Looking for the best ski resorts in Idaho? We’ve got you covered.
Idaho is the state where it all started.
The birthplace of American skiing, it is blessed with seemingly endless acres of stunning high elevation terrain, breathtaking scenery, deep fresh powder, world class resorts, and some of the most extreme backcountry in the US.
Here’s our guide to the very best Idaho ski resorts…
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Sun Valley
By Greg. L. Wright (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
Sun Valley is, quite simply, legendary.
America’s original ski vacation resort, it has been attracting the rich and glamorous, and the world’s best skiers since it was first created in 1936. But despite its rich history and celebrity clientele, Sun Valley has always been an accessible resort for all budgets, ages and abilities.
It’s 2056 acres of terrain covers the slopes of both Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, with a summit over 9000 feet high, a vertical of 3400 feet, and has an annual seasonal snowfall average of 220 inches plus state of the art snow making equipment.
There are 100 runs with a good mix of 36% greens, 42% blues, 20% blacks, and 2% double diamonds. Most of the action takes place on Bald Mountain — aka ‘Baldy’ — with steep groomed runs, mogul fields, tree skiing, and wide long bowls.
Beginners and lower intermediates can improves their skills on Dollar Mountain’s practise slopes or at the Sun Valley Ski School.
There are 17 modern chairlifts in total which provide easy access to most runs, and 7 awesome terrain parks which feature 76 rails and a 22 foot super pipe.
Après at Sun Valley ski resort can be found on the mountain or in nearby Ketchum, with lodges and bars offering spectacular views, a welcoming vibe, live music, and of course — craft beer and cocktails. If you’ve worked up a hunger there are plenty of eateries to choose from, from hearty grills and artisan pizzas to fine dining.
Where to Stay: Sun Valley Resort
This large 4 star resort in the Sun Valley Village has everything you could possibly want for your ski vacation.
The spacious accommodations feature European style dècor in calming, neutral tones, elegant marble en suite bathrooms, large flat screen TV, refrigerator, and tea and coffee making facilities, with suites benefiting from separate lounge areas.
Guests love to unwind in the 102 degree heated outdoor swimming pool with glorious mountain and meadow views. There is also a state of the art spa and fitness center on site.
Enjoy refined heritage dishes, cocktails, and live piano music at the historic Ram restaurant, or pull into the Village Station for a menu of American favorites, craft beers, and happy hour.
- Great village location close to slopes
- Outdoor heated pool
- Choice of restaurants
- Bar
- Spa and wellness center
- Fitness center
Bogus Basin
By Bureau of Reclamation (CC BY-SA 2.0 licence)
Not far from the town of Boise in southwest Idaho, Bogus Basin is a family friendly ski resort is a little basic but lots of fun – and great for those on a budget.
With 2600 skiable acres Bogus Basin has enough terrain to rival Sun Valley, with 1800 feet of vertical, average annual snowfall of up to 250 inches, and 11 chairlifts including 3 high speed quads which service the 91 trails covering varied terrain to suit all types of skier.
Glades, steeps and chutes, wide groomers, and bowls are just some of the features of the runs which are divided into 33% advanced and expert, 45% intermediate, and 22% beginner.
165 acres of terrain are lit for night skiing, and there are a host of other activities to enjoy at Bogus, including tubing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, 3 terrain parks, and the Glade Runner mountain coaster.
If you’re looking for glitzy après ski, Bogus Basin is not your best. Aside from a cafe, shop, and ski school there is not much else at the base lodge.
For great bars, restaurants and nightlife the nearby town of Boise is the place to be.
Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Boise / Downtown
The cozy 3 star Hyatt Place Boise / Downtown is situated right in the heart of lively Boise town close to many attractions and not far from the slopes at Bogus Basin.
Comfortable and generously sized rooms feature plush furnishings and corner sleeper sofas, flat screen HDTV, coffee and tea making facilities, and en suite bathrooms, while suites also boast separate dining areas and full kitchens.
Guests are invited to work up a sweat in the modern fitness center or take a few laps of the indoor pool.
The hotel restaurant offers 24 hour dining, with a sensational buffet breakfast available in the morning, and freshly prepared bar bites and shareables made with premium ingredients on offer in the evening. Wind up your day with a craft cocktail at the hotel bar.
