Snow sports in Idaho are more than a seasonal hobby—they’re a way of life. Each year, winter lovers across the state eagerly await the first snowfall, ready to take full advantage of Idaho’s snowy playgrounds.
Skiing and Snowboarding
With 18 ski resorts and over 28,000 vertical feet of terrain, Idaho offers some of the most exciting—and accessible—alpine skiing in the country. Whether you’re carving down the slopes of Sun Valley, America’s first destination ski resort, or enjoying the family-friendly runs of Bogus Basin, there’s no shortage of powder days ahead.
Highlights include:
- Sun Valley Resort – world-renowned for luxury skiing, bluebird days, and deep powder
- Bogus Basin – just 16 miles from Boise, with night skiing, tubing, and scenic winter views
Snowmobiling Across the State
Snowmobiling is a major part of Idaho’s winter culture. From groomed trails to wide-open backcountry routes, riders explore dramatic landscapes blanketed in untouched snow. In many towns, it’s not uncommon to see snowmobiles in tow every day of the season.
Popular snowmobiling areas include:
- McCall
- Stanley Basin
- Island Park
Tubing for the Whole Family
If you’re looking for family fun, tubing hills are a must:
- Bogus Basin Tubing Hill – fun, fast, and family-friendly
- Gateway Parks at Eagle Island State Park – a local favorite for younger kids and groups
Reservations are required at both locations due to high demand, so plan ahead!
Cross-Country & Snowshoe Trails
For a quieter, scenic winter experience, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing offer a peaceful way to explore Idaho’s forests, ridgelines, and open meadows. Trails are well-maintained at several ski resorts and state parks.
Whether you prefer the speed of snowmobiles, the thrill of downhill skiing, or the calm of a snowshoe hike, Idaho delivers a snow season full of variety, beauty, and adventure.
Play in the snow—Idaho’s winters are made for it.
