15 Idaho Ski and Snowboard Resorts for premier recreation
Check out the Premier Ski Resorts in Idaho
As an Idaho native, I have spent hundred of hours on the slopes throughout the stunning Mountains of Idaho. I grew up skiing Brundage, Bogus, and Tamarack. At 15 skiing was no longer the cool thing to do, so I switched to snowboarding.
I snowboarded for about a decade, before realizing that as an adult I could do both. I haven’t dabbled too much in backcountry, but its next on my bucket list of activities to get into.
My home mountain now is Bogus Basin. But that doesn’t stop me from checking out all the other amazing ski resorts across Idaho and the panhandle. With over 17 ski resorts to choose from, the ski opportunities in Idaho are endless.
I’ve put together a list of the best 15 ski resorts in Idaho for snow lovers to visit.
Idaho's Premiere Ski Resorts
Known for-
Boise’s most accessible mountain with a short drive to town. Over 80 groomed trails. Has a Winter Coaster!
Key features :
–Average Snowfall: 225″
– Number of Runs: 93 Ski Trails
– Number of Chair Lifts: 10 Lifts with 4 High-Speed Quads
– Terrain Parks: 1 Terrain Park
– Lodges: 2 Alpine Lodges, 1 Nordic Lodge
– Acres of skiable terrain: 2,600 Acres, 37k acres of Nordic trails
Lift tickets : 80$
Closest airports
– Boise Airport – 22 miles (45 minute drive)
Why Ski Bogus Basin- the closest ski resort to Boise
Bogus Basin is the premiere ski location near downtown Boise. It is the second largest ski resort in Idaho, with 2,600 acres of skiable alpine terrain, 37k of Nordic Trails, a tubing hill and Idaho’s only Mountain Coaster. It’s the only ski resort within an hour of downtown Boise, with accessibility 7 days a week until 10pm. Night skiing is open! This Idaho Ski resort features 10 lifts, and 4 hig- speed quads.It’s great for all ages and all levels of skiing.
This is one of the most affordable Idaho ski resorts, and a community favorite and local nonprofit. It is also one of the more accessible mountain recreation resorts, only 22 miles from Boise. The 2,600 acres of terrain, features 175 acres of floodlight perfect for amazing night skiing! Expert skiers and snowboarders will love the steep drops off Shafer Butte, while the beginners can snowboard down the gentle slope of the bunny hill.
If you’re not in the mood for skiing, check out the snow tubing hills, nordic skiing, snowshoeing trails, and thrilling Glad Runner mountain coaster. This is the only Idaho Ski Resort with a mountain coaster!
This non-profit community ski area features 2 alpine lodges, and a nordic lodge for grabbing a snack or beer after a long day of enjoying the mountain. Enjoy all of your favorite winter sports at this family-friendly resort!
Known for-
Some of the Longest Ski Trails in Idaho with fast lifts
Key features :
– Average Snowfall: 300″ Snowfall Avg.
– Number of Runs: 50 Named Runs.
– Terrain Parks: 3 Terrain Parks
– Lodges:
– Acres of skiable terrain: 1385 Acres
– # of Ski Lifts: 7 Lifts
Lift tickets: 55$
Closest airports
– Boise Airport – 100 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Tamarack Resort-top rated family-friendly resort in the West Central Mountains
Tamarack Resort is one of the best Ski locations in Idaho. Located near Donnelly, Idaho and close enough to Boise for an epic day trip! Tamarack is a four-season resort with amazing winter recreation. They have deep powder, a variety of epic terrain, with sweet groomers for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Some of the amenities are still in the process of being built, however this mountain should be at the top of your Idaho Ski list, for your next big skiing destination. Take the quick quad up to the 7,700 feet summit in just under 12 minutes. The breathtaking views of Cascade Lake, and the surrounding West Central Mountains will have you enthralled.
If you’re looking for a mid run beer stop by the lodge and explore Seven Devils Tap Room with some amazing cocktails and over 20+ beers on tap.
The resort offers mountain chalets for ski in/ski out! The nearby town of Donnelly, also offers some amazing lodging options. There is great snowmobiling nearby, Nordic trails, and snowmobiling.
If you’re looking for RV Parks nearby, check out the RV Parks Near McCall.
