About Us
Our Story ~ Guided by The Season
The Blue Moon Yurt was launched in 1995. The founders, two long time whitewater river guides, Lisa Whisnant and Bruce Rumbaugh hatched a wild idea that would end up combining their love of group dynamics with a unique winter experience.
It was that nagging question that came up at the end of every river season, "What can we do in the winter that is similar to the magic of a river trip?" So, with active and vivid imaginations, they jumped off the plank and put their plan into motion. Their goal?...to create a memorable experience that instigates that magical buzz between people and nature. Their idea?...to offer a unique winter culinary adventure, which combined the activity of cross country skiing or snowshoeing, the light of glowing tiki torches, a warm cozy yurt, a global cuisine that rocks the flavor zone and the special camaraderie between new found friends. And so, the Blue Moon Yurt was born!
From 1995 to 2017 the Blue Moon Yurt was located in beautiful Ponderosa State Park on the shores of Payette Lake. After a wee bit of a break, we moved the yurt to Jug Mountain Ranch in 2019, where it sits upon a large oval deck handcrafted by local artisans and nestled in the tall towering pines.
Our wonderful guests! Who are they?
They come from every avenue of life with much to share. Their stories are captivating and their spirit infectious. For us, it’s our guests that make an evening at the yurt magical. The Blue Moon crew would like to sincerely thank all those who have walked through the yurt doors and shared in the experience. Cheers to you all!
One of our many guests reviews
"Guests are encouraged to chat and get acquainted, and as the evening progresses, camaraderie radiates its own warmth, punctuated by the rise and fall of conversation and bursts of laughter. Just as she does on the waters of the Middle Fork in summer, Whisnant creates a space in the wilderness where the pressures of daily life fall away, and everyone relaxes into their best selves."
— Cheryl
A day in a life of a "yurtie (the crew)
Who are they? They’re what we call "yurties". They are passionate people with a serious zest for life. Their goal is to instigate joy, smile and share their enthusiasm with others. They are artists, designers, river guides, ski mountaineers, carpenters, savvy business owners, grill masters and all secret chefs.
Rev it up!
The crew’s day starts early with a good cup of joe in hand and a huge hug. It will be a 16 hour day for some, but they know that the day’s efforts are paramount in building an incredible evening for yurt guests. There are deliveries to deal with, shopping, packing, snowmobiling, and skiing the gear into the yurt under their own power. There’s the set up inside & out, lots of snow shoveling and the evening won’t end until they’ve prepped, served and shared the yurt magic. These "yurties" are tough cookies who throw their heart & soul into their work and always with a big smile.
Media
“Snowshoe To The Dining Experience of a Lifetime”
Thanks to The Adventures of Jon & Chad at Case | Conti Visuals, for their video! Feb 10, 2020