Ski Resorts in Idaho

With over 20,000 skiable acres, the skiing in Idaho is more extensive than you might at first think. While Sun Valley is perhaps the best the best known, Idaho offers a choice of 18 ski areas and resorts.

It’s important to keep a perspective on might be considered a “ski resort” though. While Sun Valley has 18 lifts and a bed base of 6,000, some of the other destinations are more something you might do in your lunch hour – a T-Bar and 405 feet of vertical doesn’t really count. Brundage has 46 named runs, enough to keep you busy, and Schweitzer is worth a visit if you’re in the area. Tamarack Resort and Pebble Creek are also worth a look in.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley has been attracting the stars since 1936 and Bald Mountain is consistently rated as one of the best ski mountains in the U.S. With a vertical drop of 3,400 feet and near-perfect gradient from peak to the edges of the Sawtooth National Forest, this is a great resort for intermediate skiers.

Other Idaho Ski Resorts

Bald Mountain

Bogus Basin

Brundage Mountain

Cottonwood Butte

Kelly Canyon

Little Ski Hill

Lookout Pass

Lost Trail

Magic Mountain

Pebble Creek

Pomerelle

Schweitzer

Silver Mountain

Snowhaven

Soldier Mountain

Tamarack

Best Ski Resorts in Idaho

Sun Valley Resort

Sun Valley Resort, located in central Idaho, is renowned for its premier skiing and luxurious amenities. It offers 2,054 acres of skiable terrain with 121 runs, catering to all skill levels. The resort’s two main mountains, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, provide diverse experiences. Sun Valley is also famous for its Nordic skiing, with over 25 miles of groomed trails. Visitors can enjoy an upscale village atmosphere, with fine dining, shopping, and spa services. Sun Valley’s history as America’s first destination ski resort adds to its charm and prestige. For more information go to Ultimate-Ski Guide to Sun Valley >

Brundage Mountain Resort

Brundage Mountain Resort, located near McCall in west-central Idaho, is famous for its consistently excellent snow conditions, often referred to as the “Best Snow in Idaho.” The resort offers 1,920 acres of lift-served terrain and an additional 18,000 acres of backcountry terrain accessible by snowcat. Brundage features 46 named runs, with a variety of groomed trails and tree skiing options. The resort’s friendly and relaxed atmosphere, along with its stunning views of Payette Lake and the surrounding mountains, make it a favorite among skiers and snowboarders. For more information visit the Brundage Mountain Resort website >

Pebble Creek Ski Area

Pebble Creek Ski Area, located near Pocatello in southeastern Idaho, is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort boasts 1,100 acres of skiable terrain with 54 runs, ranging from beginner to expert, served by three chairlifts. Known for its challenging steeps and varied terrain, Pebble Creek attracts advanced skiers and snowboarders, though it offers slopes for all skill levels. The resort enjoys an average annual snowfall of 225 inches, ensuring excellent snow conditions. Pebble Creek’s friendly atmosphere, affordable pricing, and scenic views of the Portneuf Range make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Additional amenities include a terrain park and opportunities for night skiing. For more information visit the Pebble Creek Ski Area website >

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Located in the Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho, Schweitzer Mountain Resort is the largest ski area in the state with 2,900 acres of terrain. The resort boasts 92 named runs and extensive tree skiing, appealing to a wide range of skiers and snowboarders. Known for its breathtaking views of Lake Pend Oreille, Schweitzer offers a unique skiing experience with abundant snowfall and varied terrain. The resort also features a charming village with dining, shopping, and lodging options. Schweitzer is a family-friendly destination, offering activities like tubing, snowshoeing, and a terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts. For more information visit the Schweitzer Mountain Resort website >

Tamarack Ski Resort

Tamarack Ski Resort, situated in the mountains of central Idaho, offers 1,100 acres of skiable terrain with 50 runs. The resort is known for its scenic beauty and diverse terrain that caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Tamarack provides a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere compared to larger resorts, making it ideal for families and those seeking a tranquil getaway. In addition to alpine skiing, the resort offers Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Tamarack’s village area features dining, shopping, and cozy lodging options, enhancing the overall experience. For more information visit the Tamarack Ski Resort website >

More Ski Resorts / Ski Areas in Idaho

Bald Mountain Ski Area

Bald Mountain Ski Area, located near Pierce in northern Idaho, is a small yet charming destination offering a welcoming atmosphere for families and beginners. The ski area features 140 acres of skiable terrain with 14 runs, served by one T-bar lift. Known for its affordable prices and friendly community, Bald Mountain provides a relaxed skiing experience with scenic views of the surrounding Clearwater Mountains. In addition to alpine skiing, the area offers opportunities for snowboarding and tubing. Bald Mountain’s manageable size and uncrowded slopes make it an excellent choice for a laid-back winter getaway. For more information visit the Bald Mountain Ski Area website >

Bogus Basin Ski Resort

Bogus Basin, located just 16 miles north of Boise, offers a convenient and affordable ski destination with 2,600 acres of skiable terrain. It features 88 named runs, seven chairlifts, and four magic carpets, catering to all skill levels. Known for its diverse terrain and excellent night skiing, Bogus Basin also offers Nordic skiing with over 37 kilometers of groomed trails. The resort’s laid-back atmosphere makes it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Additional winter activities include tubing, snowshoeing, and a mountain coaster. For more information visit the Bogus Basin website >