Known for-
– Powder days and McCall’s premier ski resort
Key features :
– Average Snowfall: 320″
– Number of Runs: 70 Named Runs
– Terrain Parks: 2 Terrain Parks
– Lodges: 1 Lodge
– Acres of skiable terrain: 1920 acres of skiable runs
– # of Ski Lifts: 6 lifts
Lift Tickets: 90-115$ purchase online for discount
Closest airports
– Boise Airport – 122 miles (2.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Brundage Mountain – world class backcountry skiing available from the lifts
Fresh powder, deep powder, all the powder… Brundage has it.
Brundage is one of Idaho’s best ski resorts with pristine backcountry skiing, and fun alpine recreation perfect for snowboarders and skiers alike. The mountain is only a 35 minute drive from McCall, making it the perfect ski weekend getaway for all celebrations.
Brundage Mountain experiences a high number of winter storms, combined with cold temperatures, making the ideal snow quality for a ski day. The mountain is perfect for expert skiers as well as beginner shredders looking to cruise down the nursery slopes.
It is a long drive from any major city, making this more of a weekend getaway instead of a day trip ski adventure.
The neighboring town of McCall is famous for it’s yearly Winter Carnival with snow sculptures and fun events. The town has some amazing McCall restaurant and pub favorites for grabbing a bite after a long day of skiing.
Tickets are more pricy than Bogus or Tamarack, so plan ahead and purchase online.
Read More: Best RV Parks in McCall
Bald Mountain + Dollar Mountain
Known for-
America’s original destination ski resort and a long-time favorite among the rich and famous. Ernest Hemingways favorite place.
Key features :
– Average Snowfall: 220″
– Number of Runs: 121 Named Runs
– Terrain Parks: Multiple Terrain Parks
– Acres of skiable terrain: 2434 Acres of terrain
– # of Ski Lifts:
- 5 lifts Dollar Mountain
- 12 ski lifts Bald Mountain
Lift Tickets : check website, +100$
Closest airports: Friedman Memorial Airport – 15 miles (25 minute drive)
Why Ski Sun Valley – Idaho’s oldest ski resort and first-ever chairlift
“He loved the warm sun of summer and the high mountain meadows, the trails through the timber and the sudden clear blue of the lakes,” Hemingway wrote about Sun Valley in his eulogy.
Sun Valley hosts two amazing mountains that offers more than 2,000 acres of skiable terrain to explore. The resort was opened back in 1936, and boasts the first-ever chairlift. This resort is a historical landmark. Because of this, it was and continues to be the destination of movie stars, famous artists, and high powered personalities.
With roughly 120 bluebird day sessions per session, Sun Valley is aptly named. The town is wrapped in luxury with 5 star restaurants and glamorous resorts. The Sun Valley Resort has a large hot springs pool for the whole family to enjoy!
Known as “the best little ski hill in Idaho” by the locals, this is one of the best ski resorts in Idaho!
Known for-
Proximity to Canada: breathtaking views of 3 states
Key features :
- Average Snowfall 300″ snowfall
- Number of Runs: 92 Named Runs
- Terrain Parks: 3 amazing parks
- Acres of skiable terrain: 2900 Acres of skiable terrain
- # of Ski Lifts: 10 Lifts
Lift Tickets : Online $125 (first visit) / $120 (reload)
Closest airports: Spokane Intl. Airport – 94 miles (2+ hour drive)
Why Ski Schweitzer- Best Ski Resort in Northern Idaho
Schweitzer is the top winter destination to add to your list of best Idaho Ski resorts this winter. It is nestled in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the Northern Idaho Panhandle. The mountain is know for expert bowls, chutes, and glades. It has fun vertical drops for expert skiers and snowboarders.
For those looking for some off the mountain fun, the full-service ski resort offers an extensive Nordic trail system and snowshoe trail. Snow bikes are welcome on the Nordic trails system when the snow isn’t too soft.
Schweitzer also offers cat skiing and guided snowmobile tours for those looking for further thrills. It even has a fun tubing hill for the kids.
End the day in one of their lodges with good food, and good vibes. This is the perfect place for your next family ski trip.
