The state of Idaho in northwestern United States is the right vacation spot for adrenaline junkies. Idaho has a inhabitants of lower than two million however a comparatively giant space with beautiful pure surroundings. Jagged mountain ranges, forests and rivers cowl the land, making the state superb for many who love out of doors actions.
With such stunning landscapes and mountains, Idaho’s ski resorts are one of the crucial standard out of doors locations within the state. A few of these resorts appeal to skiers and snowboarders from different U.S. states and overseas. There are snowboarding and snowboarding resorts in Idaho appropriate for full freshmen, these with intermediate abilities and probably the most elite specialists. Resorts embrace not solely alpine snowboarding trails however trails for Nordic snowboarding, hills for tubing, trails for snowshoeing and fats tire biking, and terrain for snowmobiling.
As a local Idahoan who has lived within the state for over 18 years, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to those superb ski resorts in Idaho and I hope to encourage you to hit the slopes subsequent winter.
Idaho Ski Resorts
1- Solar Valley
Solar Valley Resort is likely one of the finest ski resorts in Idaho and one of many nation’s most well-known downhill snowboarding locations.
SKI Journal named Solar Valley the highest ski resort in North America not solely in 2020 however in 2021 as nicely.
The resort attracts native Idahoans and celebrities from world wide for a number of causes.
It’s positioned in central Idaho and is a 155-mile (249-km) drive from the capital metropolis of Boise.
The resort covers 2,400 acres (971 ha) of numerous terrain and contains two completely different mountains: Bald Mountain and Greenback Mountain.
Bald Mountain, nicknamed “Baldy”, is likely one of the most interesting ski mountains on the earth. It has 13 chairlifts, 65 runs, and themed Journey Trails for teenagers.
Solar Valley’s different mountain, Greenback Mountain, options a number of runs, a terrain park and two high-speed quads.
Though it has a few black diamond runs, Greenback Mountain principally has novice and intermediate runs, making it excellent for teenagers and novice skiers hoping to enhance their abilities.
Don’t have your personal ski or snowboard gear with you? To not fear. The resort’s Pete Lane’s Mountain Sports activities provides gear rental on Greenback Mountain and different places close to Solar Valley.
You’ll be able to all the time ebook a personal helicopter ski journey in the event you’re an adrenaline junkie and need one thing past the acute Bald and Greenback Mountain trails.
These backcountry journeys present entry to a winter wonderland playground of roughly 750,000 acres (303,514 ha) of pristine powder in Solar Valley.
After snowboarding or snowboarding, take pleasure in a experience in a horse-drawn sleigh earlier than grabbing sizzling chocolate at one of many lodges.
Solar Valley resort additionally has a number of eating places on the mountain, and within the village beneath, so you possibly can all the time discover a heat meal after a day trip within the chilly snow.
Closest airport: Friedman Memorial Airport (25-minute drive).
The place to remain: Solar Valley Lodge is a legendary ski lodge and a well-liked getaway for Hollywood stars within the Forties. The resort additionally has the Solar Valley Inn, cottages, condos and townhomes. If you happen to’re on a funds, search for lodging in Hailey (14 miles away) and a few 20-minute drive. Save time and lease your skis and your lease snowboard gear earlier than you go.
2- Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin is a mountain recreation space close to Boise, making it a well-liked and simply accessible ski resort for anybody in Idaho’s capital.
Don’t be deceived by the view of the mountain if you first arrive, as most of Bogus’ skiable terrain is on the bottom of the mountain.
The 1,800-foot (550 m) tall resort consists of two,600 acres (1,052 ha) of skiable terrain, with 10 lifts and over 80 official runs.
Extra particularly, Bogus has 88 named runs for downhill snowboarding, 10 ski lifts and 360-degree mountain entry, which means there are snowboarding and snowboarding alternatives for folks of all abilities.
Bogus has ski runs for freshmen, specialists and everybody in between, however Bogus Basin isn’t only for alpine snowboarding and snowboarding.
The ski resort has greater than 37 km of trails for Nordic skiers, snowshoers, and fat-tire bikers.
There’s additionally a tubing hill, which is superb for households and teams of all sizes.
For a break from the winter’s chilly, cease within the lodge for a drink or a chunk to eat and there are additionally meals and beverage retailers up on the mountain.
The ski mountain offers a outstanding view of town of Boise and the view at evening is especially dazzling.
Snowboarding at Bogus at evening is a unbelievable method to see Idaho’s capital metropolis all lit up.
Evening snowboarding right here covers all types of terrain, in contrast to many different ski resorts within the state.
Bogus Basin is roughly 20 miles (32 km) from downtown Boise. To get there, take Bogus Basin Highway to 1754 Bogus Basin Rd. Boise, Idaho 83629.
Closest airport: Boise Worldwide Airport (45-minute drive).
