By PETE ZIMOWSKY
The (Boise) Idaho Statesman

KETCHUM -- If wagging tails are any indication, happiness is a dog (and its master) on a cross-country ski trail.

Dydra Cleven glided along the North Valley Trail system, north of Sun Valley, and her chocolate lab-chessie mix, Amber, was right by her side.

Happiness is a dog loping in wide-open snow country, rolling in powder and eating snow.

"She gets her exercise three times a week," said Cleven, a Ketchum resident. Amber just wagged her tail in agreement.

Labs, goldens, terriers, herders, and even a miniature schnauzer, could be seen on the North Valley Trail System last week.

Hey, it's definitely snow-dog country.

Don and Phyllis Lundquist of Sun Valley wouldn't think of cross-country skiing without their dogs, Ruby and Stasha.

"Sun Valley has a lot of dogs and a lot of trails," Don Lundquist said.

Doggie ski and snowshoe trails are growing in popularity and can be found from Sun Valley to McCall.

"They are just clamoring for more dog trails," said Lili Simpson, a Nordic patroller on the North Valley Trails.

About 900 dog passes are sold each season for the Sun Valley area trail system, she said.

Tamarack Resort, west of Donnelly, opened its Nordic trail system this winter and has set aside trails for dogs.

"We recognize the demand for dog skiing and cater to it," said Greg Lawley, Nordic program director.

He estimates that about 40 percent of the resort's pass buyers are dog owners.

In fact, the trail system is drawing skiers from the Boise area, which doesn't have a Nordic trail system that caters to dog owners.

"We had six people drive the two hours to skate with their dogs. They didn't even give it an after-thought," Lawley said.

Tamarack doesn't put dog owners on mediocre trails.

"We're not casting them off in an out-of-the-way place. The dog trails are as nice as any in the trail system," he said.

Nordic trail systems around Sun Valley are some of the best, if not the best, in the country.

They offer skiers with dogs good, popular groomed trails. The trail system also has areas for snowshoers.

Catherine Hansen of Ketchum takes her miniature schnauzer, Pepper, snowshoeing on the trails near Galena Lodge. Pepper has his own designer fleece sweater and snow boots.

But while some groomed cross-country ski trails are open to dogs, others are not.

Dogs are not allowed at the Bogus Basin Nordic Trail System, 17 miles north of Boise. They're also not allowed at the groomed trails at Gold Fork and Banner Ridge Park N' Ski areas, northeast of Idaho City.

They are allowed in the nearby Whoop Um Up Park N' Ski Trail System, which is not groomed.

The state-run trail system did add a yurt at Whoop Um Up where dogs are allowed. The trails at Whoop Um Up are popular with snowshoers.

Here is a list of doggie ski and snowshoe trails in the region:

North Valley Trails

What: The North Valley Trail System, north of Ketchum, is one of the best Nordic trail systems in the country.

About 34 kilometers of trails are marked for dogs. Sections of doggie trails can be found right along Idaho 75 from the Sawtooth National Recreation Area headquarters to Galena Lodge.

Trail fees: $9.45, adults; $2.10 for doggie passes.

Snowshoes: Yes, on certain marked trails.

Getting there: Drive 150 miles from Treasure Valley on I-84 to Mountain Home. Take the second Mountain Home exit, labeled Sun Valley. Take U.S. 20 to the junction with Idaho 75; head north.

Information: Blaine County Recreation District, (208) 788-2117; trail report, (208) 726-6662. Trail maps are available at ski shops where trail passes can be purchased.

Galena Lodge

What: Galena Lodge has an extensive trail system and is located about 23 miles north of Ketchum. About 5 miles of trails are open for skiing with dogs. Snowshoers have 7 miles of trails where dogs are allowed.

Trail fees: A North Valley Trail System pass is needed (see above). A $3 fee is charged for snowshoe trails.

Snowshoes: Yes, on marked trails.

Getting there: Head to Sun Valley, as in the previous directions. Head north on Idaho 75 for 23 miles to Galena Lodge:

Information: (208) 726-4010.

Tamarack Resort

What: About 5.5 kilometers of trails in the 20-kilometer trail system near Donnelly are open to skiers with dogs.

Trail fees: Adults, $6; no fee for dogs.

Snowshoeing: Yes.

Getting there: Located about 80 miles north of Treasure Valley on Idaho 55. Turn west at Donnelly on Roseberry Road, then left on West Mountain Road. Go 3 miles until you see the Tamarack signs.

Information: (208) 325-8409.

Little Ski Hill

What: The Little Ski Hill near McCall offers a 4-kilometer loop for skiers with dogs. More trails are being considered.

Day pass: Adults, $3; dogs free.

Snowshoeing: Yes. Snowshoers are allowed off groomed trails.

Getting there: Located 2 miles north of McCall. Take Idaho 55, 102 miles north of Treasure Valley. Keep heading north to the Little Ski Hill.

Information: (208) 634-5691.

Lake Cascade State Park

What: The Crown Point Trail at Lake Cascade State Park is a 2.7 mile multi-use trail along Lake Cascade.

It is open to dog sleds, skiers, snowshoers and snowmobilers.

"It all works out pretty well," said Rick Brown, state park manager, commenting on the multi-use trail.

Note: One half the trail is groomed for skiing. The other half is for other uses.

Day pass: No fee.

Snowshoeing: Yes.

Getting there: Drive about 70 miles north of Treasure Valley on Idaho 55 to Cascade. Take the turn- off to Lake Cascade State park.

Information: (208) 382-4258.

Idaho City Park N' Ski

What: The Whoop Um Up Park N' Ski Trail System, northeast of Idaho City, allows dogs. Trails are not groomed.

The area is popular with snowshoers. It is difficult for skiing.

Whoop Um Up is the first of three Park N' Ski trail systems in the area and is the only one that allows dogs. A yurt is available for rent and dogs are allowed.

Day pass: Park N' Ski pass or V.I.P. pass. Both can be bought from The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Snowshoeing: Yes.

Getting there: Drive about 60 miles northeast of Treasure Valley on Idaho 21. The trails are located between Mores Creek and Beaver Creek summits.

Information: 334-4180 (ext. 403) for trail report.

Notes

-- Land mines: Make sure you clean up after your dog on the trail.

The North Valley Trail Systems, north of Ketchum, has doggie bags available at trailheads.

If you're on other trails, carry a plastic bag and haul droppings out or at least get them well off the trail.

-- Control: When on a ski or snowshoe trail, dogs should be under control, whether they're on a leash or not.

They should be able to heel when approaching other snowshoers or skiers. Take a leash along for better control, especially at trailheads where there is congestion and confusion.

One of the biggest complaints comes from skiers who are knocked down or who crash into dogs on the trail. The dog can get hurt, too.

-- In the vehicle: Keep dogs in the vehicle at the trailhead until you are ready to hit the trail.

This eliminates conflicts at the trailhead and keeps the area from being extra messy with dog doo.

-- Water: Yes, your dog needs water on the trail, too. Eating snow isn't enough. Take enough for both of you.

-- Curb your distance: Dogs in snow could mean exhaustion. Keep tabs on your dog. You are on skis and can travel easier and faster in snow. Cut the distance of your trek to accommodate your dog.