idaho ski resorts

19 Idaho Ski Resorts That Make Idaho a Premiere Ski Destination

Idaho’s magnificent natural beauty is only outdone by the state’s 19 Ski Resorts, epic steeps, and legendary backcountry, which has 28,000 feet of vertical terrain on over 18,000 acres. It’s easy to see why these Idaho Ski Resorts might just become your new favorite powder playground.

Idaho Ski Area Map

The Idaho ski resorts are listed from North to South. The interactive map is clickable with directions and additional info for each ski area.

Most Vertical

sun valley ski area

Sun Valley

Most Snowfall

lookout pass idaho

Lookout Pass

Best Apres Ski

Grand Targhee Resort

Grand Targhee Resort

Coeur d’ Alene Ski Resorts

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

The owners of this family-friendly resort in the Pacific Northwest are proud to be independent. Schweitzer is one of the United States’ best winter getaways, with 2900 acres of wonderful terrain thanks to its two huge bowls and renowned tree skiing. Schweitzer overlooks Sandpoint, Idaho, and has views of three states as well as Canada and the magnificent Lake Pend Oreille from its location in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of northern Idaho’s panhandle.

Stats

Sandpoint, ID
300″ Snowfall Avg.
2400′ Vertical Drop
2900 Acres 92 Named Runs.
10 Lifts
$89 Adult Ticket
3 Terrain Parks

10% Beginner
40% Intermediate
35% Advanced
15% Expert

Silver Mountain

The year-round resort in Kellog Idaho, has something for everyone throughout the year. In the winter, there are plenty of trails, bowl skiing, and off-piste terrain available for skiing and snowboarding of all abilities. Then when the snow melts away, Idaho’s largest indoor water park opens its doors to let you send it all summer long, not to mention gondola rides, hiking and surfing in the village at the heart of the gondola system. There’s also plenty of lodging in the gondola station village itself with family-friendly activities as well as lots of food choices to fit every desire.

Stats

Kellog, ID
370″ Snowfall Avg.
2200′ Vertical Drop
1600 Acres 73 Named Runs.
7 Lifts
$59 Adult Ticket
2 Terrain Parks

20% Beginner
40% Intermediate
30% Advanced
10% Expert

While visiting Northern Idaho you might also enjoy:
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Lookout Pass

Lookout is the real deal when it comes to snow, providing the most convenient access to over 400 inches of powder each year – enough for skiers and riders of all ages and abilities. Their family-friendly reputation is verified by their well-known Free Ski School for children, as well as lessons and programs for people of all skill levels. Lookout is also surrounded by lodging possibilities, ranging from hotels & motels to B&Bs and camping sites, if you and your family choose to stay longer.

Stats

Mullan, ID
500″ Snowfall Avg.
1650′ Vertical Drop
560 Acres 38 Named Runs.
4 Lifts
$46 Adult Ticket
2 Terrain Parks

20% Beginner
50% Intermediate
20% Advanced
10% Expert

Bald Mountain (Pierce, ID)

Bald Mountain has been providing winter fun in Idaho’s North Central region since 1959, when it first opened. The best little ski hill in Idaho, Bald Mountain offers terrain for all levels of expertise, excellent powder snow and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Stats

Pierce, ID
100″ Snowfall Avg.
684′ Vertical Drop
140 Acres 21 Named Runs.
2 Lifts
$20 Adult Ticket

25% Beginner
40% Intermediate
20% Advanced
10% Expert

Cottonwood Butte

The Cottonwood Butte Ski Resort is located in the Camas Prairie of Idaho’s Little Snake River valley, near Cottonwood. The terrain will challenge intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers and riders with four primary groomed runs and numerous powder-filled trails amid the trees. There’s even a nice bunny slope for beginners. If you’re hungry, stop by the lodge for a bite between runs from the pleasant people behind the lunch counter. It’s an ideal little place to unwind any day of the week.

Stats

Cottonwood, ID
45″ Snowfall Avg.
845′ Vertical Drop
260 Acres 6 Named Runs.
2 Lifts
$20 Adult Ticket

Snowhaven

This weekend ski area in Grangeville, Idaho, on the Grangeville Salmon Road has some of the simplest access to skiing, riding, and tubeing in the state. It’s just around the corner from several of Idaho’s finest cross-country skiing, and it also offers one of the largest tubing hills in the west with two 1,100-foot runs serviced by their own 600-foot lift. And after a hard day’s work, you’re only 7 miles from fantastic dining and accommodation choices in charming downtown Grangeville.