Cottonwood Butte Ski Area

Cottonwood Butte Ski Area, located near Cottonwood in north-central Idaho, offers a cozy and affordable skiing experience. The ski area features 260 acres of skiable terrain with 7 runs, primarily catering to beginner and intermediate skiers. Cottonwood Butte is equipped with a T-bar lift and a rope tow, providing easy access to its well-groomed slopes. Known for its friendly, community-oriented atmosphere, the ski area is a popular spot for local families and novice skiers. In addition to skiing, Cottonwood Butte offers opportunities for snowboarding and tubing, making it a versatile winter recreation destination. For more information visit the Cottonwood Butte Ski Area website >

Kelly Canyon Ski Resort

Kelly Canyon Ski Area, located in eastern Idaho near Ririe, offers a welcoming environment for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The ski area encompasses 640 acres of skiable terrain with 51 runs, serviced by four chairlifts. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Kelly Canyon provides a variety of trails, including beginner slopes and challenging runs for advanced skiers. The resort is also popular for night skiing, with well-lit trails extending the fun into the evening. Additional winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Kelly Canyon’s affordable pricing and close proximity to Idaho Falls make it a convenient and attractive destination for local and visiting winter sports enthusiasts. For more information visit the Kelly Canyon Ski Resort website >

Little Ski Hill Ski Area

Little Ski Hill Ski Area, located just outside McCall in west-central Idaho, offers a quaint and historic skiing experience. Established in 1937, and operated by the Payette Lakes Ski Club as a not-for-profit community ski area, it features 50 acres of skiable terrain with 6 runs, primarily catering to beginner and intermediate skiers. The area is equipped with a T-bar lift and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordable rates. Little Ski Hill also provides night skiing, making it a popular local spot for after-school and evening activities. In addition to alpine skiing, the area offers a Nordic ski trail connecting to the Bear Basin trail system, enhancing its appeal for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. For more information visit the Payette Lakes Ski Club website >

Lookout Pass Ski Area

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, located on the Idaho-Montana border, is renowned for its abundant snowfall, averaging over 400 inches annually. The resort offers 540 acres of skiable terrain with 34 named runs and three terrain parks. Lookout Pass is known for its friendly, family-oriented atmosphere and affordable prices. The resort is also home to the historic Route of the Hiawatha, a scenic bike trail in the summer months. Lookout Pass’s easy accessibility and excellent snow conditions make it a popular choice for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. For more information visit the Lookout Pass website >

Lost Trail Ski Area

Lost Trail Ski Area, straddling the Idaho-Montana border on the Continental Divide, offers a remarkable skiing experience with over 1,800 acres of skiable terrain. The resort features 60 named runs, serviced by five chairlifts and three surface lifts, catering to all skill levels. Known for its abundant snowfall, averaging over 300 inches annually, Lost Trail provides excellent powder conditions. The ski area’s relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and affordable pricing make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Additional activities include snowboarding, telemark skiing, and a terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts. The scenic location and varied terrain ensure a memorable winter sports experience. For more information visit the Lost Trail Ski Area website >

Magic Mountain Ski Resort

Magic Mountain Ski Resort, located in southern Idaho near Twin Falls, offers a friendly and intimate skiing experience. The resort features 120 acres of skiable terrain with 11 runs, served by one double chairlift and a rope tow. Catering to all skill levels, Magic Mountain is particularly popular with families and beginners. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable rates, the resort provides a relaxed setting for skiing and snowboarding. Magic Mountain also offers a tubing hill, adding to its appeal as a versatile winter destination. With an average snowfall of 230 inches, visitors can enjoy well-maintained slopes and beautiful mountain views. For more information visit the Magic Mountain Ski Resort website >

Pomerelle Mountain Resort

Pomerelle Mountain Resort, located in the Albion Mountains of southern Idaho, offers a cozy and uncrowded skiing experience. The resort features 500 acres of skiable terrain with 24 named runs, two chairlifts, and a magic carpet. Pomerelle is known for its excellent snow conditions, with an average of 500 inches of snowfall annually. The resort’s relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly environment make it an ideal destination for beginners and intermediate skiers. Pomerelle also offers night skiing, snowboarding, and a terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts. For more information visit the Pomerelle Mountain Resort website >

Silver Mountain Resort

Silver Mountain Resort, located in Kellogg, offers 1,600 acres of skiable terrain and 73 named runs. The resort is unique for its gondola, which is North America’s longest, transporting guests from the town of Kellogg to the mountain base. Silver Mountain is known for its diverse terrain, excellent tree skiing, and family-friendly environment. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the resort features a large indoor water park, making it a year-round destination. The charming village at the base offers dining, lodging, and shopping options. For more information visit the Silver Mountain Resort website >

Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Area

Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Area is a small City-owned ski course and tubing hill near Grangeville in north-central Idaho, offering a family-friendly skiing experience. The resort features 40 acres of skiable terrain with 9 runs, served by a T-bar lift and a rope tow. Catering primarily to beginner and intermediate skiers, Snowhaven is known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable prices. In addition to downhill skiing, the resort offers snow tubing and groomed trails for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. The scenic views of the surrounding Camas Prairie and the relaxed environment make Snowhaven a charming destination for local families and visitors looking for a low-key winter getaway. Location: Snow Haven Road, Grangeville, ID 83530