Skiing in Idaho

Boasting the award of "The Best Kept Secret in North America" by Ski Magazine, it's no wonder vacationers choose Schweizer Mountain as their winter holiday escape. With over 2,900 acres of snowy grounds to explore, 92 trails, and 9 lifts of varying sizes, skiing in Idaho has never been more exciting. Check out the Schweizer Mountain website for season pass deals; seniors, young adults, and children can receive sizeable discounts during the high season. Have a classic skiing experience on the Nordic ski routes; a 20 mile expanse of land accommodates skiers of all levels.

At Sun Valley Ski Resort, travelers can explore over 2,000 acres of terrain and heights of 3,400 vertical feet at the resort’s two mountains, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. The 30 acre “Adventure Trails” on Bald Mountain is ideal for kids to practice their footing, and the 76 rails and two new high-speed quads on Dollar Mountain are perfect adrenaline-pumpers for seasoned skiers. Skip the chairlifts and arrive to the summit by helicopter: Sun Valley Heli Ski offers the best view of the terrain with guided tours to safely get you back to the base. End your day with hot cocoa and dinner at one of the on-site restaurants offering epic mountain views.

Located just a little over an hour's drive from Spokane Airport, Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho, is set across Kellogg Peak and Warner Peak. With vertical drops reaching 2,197 ft on the north facing slopes and over 67 trails, this complex terrain is best for intermediate level skiers but is equipped to handle all levels. The longest gondola in the Northwest lifts guests up the mountain and offers outstanding views of the park; it ends at a 3 miles adventure trail that's fun for the whole family. Stop at the Mountain House afterwards for warm treats, live music, and an outdoor park built for kids to enjoy the fresh mountain air. This resort also houses a fully-functioning indoor water park that rests at a steamy 82 degrees all year round.

With a focus on families, Soldier Mountain is a budget friendly ski resort based in Fairfield, Idaho. Grab your skis and ride up the mountain in a snowcat to join a backcountry guided tour or find your own path of freshly powdered snow across the 2,000 acre ski area. The peaks of Schute 2 offer steep terrains and backcountry trails for experienced sportspeople, and the 1000 foot vertical of Peak 1 – with a 25 degree slope – is a resort highlight. Kids can learn to ski at the Magic Carpet and Bunny Hill. Explore the mountain with your family and then grab burger at The Lodge and a spiked coffee at The Fox Den Club.

The capital city of Idaho is just 16 miles from Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area nestled in the National Forest. With 23 miles of Nordic trails for cross-country skiers, 7 chairlifts, and 4 magic carpet skiing areas, this recreation area is ideal for nature lovers who need an escape from the city. Winter season activities run from December to April, but scenic chair lifts and mountain biking are some of the options available throughout the summer. Ski by the moonlight during a night-time ski session; this resort is open until 10pm daily.

The alpine ski area of Brundage Mountain boasts a summit of 7,640 feet and a vertical drop of 1,800 feet. Join in on a snowcat tour with 17,912 acres of snow and forest for backcountry skiing, or experience the mountain views from a snowmobile – kids over the age of seven can ride in the backseat. Families can enjoy snowshoeing, beginners ski lessons, and festivals at the Activity Barn. State-certified daycare is available for kids 6 and under so parents and older children can have fun on the slopes while the little ones stay cozy indoors.