EXPERIENCE YOUR WINTER ESCAPE AT ANY OF IDAHO’S 19 SKI AREAS
Originally published in the 2026 Idaho Travel Guide
In Idaho, where powdery peaks pierce the sky like frosted cathedrals, your ultimate winter adventure begins. Whether it’s the exhilarating rush of carving uncrowded vertical terrain, the solitary hum of a snowmobile tracing lines across a white canvas or the nostalgic squeals of snow tubers racing down a hill, the Gem State invites you to embrace the elements your way.
From Coeur d’Alene
SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT | KELLOGG | 38 MIN.
Spanning two peaks—Kellogg and Wardner—Silver Mountain is home to 73 runs, a picturesque snowshoe trail, four snow tubing lanes with a covered magic carpet and Idaho’s largest indoor water park. Take in panoramic views as you hitch a ride on North America’s longest single-stage gondola to the summit lodge. Silver Mountain also offers adaptive skiing programs.
LOOKOUT PASS SKI & RECREATION AREA | MULLAN | 1 HR., 2 MIN.
Known for its generous annual snowfall, Lookout Pass is the oldest continually operating ski area in Idaho and is home to the second-oldest base lodge in the Northwest. With a variety of snow sports programs, you can either learn to ski or perfect your skills on powdery tree runs that are so uncrowded you’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
SCHWEITZER | SANDPOINT | 1 HR., 30 MIN.
With 2,900 acres of skiable terrain, 92 runs (10% are green, while 50% of the terrain is advanced or expert), backcountry snowmobiling and snowcat excursions, tree skiing, twilight skiing and unbeatable mountain views Schweitzer was made for powder-hungry adventurers. Idaho’s largest ski area receives an average of 300 inches (762 cm) of annual snowfall and is home to the state’s third-highest vertical drop at 2,400 feet (732 meters). When the sun sets, don’t call it a day—the slopes light up for an evening of night skiing.
From Lewiston
COTTONWOOD BUTTE SKI AREA | COTTONWOOD | 1 HR., 14 MIN.
Take a ride on a T-bar or rope tow to one of Cottonwood Butte’s four groomed runs and multiple powder trails tucked among snow-laden trees. Night skiing is offered on the first Fridays of January, February and March. Cottonwood Butte also offers adaptive skiing programs.
SNOWHAVEN SKI & TUBING AREA | GRANGEVILLE | 1 HR., 35 MIN.
Unleash your inner child at one of the largest tubing hills in the West, or click in your ski boots for the first time and take advantage of Snowhaven’s many beginner runs, serviced by a T-bar and rope tow. The ski area also offers adaptive skiing programs.
BALD MOUNTAIN SKI AREA | PIERCE | 1 HR., 40 MIN.
From bunny slopes to black diamonds, Bald Mountain’s T-bar and rope tow offer a seemingly endless array of skiing and snowboarding opportunities for the whole family, set against the scenic backdrop of the Clearwater Mountains. The ski area also offers adaptive skiing programs.
From Boise
BOGUS BASIN MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA | BOISE | 40 MIN.
Bogus Basin, named the Number 1 ski area in the U.S. by Newsweek’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, offers thrilling skiing and snowboarding for enthusiasts of all skill levels and abilities with its adaptive snow sports program. Enjoy 2,600 acres of downhill terrain, a network of snowshoe and cross-country trails, a tubing hill and night skiing.
TAMARACK RESORT | DONNELLY | 2 HR., 15 MIN.
Reminiscent of Swiss ski resorts, Tamarack is tucked away in Idaho’s rugged mountains and is the perfect winter hideaway. After a day of tree skiing, traversing trails via snowshoes, Nordic skis or fat bikes or joining a guided ice-fishing trip on nearby Lake Cascade, visit The Reserve. Voted the Number 1 ski restaurant in North America by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2024 for the second year in a row, it’s the perfect spot for some well-deserved après-ski. Tamarack also offers adaptive skiing programs.
LITTLE SKI HILL | MCCALL | 2 HR., 21 MIN.
Bursting with friendly hometown energy, Little Ski Hill is a staple for those learning to shred. Featuring six T-bar ski runs, a terrain park and night skiing, this quaint hill deserves a spot in your rotation.
BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN RESORT | MCCALL | 2 HR., 30 MIN.
