10 Best Ski Resorts In Idaho

1. Sun Valley Resort

Located in south-central Idaho is the famous Sun Valley Resort. It was rated as North America’s #1 resort two years in a row. Sun Valley is home to Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain, and the adorable Sun Valley village.

Bald Mountain is the showrunner at Sun Valley for skiing and snowboarding. It has 3,400 vertical feet of diverse terrain, a rider’s dream.

In addition to skiing or snowboarding, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy, including bowling, ice skating, and even relaxing at the spa. You can hit up the 40km of trails in the winter by snowshoeing or Nordic Skiing. Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center is located right on the property.

Done hitting the slopes for the day? Get ready to explore Sun Valley Village. You can shop till you drop at various European and American fashion stores. Afterward, grab some grub at one of the eighteen dining options offering dinner, dessert, and cocktail spots.

My favorites are The Konditerai for breakfast and coffee, Roundhouse for lunch, The Ram for dinner, and The Duchin Room for drinks! Sun Valley is a hot spot for a reason, as they really do have something luxurious for every visitor.

Don’t miss downtown Ketchum, Idaho too!

Read More: The 10 Best Winter Activities in Sun Valley, Idaho

2. Brundage Mountain

Brundage Mountain Resort is located in McCall, Idaho, which is in the mountains of Central Idaho. About two and a half hours north of Boise, Brundage Mountain is known to be home to the best snow in Idaho.

So it is no surprise that the ski resort attracts boarders and skiers from all over the country. I’m a bit biased because this is where I grew up going as a child, so this is my favorite!

There are sixty-eight named trails rated from easy to hard. 21% of the trails are rated as easy, 33% are marked as More Difficult, and 46% are rated as Hard.

It is an excellent place for advanced skiers who are looking to sharpen their skills. The resort is also good for beginners too, as they can take advantage of the Easy Street learning area and Beartopia Fun Zone.

The property is unique because they do offer guided SnowCat Trips, which take place on 18,000 acres of backcountry terrain. You can also rent a snowmobile or go on a guided tour at the resort.

Are you looking for some family-friendly fun? Then head over to the Activity Barn! Which provides snow tubing via a conveyor lift. Tubing lanes are sculpted into mini half-pipes, making it quite the adventure!

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3. Schweitzer Mountain Resort

Sandpoint, Idaho, is home to Schweitzer Mountain Resort.  With over 2,900 acres of lift-serviced ski and snowboard terrain, Schweitzer is rated one of the largest resorts in North America. It is also the largest ski area in Idaho and Washington.

A skier and snowboarders paradise, with chutes, groomed trails, and bowls. They are even known for their tree skiing, which is over 1200 acres of trees.

Head downtown to Sandpoint, ID, which Rand McNally voted as the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America!”. The town is eleven miles south of Schweitzer Mountain Resort and has a local charm to it.

You can try local craft beers and wine before exploring their art galleries. If you want to grab delicious food at the mountain resort, you totally can by visiting the Mountain Village. There are sixteen restaurants for you to choose from, including pizza and coffee shops.

This mountain resort’s winter activities go beyond just skiing and snowboarding. All visitors can take the Winter Scenic Rides.

This brings you to the summit of the mountain at the Sky House. Heli-Skiing, Cat Skiing, and Snowmobile Tours are some other adventures for you to partake in. Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a special place in Idaho that is known for its friendliness toward guests and locals.

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4. Tamarack Ski Resort

With 3,500 acres of land, Tamarack Ski Resort is an independent resort just 90 miles from Boise. There are over 2,000 mountain acres with ski and snowboarding trails and options for snowshoers and nordic skiers.

Take one of the seven lifts to your preferred trail, ranging from easy to complex. With over fifty runs, you will not run out of areas to explore on the slopes.

If you want an adrenaline rush, then stop by the Tamarack Resort Terrain Park. With four sections, boarders and skiers can test out their skills.

The No Business Park specializes in big air jumps and large-size rails. At the same time, Disco Park is more catered towards beginners and children.

When you are ready to wind down, head over to the Village Plaza. Which offers tons of dining options, shopping, and even luxury condos. You can enjoy the gorgeous Idaho mountain views right from the plaza.

Tamarack Ski Resort is perfect for those looking for that personal small-town feel with a hint of magnificence and adventure.

Read More: Cascade Idaho: The Ultimate 3-Day Winter Itinerary

5. Bogus Basin

Get ready to visit the non-profit ski area of Bogus Basin located just sixteen miles northeast of Boise. This extraordinary resort returns 100% of the profits to facilities, equipment, education, and more. This means every ski pass and hot coffee you buy goes towards a great cause.

Speaking of ski passes, there are 91 named runs, 11 lifts, and 2600 acres of snowy terrain. Bogus Basin has one of the largest night skiing operations in the country too.

