Cool Times, Warm Memories

If Idaho isn’t already at the top of your winter getaway list, there are plenty of reasons to put it there. From powdery slopes to hot springs, to remote yurts and huckleberry cider, it’s easy to find a multitude of reasons to savor the season. Check out the stories of these Idahoans who happily admit their winter mentality has been changed by eye-opening winter experiences in Idaho.

Here’s to having cool times, making warm memories, and embracing winter in Idaho.

Skiing for the First Time at Forty-Three

Despite growing up in Riggins, Idaho, a town known for its outdoor recreation, comedian Dan Cummins had never much embraced his outdoorsy side. In fact, he spent a lot of his adult life in the big city. When he made the decision to return to Idaho, this time to Coeur d’Alene, the growth of this northern Idaho town allowed him to enjoy big city luxuries paired with small town hospitality. And this time around, Dan was ready to conquer the outdoors. First up, learning to ski, in his forties. This humorous first escapade into winter adventure showed Dan and his family just how laughable – and perfect – a day on the slopes could be.

Plan Your Next Adventure

Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

Plummer, Idaho

One of the top 25 trails in the United States, Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes is a 72-mile paved trail that spans the Idaho panhandle.

Daft Badger Brewing

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Daft Badger Brewing is a brewery and restaurant located in midtown Coeur d’ Alene.

Silver Mountain Resort

Kellogg, Idaho

With two mountains offering a variety of terrain and blanketed by over 300 inches of snow, Silver Mountain is a family fun destination.

A snowboarder carving his way down the mountain.

Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area

Mullan, Idaho

Conveniently located off Interstate 90 on the Idaho-Montana border, Lookout Pass provides pristine, uncrowded skiing for all ages and skill levels.

How I Stopped Dreading Winter

Leta Harris Neustaedter decided to make a big change in her life, a change that would require her to embrace her least favorite season. Even though she dreaded winter and the cold, and the uninviting world it represented to her, she started a new winter routine running on Boise’s greenbelt. With some friendly community support, an enthusiastic four-legged running partner, and the promise of daily bald eagle sightings, Leta’s winter dread transformed into deep appreciation for one of Idaho’s best seasons.