Resorts

Located in the vast Clearwater Mountains along the Gold Rush Historic Byway in North Central Idaho, Bald Mountain has been serving up winter fun since 1959. Terrain for all skill levels, great powder and a family-friendly feel are why this is called the best little ski hill in Idaho.

Bogus Basin, located just 16 miles north of Downtown Boise, is Idaho’s second largest ski area. A community icon and local nonprofit, Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres of skiable alpine terrain, 37k of Nordic trails, a tubing hill, and Idaho’s only mountain coaster: the Glade Runner. Bogus Basin is open until 10:00 p.m., seven days a week for night skiing. Ten lifts, including four high-speed quads, offer a variety of terrain for all ages and abilities. Visit Bogus Basin and experience the Treasure Valley’s most affordable and accessible mountain recreation.

From the powder-packed glades to the ridiculously wide groomed runs and the close-at-hand convenience of Easy Street learning area, there’s a little something for every skier and rider at Brundage Mountain Resort. Plus, it's known for having the best powder in all of Idaho, which makes things even more interesting. And if that’s not enough, the slopeside dining is a must, and lodging in downtown McCall is the perfect recharge so you can get up and do it all over again tomorrow.

The Cottonwood Butte Ski Area is located in the heart of the Camas Prairie near the town of Cottonwood, Idaho. With four major groomed runs and several powder-filled trails among the trees, the terrain will challenge intermediate, advanced and expert skiers and riders. There’s even a great bunny slope, perfect for beginners. And if you’re hungry, you can grab a bite between runs from the friendly folks behind the lunch counter in the lodge. It’s a perfect little getaway for any day.

Just a short drive east from Driggs, Idaho, you’ll find Grand Targhee Resort piling up powder high on the west side of the Grand Tetons. Its variety of stunning terrain is diverse enough to accommodate everyone from beginners to all-out experts. Then, at day’s end, there’s slopeside lodging and plenty of après ski dining and entertainment options for the whole family to enjoy.

While Kelly Canyon is the perfect place to learn how to ski and ride, it also has terrain for all skill levels. Its unmistakable family-friendly vibes also make it a great place to bring the little ones for an unforgettable winter day. And when the sun goes down, the lights come up, keeping most runs open for a unique night skiing experience.

Small, but action-packed, Little Ski Hill has been serving up winter fun to the region's youth and skiing community for over 75 years. Located two miles north of McCall, it’s the only lit ski and snowboard hill in the area. And let’s not forget the miles of groomed cross-country trails and the terrain park, complete with airbag for learning tricks. It’s a great way to spend the day (or night) the next time you’re in McCall.

In the sea of voices claiming to have the best snow, Lookout is legit, providing the easiest access to over 400 inches of powder per year – powder that’s perfect for skiers and riders of all ages and abilities. Their family-friendly reputation is backed by their famous Free Ski School for kids, while they also offer lessons and programs for people of all skill levels. And if you and your family decide to stay and play a little longer, Lookout is surrounded by lodging options, from hotels & motels to B&Bs and camping facilities.

This hidden jewel of the Rocky Mountains on the Idaho-Montana border is truly a local secret that’s been offering great runs and scenic views from atop the Continental Divide for over 76 years. The uncrowded slopes pretty much let you and your family have the place to yourself, whether you’re just learning the sport or have been at it for years. And just a short drive down the mountain, you’ll find plenty of dining and lodging options to make the trip complete.

Magic Mountain Resort is a great family mountain and a sweet little day trip for skiers and snowboarders alike. There’s terrain for all skill levels, including a terrain park, natural rocks and cliffs, and a great beginner’s package if you’re just starting out. And for the price, this little slice of southern Idaho paradise can’t be beat.

Just a short drive from Pocatello, Idaho, the Pebble Creek Ski Area sits atop Mt. Bonneville in the Portneuf Range. It’s the perfect trip for beginner and expert skiers alike with plenty of terrain to accommodate all skill levels. And of course, no day would be complete without a visit to the classic Rock Bottom Saloon for some après ski food and drink. Or, if you want to stick around a little longer (and you probably will), there’s no shortage of family-friendly lodging options nearby.

Two dozen perfectly groomed trails off the beaten path in the Sawtooth Mountains? Yes, please! Pomerelle has plenty to offer every skier and rider, from beginners to experts to tricksters and everything in between. It’s definitely enough to work up an appetite – one you can happily satisfy at the Slopeside Grille while taking in spectacular views and working on your winter tan. Or you can take a short drive into Burly or Albion for even more dining and lodging options.

This family-friendly resort in the Pacific Northwest is independently owned and proud of it. Schweitzer ranks as one of the nation’s top winter destinations with 2900 acres of amazing terrain thanks to its two massive bowls and renowned tree skiing. Located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle, and only 80 miles from Spokane, WA , Schweitzer overlooks the town of Sandpoint, ID and offers breathtaking views of three states, Canada and the impressive Lake Pend Oreille.

This year-round resort in Kellog, Idaho, offers something for every season. Tons of trails, open bowls and off-piste terrain open for skiing and snowboarding of all skill levels in the winter. Then when the snow melts, the region’s best lift-served bike park comes to life and lets you send it all summer long, not to mention gondola rides, hiking and surfing at Idaho’s largest indoor water park. There’s also plenty of lodging in the heart of the gondola village along with family-friendly entertainment and enough dining options to satisfy every appetite.

In Grangeville, Idaho, on the Grangeville Salmon Road, this weekend ski hill offers some of the easiest access to skiing, riding and tubing in Idaho. Along with plenty of great beginner and intermediate runs, it’s just around the corner from some of Idaho's best cross-country skiing. It’s also home to one of the largest tubing hills in the west, including two 1,100-foot runs serviced by their own 600-foot lift. And at the end of the day, you’re just 7 miles from great dining and lodging options in beautiful downtown Grangeville.

Situated high in the Sawtooth Range, Soldier Mountain boasts a variety of east-facing terrain, including glades, bowls and tree skiing. Snowcat tours will take you even higher to scratch your backcountry itch. And you’ll find plenty of lodging in nearby Fairfield, Idaho, or at Soldier’s Smokey Dome backcountry Yurt for those with a more adventurous spirit.

With roughly 120 bluebird days per season, Sun Valley is very appropriately named. All that sun makes the scenic terrain that much more fun for skiers and riders of all skill levels. Plus a variety of restaurants serving everything from casual to luxury fare means great dining options for the whole family. And let’s not forget the lounges, music and movies for plenty of evening entertainment options when the sun goes down.

Tamarack is a four-season family-friendly resort beautifully located in the shadow of the Bitterroot Mountains north of Boisie, Idaho. It offers a powder-perfect variety of terrain, including glades, steeps, cornices and groomers for all levels of skiers and riders. Aprés ski lounge and dining options abound as well. And there’s no shortage of luxury accommodations, from hotel rooms and condos to wilderness chalets and estate homes, so you can stay right where you love to play.