The place to remain: The Pioneer Condominiums are inside ski-in/ski-out distance to Bogus and the Pioneer Lodge. For extra budget-friendly lodging, keep in a lodge in downtown Boise. Bogus Basin provides discounted ski carry tickets and exercise passes for anybody who stays at their companion lodges downtown. Resort 43, The Riverside Resort, The Grove Resort, Springhill Suites by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, and Residence Inn by Marriott are all eligible low cost bundle lodges.
3- Tamarack Resort
90 miles (145 km) north of Boise is Tamarack Resort, one other standard ski and snowboard vacation spot in Idaho.
Tamarack sits within the metropolis of Cascade and overlooks Lake Cascade, offering beautiful frozen lake views from the highest of the mountain.
In the course of the wintertime, there are 2,000 acres (809 ha) of skiable land on the mountain, which measures 2,800 vertical toes (853 m).
Tamarack options three chairlifts, 50 downhill ski and snowboard runs, and 300 inches (7.6 m) of common snowfall.
Trails vary in issue from novice to black diamond, with 17% newbie terrain, 45% intermediate terrain, and 38% superior terrain on the mountain.
The ski resort additionally contains 4 distinctive terrain parks with jumps, rails, and jibs of various sizes.
Situated alongside a ridgeline, Tamarack has loads of lift-accessed backcountry with bowls, chutes and cliffs for journey seekers.
For Nordic skiers, fats tire bikers, and snowshoers, Tamarack options the Tamarack Nordic Path system.
The system, which is groomed 5 days every week, weaves by groves of fir, aspen and tamarack timber.
Cease by the Village at Tamarack if you’ve completed snowboarding, snowboarding, or snowshoeing.
The alpine-style village is close to the mountain’s base and has eating places, cafes, pubs, boutiques and extra.
Closest airport: Boise Worldwide Airport (2 hour and 14-minute drive).
The place to remain: Tamarack Resort provides luxurious lodging, from cottages and penthouse suites on the Village at Tamarack, the Lodge at Osprey Meadows, and Tamarack Properties and Cottages. Alternatively, you possibly can keep in McCall or Cascade, each a 30-minute drive from the mountain.
4- Brundage Mountain Resort
Brundage Mountain Resort is barely farther north than Tamarack, making it a 116-mile (187-km) drive from Boise.
Within the mountains, Brundage is one other of Idaho’s finest ski resorts.
The bottom space’s common pure snowfall is 320 inches (8.1 m), guaranteeing that the mountain is really a winter wonderland in the course of the season.
Brundage is open for snowboarding and snowboarding from mid-November to mid-April.
It touts spectacular mountain stats; the resort has a 1,921-foot (586m) vertical drop, a 7,803-foot (2,378m) summit elevation, a 5,882-foot (1793m) base elevation, and 1,920 acres (777 ha) of terrain that’s accessed by lifts.
The resort has 70 named alpine trails.
21% of its trails are novice, 33% are intermediate, and 46% are superior, guaranteeing that skiers and snowboarders of all ranges are welcome.
Common scenic trails embrace Kickback Path, Temptation Path, North Path, and Dropline Path.
Brundage additionally has two terrain parks, Jammer Park and Bear Park, which accommodate a variety of skills of ability ranges.
Nonetheless, though Brundage has magnificent snowboarding trails and terrain parks, the resort’s backcountry terrain is particular.
Brundage offers entry to a whopping 18,000 acres (7284 ha) of backcountry, which is a unbelievable method to expertise contemporary powder, unspoiled terrain and easily spectacular views.
Ensure you have the precise coaching and tools to enterprise into the backcountry.
One other professional of Brundage is its proximity to McCall, one among Idaho’s hottest resort cities.
When coming to Brundage to ski or snowboard, many Idahoans and guests keep in McCall, which is full of fashionable outlets, eating places and ice sculptures in the course of the winter.
Closest airport: Boise Worldwide Airport (2 hour and 30-minute drive).
The place to remain: The resort provides free RV tenting in winter within the Centennial Parking Lot. McCall is a stunning mountain city eight miles away, with a alternative of lodges, lodges, trip houses, condos and cabins.
5- Schweitzer Mountain
Schweitzer Mountain is up north in Idaho, close to the Canadian border, and at a better latitude than most of Idaho’s different ski resorts.
So, it’s no shock that Schweitzer Mountain makes for such an important ski vacation spot.
The mountain attracts not solely Idahoans but additionally attracts many Canadians yearly with its 300 inches (7.6 m) of snowfall.
With deep snow, steep groomed terrain, and fewer guests in comparison with the extra southern ski resorts in Idaho, Schweitzer is a must-visit.
The resort is pretty giant, with 2,900 acres (1,174 ha) of slopes accessible by ski carry.
It has 10 ski lifts and 92 trails, and its longest steady groomed run is the prolonged two-mile (3.2km) Little Blue Ridge Run.
Schweitzer has three spectacular terrain parks (the Terrain Backyard, Southside Development Park, and Stomping Grounds), all making for an adventure-filled go to.
Nonetheless, it’s vital to notice that Schweitzer isn’t significantly beginner-friendly.
