If you are ready to head-out for some early spring travel that combines music, film and skiing, schedule your trip to include the Sun Valley Film Festival and the Treefort Music Fest. Both festivals are in their second year, both received rave reviews last year and both are promising to be bigger and better in 2013.

The Sun Valley Film Festival returns March 14-17, with over 50 curated cutting-edge independent films, premieres, special children's programming, engaging coffee talks with industry insiders like Hollywood legend Jodie Foster and  producer of The Descendants, Jim Burke.  There will be intimate filmmaker dinners, a 'Screenwriters Lab' led by Independent Spirit Award Nominee Will McCormack, fabulous parties with top entertainment including Idaho- bred  indie rock legends Built to Spill, an exciting Alaska Airlines Apres-Ski Closing Awards Ceremony and more.   The Sun Valley Film Festival is presented by Zions Bank.  Travelers can take advantage of great fares on non-stop daily flights to Sun Valley on Alaska Airlines and special Stay-Screen-Ski packages start at just $145 per person per night! For details and tickets: www.sunvalleyfilmfestival.org.  Get Festival updates on Facebook and Twitter.

The Treefort Music Fest takes place the following weekend, March 21-24, with bands performing at venues throughout downtown Boise.  In its second year, Treefort puts an emphasis on emerging music. The 2013 roster includes Idaho's own Built to Spill, Animal Collective, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Youth Lagoon, Dan Deacon, Wax Idols, Camper Van Beethoven, Earth and many more yet to be announced. Treefort-goers may also enjoy a Boise Music History Exhibit created for the Boise 150 sesquicentennial celebration, pop-up performance art and music performances and local beers at AleFort. There might also be a surprise screening of a film from the Sun Valley Film Festival. For details and tickets: www.treefortmusicfest.com. Get Treefort updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Other March events include:

2-3 - Sawtooth Ski Festival, Stanley

9-10 - Stanley Sled Dog Rendezvous, Stanley

20-24 - ICHA 2013 Spring Aged Event and accompanying events, Nampa

Idaho entices sledders with more than 7,200 miles of beautifully groomed trails.  In fact, Idaho has more groomed trails than any other western state.  Situated on the western slopes of the Continental Divide, Idaho catches snow from storms coming in off the Pacific Ocean and, depending on the elevation, it is usually light and ideal for sledding.  

Snow sled season extends through April so you'll have plenty of time to take it all in.  Gas, food and lodging are always nearby in friendly Idaho towns and many resorts and guest ranches welcome snowmobiliers.  

Idaho's groomed snowmobile trails are clearly marked.  Consider using a licensed guide to take you off trail through open, unspoiled back-country.  The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association can provide information on guides who will make your trip safe and exciting.

Learn more at www.ioga.org, www.sledtherockies.com and the Idaho Snowmobile Association.

Finding the best trails and the best powder is a passion for anyone seeking thrills, but how about finding the best deals? Check out the following deals and packages, and start planning your trip now.

Featherville Motel (Mountain Home): Mention Sled the Rockies and receive a room special of $50 per night on non-holiday weekends and 2 for 1 breakfast at Cyndie’s Café. 208-653-2310.

Bear Creek Lodge: (McCall) You can access 500+ miles of groomed trails, directly from your room. Climb the shoots, break through cornices, boondock in some beautiful country or hit the trails. There’s fuel, food and plenty of parking. Some of our package deals with Cheap Thrills Rentals include:
--1 night lodging in lodge room and 1/2 day sled rental- $235 not including taxes
--2 nights lodging in lodge room and full day sled rental- $385 not including taxes

Best Western Plus McCall Snowmobilers Special (McCall)
15% off Rack Rates with a complimentary hot breakfast for the 2013 Winter Season.  Book directly with the Best Western Plus McCall Lodge & Suites at 1.208.634.2230 to receive this exclusive offer. Make sure to mention that you are looking for the snowmobilers rate. Certain restrictions and blackout dates do apply. The property has a large parking lot for your trailer.

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch (Sandpoint):  WPGR has teamed up with Selkirk Powder Company for a snowmobile adventure that begins with a ride up one of Schweitzer Mountain's high speed lifts. At the top you will be greeted by your guide and receive safety instruction before beginning the 1.5 hour tour of Schweitzer's remote west side. Starting at $650/couple.

The Shore Lodge (McCall):  Shore Lodge offers great midweek rates (starting at $109) and free parking with plenty of room for trailers.

Idaho Tourism and Ski Idaho want to give everyone a chance to experience the bluebird skies and great snow of Idaho.  Visit www.idahowinter.org to enter to win Idaho winter getaways.  New offers will be available every Friday through early March and you can enter online through email.

February's prizes include:

--Ski all day, then enjoy a relaxing stay in a luxurious theme suite. Offer includes four lift tickets to Pebble Creek Ski Area and a two-night stay at the Black Swan Inn in Pocatello.

--The ultimate winter getaway! Escape to Silver Mountain Resort with a one bedroom condo and four lift tickets to ski/snowboard all day on the mountain.

--It's off to eastern Idaho and the snow-capped Teton Valley. Enjoy lodging and winter activities for the whole family at Moose Creek Ranch in Victor.

--Cradled in the western slope of the Teton Mountains, Grand Targhee Resort promises deep powder and bluebird days. Enjoy lodging for two nights, one day of cat skiing and one day of lift skiing for two.

--Enjoy four lift tickets to Pomerelle Mountain Resort in Albion, Idaho and a two-night stay at the Best Western Plus Burley Inn.

Visit www.idahowinter.org for complete offer information.  Enter today!  The giveaways end in March!