The Nordic Ski Center has 37km of backcountry trails, which you can also snowshoe on. If you are a beginner, you can join the Ski and Snowboard School to be taught by one of the 30 instructors. If skiing and snowboarding are not for you, then slide down the 800-foot Pepsi Goldrush Tubing Hill.

Of course, Bogus Basin has some yummy dining options for you to enjoy, too. The lodge is a bit outdated, but you can still get cozy at one of the outdoor fireplaces before making your way inside to grab a hot pizza, hand-crafted cocktails, a dessert, and hang in the High Peak Hangout brought to you by Western Collective.

Grab your boards and skis and spend some time giving back to the community at Bogus Basin.

6. Lookout Pass

Voted the most family-friendly mountain resort in the Pacific Northwest is Lookout Pass. They are known for their famous free ski school for kids and the 400 inches of fresh powder that falls annually.

There are over 548 acres of terrain with 38 named runs and glades. The new Eagle Peak Terrain will have 14-16 runs with difficulties ranging from easy to expert. The expansion is currently taking place and will be offered for the 2022-2023 winter season!

For a great learning opportunity, stop by the Avalanche Beacon Training Park. You can attend safety classes here and also learn how to use beacons. The Historic Lookout Pass lodge has an International Food Court and Pub on site.

Don’t forget to swing by the gift shop on the way out. Lookout Pass is perfect for those looking for some family fun when visiting Idaho.

7. Silver Mountain

Only thirty minutes east of Coeur d’Alene is Silver Mountain. Back in the 1800s, Idaho’s most significant mining operation was discovered, and today it is home to some of the finest skiing and riding found in the Northwest.

This includes Silver Mountain. With over 1600 acres of trails and seven lifts, it is sought after by skiers and snowboarders.

A unique option at Silver Mountain is their Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark. Relax in the lazy river after a long day of downhill skiing. There are also warm springs for you to soak at. The waterpark is great for kids, too, with slides and water basketball.

After your day of fun, stop by the Village for some relaxation. Book a massage or facial at Solitude Massage & Spa. Then enjoy some food at one of the nine restaurants in the Village.

Restaurants range from The Donut Hole for those with a sweet tooth to the Mountain Cafe for dinner. Silver Mountain is one of the more fun resorts for you to play at. With activities for both kids and adults!

8. Soldier Mountain

A resort that prides itself on its backcountry swag is Soldier Mountain. This alpine ski area is located in the mountains of Sawtooth National Forest. Which is 12 miles north of Fairfield in south-central Idaho.

Soldier Mountain is all about the backcountry! Cat skiing is popular here, as the guides will bring you on every run.

You can explore wide-open bowls, trees, and glades. The 2,000 acres of skiable backcountry terrain is what draws the adventures to this resort.

If you want a truly unforgettable experience in the backcountry, you have to stay in the ‘Smokey Dome’, which is a yurt located in the remote wilderness of the ski areas. You will also be able to indulge in private skiing here.

The yurt sleeps up to 12 and has a kitchen and comfortable beds. Spend your whole day skiing before marveling at the bright winter stars in your own yurt—a once-in-a-lifetime trip when visiting Idaho.

9. Pomerelle

Are you ready to explore the ‘Deepest Snow in Idaho’? Then it’s time to visit Pomerelle. The resort is located in the remote Albion Mountains in southern Idaho. This mom-and-pop ski area is known for its simplicity.

If shopping and dining are your thing, then Pomerelle is not for you. It is truly there for those who love to spend their days on the slopes. For this reason alone, Pomerelle has become a favorite with the locals in Idaho.

The alpine ski area is one of the oldest in the Western United States. They have three lifts and over 30 trails. You can also play at the three terrain parks. The resort offers a cozy but outdated lodge at the bottom of the mountain with both food and drink options.

The Slope Side Grill has hamburgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks. Pomerelle is a hidden gem in Idaho! Enjoy the shorter lines and cheaper lift tickets at this Idaho favorite.

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10. Magic Mountain

Located in the southern section of the Sawtooth National Forest is Magic Mountain. This resort is one of southern Idaho’s best-kept secrets, located only 160 miles from Boise.

The 7,240f foot mountain is home to eleven different trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. The best part about Magic Mountain is that they pride themselves on their affordable passes and rentals. 

Ski trips can add up relatively quickly, but they genuinely want everyone to be able to enjoy their slopes. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are just some of the fun activities you can take advantage of here.

If you are visiting in the fall, Magic Mountain has a unique opportunity for you! Take a walk around the famous Haunted Swamp. The walk initially started as a fundraiser to raise money for the ski patrol and ski instructors.

The event allows you to enjoy a spooky walk filled with ghouls, zombies, and more. It is also very scenic, taking you through the green and lush forest.

Next ski season, head over to this affordable and family-loving Idaho ski resort! No wonder this made the Best Ski Resorts in Idaho list!

Read More: The Ultimate Southern Idaho Road Trip Itinerary