Obviously, Idaho’s resort skiing and snowboarding get a lot of attention, yet the state offers plenty of backcountry access and more winter activities for enjoying its winter landscapes. There’s also nightlife to consider, whether that’s top-notch stargazing or enjoying a meal with friends or family.
Below, we highlight some of the state’s best-known spots and quieter retreats. No matter your preferred style of winter fun, Idaho winters are full of adventures that are worth the chill.
Explore Idaho Winter Sports
Diverse Terrain for Every Type of Snow Seeker
One reason Idaho is such a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding is its accessibility. The state is home to 19 ski areas, including the legendary Sun Valley and several ski areas that boast world-class groomers and terrain parks. We’ve picked out five ski areas that showcase the state’s varied terrain and appeal to skiers and boarders.
Grand Resorts
If you think of Idaho skiing, you probably think of Sun Valley Resort. The storied resort has been around for 90 years and is the birthplace of the chairlift. Experienced skiers can test themselves on the steeps at Bald Mountain, which drop 3,400 vertical feet, or relish the friendlier, world-class groomers on Dollar Mountain. Sun Valley recently added 90 acres of gladed terrain, creating four more advanced runs.
At roughly 2,900 acres, Schweitzer is Idaho’s largest ski area and receives an average of 300 inches of annual snowfall. Runs there can drop 2,400 feet, and half of its 92 designated runs are either advanced or expert. It’s not all vert either, the resort has trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing as well. Other Schweitzer activities include backcountry snowmobiling and snowcat excursions, tree skiing, twilight skiing, and snow tubing.
Its 2,000 acres of pristine backcountry and 250 acres of intermediate and expert side country make Soldier Mountain Resort a fresh playground for thrill-seeking skiers and snowboarders. Accessible via snowcat and Traxx, it showcases some of the most coveted ungroomed terrain in Idaho.
Visitors can explore untouched powder runs and tackle steep chutes while taking in sweeping peak vistas. It’s a must for skiers and snowboarders looking to venture beyond the groomed trails.
Smaller Gems
Don’t sleep on the smaller resorts either. Pomerelle Mountain Resort often sees more than 500 inches of annual snowfall thanks to its base elevation of 8,762 feet. Pomerelle opened in 1940 and is still family-run. It has earned a reputation as a skier’s resort and a great value.
Visiting skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can enjoy powder days on 31 runs and three terrain parks. Pomerelle also offers ski biking, night skiing, and boasts a 440-foot magic carpet.
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort has something for everyone, but is well-regarded as a great spot to learn how to ski. There are still challenging runs for experts, and backcountry skiers can access stashes of deep powder off the top of the mountain, too.
The family ski area has 51 runs, four terrain parks, and a restaurant on site. Night skiing is also available for adventurers looking to hit the slopes after dark. If a recovery soak appeals to you, the Heise Hot Springs is nearby.
Lastly, we’ll mention Pebble Creek, another cozy ski area that makes it a family favorite while still boasting a few steep chutes for more advanced skiers. Visitors enjoy the breathtaking mountain views from Bonneville Peak. At the base area, there’s a robust beginner area — complete with a 700-foot magic carpet!
We’ve mentioned the varied terrain for skiers of all levels, and that includes adaptive skiing. Several ski areas offer adaptive equipment rentals, lessons, and accessible parking.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Even avid skiers and snowboarders need a break, and there are fun and unique ways to get more from any visit. From hot springs to full-moon treks, check out these other activities that let you take in Idaho’s natural beauty.
Soak In the Scenery
Enjoy the contrast of the winter scenery while soaking in thermal waters. Whether you want to relax in hot water to start your day or unwind after a full day of adventure, hot springs abound across the state. Here are four hot springs with different access and experiences.
- Kirkham: Rustic hot springs on the banks of the South Fork of the Payette River.
- The Springs: This retreat in Idaho City has state-of-the-art hot pools and private soaking tubs fed by a natural hot spring and is just a short drive from Boise.
- Maple Grove Hot Springs: Six pools with different temperatures to choose from alongside the Bear River, and lodging options ranging from tent camping to furnished yurts.
- Burgdorf: The springs are seasonal. In summer (June–October), you can reach Burgdorf by car down Warren Wagon Road. For winter access (December–April), you’ll need a snowmobile or tracked vehicle and a reservation in advance.
