Martin Kuprianowicz worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.
I hadn’t thought much of skiing in Idaho. Then I went there and learned how underrated it is.
Ten days, 1,600 miles and five ski areas later, I got an idea of what skiing here was like. It was super. This is my list of the best ski trails I shredded in Idaho. Some are hidden. Some are long. Some are unique. And some are stomach-wrenchingly steep. It’s my opinion that some of these runs have serious potential to be considered the top ski trails in the Gem State.
Schweitzer | Sandpoint
Schweitzer in northern Idaho skis like a bigger version of Grand Targhee Resort on the Idaho–Wyoming border, except it has prettier mountain and lake scenery and thicker, wetter snow. Snowy, old-growth forest trees and frozen snow ghosts dot this mountainous landscape.
Top Schweitzer Ski Trails
Pucci’s Chute, R1-R3 Chutes, Australia
Silver Mountain Resort | Kellogg
Silver Mountain Resort originally started in the 1960s as something for the miners to do in their spare time. It had one chair at the time (chair four). It eventually grew into what is now one of Idaho’s best ski areas. The vibe here is quiet but powerful—Silver Mountain has the feel of a 60s-era mom-and-pop joint but with big terrain, phenomenal tree skiing, steeps and an utter lack of crowds.
Top Silver Mountain Resort Ski Trails
North Face Glades, Moon Boots (locals call it this as it’s between the Moonshine and Bootlegger runs), Wardner Peak Boot Pack
Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area | Near Mullan
Lookout Pass Ski Area is positioned perfectly on a mountain pass in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains of the Bitterroot Range near Mullan. This prime location allows for orographic lift, which brings snowfall totals similar to geographic positions, such as the Alta Ski Area in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. The place spins three chairs that access absolutely epic tree skiing and pillow lines.
Top Lookout Pass Ski Trails
Purgatory (aka chair three liftline), Hercules, Big Dipper
Lost Trail Ski Area | Idaho–Montana Border
Located in what feels like absolute nowhere, Lost Trail has huge terrain with five eclectic lifts that give access to more than 1,800 acres of skiable terrain. Powder, pillows, cliffs, couloirs, tree skiing and views are what this place is all about—and no people. Lost Trail has a secluded and laid-back feel to it.
Top Lost Trail Ski Trails
Hollywood Bowl, Popcorn Rocks, Lewis & Clark
Sun Valley
Sunshine, consistent-pitch trails and world-class lodging and food are what Sun Valley is all about. The resort recently added a brand-spanking-new lift and 380 acres of additional terrain, which definitely made this list.
Top Sun Valley Ski Trails
Sunrise Bowl, Cold Springs Chutes, Ridge
The truth is, these ski trails are only a few of the multitude Idaho has to offer. There’s a lifetime of skiing out here, with some 19 ski areas, small and large, and 114 named mountain ranges. Each ski destination wields different types of terrain, snowpacks and atmospheres that can be fun for anyone. But there’s one thing that remains constant wherever you go in Idaho—and that’s great skiing.
Feature image credited to SnowBrains.
Martin Kuprianowicz: Salt Lake City-based ski writer and Digital Editor for SnowBrains.com since 2019.
Updated on December 06, 2023
Published on February 15, 2022
View My Itinerary