Website

Stats

Grangeville, ID
60″ Snowfall Avg.
400′ Vertical Drop
60 Acres 9 Named Runs.
2 Lifts
$20 Adult Ticket
1 Terrain Parks

75% Beginner
25% Intermediate
0% Advanced
0% Expert

Lost Trail

The Gem of the Rocky Mountains on the Idaho-Montana border is a true local secret that has been offering fantastic runs and scenic vistas from atop the Continental Divide for over 76 years. Whether you’re just getting started or have been at it for years, the uncrowded slopes allow you and your family to enjoy the park entirely to yourself. You’ll discover plenty of restaurants and lodging close by when you drive down the mountain, making this adventure complete.

Stats

Sula, ID
350″ Snowfall Avg.
1800′ Vertical Drop
1800 Acres 25 Named Runs.
8 Lifts
$49 Adult Ticket
2 Terrain Parks

20% Beginner
60% Intermediate
20% Advanced
0% Expert

Ski Areas Near Boise

Brundage Mountain Resort

From the powder-packed glades to the insanely wide groomed runs and the nearby accessibility of Easy Street learning area, there’s something for everyone at Brundage Mountain Resort. Plus, it has the best snow in Idaho, which adds another layer of excitement. And if that isn’t enough, dining on the slopeside is a must, as is lodging in downtown McCall since it is the ideal recharge before you go back up again the next day.

Stats

McCall, ID
320″ Snowfall Avg.
1921′ Vertical Drop
1920 Acres 67 Named Runs.
6 Lifts
$78 Adult Ticket
3 Terrain Parks

20% Beginner
50% Intermediate
28% Advanced
2% Expert

Little Ski Hill

Little Ski Hill is a small ski hill located just north of McCall that has been entertaining the youth and winter sports community for over 75 years. It’s the only illuminated ski and snowboard slope in the region, and it’s two miles north of McCall. And don’t forget about the kilometers of groomed cross-country routes or the terrain park with airbag for learning tricks. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day (or night) in McCALL the next time you’re there.

Website

Stats

McCall, ID
180″ Snowfall Avg.
405′ Vertical Drop
50 Acres 4 Named Runs.
1 Lifts
$20 Adult Ticket
1 Terrain Parks

Tamarack Resort

Tamarack is a beautiful four-season family resort located north of Boisie Idaho, in the shadow of West Mountain. It has a wide range of ski terrain, including glades, cliffs, cornices, and groomers for all levels of skiers and riders. After-ski socializing and dining opportunities abound as well. There’s also no shortage of luxury lodgings to choose from: hotel rooms and condos to wilderness chalets and estate houses.

Stats

Donnelly, ID
300″ Snowfall Avg.
2800′ Vertical Drop
1100 Acres 50 Named Runs.
7 Lifts
$100 Adult Ticket
3 Terrain Parks

17% Beginner
45% Intermediate
38% Advanced
0% Expert

Bogus Basin

Bogus Basin, located 16 miles north of downtown Boise, is Idaho’s second-largest ski resort. Bogus Basin has Idaho’s only mountain roller coaster, with a 37k Nordic trail network and 2,600 acres of skiable alpine terrain. For night skiing, Bogus Basin is open until 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. There are ten lifts at Bogus Basin, including four high-speed quads, providing plenty of options for all ages and skill levels.

Stats

Boise, ID
225″ Snowfall Avg.
1800′ Vertical Drop
2600 Acres 82 Named Runs.
10 Lifts
$69 Adult Ticket
1 Terrain Parks

20% Beginner
40% Intermediate
30% Advanced
10% Expert

While you’re in the Boise area you might also enjoy:
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Ski Resorts Near Idaho Falls

Grand Targhee Resort

Grand Targhee Resort is located on the west side of the Grand Tetons, a little bit east of Driggs, Idaho. Its range of stunning terrains is broad enough to appeal to beginners as well as experts. Then there’s slopeside accommodation and numerous après-ski dining and entertainment choices for the whole family to enjoy at night.

Stats

Driggs, ID
500″ Snowfall Avg.
2270′ Vertical Drop
2602 Acres 97 Named Runs.
5 Lifts
$103 Adult Ticket
2 Terrain Parks

10% Beginner
70% Intermediate
15% Advanced
5% Expert

Kelly Canyon

Kelly Canyon is the ideal location to learn how to ski and ride, but it also has slopes for all levels of experience. Its unmistakable family-friendly atmosphere make it a fantastic destination to take the kids for an unforgettable winter day. When darkness falls, the lights come on, allowing most runs to remain open for another special night of skiing.

