Think the Rocky Mountains are all about Colorado and Utah? Think again! Idaho, known as the Gem State for its abundance of natural resources, boasts its own share of ski resorts with stunning terrain that will leave you breathless. Picture this: carving down pristine, powdery slopes surrounded by the majestic beauty of snow-capped mountains and crisp alpine air, experiencing a skiing adventure like no other. In this post, we’ll unlock the hidden treasure trove of Idaho’s world-class ski resorts that guarantee an unforgettable experience far from those overcrowded giants in neighboring states. Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating, off-the-beaten-path ski journey? Let’s take you through the best ski destinations in Idaho.
Idaho is home to several popular ski resorts, including Sun Valley Resort, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, and Bogus Basin Mountain Resort. Each resort offers a unique skiing experience with various runs and terrain for skiers of all levels. It’s always best to check conditions and availability before heading out to the mountains.
The Top Ski Resorts in Idaho
Idaho may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing destinations, but the Gem State has some fantastic ski resorts that are worth a visit. From family-friendly options to challenging terrain for advanced skiers, Idaho has something for everyone.
Sun Valley Resort is undoubtedly one of the top ski resorts in Idaho. This legendary resort has been attracting skiers and snowboarders since 1936, and for good reason. With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain across two mountains, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley offers a wide range of trails suitable for all ability levels.
For those looking for a more intimate ski experience, Brundage Mountain Resort is an excellent choice. Located in McCall, Brundage has a welcoming vibe that you might not find at larger resorts. It’s like having your own private mountain where you can ski to your heart’s content without worrying about crowds or long lift lines.
Tamarack Resort is another popular ski destination in Idaho. This resort boasts some of the best powder skiing in the state, thanks to its annual snowfall of more than 300 inches. Additionally, the resort’s diverse terrain caters to skiers of all abilities, making it an excellent option for families with varying skill levels.
Bogus Basin is just a short drive from Boise and is a great option for those looking for an affordable ski vacation. Despite its lower price tag compared to some other resorts, Bogus Basin still offers over 2,600 acres of skiable terrain spread across three mountains.
While there are many great ski resorts in Idaho, some argue that Schweitzer Mountain should be at the top of any list. Located near Sandpoint in northern Idaho, Schweitzer boasts stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains. The resort’s large amount of skiable terrain and varied trail offerings make it an excellent option for skiers of all abilities.
Overall, Idaho has numerous great ski resorts to choose from. Whether you’re looking for challenging terrain or a family-friendly atmosphere, there’s sure to be a resort that meets your needs.
Family-Friendly Options
Skiing is a fantastic family activity, and Idaho has a range of resorts that cater to families with kids. When choosing a resort, it’s essential to look for things like beginner-friendly terrain, ski schools, and daycare options.
One of the best family-friendly options in Idaho is Silver Mountain Resort. With its wide variety of terrain that caters to beginners and intermediate skiers, as well as a ski school that offers lessons for all ages, Silver Mountain is an excellent choice for families. Additionally, the resort offers childcare services, ensuring parents can enjoy some time on the slopes worry-free.
Another top choice is Tamarack Resort. In addition to its diverse terrain, Tamarack has a full-service ski school that offers lessons for all ability levels. Parents can also take advantage of the resort’s child care center, which provides activities like arts and crafts and snowman building while parents hit the slopes.
Sun Valley Resort is another great family-friendly option in Idaho. The resort’s Dollar Mountain is dedicated solely to beginners and children, offering gentle slopes that are perfect for learning to ski or snowboard. Additionally, the resort’s Ski & Snowboard School has programs tailored specifically to kids.
Pomerelle Mountain Resort offers an intimate skiing experience that makes it easy for families with young children to navigate. The resort offers group lessons for children aged four and up as well as private lessons for adults who want to hone their skills before setting out on the mountain.
Some argue that Bogus Basin is a top choice for families due to its affordability and beginner-friendly terrain. The resort’s ski school offers group lessons for children as young as three, allowing parents to hit the slopes while knowing their kids are in good hands.
No matter which ski resort you choose in Idaho, you can rest assured that there are plenty of family-friendly options available. With a variety of resorts featuring engaging terrain, excellent ski schools, and childcare services, skiing in Idaho is a perfect way for families to bond and spend quality time together.
