Things to do / Travel Guide
Broad wheat plains, sweeping mountain tops, down home country cooking, mid-western speaking drawls, and a family atmosphere are all reminiscent of Idaho. Winter brings some of the driest powder to blanket the region, covering Idaho's many snowsport areas. From year-round seasonal resorts to city-owned facilities, Idaho welcomes visitors with open arms and will soon have you sold on making this state a frequent stop on your travel plans.
Skiing in and around Boise
With names like “Hell's Canyon” and “No Business,” snow sport enthusiasts are bound to be intimidated or enticed by the challenges provided by the Tamarack Ski Resort. It's no wonder that intermediate and advanced riders trek to Tamarack season after season to take advantage of the sprawling landscape offered here. The site's policy of limiting ticket sales to only 2000 people a day allows those who have the tickets the time to carve GS turns, slice their edges into the terrain parks, and roll over the trails - all without having to duck through huge crowds to enjoy the powder. The fun here doesn't stop with downhill skiing and riding. Tamarack presents an interesting array of snow activities, allowing you to hone your avalanche skills, enjoy expert backcountry topography, and exploit 500 miles of snowmobiling trails.
Tamarack Ski Resort offers its own lodging onsite with over 200 rooms to rent out, or visitors may head into nearby McCall, a little less than ten miles away, to seek out lodging that suit their tastes and budgets. Local bars, restaurants, and entertainment can be found both on and offsite.
Billed as “The Best Snow in Idaho,” Brundage Mountain's visitors are welcomed on over 1500 acres of snow laden trails that offer wide open paths for beginners and untracked powder fields for intermediate and expert riders. Children have a special learning center with warm instructors guiding them in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Little ones are cared for in the “Bunny Hutch,” while moms and dads take some time out for themselves to get a few runs in before the day is through. Snowboarders will love the terrain park available for catching air on all day long. Come see for yourself how Brundage Mountain lives up to its claim, and experience a mountain made for you and your equipment.
McCall is the closest town servicing the Brundage Ski Resort. It offers snow-goers cabins, private homes, or bed & breakfasts to rest after a day in the snow, along with a thriving entertainment scene. Alternatively, you may decide to head into New Meadows, Donelly, or Cascade, all of which also surround Brundage Mountain, for a diverse selection of lodging and nightlife options.
Skiing in and around Twin Falls
Magic Mountain is a great place for kids and beginners to come for a day in the snow. Small in size but large in personality, Magic Mountain has eleven trails and a snow tubing park that will delight families and singles alike. Intermediate and expert skiers can take a turn on the backcountry trails which will be more fitting for their skill level after they have conquered the main slopes at Magic Mountain. Check out the terrain park for all the jumps, jibs, and rails snowboarders crave. Fully equipped and given service with a smile, you'll feel at home here at Magic Mountain.
Magic Mountain does not have any lodging on-site, so patrons seeking overnight options would be best off heading into Twin Falls, around a thirty to forty minute drive away, where national chain hotels and privately operated lodgings are available. While in Twin Falls, make sure to grab a bite to eat at any of their numerous restaurants and pubs. Take some time to relax, and get ready to gear up for another day on the slopes.
Skiing in Sawtooth National Forest
Pomerelle, spread over 500 acres of the Sawtooth National Forest, beckons visitors to its twenty-four trails sprawled over the mountain. Pomerelle loves the ladies, offering up a special ladies day package and strives to take care of their customers' every need. Night skiing is offered here, unlike most other mountains in the area, making a trip here an adventure that doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Country skiing at its best, Pomerelle offers alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ski-blading to accommodate visitors' whims and fancies.
Albion Valley welcomes all visitors to Pomerelle with their customary smile and friendly atmosphere. A Best Western, motels and bed & breakfasts can be found, as well as cafes, saloons, and grill restaurants to quell any hunger pains that may arise at the end of the day.
Actor Bruce Willis' fans may be unaware that Bruce loves skiing so much he actually co-owns Soldier Mountain in Sawtooth National Forest! Open Sunday through Thursdays only, this out of the way ski resort is only open during the coldest times, which guarantees that the snow is always prime and ready for those turns and rides you crave. Only the best will do at Soldier Mountain, and the resort strives to maintain its reputation for great snow at all times for those who brave its gates. Traverse over Soldier Mountain's 1150 acres, and feel the heady rush at its 7,177 feet summit. Breathe in its fresh mountain air before careening down its exciting slopes time and time again. Snowboarders are welcome here, as are skiers of all ability levels. Suit up and head out to Soldier Mountain for an experience straight out of your fresh powder dreams.
Grangeville is the place to go when it comes to lodging, eateries, or local nightlife. Catch a movie, down a cold drink at the pub, or just relax over a piping hot entrée served in their restaurants. Boise is also located less than an hour away, so visitors craving a more bustling scene can easily drive over to the big city.
Skiing in Nez Perce National Forest
The school bells ring and children stream out of the doors of their school thankful it's the weekend. They rush to don their snow gear and head out to SnowHaven ski resort. As a city-owned facility, SnowHaven ski area centers around the school schedule, and is only open on weekends and holidays. Visitors from out of the area are welcomed with open arms however, and will feel right at home with the locals. Seven trails suitable for beginner and intermediate riders make up the layout of SnowHaven's terrain, so be aware of this if you have advanced skiers and snowboarders are coming along for the ride. Create memories to last a lifetime at this family and community oriented ski area, which just may become an annual stop on your winter vacation.
SnowHaven is located only seven miles south of Grangeville, which also encompasses the Soldier Mountain Ski Area, thereby offering the same lodging and après events to be found above.
Skiing in Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area
For the ultimate community ski resort, head over to Ferguson Ridge, run entirely by volunteers who keep the trails, lodge, and facilities up and running. Owning your own equipment is essential to ride here as there are no rental options. There's a map available with marked trails and unmarked backcountry trails to explore on your own. Snowboarders have free range in the half pipe and terrain park as well as on all slopes. To see just what the locals love about this place, check out the spectacular landscape and scenery up at Ferguson Ridge - it's worth the trek!
Because visitors are in a National Park, lodging is available in onsite campgrounds not too far from Ferguson Ridge. However, if a hotel, motel, or condo is more your style, you can make the drive into Joseph for a modest selection of lodging and nightlife options. Alternatively, you can head over to the more distant but easily drivable city of Boise for the national chain hotels and motels. Idaho presents many opportunities for fun beyond the slopes including upscale lounges and bars and a selection of restaurants that will boggle the mind for diversity
Idaho may not be as popular a skiing destination as the major players of Colorado, California, and Vermont, to name a few, but is fast becoming the destination of choice for families looking to get away from both the hustle and bustle of the city limits on the one hand, and overly priced resorts to be found elsewhere in the United States on the other. Make a stop here – you just may be surprised at what you find.
Ski Resorts in Boise, Sun Valley, Snake River and Central Idaho
Skiing
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