Stats

Ririe, ID
200″ Snowfall Avg.
1000′ Vertical Drop
688 Acres 51 Named Runs.
5 Lifts
$49 Adult Ticket
4 Terrain Parks

35% Beginner
45% Intermediate
20% Advanced
0% Expert

Sun Valley

Sun Valley, with approximately 120 bluebird days each season, is suitably named. The mountainside’s spectacular beauty is made all the more appealing to skiers and riders of all abilities by the abundance of sunshine. There are also a number of restaurants that serve everything from simple to exquisite food, ensuring plenty of options for the whole family. And let us not forget about the lounges, music, and movies for lots of nighttime entertainment when the sun goes down.

Stats

Sun Valley, ID
220″ Snowfall Avg.
3400′ Vertical Drop
2434 Acres 121 Named Runs.
18 Lifts
$145 Adult Ticket
11 Terrain Parks

36% Beginner
42% Intermediate
20% Advanced
2% Expert

Rotarun

Rotarun, a nonprofit ski area three miles west of Hailey Idaho, has been a community center for winter sports since 1948. Today, Rotarun is focused on providing free snow-sports lessons and rides to the Wood River Valley’s underserved youth through inexpensive learn to ski and ride programs. As a result, Rotarun is known as “the little mountain with a huge heart.” And as far as we’re concerned, there’s plenty of fun to go around. So don’t pass up this charming little gem.

Website

Stats

Hailey, ID
90″ Snowfall Avg.
441′ Vertical Drop
15 Acres 8 Named Runs.
1 Lifts
$10 Adult Ticket
1 Terrain Parks

Soldier Mountain

Soldier Mountain, which sits high in the Sawtooth Range, provides a variety of east-facing terrain, including glades, bowls, and tree skiing. Snowcat excursions will take you even higher to scratch your backcountry itch. For those who want to go farther out, there’s plenty of lodging in nearby Fairfield or at Soldier’s Smokey Dome Yurt for those with a sense of adventure.

Stats

Fairfield, ID
250″ Snowfall Avg.
1425′ Vertical Drop
1150 Acres 25 Named Runs.
3 Lifts
$45 Adult Ticket
1 Terrain Parks

20% Beginner
50% Intermediate
10% Advanced
20% Expert

Pebble Creek

The Pebble Creek Ski Area is located in the Portneuf Range near Pocatello, Idaho. It’s ideal for both novice and expert skiers with a wide range of difficulty to appeal to all skill levels. Of course, there’s no escape from the Rock Bottom Saloon for some après ski grub and drink when you don’t want to go home. Alternatively, if you’d like to stay a bit longer (and who wouldn’t), there are plenty of family-friendly hotels available nearby.

Stats

Inkom, ID
225″ Snowfall Avg.
2200′ Vertical Drop
1100 Acres 51 Named Runs.
3 Lifts
$57 Adult Ticket
2 Terrain Parks

19% Beginner
36% Intermediate
41% Advanced
4% Expert

Pomerelle

Pomerelle has something for every skier and rider, from beginners to experts to tricksters and everything in between. And after an epic day on the hill just go over to the Slopeside Grille for a hearty meal while taking in stunning vistas and tanning your winter hide. Alternatively, you may try another area such as Burly or Albion for even more dining and accommodations choices.

Stats

Albion, ID
450″ Snowfall Avg.
1000′ Vertical Drop
500 Acres 24 Named Runs.
3 Lifts
$48 Adult Ticket
2 Terrain Parks

40% Beginner
40% Intermediate
20% Advanced
0% Expert

Magic Mountain Ski Resort

Wonderland Mountain Resort is a fantastic family mountain and a wonderful day trip for skiers and snowboarders of all ages. There’s lots of terrain for all abilities, including a terrain park, natural rocks and cliffs, and a great beginners’ package if you’re just getting started. And at this price, this little piece of southern Idaho paradise can’t be beat.

Stats

Twin Falls, ID
230″ Snowfall Avg.
700′ Vertical Drop
120 Acres 24 Named Runs.
3 Lifts
$36 Adult Ticket
1 Terrain Parks

30% Beginner
25% Intermediate
20% Advanced
25% Expert

Picking The Right Idaho Ski Resort

From boutique local ski hills to world-famous resorts, Idaho Ski Resorts are some of the finest. Known for the best snow in the country, affordable prices, and hardly any crowds the sleepy Idaho ski scene is starting to wake up. If catching fresh tracks without massive crowds is your thing don’t miss these epic Idaho Ski Areas.

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