Idaho State University Outdoor Adventure Center to begin renting yurts Nov. 18

The Idaho State University Outdoor Adventure Center will begin renting and taking reservations for the Portneuf Yurt System yurts and Camp Taylor cabins beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 18.

This year the Portneuf Yurt System features a new yurt, Bonneville, located on the backside of Pebble Creek Ski Resort, east of Bonneville Peak. The systems other yurts are Catamount, Inman, Skyline and Jackson, all 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.  Two of the yurts – Skyline and Catamount –  are at lower, relatively easy spots to access, while three – Bonneville, Inman and Jackson – are located at higher elevations and are more difficult and strenuous to get to.

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 2011-12:

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

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

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

The ISU Outdoor Adventure Center will also be taking winter reservations for Camp Taylor cabins located on Scout Mountain. There are three cabins for rent, Hygecca, Nurses and Woodland. Contact the OAC for cabin rental fees.

The OAC also has rental winter outdoor gear, including snow shoes and cross-country skis. 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. 7, it will be open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information call the OAC at 282-3912.

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