Whether you prefer wide, velvety runs or steep, tree-lined descents, Brundage has all that and more. Explore 18,000 acres of backcountry with a guided snowmobile or snowcat tour with stunning summit views, or check out the awesome beginner terrain at Beartopia. Rest your legs with lift-served tubing lanes at the nearby McCall Activity Barn. The mountain also offers adaptive skiing programs.
From Twin Falls
MAGIC MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT | KIMBERLY | 1 HR., 5 MIN.
Ski, snowboard, tube or ski bike your way down Magic Mountain. With 22 trails that span 120 acres, this mom-and-pop ski hill is renowned for its epic powder, impressive rock and cliff features, tree skiing, snow tubing hill and adaptive skiing programs.
POMERELLE MOUNTAIN RESORT | MALTA | 1 HR., 16 MIN.
Pomerelle is a family-run resort with 31 runs and two terrain parks set in the Albion Mountains. With a base elevation of 8,762 feet (2,671 meters), this area often receives more than 500 inches (1,270 cm) of snowfall per season and is one of the first Idaho ski areas to open. Night skiing is offered Tuesday through Saturday, and the mountain offers adaptive skiing programs.
SOLDIER MOUNTAIN | FAIRFIELD | 1 HR., 17 MIN.
Soldier’s varied terrain invites intermediate skiers and riders to carve through exhilarating glades and wide-open bowls. Those seeking untouched powder can venture into the Bridge Creek area, where 2,000 acres of pristine backcountry and 250 acres of intermediate and expert side country await—all reachable by bootpacking, alpine touring, snowcat or TRAX-assisted tours. For an exclusive experience, guests can reserve the entire ski area. Solider also offers adaptive skiing programs.
From Pocatello
PEBBLE CREEK SKI AREA | INKOM | 1 HR., 5 MIN.
Perched atop Bonneville Peak with views of the Portneuf Range, a visit to Pebble Creek will satisfy everyone in the family. Catch air at the terrain park, conquer steep runs or carve up the trails under the lights at night. Beginners should check out the 700-foot (213-meter) magic carpet—one of the longest conveyor lifts in North America
From Idaho Falls
KELLY CANYON SKI RESORT | RIRIE | 40 MIN.
Kelly Canyon is a family-friendly destination with a variety of terrain for newbies and off-piste enthusiasts. After a day on the slopes, warm up with a dip at nearby Heise Hot Springs. When the sun goes down, the adventure continues with after-hours skiing. Kelly Canyon also offers adaptive skiing programs.
GRAND TARGHEE RESORT | NEAR DRIGGS | 1 HR.,30 MIN.
Make the most of the deep powder (500+ inches/1,200+ cm annually) at Grand Targhee with uncrowded trails, short lift lines and unmatched views of the Grand Teton Mountain Range. The naturally well-spaced trees offer epic tree skiing, too. For a unique outdoor adventure, book a private dogsled tour. When it’s time to call it a day, refuel with a plate of the famous Wydaho Nachos at The Trap Bar & Grill, the resort’s legendary après-ski watering hole.
From Salmon
LOST TRAIL SKI AREA | NEAR GIBBONSVILLE | 50 MIN.
This treasured, family-owned ski spot showcases terrific tree skiing and breathtaking views of Idaho and Montana atop the Continental Divide. Lost Trail’s bountiful snowfall and uncrowded trails mean you’ll most likely be carving first tracks.
From Ketchum
SUN VALLEY RESORT | SUN VALLEY | 4 MIN.
Sun Valley is undeniably a wintry delight. America’s first destination ski resort and the birthplace of the chairlift, offers two distinct mountains: Bald Mountain’s 100+ thrilling downhill runs. Hop on the Challenger lift for a vertical ascent of 3,138 feet (956 meters) and try Dollar’s gentler slopes and terrain park. Before you make your last run of the day, drop into Roundhouse for some warm and velvety fondue.
ROTARUN SKI AREA | HAILEY | 23 MIN.
Dubbed “the little mountain with a big heart,” Idaho’s smallest ski area is dedicated to keeping its platter lift skiing affordable for everyone, making Rotarun a great option for first-timers. After working up an appetite, head to La Parilla taco truck, then stick around for night skiing on Wednesdays and Fridays. For an exclusive experience, rent the entire ski area on its non-operational days.
Published on February 3, 2026