expertly leverages the natural terrain, presenting golfers with incredible vistas of Lake Cascade and the surrounding mountains from numerous holes. A key objective of the resort’s comprehensive revitalization, particularly concerning the golf facilities, has been to elevate every aspect of the golf experience—from impeccable course conditions to the refined clubhouse and enhanced guest amenities—ensuring that the course truly lives up to its world-class setting.
