ISU Outdoor Adventure Center to present workshop Nov. 19 on using yurts; yurt rentals begin Nov. 20

The Idaho State University Outdoor Adventure Center will hold an "Introduction to the Portneuf Yurt System" workshop covering all aspects of the yurt system at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in the Pond Student Union Snake River Room.

Reservations for the yurts will start being taken beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Rentals prices have gone up at the ISU Outdoor Adventure Center for yurts.

The ISU Outdoor Adventure Center maintains and manages the use of five yurts – Skyline, Inman, Catamount, McNabb and Jackson – located in the Portneuf Range just outside of Pocatello. The yurts are beautiful, dome shaped structures with a skylight for watching the stars at night.  Inside the Yurt are bunk beds, a wood stove, and lanterns.  Three of the yurts are at lower, relatively easy spots to access, while two, McNabb and Jackson, are located at higher elevations and are more difficult and strenuous to get to. The Bear Lake Yurt is no longer managed by the ISU Outdoor Adventure Center.

The yurt system is non-profit and a great deal for anyone who wishes to get out and into a yurt.

The Portneuf Yurt System rental rates for 2009-10 are:

• For the 20-foot in diameter Skyline yurt prices Sunday through Thursday nights are  $32 per night for ISU students and Pocatello residents, $42 per night for Idaho residents and $52 for non-Idaho residents; and rental prices for Friday and Saturday nights are $60 for ISU students and Pocatello residents, $70 for Idaho residents, and $80 for non-Idaho residents.

• For the 16-foot in diameter Jackson, Inman, Catamount and McNabb yurts prices Sunday through Thursday nights are  $23 per night for ISU students and Pocatello residents, $33 per night for Idaho residents, and $43 for non-Idaho residents; and rental prices for Friday and Saturday nights are $52 for ISU students and Pocatello residents, $62 for Idaho residents, and $72 for non-Idaho residents.

After March 20 all yurt rental rates are reduced by 50 percent.

The price for water and snow outdoor equipment has risen from 5 to 10 percent this year on select items. Visit www.isu.edu/outdoor/ for a complete listing of ISU Outdoor Adventure Center rental prices.

The ISU Outdoor Adventure Center is open Mondays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m; and, beginning Jan. 9, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call the OAC at 282-3912.