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.
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.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Boise Greenbelt
Boise, Idaho
The Boise Greenbelt, a 25-mile long bicycle and pedestrian path, links over 850 acres of parks and natural areas along the Boise River.
MK Nature Center
Boise, Idaho
The Morrison Knudsen Nature Center is home to nearly five acres of wildlife habitat along the Boise River Greenbelt.
World Center for Birds of Prey
Boise, Idaho
Explore and discover the amazing world of raptors eye to eye. Live raptor presentations and exhibits plus tours of the Archives of Falconry.
Ridge to Rivers Trail System
Boise, Idaho
Explore over 190 miles of expansive, interconnected trails in the Boise Foothills. You could spend days hiking or biking the…
Mountain Top Revelation
Austin Foudy found himself struggling to balance the daily grind with his passion for snowboarding and the outdoors. After an especially stressful drive to the ski hill, on an especially cold winter day, things finally became clear. Sinking into the moment, Austin found a new appreciation for the transformative power of Idaho’s unparalleled beauty
Plan Your Next Adventure
Brundage Mountain Resort
McCall, Idaho
In the mountains of central Idaho, Brundage Mountain is best known for its powder-packed glades and luxuriously wide groomed runs.
McCall Area
McCall, Idaho
The McCall area offers over 544 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, breathtaking bowls, and backcountry powder.
Activity Barn
McCall, Idaho
The Activity Barn in McCall offers 6 kilometers of groomed trails as well as lift-served tubing hill and sleigh rides.
Ponderosa State Park
McCall, Idaho
Located two miles northeast of McCall, Ponderosa State Park is a designated premium Nordic ski park full of groomed trails that are open for both Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
The Flirt in the Yurt
An Idaho gal at heart, Megan Bryant grew up with a love of the outdoors and a taste for adventure. After years of putting those passions aside to focus on career and parenting, it was time to step back into the wilds of nature…and of dating. A quick winter getaway to an Idaho yurt was exactly the break from routine she needed to reclaim her independence and remember that, in Idaho, beauty, friendship and adventure are right outside your front door.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Craters of the Moon Nordic Ski Trail
Arco, Idaho
The site of a dormant volcano, the landscape at Craters of the Moon National Monument is one of dramatic contrasts and rugged beauty.
Castle Rocks State Park
Almo, Idaho
The challenging landscape of Castle Rocks State Park attracts rock climbers from around the world. There is also superb hiking,…
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Arco, Idaho
Craters of the Moon is a vast ocean of lava flows with scattered islands of cinder cones and sagebrush.
Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway
Idaho
Featuring some of the most diverse stretches of road, with massive lava flows, wetlands, high desert and some of Idaho’s tallest mountains.