Until a few years ago, I’d spent most of my winters at ski resorts, riding lifts and looking for untracked snow. But that all changed when I discovered the joys of taking a backcountry ski trip in Idaho.
We are driving down the snow-packed road out of the town of Cascade in southwestern Idaho and into the mountains. Pines, with snow delicately balanced on their branches, pass the window. Forest Service roads and trails covered in snow depart from either side of the road.
A new year means making resolutions to help you live your best life—whether that’s committing to healthier choices, spending more time with family and friends, saving money, traveling more or all of the above. January is also the month for National Plan for Vacation Day, which is all about encouraging Americans to plan their time off for the rest of the year.
One of the best things about Idaho is the abundance of free and affordable adventures. Whatever your budget or activity level, here are 20 ideas for budget-friendly things to do in Idaho that range from $0–$30 per person.
Tara Morgan worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Boise has long been the Treasure Valley’s culinary epicenter. But a flurry of new development in Canyon County, just a quick 20–30-minute drive from Boise—including the bustling Indian Creek Plaza in downtown Caldwell—has turned this area into a formidable foodie force.
It's time to ring in the New Year with some major Idaho vacation inspiration! To celebrate the launch of the 2020 Official Idaho Travel Guide, we are doing something little different. We've created a one-day scavenger hunt around the Treasure Valley (Caldwell, Nampa, Meridian, Eagle, Garden City, and Boise) to find an Idaho Adventure Starter Pack-perfect for your Idaho vacations.
Traveling Newlyweds worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Located just two hours north of Boise, McCall, Idaho is one of those mountain towns you read about in books. Friendly locals, stunning scenery, a pristine lake, and a quaint little town that’s equally charming and quirky.
Rolling Van worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. We were seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the cities we’ve been traveling to. We truly wanted a real adventure to get our hearts pumping, legs burning, and have killer views to go with it - sans cell phone.
Melynda Harrison worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Picture this: gliding along snow-covered trails past Trumpeter swans gracefully floating on near-frozen waters. Or speeding through the trees on a snowmobile.
Local Freshies worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. In this day and age, there’s a clear focus on statistics. Snowfall, acreage, lift capacity... so what's the problem? Numbers may not tell the whole story.
Tara Morgan worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Comfort food season has arrived. As the digits drop and the cozy sweaters come out, so do all the decadent winter dishes. But it’s easy to overload on cheesy casseroles, hearty stews and roasted meats.
Holiday lights are twinkling around the state, a winter chill is in the air and it’s the perfect time to enjoy winter festivals throughout Idaho. Whether you’re looking for things to do with friends and family visiting for the holidays or thinking about exploring on your own, check out the list of Idaho winter festivals and events below to get started.
Joe Miragliotta worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. One of my favorite things about being a travel writer is being able to experience new destinations. Idaho, for example, was a state I was excited to learn more about it.
Katie Williams worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Sometimes you just need a weekend away. I really didn’t want to get on a plane to go anywhere, but I did want a little adventure, some romance, and a cozy place that offered adventures in the snow.
Home to hundreds of hot springs, Idaho is the perfect place to take a dip in one of these naturally heated pools any time of year. To get you started on your hot springs expedition, check out the locations below.
October is the perfect time to investigate Idaho's haunted history and hit the road for an adventure of your own. Check out the list below for some spooky spots to visit. 1. Haunted Mansions of Albion You may want to bring a buddy to make it through the largest indoor/outdoor haunted production in the Northwest.
Picturesque. That’s one way to describe the winter landscape in Idaho. From the bubbling riverside hot springs and serene snowshoe trails to the star-filled night sky, unbelievable views are can be found all across the state.
What makes a well-rounded winter vacation? How about an itinerary that includes a little something for both skiers and non-skiers? Whether you’re planning a family trip or looking for things to do with friends this winter, Idaho's ski areas bring smiles and adventure both on and off the slopes.
Idaho is a winter wonderland overflowing with outdoor activities. Maybe it’s your first trip to Idaho or your first foray into Idaho’s winter terrain. Either way, this guide is sure to deliver first-rate activities and destinations that shouldn’t be missed, no matter how you choose to enjoy winter in Idaho.
Tucked between the Teton and Big Hole Mountain Ranges, the Teton Valley is known for its scenery, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Now, it’s also known for its beer. Over the past year, the valley’s brewery count has doubled, and there are now four different places to sample locally brewed beer.
Sam Brockway worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Fall in Idaho offers a brief period in between the emerald green leaves of summer and the subdued brown and white hues of winter, where the landscape bursts into a variety of yellows, oranges and reds.
Lara Dunning worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. When you picture Idaho’s Panhandle, what recreation comes to mind; a hike in the mountains or fishing in a crystal clear lake?
As a born and raised New Englander, I didn’t know what to expect during the first autumn I spent in Idaho. I steeled myself for a season devoid of all the colorful foliage I had come to take for granted—the bright shades of yellow, gold, and red that blanket eastern mountains when the weather turns chilly.
Rolling Van Creative worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip. Idaho is rich with captivating mountain ranges, long-spanning rivers, picturesque lakes, sand dunes and anything an outdoor enthusiast could think of.
A Long Weekend in Sun Valley and Stanley By Visit Idaho A three-day road trip in central Idaho featuring Sun Valley and Stanley is the perfect autumn getaway. Channel your inner weekend warrior, pack your bags, and get ready for a jam-packed weekend.