Known for-
Tons of trails, open bowls, and of-piste terrain. Region’s longest Snow tubing Park in Idaho
Key features :
Average Snowfall: 370″
– Number of Runs: 73+ ski Runs
– Terrain Parks: 2 Terrain parks
– Lodges: Gondola Village
– Acres of skiable terrain: 1600
– # of Ski Lifts: 7 Lifts
Lift Tickets : 60-75$, with discount on midweek and half day ski passes
Closest airports: Spokane International Airport- 118 Miles (2.5+ hr drive0
Why Ski Silver Mountain – longest winter tubing park in Idaho
Silver Mountain is a year-round resort conveniently located in Kellogg, Idaho just off I-90 – an hour east of Spokane and 30 minutes east of Coeur d’Alene.
This ski resort in Idaho offers skiing, snowboarding, lift served snow tubing and snowshoeing during the winter months. This ski resort is more affordable then some of the other ski resorts in Idaho, and offers more kid appropriate activities.
If you’re staying at Silver Mountain Lodge, then the family will have access to Silver Rapids Waterpark. This is Idaho’s largest indoor waterpar, and is open year round. Spend the morning skiing, snowboarding, or tubing, and then spend the afternoon surfing, splashing, and floating indoors.
Known for-
Scenic Views from atop the Continental Divide: Settled on the Idaho-Montana border
Key features :
- Average Snowfall: 300″
- Number of Runs: 69
- Terrain Parks: 2 Parks
- Acres of skiable terrain: 1800 Acres
- # of Ski Lifts: 5 double chairs; 3 rope tows
Lift Tickets : 50-65$
Why Lost Trail Ski Area
Home to the POWDER THURSDAY and more POWDER stashes than you know what to do with. Just 90 miles south of Missoula and 46 miles north of Salmon, Idaho, Lost Trail sits atop the Continental Divide on Highway 93 where Montana and Idaho meet.
This resort is blessed with over 300 inches of snowfall every year these still undiscovered slopes await your visit. They offer snowboard and ski rentals, as well as beginner lessons for those new to the slopes.
Known for it’s deep powder, this is the perfect place to plan your next getaway!
Known for- Claiming to have the best snow in Idaho!
Key features :
- Average Snowfall: +400″ powder a year
- Number of Runs: 52 Named Runs
- Terrain Parks: 2 Terrain Parks
- Acres of skiable terrain: 1023 Acres
- # of Ski Lifts: 5 Lifts
Lift Tickets : 55-75$ pending weekend/Holiday dates
Why Ski Lookout Pass – Best Snow in Idaho with powder for days!
Lookout Pass located on the border of Idaho and Montana is the perfect getaway for powder lovers. The mountain opened in 1935, and has been serving the community since.
It has a summit elevation of 6,150 ft, with a vertical drop of 1,650 ft. It operates seven days a week- providing the easiest access to powder for snowboarders and skiers.
They offer a family-friendly mountain with free ski school for kids, while also providing lessons for people of all levels. There are two quad chairlifts, two triple chairlifts, and one double chairlift to get you to the top of the mountain.
Lookout Pass also operates in the summer as a scenic bike trail along the Hiawatha Trail if you want to come back in the Summer.
Known for- West Side of Grand Tetons with epic scenery
Key features :
- Average Snowfall: 500″ average snowfall
- Number of Runs: 97+ ski runs
- Terrain Parks: 2 Ski Terrain parks
- Acres of skiable terrain: 600 Acres
- # of Ski Lifts: 6 Lifts
Lift Tickets : 115$ adult ticket
Closest airports: Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport- 13 miles (25 minutes)
Why ski Grand Targhee – expedited lift lines
Grand Targhee is one of the best ski resorts in Idaho offering year-round mountain fun on the western slope of the Tetons in Alta, Wyoming. Located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and just a quick drive from Driggs, Idaho.
With over 500 inches of snow annually, this is the ideal destination for a powder ski day. The Teton Valley scenery, sprawling ridgelines, and mile high powder will have you coming back year after year.
This destination is ideal for expert skiers, intermediate borders, and beginner shredders alike. After you finish on the slopes, enjoy the delicious dining options and family-friendly entertainment!
