Idaho offers some of the best skiing and riding in the Rocky Mountains. If you’re not familiar with the different resorts, it might seem difficult to decide which one you want to visit. This guide should help you narrow down that decision on which of these amazing resorts is the right fit for your next adventure!
Bogus Basin
Primarily known for being a non-profit and the most accessible ski resort for those who live in Boise, Bogus Basin has a lot to offer for first-time and strong skiers alike. It provides alpine skiing in the winter, but it also has a cross-country skiing trail network. This mountain offers both day and night skiing less than an hour away from downtown Boise. The entire terrain totals 2,600 acres, 175 of which are fully lit for night skiing. There are 37 km (23 miles) of trails groomed for classic and skate skiing. You can also do some snowshoeing and fat-tire biking. For those who don’t ski or snowboard, there are still plenty of activities to do. The mountain features multiple lodges, snowshoe trails, a tubing hill, and a mountain coaster that runs along a 4,330-foot track through the forest.
The Bogus Basin trails give you some truly spectacular sights. From here you’ll overlook the Boise Foothills, and gaze straight across the valley to the Owyhee Mountains and other ranges off in Oregon.
Website: https://bogusbasin.org
Address: 2600 N Bogus Basin Road, Boise, Idaho 83702
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Sun Valley
Just east of Boise in the resort town of Sun Valley sits one of the best skiing getaways!
There’s a lot of history in this place. Established in 1936 for the sole purpose of providing North America with a luxurious alpine resort, this is where the idea of the American ski vacation was born. It’s also where they set up the world’s first chairlifts. Prior to its introduction, you either walked or were towed up the mountain, so the ability to ride sitting down was immediately embraced as a quantum leap in luxury.
In Sun Valley there are two different options for skiing and snowboarding, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain.
Bald Mountain offers 2,056 acres of skiable terrain: its consistent and never-ending incline with no plateaus or natural places to stop and regroup. This makes it truly awesome for taking lessons with runs for all skill levels. One of the things this mountain is most known for is the amazing bowls in its mountain terrain. Dollar Mountain offers a smaller mountain experience better suited for those learning how to ski or snowboard. This mountain is most known for its forgiving slopes and treeless terrain perfect for beginners. Over the years Dollar has repeatedly been ranked the best or one of the best places in the country to learn to ski.
Website: https://www.sunvalley.com
Address: 1 Sun Valley Rd., Sun Valley, ID 83353
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Tamarack Resort
Just over 2 hours north of Boise along Lake Cascade sits Tamarack resort. On track to be the most sought-after ski destination in Idaho, Tamarack is sure to impress! This is a four-season resort that’s just a quick drive South of McCall in Donnelly and Treasure Valley’s closest mountain resort with lodging and snowmaking. This makes the snow conditions more reliable.
This resort sits on 3,500 acres with on-site lodging, dining, and event areas. The mountain itself offers 2,000 acres of skiable area with terrain to suit all levels of slinging and riding. Tamarack is well known for its relatively uncrowded slopes and backcountry bowls with deep powder. Tamarack has plenty of options for ski-in, and ski-out lodging so it’s a great destination for those who are looking to go for longer than just a day. In the summer, this mountain offers amazing hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, and water sports in Lake Cascade.
Website: https://tamarackidaho.com
Address: 311 Village Dr, Tamarack, ID 83615
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Brundage Mountain Resort
Right above the beautiful mountain town of McCall Idaho is Brundage Mountain Resort. Brundage takes the claim of the Best Snow in Idaho and it just might be true. The total skiable terrain totals 1,920 acres, 420 of which are uncontrolled and unpatrolled backcountry terrain. For those who love backcountry powder stashes, Brundage is the place to be!
Brundage Mountain’s amenities include guided SnowCat Trips on 18,000 acres of backcountry terrain, guided snowmobile excursions, snowmobile rentals, adventure dining, and among others. The Drive-Up Kid’s Center provides a one-stop solution for families, whether the kids are hitting the slopes or spending some time in the convenient daycare facility. The Bear Chair connects the Kid’s Center to more beginner and advanced beginner terrain, making the learning process enjoyable for all members of the family.
Website: https://brundage.com
Address: 3890 Goose Lake Rd, McCall, ID 83638
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Lookout Pass
Lookout pass is in northern Idaho along the Idaho and Montana border. This mountain features more learner-friendly slopes with entry-level terrain parks. Lookout Pass features 540 acres of terrain, including 34 named runs and prime powder glades, and averages 400 inches of annual snowfall. It’s an easy-to-navigate mountain allowing you to concentrate on your progression without worrying about the crowds that come with some of the larger resorts. The nearest town for lodging is Wallace Idaho which is only a 20-minute drive from the mountain.
The Lookout Pass ski patrol is also one of the first few registered National Ski Patrol members in the country with over 75 years of service. Lookout’s Famous Free Ski School for children ages 6 to 17 was founded in 1942 by the Lookout Pass Free Ski School organization. It has introduced over 60,000 children to the world of skiing and snowboarding and is the longest-running ski school of its kind.
Website: https://skilookout.com
Address: I-90 Exit 0, Mullan, ID 83846
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Silver Mountain
Slightly closer to Coeur d’Alene than Lookout Pass is Silver Mountain. It is comprised of two mountain peaks – Kellogg and Wardner – offering 2,200 vertical feet with over 1600 acres of skiable terrain and 50 acres of terrain for night skiing, this resort has a lot to offer. This resort is home to the longest gondola ride in North America. Silver Mountain features amazing tree skiing and powder that’s often overlooked in comparison to some of the other Idaho resorts. It is best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders but there is some terrain for beginners and advanced skiers. There are also plenty of summer options with the resort amenities such as an indoor waterpark, golf, a spa, dining, and much more. They offer waterpark access for every stay so the fun just keeps coming.
Website: https://silvermt.com
Address: 610 Bunker Ave, Kellogg, ID 83837
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Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Located at the very tip of the Idaho panhandle, this resort not only offers some of the best skiing in the state but also some of the best views. From the top, you’ll have a view of the Selkirk Mountains in Canada, the Cabinet Mountains in Montana, and Lake Pend Oreille below Schweitzer Mountain itself. Schweitzer is the largest ski and snowboard mountain in Idaho, and second only to Sun Valley in the number of skier visits. The mountain offers 2,900 skiable acres with terrain for all levels. Some of the terrains they are most known for is their amazing chutes and bowls. The village at the base of the mountain has all you could ever need with plenty of lodging, dining, and entertainment options.
In the summer, they offer a variety of activities as well including hiking, mountain biking, huckleberry picking, disc golf, tennis, a climbing wall, a bungee jump trampoline and a long zip line. Horseback rides and snowmobile and backcountry ski tours are also offered.
Website: https://www.schweitzer.com
Address: 610 Bunker Ave, Kellogg, ID 83837
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