This Travel Tip is written in partnership with Ski Idaho.
Winter in Idaho presents a whole new world of accessible and adaptive ski adventures. With 19 ski areas and more than 28,000 vertical feet of skiable terrain, there’s no shortage of ways to get out and play in the powder for a day or a weekend.
If you’re looking for a modified way to experience some of Idaho’s storied ski areas, check out the list below. From rentals and adaptive ski lessons to shuttles and even a few additional accessible experiences, these Idaho ski destinations are here to help.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area in Boise
Just north of Boise, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is tucked away amongst the spruces and firs of the Boise National Forest. Here, visitors can ski 2,600 acres and nearly 100 named runs with an average annual snowfall of 135 inches—and that’s not to mention other attractions beyond the snow, such as a mountain coaster and tubing hill.
Adaptive Skiing at Bogus Basin Mountain
With an adaptive ski school that brings visitors of all abilities out on the powder and other activities that welcome those with limited mobility, Bogus Basin offers plenty of options for accessible winter fun.
Adaptive Equipment Rentals
Adaptive equipment is included with all lessons scheduled through Bogus Basin’s adaptive ski school, B.A.S.E. (Boise Adaptive Snowsport Education). Accessible skiing sessions are by reservation only, and the cost of the lesson includes both the instructors and equipment. Adaptive equipment is not available to rent for use outside of the lessons.
Adaptive Lessons and Ski Programs
Bogus Basin offers alpine lessons through B.A.S.E. Most adaptive ski lessons at Bogus Basin are private, two-hour sessions. The cost for a two-hour session for the 2022–23 season is $40, and the lesson includes at least two instructors.
Weekly adaptive Nordic skiing programs are available at the Frontier Point Nordic Center. These lessons are offered by the Challenged Athletes Foundation.
Other Accessible Winter Experiences at Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin’s winter tubing hill is flexible and can adapt to people of varying abilities. Reach out for more information about Bogus Basin’s tubing hill.
Additionally, the Glade Runner Mountain Coaster offers some options for adventurers with limited mobility.
Accessible Parking at Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin offers accessible parking options for its visitors. ADA parking spots are available at several key sites in the area, including the rental shop, patrol building, J.R. Simplot Lodge, tubing hill, Frontier Point Nordic Lodge and Pioneer Lodge.
The major access point to Bogus Basin’s accessible skiing is the J.R. Simplot Lodge base area. Access to the lodge’s lower level, ticket office, rental shop and retail shop is available via a paved ramp. Food and beverage are accessible from the ADA parking spots adjacent to the second floor of the Simplot Lodge or from the Double R Ranch BBQ Smokehouse, located on the Idaho Central Credit Union Plaza.
The Frontier Point Nordic Center has an elevator and ramp entrance to the snow and lodge.
Accessible Shuttle Options for Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin’s parking lot shuttle has wheelchair access and seating options for visitors.
Brundage Mountain Resort in McCall
Boasting a reputation of “the best snow in Idaho,” Brundage Mountain Resort is a central Idaho ski area with ample opportunity for visitors to shred on 70 named trails and 320 inches of snow annually.
Adaptive Skiing at Brundage
Brundage Mountain Resort prioritizes accessible adventures through a nonprofit partnership that helps people with disabilities learn how to ski and find the right equipment for their individual needs.
Adaptive Equipment Rentals
Adaptive equipment is provided for those booking adaptive ski lessons. Brundage’s adaptive program is called AWeSOMe! (Adaptive Wilderness Sports of McCall). This nonprofit, volunteer-led organization partners with Brundage to offer adaptive lessons for visitors of all ages.
Adaptive Lessons and Ski Programs
Brundage offers accessible ski lessons provided by the AWeSOMe! program.
Accessible Parking at Brundage
Brundage Mountain has several ADA parking spaces in the main parking lot (close to the lodge) and ramps to access the ticket windows and Guest Services. Those who participate in the AWeSOMe! program can drive right up to the lesson facility for easy drop-off and pickup.
Accessible Shuttle Options for Brundage
The Bluebird Express shuttle, which runs from McCall to Brundage and back several times a day during the winter, has wheelchair lifts. Drivers are trained on how to assist those riders.
Sun Valley (Bald and Dollar Mountain) in Sun Valley
Sun Valley Resort proudly proclaims its title of “America’s First Destination Ski Resort,” with nearly a century of history as a haven for snow sports and well-appointed lodging. Visitors can take advantage of 2,400 acres of varied terrain across 65 named runs with an average annual snowfall of 164 inches.
Adaptive Skiing in Sun Valley
Sun Valley partners with a nonprofit to make a variety of snow sports accessible to those with disabilities or mobility limitations.
Adaptive Equipment Rentals
Higher Ground is the sole adaptive concierge to Sun Valley Company for all winter snow activities, including accessible alpine skiing, accessible snowboarding and Nordic skiing.
Higher Ground offers adaptive ski equipment to all participants. To register for a ski lesson or inquire about adaptive equipment rental, please visit the Higher Ground website, contact them at 208-720-7578 or email snowsports@highergroundusa.org.
Adaptive Lessons and Ski Programs
Sun Valley offers adaptive ski lessons every day the mountain is open.
Other Accessible Winter Experiences in Sun Valley
Higher Ground partners with Sun Valley to provide Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and sled hockey for participants.
Accessible Parking in Sun Valley
Sun Valley offers several accessible parking options to fit the needs of its visitors. Dollar Mountain has several ADA parking spaces in the lower parking lot. From there, enter the building through sliding glass doors and take the elevator upstairs. Continue outside on a paver patio to the ticketing window. Higher Ground’s ski school office is located inside Dollar Lodge conveniently across from Pete Lane’s Mountain Sports rental shop.
River Run Lodge has accessible parking across the bridge. Drive across the bridge to access ticketing, the lodge and the rental area. Visitors will find an overall flat area to get to the lift or access the gondola.
Warm Springs Lodge has accessible parking on the street in front of the lodge. The terrain to the lodge, ticketing and rentals is flat and paved. Access to the lift is a bit of a push uphill before you get to flat terrain.
Accessible Shuttle Options for Sun Valley
Both the Higher Ground and local Mountain Rides transportation services offer accessible seating options.
Grand Targhee Resort Near the Idaho-Wyoming Border
More than 500 inches of snow blanket the grounds of Grand Targhee Resort annually. At the eastern edge of Idaho, this ski area is home to an assortment of snow sports with added benefits of majestic views of the Grand Teton Mountains.
Adaptive Skiing at Grand Targhee Resort
Grand Targhee Resort caters to visitors’ needs by providing accessible ski gear and hands-on education, allowing anyone the chance to get out on the snow and have fun.
Adaptive Equipment Rentals
Sit skis are available through adaptive lessons only.
Adaptive Lessons and Ski Programs
Grand Targhee is dedicated to bringing accessible winter experiences to all visitors. Full- or half-day accessible ski lessons are available for people with cognitive, intellectual and physical disabilities.
Other Accessible Winter Experiences at Grand Targhee
For those looking for a different accessible experience, Nordic skiing is also available at Grand Targhee.
Accessible Parking at Grand Targhee
Grand Targhee has 22 accessible parking spaces available, six of which are van-accessible. The base area of the resort does have an elevator that can access both levels.
Accessible Shuttle Options for Grand Targhee
At this time, Grand Targhee does not offer accessible shuttle options.
Feature image credited to Higher Ground.
Updated on January 20, 2023
Published on November 22, 2022
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