Every Idaho town celebrates the winter season in their own way, no matter how big or small the celebration may be. In fact, the little eastern Idaho town of Tetonia holds one of the most unique winter festivals in the whole state, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’d like to add a little action to your winter season. The annual snow plane rally is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and it’s always a rip-roaring good time. It’s coming up soon so start making plans to see these snow planes in action right away!
Every January, the tiny community of Tetonia comes together to celebrate the winter season in a very unique way. The Annual Snow Plane Rally is truly an "Only in Idaho" event and you'll want to be sure to catch it this year!
This year, the snow plane rally will take place January 18, 2020 from 9:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. in Ruby Carson Memorial Park. This one-of-a-kind event is definitely worth checking out, whether you live in the area or your simply curious about what the heck a snow plane is.
The first rally was organized in Tetonia in 2012 after the recent passing of eastern Idaho local Dale Robson. Robson was a lifelong resident of Felt, Idaho who built 20 snow planes in his lifetime. In the 1940s, he was the second person to glide across a frozen Jackson Lake in a snow plane.
The snow plane rally is exactly what it sounds like. People gather at the park to check out the local snow planes and see them up close. Many of the plane drivers even give rides in the open field surrounding the park. It's a loud, thrilling, and downright fun event.
Many of the snow planes are hand-built by the drivers themselves and it's evident that each one is a true labor of love. Although they are called snow planes, these unique vehicles actually don't fly. Using a large propeller to glide across the snow and ice, they are best described as a mix between a snowmobile and an airplane.
In fact, snow planes were used way before modern snowmobiles and snow cats in order to traverse the snow-covered backcountry during winter. First invented by a man named Karl E. Lorch in 1929, snow planes were the main mode of transportation across snow-heavy landscapes through the 1950s.
It's definitely not very often you see snow planes out and about like this anymore, which is exactly why Tetonia's snow plane rally is a must-see event. Come see these fascinating vehicles for yourself and plan to attend this year's rally. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided!