With 10% newbie, 40% intermediate, 35% superior, and 15% professional trails, the ski resort is finest for these with not less than a fundamental dealing with of snowboarding or snowboarding.
Schweitzer Mountain is the right vacation spot for intermediate and superior skiers and snowboarders longing for a problem.
Schweitzer options common nighttime snowboarding and snowboarding by its Personal the Evening and Twilight Snowboarding packages so guests can benefit from the mountain any time of the day.
Along with downhill snowboarding, Schweitzer welcomes traditional and skate Nordic skiers.
There are numerous choices for Nordic trails, which collectively measure 20 miles (32 km) lengthy.
The resort additionally has snowshoeing, biking, tubing, and snowmobiling alternatives.
Closest airport: Spokane Worldwide Airport (1 hour and a 30-minute drive from Spokane, Washington).
The place to remain: Schweitzer Mountain options three distinctive lodging properties: the Selkirk Lodge, White Pine Lodge, and the brand new Humbird lodge. There’s additionally free RV parking on the hearth station lot, however it is just out there for max stays of three days. Alternatively, you possibly can keep within the close by cities of Sandpoint or Ponderay, that are 25 minutes away.
Different Idaho Ski Resorts
Bogus Basin, Brundage, Tamarack, Solar Valley, and Schweitzer are amongst Idaho’s finest and hottest ski resorts. However that doesn’t imply that they’re the one ones price mentioning. Listed here are a couple of extra nice ski resorts that deserve consideration.
6- Silver Mountain
Situated in northern Idaho, Silver Mountain is a stunning ski resort that’s smaller and fewer crowded than the state’s extra well-known resorts.
Along with its ski trails, Silver Mountain can be residence to Silver Rapids, Idaho’s largest waterpark resort.
Closest airport: Spokane Worldwide Airport (1-hour drive).
The place to remain: Silver Mountain’s Morning Star Lodge is handy and has a health centre, sizzling tubs, fireplaces, and extra. There are many cheaper lodges within the metropolis of Kellogg, too.
7- Lookout Cross
Lookout Cross is nestled in Idaho’s unspoiled nationwide forest and sees 400 inches (10 m) of sunshine powder yearly.
This ski resort can be extra reasonably priced than different Idahoan resorts and provides free classes to youngsters 6 to 17 years previous.
Closest airports: Spokane Worldwide Airport (Washington) and Missoula Montana Airport (Montana) are each a 1 hour and 45-minute drive away.
The place to remain: Lookout Cross doesn’t have its personal lodging, however there are many companion lodges within the close by cities of Kellogg, Wallace, and Mullan.
8- Kelly Canyon
Close to town of Idaho Falls, Kelly Canyon is right for these positioned in or visiting jap Idaho.
Its annual snowfall is 200 inches (5 m), however the resort dietary supplements this pure snowfall with snow blowing the place wanted.
Closest airport: Idaho Falls Regional Airport (40-minute drive).
The place to remain: The closest lodges and lodges are in jap Ririe, a 10-minute drive from Kelly Canyon Resort or Idaho Falls.
9- Soldier Mountain
Tucked away in Idaho’s breathtaking Sawtooth Nationwide Forest is Soldier Mountain.
This ski space between Boise and Solar Valley has 1,150 lift-accessible acres for snowboarding.
Closest airport: Friedman Memorial Airport (1-hour drive).
The place to remain: Locations to remain embrace the Prairie Inn, the Killdeer Kottage, and the Historic Lincoln Inn or camp in your RV free of charge on the north finish of the ski space’s car parking zone.
10- Pomerelle
The common annual snowfall at Pomerelle Mountain Resort is 500 inches (12.7 m).
It’s one of many earliest ski resorts in Idaho to open for the season, making it a lovely vacation spot for keen skiers.
Closest airport: Magic Valley Regional Airport (1 hour and 30-minute drive).
The place to remain: The close by metropolis of Burley has lodging and is lower than an hour from Pomerelle.
11- Cottonwood Butte
Cottonwood Butte Ski Space is in north central Idaho.
The resort has 4 main groomed runs, plus loads of powdery trails among the many timber.
It provides evening snowboarding and a 845-foot vertical drop.
Closest airport: Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (1 hour and 15-minute drive).
The place to remain: The charming metropolis of Lewiston is only a 1-hour and-15 minute drive from Cottonwood Butte Ski Space and there are some lodges in Grangeville, inside a 30-minute drive, and Orofino.
12- Magic Mountain
Magic Mountain actually lives as much as its title, with a base elevation of 6,500 toes (1,981 m) and a summit elevation of seven,240 toes (2,207 m).
The ski mountain prides itself on its security and affordability whereas remaining an thrilling expertise.
It options two novice trails, 5 intermediate trails, and 4 superior trails.
Closest airport: Magic Valley Regional Airport (1-hour drive).
The place to remain: Most lodges nearest to Magic Mountain are in Twin Falls. Take a look at the newest costs right here.
Whether or not you go to one among these resorts or one of many aforementioned and extra well-known ski resorts, you’re certain to have an exquisite time snowboarding in Idaho.