Abundant Starlight
Idaho is known for its remote landscape, and that translates to unbelievable night skies. For stargazers, there are plenty of places to simply look up, but you can really see things better from one of the state’s dark sky parks or its dark sky reserve.
Spanning 906,000 acres (which is two times the size of Los Angeles), the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve encompasses the cities of Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Stanley. The region was the first in the United States to receive the Dark Sky Reserve designation from the International Dark Sky Association.
The three dark sky parks offer stellar viewing opportunities and experiences like star parties and ranger-led full moon hikes. Reservations are advised since these events are usually capped to avoid crowding.
Après & Local Flavor
Idaho’s après ski culture has a cozy and casual reputation, and that is reflected in its food and beverage scene.
To really get a sense of Idaho’s mountain towns, be sure to explore local stops. For example, Ketchum’s colorful Pioneer Saloon has been a pillar of the local community since the 1970s. In fact, it won a James Beard Classics Award for its atmosphere and longstanding role as a local watering hole that welcomes the surge of hungry and thirsty visitors in peak seasons.
Don’t miss their signature dish, the super-sized Jim Spud — a giant baked potato so massive it can be shared as an appetizer for a small group. It’s loaded with melted cheese, butter, sour cream, caramelized onions, chives, and diced teriyaki beef, and the perfect pick-me-up after a day in the mountains.
Just 2 hours north of Boise, Tamarack Resort sits at the base of the West Mountain slopes, offering breathtaking runs above Lake Cascade and a welcoming après ski scene. Skiers and snowboarders come for the slopes and stay to unwind, marveling at Idaho’s mountain charm
For the third straight year, Tamarack’s The Reserve has been voted the #1 ski restaurant in North America by a USA Today Readers’ Choice poll. The Reserve is celebrated for its excellent service, local flavors, and for representing the spirit of “fine-casual” dining in the Idaho West — a beautiful spot to cozy up and savor a delicious dinner after an unforgettable day on the slopes.
Lodging Recommendations
Some of the state’s larger ski resorts offer ski-in/ski-out lodging, and others have a few cabins and off-the-path yurts to check out. But for those exploring more of the state, there are plenty of places to stay close to ski areas and other winter attractions. Whether you want a resort or rustic vibe, Idaho has it all.
Take Sandpoint, for instance, once named the country’s most beautiful town; the town prides itself on a relaxed pace as well as its great views and access to outdoor activities. There are resort stays by the slopes, like the Humbird at Schweitzer, and more boutique accommodations with ample amenities and outdoor activities.
The Coeur d’Alene Resort, a luxurious spot year-round, and its annual holiday light shows are sure to add cheer (and romance) to a December getaway. Access to ski destinations like Silver Mountain Resort (which also features an indoor waterpark) and Lookout Pass is just an hour from Coeur d’Alene.
The Limelight in Ketchum puts you close to five mountain ranges, resort skiing, and hot springs. It has several amenities, relaxed dining, and you can bring along a dog, too.
The Sparrow in Boise was named the Best Hotel in the Southwest & West Region by a 2025 Condé Nast Traveler reader’s poll. Refreshed and repurposed as an adventure hotel, the Sparrow will serve as a winter base camp, and the staff is ready to connect you with the type of activities right for you. Each room exhibits regional stories through infographic-style artwork completed by locals.
For a more elevated Boise stay, there’s the 120-year-old Avery Hotel + Brasserie. A true boutique hotel, its 39 rooms and suites are highly decorated yet functional. Part of the hotel’s appeal is its dining, which includes a French-inspired restaurant, an English gastrotavern, and Tiner’s Alley — a speakeasy just behind the hotel serving English-inspired cocktails and pub fare in Boise’s oldest Brunswick bar.
Around McCall, only a short drive from Brundage Mountain, you’ll find a plethora of cabins available. Stay at the Scandia Inn with its modern interiors, the iconic Shore Lodge with spacious suites and stunning Payette Lake views, Hotel McCall for a boutique experience in the heart of downtown, or check out the unique Cascade Dome (an Airbnb Guest Favorite), a geodesic dome with its own sauna.
Additional Travel Tips
Idaho winters come with their fair share of challenging weather. Visitors should check road and avalanche conditions before traveling and book stays and experiences in advance, especially during holidays. You can check road conditions online or via the free 511 Idaho app.
Our readers know to travel with care, but it’s always good to get an idea of the terrain and wildlife in any new area.
Visit Idaho sponsored this post.
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