Part Time Tourists worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.
Idaho Falls is an amazing summer destination known for a great downtown scene with plenty of surrounding outdoor sports. But did you know that Idaho Falls is equally as exciting during the winter? Here you’ll find family-friendly winter experiences to enjoy!
Snow Tubing
This is definitely a family favorite in eastern Idaho! Unlike sledding hills, this experience is equipped with a tow rope, so you never have to walk back up the hill. This ensures you’ll have plenty of energy to continue flying down the mountain time and time again. 7N Ranch Resort is a great option for cold-weather thrills with the kiddos, featuring four different runs. The two tracks closest to the tow rope end with an upward ramp, which will help you slow down. The last track curves at the end for a little extra fun. This winter activity is open from Friday to Sunday.
Sleigh Rides
Sleigh rides and Idaho winters just make sense. So why not book a Sleigh Ride and Dinner at Linn Canyon Ranch? This unique experience starts off with a magical sleigh ride around the ranch and a meet n’ greet with the horses. After the ride, you’ll be dropped off at the gorgeous lodge where cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are waiting.
For the dinner portion, you’ll be seated at a private table for a three-course meal that is downright delicious. As tempting as it is to fill up at this point, be sure to save room for their house-made dessert. This is an experience in Idaho that you don’t want to miss!
Skiing and Snowboarding
Just a 40-minute drive from Idaho Falls is the locally-loved Kelly Canyon Resort. Many locals can agree that this is a perfect place to learn to ski and snowboard. The resort recently added a new lift that provides access to more of the mountain and all the terrain that comes with it.
Not only can you get season, day and evening passes, but the resort also offers food and beverage options with gear rental services.
Ice Fishing
Henry’s Lake and Ririe Reservoir are just two of the many locations for ice fishing in eastern Idaho. At Henry’s Lake, you’ll find world-famous trout, while at Ririe Reservoir, you can catch kokanee, perch and walleye. A few other places you may want to consider (depending on ice conditions) are Ashton Reservoir, Roberts Pond and Becker (Ryder Park) Pond.
LaBelle Lake Ice Palace
You won’t want to miss the LaBelle Lake Ice Palace during your winter visit. The attraction just outside of Idaho Falls features intricate ice tunnels, staircases, ice slides and icicle ceilings. Make sure to check out the fire show and sleigh rides here as well.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
One of the best places to snowshoe near Idaho Falls is Harriman State Park. It’s a fan-favorite because it’s beginner-friendly and the trails are well-marked. You can choose from a variety of routes with varying degrees of difficulty and length.
If you need to rent snowshoes, it’s best to pick them up either in Idaho Falls or Island Park at one of the many outdoor shops, as there are no rentals inside Harriman State Park.
If you’re interested in cross-country skiing, you’re in luck, as eastern Idaho has an abundance of locations to choose from! Below are local favorites that are all family-friendly.
What winter adventure will you try first?
Feature image credited to Part Time Tourists.
Jess Darrington is the founder of Part Time Tourists, a travel and adventure blog that was created in 2018. Part Time Tourists aim to help people travel more by offering detailed travel guides and practical tips. With a large focus on US travel, Jess shares adventurous and luxurious destinations throughout the country. You can follow her on Instagram and PartTimeTourists.com.
Published on February 22, 2022
View My Itinerary