- Self catering accommodation available
- Central town location close to amenities
- Fitness center
- Indoor swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Pet friendly
Schweitzer
By Sarah Sampsel (CC BY-ND 2.0 licence)
High up in the rugged Selkirk mountains in the northwest of Idaho state, the independent Schweitzer ski resort is renowned for its incredible tree skiing which makes up some of the 91 trails with 9 lifts over 2900 acres of terrain.
With 300 inches average seasonal snowfall, a 2400 foot vertical, uncrowded slopes and plenty of thrillingly diverse terrain, Schweitzer is a resort for everyone to enjoy.
At 10% green, 40% blues, 35% reds, and 15% blacks, trails at the resort are particularly well suited to upper intermediate and advanced skiers.
There are nevertheless good novice options with a dedicated learning area and beginner’s terrain park. More able skiers and snowboarders can really get some thrills on two massive Alpine bowls, wide cruisers, steeps, glades, open powder fields, wide chutes, and moguls.
There’s also a huge amount of side and backcountry to explore and cat skiing and heli skiing are available. Three terrain parks are the ideal place to have a freestyle blast.
Schweitzer is an up and coming Idaho ski resort, and the resort village is constantly evolving. It’s well laid out with good dining and entertainment options.
Tap’s Lounge is the most lively après ski spot, featuring live music and DJ’s to get you on the dance floor and a selection of 20 beers to choose from.
There’s plenty to satisfy hungry appetites too, including staples like pizzas and burgers, as well as fresh regional cuisine.
Where to Stay: Schweitzer Mountain Resort White Pine Lodge
Schweitzer Mountain Resort White Pine Lodge is a stylish 3 star lodge offering accommodations with lake or mountain views and ski in / ski out access to the slopes.
One, two and three bedroom units boast snug northwest style interiors complete with en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making stations, and HDTV with DVD.
Deluxe rooms also feature sitting areas, full kitchens, and gas fireplaces. The 2 large outdoor hot tubs and heated pool are a popular feature with guests who want to chill out and relax, and underground covered parking is provided.
- Ski in / ski out accommodation
- Self catering options available
- Close to restaurants and bars
- Hot tubs
- Swimming pool
Tamarack
Tamarack in the Payette River Mountains is a resort which for decades has struggled due to lack of finance, but having recently been acquired by its residents everything is set to change and Tamarack is making a comeback.
The 1020 acres of terrain is favored with 45 runs served by 6 lifts offering a challenge to all levels of ability, average snowfall of over 300 inches, and a 2800 foot vertical.
There are 21% green runs for beginners, 35% blues for intermediates, and 44% for advanced and expert skiers, plus endless backcountry for the very experienced.
Tree skiing, wide open bowls, long groomers, challenging steeps, and 3 terrain parks provide plenty to entertain.
Along with all this and spectacular views, another undeniably good reason to ski Tamarack is the distinct lack of crowds, and it’s pretty affordable too.
The vibe at the resort village is friendly and welcoming, but for the moment there are just a handful of bars, restaurants, and shops.
Grab tacos and tequila in novel yurt surroundings at the Mile High Cantina, enjoy craft beers, hand-crafted cocktails at the Seven Devils pub, or indulge in upscale dining at the Fern and Feather.
Where to Stay: Tamarack Lodge
Situated downtown in nearby Ketchum, the 4 star Tamarack Lodge is ideally located for all the town’s amenities.
Recently renovated accommodations are roomy and comfortable, and many have mountain views as well as kitchenettes and lounge areas, flat screen cable TVs and gas fireplaces, and en suite bathrooms.
Guests can ease tired muscles with a relaxing dip in the indoor pool, or a luxurious soak in a hot tub.
- Self catering accommodation
- Close to restaurants and bars
- Pet friendly
- Indoor swimming pool
- Hot tubs
Brundage Mountain
Claiming to have the best snow in Idaho (320 inches on average each winter) the ski resort at Brundage Mountain is known for great skiing and a long snow season.
Affordable and family friendly, the resort has 1920 acres of terrain to enjoy, with a 1800 foot vertical drop and 52 runs serviced by 6 lifts including 1 high speed quad.
There are some great facilities for kids here, as well as some good progression terrain, but with 50% of runs being intermediate, 10% advanced and 20% expert — this is a resort where more accomplished skiers really come into their own.
