The 14 Best Ski Resorts in Idaho

Sun Valley has made history, being the first ever resort to have chairlifts. Today, it boasts 18 of them, and the resort has come to cater to Hollywood’s elite. Sun Valley consists of two mountains (Bald and Dollar Mountain) that together encompass more than 2,000 acres of terrain for all skill levels. Dollar Mountain is more applicable for beginners, where Bald Mountain is more geared toward the more experienced skiers. Meanwhile, with 120 runs to conquer, you certainly won’t be bored. Terrain parks are available to practice tricks, while backcountry and heli-skiing cater to the more adventurous crowd.

Located in the Selkirk Mountains, 80 miles from Spokane, Washington, Schweitzer Mountain attracts powder hounds with its fantastic tree skiing. This ski resort has 92 marked runs across  nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, all of which is accessible from nine lifts. Schweitzer Mountain’s acreage can be enjoyed by skiers of all skill levels, especially since the resort sees an average of 300 inches of fresh snowfall each year. Particularly unique features are the resort’s two very large bowls with two smaller bowls inside of each. Schweitzer also has a terrain park, and it offers night and cross-country skiing.

Ninety miles north of Boise on the shores of Lake Cascade, Tamarack Resort boasts 50 marked runs across 1,100 skiable acres, with a vertical drop of 2,800 feet. This Idaho ski resort caters to more experienced skiers, with more than 80 percent of the terrain designed for intermediate and advanced powder hounds. Skiers and riders can enjoy glades, steeps, cornices and groomers. Tamarack has an average snowfall of 300 inches per year, meaning plenty of fresh powder on the slopes, not to mention prime conditions for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities.

Originally called Jackass Ski Bowl when it opened in 1968, Silver Mountain comprises two mountain peaks (Kellogg and Wardner). Situated 30 minutes east of Coeur d’Alene and an hour from Spokane, Washington, Silver Mountain offers all the wintertime favorites. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can explore the region by snowshoe, or enjoy a ride on a snow tube. When it comes to the slopes, Silver Mountain stretches over 1,600 skiable acres, which boast a 2,200-foot vertical drop. The resort’s 80 runs are fairly evenly divided among skill level, making Silver Mountain a great destination for families and larger groups. And with night skiing available, the fun can continue long after sunset.

Roughly halfway between Spokane, Washington, and Missoula, Montana, on the Idaho-Montana border, Lookout Pass makes an ideal winter getaway for families. Founded in 1942, the resort’s ski school is the longest running school of its kind, having introduced more than 60,000 children to skiing. The best part is: kids can learn for free. But just because the resort caters to younger powder hounds doesn’t mean more advanced skiers and boarders are out of luck. Of Lookout Pass’s 38 marked runs, 47 percent were designed for intermediate skiers, and 40 percent for advanced and expert skiers. And with an average of 400 inches of snow per year, conditions are always prime. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, Lookout Pass offers heli-skiing.

Nestled high in the mountains of central Idaho, Brundage Mountain is said to have the best snow in Idaho, welcoming an average of 320 inches a year. The ski resort’s 70 marked trails skew more challenging, with nearly 50 percent of runs designed for more advanced skiers. But that doesn’t mean first-timers are out of luck, as Brundage Mountain offers both private and group lessons. Brundage has countless glades and snowfields across its 1,920 skiable acres, not to mention two terrain parks. You can also enjoy snowcat skiing and guided snowmobile excursions across 19,000 acres of backcountry terrain. And when you need a break from the slopes, take some time to explore the lakeside resort town of McCall just 8 miles away.

One of Idaho’s oldest ski resorts, Pomerelle exudes a family-friendly vibe – it is family owned, after all. Situated on 500 skiable acres in the Sawtooth Range of southern Idaho, Pomerelle certainly isn’t the largest of Idaho’s ski resorts, but its 31 marked runs cater to all levels. Plus, the region’s exceptional natural snowfall practically guarantees exceptional conditions for tackling Pomerelle’s glade and tree runs, not to mention its two terrain parks. What’s more, Pomerelle offers night skiing, so the fun can continue after dark.

Perched atop Mount Bonneville in the Portneuf Range in the Caribou National Forest, Pebble Creek gets 225 inches of snow annually. So while it may be one of the smaller ski areas in Idaho, it certainly won’t disappoint. Pebble Creek features 51 runs and two terrain parks spread out over 1,100 skiable acres. This resort caters more to intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders, with only 19 percent of marked trails designated “beginner”, but lessons are available for those who wish to improve their skills. The resort is also open for night skiing, so you can enjoy a full day on the slopes, and then some.

Situated on 740 skiable acres in Targhee National Forest, along the Snake River, Kelly Canyon makes a great destination for skiers and boarders who wish to experience the best of Idaho’s great outdoors. The resort’s 51 marked trails are fairly evenly divided by skill level, and with 200 inches of snow each year on average, conditions are usually excellent. Plus, the slopes stay open for night skiing, meaning there’s plenty of time to get your fill of powder. While there is no terrain park, Kelly Canyon does feature space for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as a large snow tubing park.

While Soldier Mountain Ski Area’s claim to fame is that actor Bruce Willis owned it for 20 years, there are plenty of other reasons why this Idaho ski resort should be on your radar. Located in Sawtooth National Forest, this ski resort features 58 marked runs designed for a variety of skill levels, as well as a terrain park. Soldier Mountain’s tree skiing conditions are of particular note, while adventurous powder hounds can try their hand at Snow Cat skiing and snowboarding. Plus, because it’s located near Mountain Home Air Force Base, Soldier Mountain offers a great military discount.

Touting itself as the “best-kept secret in southern Idaho”, locally owned Magic Mountain provides the community with plenty of winter fun thanks to its ample snowfall and variety of outdoor activities. The resort is small with only 11 trails, but they cater to all skill levels, lending Magic Mountain a family-friendly vibe. And if you’re new to the slopes, you can get private or group lessons Meanwhile, Magic Mountain features a variety of other pastimes, including cross-country skiing, snow tubing and sledding.

Situated at the heart of the Camas Prairie in northwest Idaho, Cottonwood Butte is without a doubt off the beaten path. However, more skilled powder hounds may want to consider the trip, as this ski area was designed primarily with advanced skiers in mind. The majority of Cottonwood Butte’s seven trails will prove challenging. However, the resort does have a bunny slope for those just starting out. Cottonwood Butte also welcomes snowboarders, and the slopes stay open after sunset for night skiing.

Even if you’re not an avid skier or snowboarder, Snowhaven is worth a visit for the views alone. Located about 7 miles from the small town of Grangeville in western Idaho, Snowhaven overlooks Camas Prairie, the Nez Perce National Forest and the Gospel Hump Wilderness. The resort is tiny compared to some of the state’s other ski destinations, with only nine trails across 40 acres of skiable terrain. However, Snowhaven makes for an excellent family ski trip, as the runs are designed with beginners and intermediate skiers in mind. Once you’ve had your fill of the slopes, you can enjoy the region’s natural offerings while cross-country skiing, or take a ride at the snow tubing hill.