Ski Destinations

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.

While Bogus Basin, located just 16 miles north of Downtown Boise, is Idaho’s second largest ski area, summer is huge here. The Basin Gravity Park offers nine new downhill mountain biking trails. 18 miles of cross-country trails, including the number-one mountain biking trail in Idaho have something for all skill levels. There's also Idaho’s only mountain coaster, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, tubing hill and the Music on the Mountain concert series to keep you everyone entertained all summer long.

During the summer months, Brundage Mountain is open Wednesdays through Sundays with outdoor activities for the whole family. An expanding system of lift-served downhill and XC mountain bike trails offers exciting options for all skill levels. A variety of scenic hiking trails appeal to all abilities and ambitions. Scenic chairlift rides, disc golf and lawn games round out the more low-key activities. And when you’re ready to wind down, you can grab a bite at Smoky’s Bar & Grill or sit back and relax in the cool mountain air during the FREE TGIF concert series.

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.

When the snow melts and summer sets in, a whole new season of family-friendly fun begins at Lookout. Hop on a scenic chairlift ride and take in the breathtaking views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Play a round of frisbee golf on their mountaintop 9-hole course. Go huckleberry picking. Get out on the family friendly hiking trails. Or hit the lift-served downhill mountain biking trails for all skill levels. Then, if you and your family decide to play a little longer, there’s no shortage of lodging options to choose from for an unforgettable summer stay.

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.

While Schweitzer ranks as one of the nation’s top winter destinations, there’s even more to enjoy once summer sets in. Mountain bikers can ride more than 40 miles of downhill and cross-country trails for all skill levels. A leisurly and scenic chairlift ride to the summit offers breathtaking views of the Selkirk, Bitterroot, and Cabinet mountains, and lake Pend Oreille. There’s also hiking, trail running, disc golf, huckleberry picking and summer festivals like the Northwest Winefest for all the family-friendly fun you can handle.

Did someone say downhill? Summer at Silver Mountain is when the region’s best lift-served mountain bike park comes to life and lets you send it all summer long. Then there’s the Nation’s longest single-stage gondola, great hiking trails, a stunning 9-hole mountain golf course, and even 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.

Summer weekends at Soldier Mountain mean cooling off by shredding the new downhill trail system. Starting at 6,628 feet, 7.7 miles of gravity mountain biking has something for everyone. Easy trails for beginners. Intermediate trails for something more exciting. And advanced, machine-cut jump trails for those craving a full-on adrenaline rush. After a full day on the trails, you can top it all off with a stop at the resort’s restaurant and bar.

After every epic ski season, world-famous Sun Valley Resort serves up summer fun for everyone. Mountain bikers will enjoy hundreds of miles of singletrack, while 30 miles of paved bike paths offer more relaxed riding throughout the Wood River Valley. Golfers can take on three championship golf courses. There’s also an array of other family-friendly activities, including scenic gondola rides, a spa, a shooting range, bowling, fly fishing, hiking, trail running, ice skating, tennis, horseback rides, and three outdoor swimming pools, along with concerts, festivals and shows all throughout the summer.

As a four season, family-friendly resort, Tamarack shines every summer. 27+ miles of lift-served mountain bike trails offer downhill excitement for riders of all skill levels. Zipline canopy tours explore 3,500 feet of terrain. Resort guests can also enjoy boat rentals on Lake Cascade and guided whitewater trips on the scenic Payett river, along with disc golf, paddleboarding and the Sunset Concert series. Plus there’s no shortage of luxury accommodations, from hotel rooms and condos to wilderness chalets, so you can stay where you love to play.

Just three miles west of Hailey, Idaho, you’ll find Rotarun, a nonprofit ski area that’s been a community hub for local winter sports since 1948. Today, Rotarun is dedicated to providing affordable access to snow sports for the Wood River Valley, including tuition-free learn to ski and ride programs for underrepresented youth in the community. That's why Rotarun is dubbed “the little mountain with a big heart.” And as far as we’re concerned, big fun, too. So don’t miss out on this hidden little gem.