There are wide groomed runs, 17000 acres of guided backcountry for skiers and snowboarders to discover via snowcat, glades packed with powder, and 3 terrain parks packed with a wide selection of features.
This is a wonderfully down to earth Idaho ski resort with crowd free slopes and short lines, where it’s all about the powder.
When things start to wind down on the slopes, Smoky’s Bar and Grill starts hotting up, serving hearty home made food and drinks out on the terrace or indoors by the fire, while at the adults only Upper Lot après is all about craft beers, select liquors and elevated wine choices.
Rowdier nightlife and a wider choice of bars and restaurants can be found at the lively nearby town of McCall.
Where to Stay: Brundage Bungalows
The cute wooden cabins of Brundage Bungalows are nestled in a stunning location between lake and mountain on the edge of McCall town.
Each cabin is bursting with charm and sleeps from 3 to 11 people. Inside warm wood details and vaulted ceilings give a rustic mountain touch, and everything you need for a comfortable self catering skiing vacation is supplied, including full kitchen, spacious sitting and dining areas, heating and air conditioning, flat screen HD cable TV, and fireplace.
Outdoors there are garden with a picnic area and barbecue.
- Self catering accommodation
- Pet friendly
- Close to town
- Garden
Lookout Pass
By A-Reck (CC BY-SA 3.0 licence)
The 540 acres of skiable terrain at Lookout Pass ski resort is located on the border of Idaho and Montana, and with a free ski school for kids, an incredible 400 inches of snowfall per year and a vertical drop of 1150 feet, it is an affordable and thoroughly enjoyable ski destination for powder hounds and families alike.
This is a quiet, small mountain ski resort with a laid back vibe. 35 marked runs are split into 9% green, 49% blue, 34% black and 9% double diamond, and are reached via 4 ski lifts.
There are excellent groomed trails, long well pitched runs and challenging steeps, plus 2 terrain parks geared up for fun.
The historic base lodge at Lookout Pass features an outside deck, international food court, and full bar with draft beers, big screen TVs, and panoramic views.
Silver Mountain
A big hit with families, Silver Mountain ski resort in northern Idaho is reached by a 3 minute ride on the world’s longest gondola from the nearby town of Kellogg.
There are 80 runs spread out over 1600 acres of terrain, and the resort benefits from around 300 inches seasonal snowfall plus a 2200 foot vertical.
There is plenty of terrain for all skill levels, with expansive glades, a fantastic open ski bowl, exhilarating long steeps, mogul runs and tree skiing, and back country powder trails.
20% of runs are officially for beginners, with 40% for intermediates, 30% for advanced skiers, and 10% for the experts, but intermediates will get the most out of skiing and snowboarding at Silver mountain.
The 7 ski lifts can be a little slow at times, but as the slopes are relatively quiet this doesn’t tend to hold you back.
If you fancy a change from the snow, check out the resort’s incredible indoor waterpark which is the biggest in Idaho state.
There are several dining and drinking options at the resort, including pizza at Wildcats and draft microbrews and après ski fun at the slopeside Mogul’s lounge.
Where to Stay: Silver Mountain Lodging
At the heart of Silver Mountain resort in the town of Kellogg, Silver Mountain Lodging offers condominium style accommodation in a range of shapes and sizes to suit families, groups, or couples.
Just a couple of hundred meters away from the Silver Mountain gondola, the accommodations are equipped with features such as balcony, kitchenette or full kitchen, spacious lounge area, en suite bathroom, and entertainment center with flat screen TV.
Guests also have the use of the lodge facilities, which include communal area with open fireplace, fitness center, and rooftop hot tubs – plus access to the Silver Rapids waterpark.
- Easy access to slopes
- Self catering accommodation
- Restaurants and bars nearby
- Hot tubs
- Waterpark access
- Fitness center
Magic Mountain
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The petite yet pleasant Magic Mountain ski area in south Idaho is very inexpensive, easily accessible, and perfect for a great day skiing or snowboarding.
Magic Mountain is made up of just 280 acres of terrain with a 700 foot vertical and 11 runs reachable by 3 lifts.
Snowfall is 180 inches on average each season which is less than many other Idaho ski resorts, but there is still a variety of terrain to play on, with natural cliffs and rocks, an even mix of trails for different levels of ability, and a terrain park.
Which is your favorite ski resort in Idaho?
