BEST SKI DESTINATIONS IN IDAHO
Where to Ski in Idaho, Including Information on Travel, Lodging and Dining
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Premier Ski Resorts
Premier, or world-class ski resorts, can be found in Idaho. In fact, there are six of them. One thing that differentiates premier ski resorts from others is the onsite lodging facilities and restaurants. Here's a summation of a few of Idaho's premier ski resorts.
- Sun Valley
Established in 1936, Sun Valley Ski Resort is still one of the world's top destinations. Along with skiing and snowboarding, other winter activities include snow tubing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. For lodging, choose from cozy cottages, condos, or one of Sun Valley's lodges. You'll find restaurants and shopping nearby, too. For more information, check out sunvalley.com - Tamarack
This is the nation's newest all-season mountain resort, just a couple hours from Boise. There's 1,100 acres of skiable terrain within the resort bounds, and more than 5,000 acres of backcountry skiing. Enjoy guided ski tours, Nordic and Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. Lodging choices include mountain chalets, townhomes, condos and cottages nearby. When you're not skiing, take a break in a heated pool, hot tub, spa or fitness center. More information available at tamarackidaho.com - Bogus Basin
Located in Utah's Treasure Valley, about 16 miles north of Boise, Bogus Basin has been in operation for the past 65 years. There are 2600 acres of skiable terrain, 8 chairlifts, 54 groomed ski runs and more ungroomed ones, 3 terrain parks, 2 alpine day lodges with food services available, ski and board school and more. If you need overnight accomodations, there's plenty to choose from either at the resort, in Boise, or points in between. See bogusbasin.org for more information.
Regional Resorts
Regional resorts are usually smaller, often more family-friendly, less crowded and with cheaper lift ticket prices and ski packages. You'll still find good skiing, ski schools, and most all of the major features of the larger resorts.
- Pomerelle
Pomerelle Ski Resort is a day resort located in the Sawtooth National Forest, about 25 miles off of I-84, near Albion, Idaho. It receives an annual snowfall of 500" and is usually the first resort to open for skiing each winter. Complete with day lodge and food services there, as well as a ski school and lower prices, both skiers and snowboarders will find a good time here. - Lost Trail
The Lost Trail Ski area is located near the Idaho-Montana border, close to the town of Salmon, Idaho. You'll enjoy great affordable family skiing here, and amenities at this ski resort include a ski school, day lodge with cafeteria, a ski school for all ages and levels, and 45 ski trails. If you need a place to stay, there are a lot of choices nearby, including cabins, motels, lodges. losttrail.com has more information on skiing at the Lost Trail Ski Area. - Soldier Mountain
Soldier Mountain Ski Resort is located halfway between Boise and Sun Valley, in the Sawtooth National Forest. There are 36 ski runs, backcountry skiing, and an enhanced snowboard terrain park. You'll also appreciated the cheaper prices and less crowded conditions. There are 1,150 skiable acres and a good variety of ski trails for all levels of skier. You'll also find a ski school for all age groups and a day lodge with food service. Their website is located at soldiermountain.com
Local Resorts
There are five local ski resorts located in all parts of Idaho. Here's a brief rundown on just a few of them.
- Bald Mountain
skibaldmountain.com is the web site URL, where you'll find information on this local ski resort, run by volunteers from the Clearwater Ski Club. Located in north-central Idaho near the town of Pierce, this family resort offers affordable rates, free bus transportation from select towns nearby, and 140 skiable acres for skiing and snowboarding. There's a day lodge and cafe for your enjoyment between ski runs. - Snowhaven
A small ski resort located in north-central Idaho, near the town of Lewiston. Has 40 acres of ski terrain for skiing and snowboarding, and recently added are two snow tubing runs. Also features a day lodge with snack bar, ski shop and ski school. Affordable rates, less crowded conditions. - Magic Mountain
Located in southern Idaho near Twin Falls, Magic Mountain features 120 acres of ski terrain, a day lodge with cafeteria, and ski shop. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding, and the new renovations that took place during the off season: new snow tube hill and new tube rentals, new rails and jumps in the snowboarding area, new runs through the trees have been created, updates to ski and snowboard rentals, lodge remodeled, replacement of the old rope tow and revamped chair lift.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're looking for world-class ski resort accomodations for your ski trip of a lifetime, or are a local resident who just wants a day or weekend of skiing, there are plenty of ski resorts available in Idaho for everyone. We couldn't tell you everything here, so be sure to check out the web sites we've discovered so you'll have more information. All of these and other ski resorts are covered at visitidaho.com