With more than a dozen world-class ski resorts in less than a two-hour drive from our Pocatello campus, skiers will have no problem enjoying their free time. Take your pick from excellent sites, such as the very first one of its kind in the US, Sun Valley or perhaps at any of the various 2002 Olympic venues in Salt Lake City. Our backyard ski areas range from the challenging Pebble Creek ski area (which is only 20 minutes away from campus) to the snowy Kelly Canyon ski area near Idaho Falls (1 hour) over to a relaxing day at Pommerielle in the magic valley (2 hours).

In addition, there are many "Do it Yourself" ski areas that our Outdoor Program program would love to tell you about, and our Wilderness Equipment Rental shop is ready to equip you for. Our physical education department provides one-credit courses that will take you from being a beginner through an advanced level in skiing, snow boarding and other winter sports.

Rivers, lakes, reservoirs -- we have it all. Campus river rafting trips are a fun way to pass the weekend, or hiking up to surprise lake at the foot of the Grand Teton can be a good way to spend a day. Boat tours at Yellowstone Park's lake provide a breather before continuing a tour of the park. For the fishing aficionado, the possibilities are endless.

Rock climbing has become one of ISU's most popular pastimes over the past few years. We have a women's rockclimbing club thorough the Outdoor Program, and there are classes which begin in our new indoor rock climbing gymnasium and progress to more difficult terrain outdoors. The City of Rocks is a state park south of Burley which provides many challenges to those with the proficiency.

Hiking, both day and overnight, is a healthy and relaxing way to spend time with friends. There are short walks right on campus, and the Caribou National Forest is only 10 minutes away by car (or better yet, just 30 minutes away on bike!). There are numerous trails for mountain biking or walking, and maps are available for all local areas. A short stroll through City Creek in the fall is a must.

ISU's golf, tennis and cross-country teams play throughout the year. There are also many, many more outdoor activities to explore, from the dozens of national and state parks to the many on-campus parks where Frisbee golf is played, the choice is all yours to make.

Dancing, athletics, relaxing -- these are available in spades both on and off campus. Many ISU student organizations sponsor dances and live bands throughout the school year, and you're given your pick of live entertainment at various establishments in Pocatello every weekend -- ranging from DJ events on Center street and downtown to country and western activities at the Green Triangle.

ISU basketball, football, soccer, track and other athletic groups provide evening games during their various seasons. ISU is a member of the Big Sky conference, competing against other universities in the west from Arizona through Montana. Students can attend events free of charge, but budget for some nachos at Holt Arena.

Nothing is better than relaxing in Lava Hot Spring's (25 minutes from campus) natural odor-free hot pools on a chilly night. These all-outdoor pools range in temperature from 37C (100F) to 46C (115F) and are particularly enchanting during a snow storm. Overnight trips to Ketchum (Sun Valley) during their Arts&Crafts Festival, or to Teton Village (Jackson Hole) for the New Year's Eve torch run are memorable experiences.

All ISU pharmacy students have 24-hour access to Leonard Hall, which houses our Pocatello facilities. Students have their own lounge, equipped with research materials, periodicals, lockers for personal items, workstation computers and snack vending machines. There are a variety of restaurants right across the street for the inevitable long study sessions. In addition, most of ISU's campus, including Leonard Hall, is equipped with a modern, high-speed wireless network for those with laptops (and laptops are available for check-out at the Pond Student Union Building).

All campus locations are connected via bus service, which runs every 10 minutes during the school year. There are various on-campus housings for married and single students. You can schedule to visit our facilities by calling the campus visiting center (208) 282-3277.