Want to build and run a winter sports venue? Eagle Island is looking for proposals

Want to build and run a winter sports venue? Eagle Island is looking for proposals

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) is looking for those interested in creating a “non-motorized” winter sports venue at Eagle Island State Park.

Eagle Island State Park previously housed “Gateway Parks,” a winter snow tubing hill, which had been operating at that location since 2015 and will continue to do so for the 2026/2027 season. However, that contract expired, and the state put out a “request for proposals” (RFP). Will Armbruster, a senior public information officer for IDPR, told BoiseDev in an email that Gateway Parks is welcome to apply again.

The 545-acre year-round park is off Highway 44 near Park Lane and is bordered by the Boise River to the north and south and agricultural land to the east and west. The park is family-friendly, with activities ranging from bike riding, hiking, bird watching, fishing, and swimming to camping and RVing.

The RFP states there must be, at minimum:

• A temporary building or other winter weather-appropriate structure suitable for the business needs of the proposed operation. Type, size, and final location to be negotiated and approved by IDPR.
• Snow equipment suitable for creating and maintaining a nonmotorized winter sports venue, including, but not limited to, snowmaking and grooming machines and necessary safety equipment.
• All necessary nonmotorized winter recreational sports equipment to accommodate a winter sports venue.
• Create and maintain safe access throughout the concession area for all customers and park visitors.
• Other work histories as defined.

The deadline to submit proposals is 10 a.m. on October 16. The Evaluation Committee will review proposals on October 29, with potential submission to the IDPR Board for approval on November 3.

Though the goal is to have operations up and running by the start of the 2027/2028 winter season, in its RFP, IDPR said, “The actual timing may depend upon required approvals, the desires and needs of the concessionaire, the nature of the proposal accepted, the timeframe required to construct the facility, and the timeframe necessary for final approval by the IDPR Board.”