Best Resorts for Advanced Skiers
For advanced skiers looking for a challenge, Idaho has some of the best resorts in the country. From steep slopes to challenging terrain parks, here are some of the top picks for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
First on the list is Sun Valley Resort, which boasts 2,154 acres of terrain and 14 chairlifts. Its Bowls offer expert skiers some of the steepest runs in the state, with a pitch of up to 45 degrees. Meanwhile, its un-groomed terrain offers a natural ski experience for those who like to tackle moguls and deep powder.
Another great option is Schweitzer Mountain Resort, located in northern Idaho near Sandpoint. It’s known for its long runs, tree skiing, and beautiful views of Lake Pend Oreille. The resort also features challenging black diamond runs that will put even advanced skiers to the test.
Bogus Basin is another popular choice for advanced skiers in Idaho. Situated just outside of Boise in the Boise National Forest, this resort offers terrain for all levels but has something particularly special for experts: a terrain park with over 30 features and plenty of opportunities to catch air.
Looking for something a bit different? Brundage Mountain Resort offers adventurers the opportunity to ski over unmarked terrain with a guided “SnowCat” tour. The guides take guests on an off-piste adventure through stunning backcountry terrain while also providing avalanche education.
Last year I visited Sun Valley Resort with friends who I had not seen since college. Although it had been years since we all hit the slopes together, each one of us was determined to shred hard. We were not disappointed! In fact, we found Sun Valley’s Bowls so challenging that we ended up spending most of our time there trying to master its steep gradients.
For those who love to ski off-piste, Sun Valley Resort is an excellent choice. The resort features some of the most challenging backcountry lines in Idaho, including a double-black named “The Burn” that drops skiers down three miles of mountain ridges and bowls before reaching the base.
While some advanced skiers prefer steep runs or moguls, others might be looking for something more technical and challenging from a skiing standpoint. For those who fall in this latter category, the terrain parks at Bogus Basin are definitely worth a visit. Although not the biggest terrain park in Idaho, it makes up for its size with unique features and a variety of lines to ride.
Visiting Brundage Mountain Resort’s SnowCat tour next to skiing is like taking a helicopter tour over New York City instead of walking around the streets. While both experiences offer views you simply cannot get otherwise, there is no comparison between skiing on the marked trails and having an experienced guide take you on an off-piste tour through some incredibly beautiful backcountry terrain.
Skiing Conditions and Terrain
While advanced skiers are always looking for a challenge on the slopes, they also want to know they’ll have optimal conditions during their trip. Idaho has some fantastic resorts spread all over the state and it offers plenty of diversity in terrain and snow quality.
When it comes to snowfall patterns, look no further than Tamarack Resort. Situated near Donnelly, ID with 500 inches of natural snow each season makes it one of the best places for powder hounds in Idaho. It also means visitors can count on fresh tracks being available well into spring.
For those who prefer varied terrain and challenges that are harder than anything offered in-bounds, Silverton Mountain Resort is your best option. Boasting over 1,800 acres of expert-only guided skiing with open bowl skiing, tight tree skiing, glades, chutes, and steeps. Snowfall is also aplenty at Silverton Mountain, with over 400 inches on average each season.
If you are looking for incredible alpine scenery and varied terrain with fantastic snow quality and coverage, Sun Valley Resort is a must-visit spot. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Sun Valley Resort has a large variety of runs catering to every level of skier. The resort averages around 230 inches of snow annually so you can be sure the quality will be top-notch.
Last season I visited Tamarack Resort to take advantage of the copious amounts of snow they are known for. During my visit, there were periodic snowstorms that brought in fresh powder which was perfect for me as an experienced skier who loves charging down slopes without seeing tracks from other skiers.
In terms of snow quality and coverage, Silverton Mountain Resort is unparalleled. Despite the fact that it restricts its clientele to expert-level skiers due to its tough terrain, Silverton overshadows other resorts regarding reliable snow coverage with an abundance of fresh powder throughout the season.
Though Sun Valley Resort is renowned for being one of Idaho’s most premium ski destinations, it can sometimes be crowded during peak holiday periods. That’s hardly surprising given its reputation as one of America’s oldest ski resorts. However, despite the crowds it can still offer good conditions if you have the patience for it during peak periods.
Skiing conditions are like reading a weather forecast; if you don’t keep up with what’s happening day by day or even hour by hour you could miss out on some exciting skiing opportunities. While Idaho resorts enjoy bountiful quantities of snowfall throughout their seasons, data indicates that there are variations across various state ski resorts. Therefore paying attention to resort reports and weather forecasts is as important as checking your ski gear.