Known for- Best place for beginner boarders and skiers
Key features :
- Average Snowfall: 200″
- Number of Runs: 51
- Terrain Parks: 4 Terrain Parks
- Lodges: Half Cab Grill
- Acres of skiable terrain: 640 Acres
- # of Ski Lifts: 5
Lift Tickets : 69-79$
Closest airports: Idaho Falls Regional Airport – 30 miles (45 minutes)
Why Ski Kelly Canyon Resort – Great beginner ski resort in Idaho
Kelly Canyon is the perfect place to learn how to ski and ride for snowboarders and skiers alike. This ski resort in Idaho is a family-friendly mountain with good vibes, perfect for making new memories with family and friends!
Only a 45 minute drive from Idaho Falls, makes it easy access for local visitors alike!
Key features :
- Average Snowfall: 45″
- Number of Runs: 2 lifts
- Terrain Parks: None
- Acres of skiable terrain: 260 acres
- # of Ski Lifts: 2 lifts
Lift Tickets : 20$
Why ski Cottonwood Butte
Known for-
Snow tubing areas on the weekends for the kids
Key features :
- Average Snowfall: 230″
- Number of Runs: 11 trails
- Terrain Parks: 1 terrain park
- Acres of skiable terrain: 120 Acres
- # of Ski Lifts: 3 ski lifts
Lift Tickets : 40$
Why ski Magic Mountain Ski Resort – tubing and ski hills for everyone
Magic Mountain Ski Resort in Kimberly is another to add to the best ski resorts in Idaho. They offer an amazing tubing hill as well as a great ski resort.
Magic Mountain Ski Resort offers 11 trails, and 120 acres of snow to explore. Perfect for a day of sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. They offer rental gear in case you forgot yours, as well as affordable lift tickets.
For beginner skiers, lessons are available. Otherwise, enjoy a day of shredding the slopes.
Key features :
- Average Snowfall: 225″
- Number of Runs: 51 Ski Runs
- Terrain Parks: 2 Terrain Park
- Acres of skiable terrain: 1100 Acres
- # of Ski Lifts: 3 Lifts
Lift Tickets : 69$
Closest town: Short drive from Pocatello, Idaho.
Why ski Pebble Creek –
Just a short drive from Pocatello, Idaho, the Pebble Creek Ski Area sits atop Mt. Bonneville in the Portneuf Range. Established in 1949, it first opened with two rope tows and a warming hut. It has grown since then, and now features 3 chairs.
It’s a perfect day trip for those near Pocatello or staying in the area. It has a great variety of levels for skiing and snowboarding.
There are 1,100 acres of skiable terrain, with 12% beginner, 35% intermediate, and 53% advanced.
Known for-
Deepest snow in Idaho and one of the oldest ski areas in the Western US.
Key features :
- Average Snowfall: 500″
- Number of Runs: 24 named runs
- Terrain Parks: 2 Terrain Parks
- Acres of skiable terrain: 500 Acres
- # of Ski Lifts: 3 Lifts
Lift Tickets : 50$
Why ski Pomerelle Mountain Resort- one of the oldest ski resorts in Idaho
Pomerelle boasts some of the deepest snow in Idaho. With ski trail names like Yahoo, Six Shooter, and Stampede you know you’re in for a wild ride. Two dozen perfectly groomed trails nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains with breathtaking views awaits you.
Pomerelle is also one of the oldest ski resorts in the Northwest, beginning operations in 1940’s. It has plenty to offer for beginners and expert skiers/snowboarders. The mountain offers lessons for all ages, letting everyone shred the powder.
If you get hungry, check out The Slope Side Grill for a great burger and beer.
Known for-
First Chairlift installed in 1971. Has access to Soldier’s backcountry ski operations via snowcat.
Key features :
- Average Snowfall: 250″
- Number of Runs: 25 Named Runs
- Terrain Parks: 1 terrain park
- Acres of skiable terrain: 1150 Acres
- # of Ski Lifts: 3 lifts
Lift Tickets : 50$
Why ski Soldier Mountain
Soldier Mountain is one of the best backcountry skiing operations in Idaho. Situated in the Sawtooth Range, Soldier Mountain boasts perfect winter terrain.
The first chairlift was installed in 1971, and since then it now has 3 lifts. The mountain offers 1150 acres of skiable terrain with a summit of 10,095 feet.
There is great nearby lodging in Fairfield Idaho. If you’re feeling adventurous try Soldier’s Smokey Dome backcountry Yurt.
