The anticipated ski and snowboard 2024-25 season for Idaho and surrounding states could be one of the best in decades, especially if La Niña comes through with much-needed snow. However, one can never be sure of forecasts or predictions as Mother Nature always has the final say. Yet, we can still think about skiing, snowboarding, and other snowsports, which makes living or visiting Idaho an envied state of mind, given all the options and beautiful mountains where we can enjoy winter recreation.
“Idaho is looking forward to another amazing ski and snowboard season this winter,” says Ski Idaho’s Tony Harrison. “We’re fortunate to be home to 19 destinations, and most of them have made noteworthy improvements in anticipation of this winter.”
Every year, improvements are made to the many resorts and local mountains of Idaho, and this coming season is no exception as all eyes in the skiing world will be on Sun Valley Resort, March 22-27, 2025, for the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Final. “Sun Valley has a long and storied history in ski racing, for many years hosting the revered Harriman Cup, our first FIS World Cup in 1975, and most recently the U.S. Alpine Championships back-to-back,” says Pete Sonntag, Sun Valley Resort GM and VP.
An international spotlight will shine on the hidden Gem state of ski resorts and its 19 destinations, and others just beyond its borders as the World Cup brings attention to Idaho. Plan early this winter to enjoy the very best, from a winter wonderland vacation destination to fulfilling day trips. There’s something everyone desires to hit the slopes this winter, no matter their ability, just a love for snow.
SOUTHERN AND CENTRAL IDAHO
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Boise, Idaho
Boise’s go-to ski mountain is replacing two lifts, Coach and Bitterroot, expanding its beginner area, creating two new trails, and implementing several major sustainability initiatives.
Brundage Mountain Resort
McCall, Idaho
Brundage Mountain Resort debuts its new Mountain Adventure Center, a new 18,000-square-foot guest service base lodge that has established its fire department and expanded its EMS services. The Brundage MTN Sports School will offer expanded programs for kids, including the MTN Explorers program for ages seven and up. The state-certified daycare provides care for children ages six weeks to six years.
Magic Mountain Ski Resort
Kimberly, Idaho
Considered one of Idaho's best-kept secrets, Magic Mountain Ski Resort offers 11 trails across 120 acres of skiing and snowboarding and is close to Twin Falls.
Pomerelle Mountain Resort
Albion, Idaho
The deepest snow in Idaho has an average annual snowfall of 500 inches. Pomerelle’s summit elevation is 8,762 feet above sea level, with a vertical drop of 1,002 feet. There are two triple chairlifts and a magic carpet for the beginner area.
Soldier Mountain
Fairfield, Idaho
A trued Idaho hidden gem, Soldier Mountain is significantly expanding snowmaking, adding three state-of-the-art TechnoAlpin TR10 snow guns to provide top-to-bottom coverage on the main run under Chair 1, Canyon. Improved mountain signage and brush cutting throughout the inbounds and snowcat terrain will enhance the guest experience. The resort is hosting a Rocky Mountain States Hill Climb Association snowmobile hill climb, January 25-26, 2025, expected to draw more than 1,000 competitors.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley, Idaho
The crown jewel for Idaho skiing, hosting the 2025 World Cup, will replace the high-speed detachable quad on Seattle Ridge with a high-speed detachable six-pack. Plus, the resort has added 91 acres of new gladed terrain in the Sunrise area through the Bald Mountain Stewardship program in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. Sun Valley will also have a bustling events lineup over the World Cup Finals off the slopes. Enjoy live music after the races daily, explore Ketchum and the 5850 Festival, and catch more entertainment at Festival Meadows in Sun Valley.
Tamarack Resort
Tamarack, Idaho
A worthwhile destination, Tamarack Resort will debut its mid-mountain lodge for the 2024-25 ski season. Tamarack Resort offers 1,530 acres of skiable terrain with 50 runs featuring everything from open bowls, steeps, cornices, and high-speed corduroy groomers to six named glades, natural tree-skiing areas, challenging backcountry, and three terrain parks. The primarily east-facing slopes receive an average of 300 inches of snowfall and are served by seven lifts, including three high-speed quads, two fixed-grip quads, and two surface lifts. The Wall Street Journal included Tamarack in its Top 100 Ski Resorts list.
EASTERN IDAHO/WYOMING/MONTANA
Big Sky Resort
Big Sky, Montana
The new Lone Peak Tram, which debuted in December 2023, offers several efficiencies, allowing more tram access, including increased cabin capacity and a dedicated scenic rider line. Nearly a quarter of guests riding the tram last season utilized the new scenic ride option.
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Bozeman, Montana
Known for its famous Cold Smoke, Bridger Bowl is a locally-focused recreation area that balances quality, affordability, and sustainability to serve its community.
bridgerbowl.com
Grand Targhee Resort
Alta, Wyoming
“Ski the Ghee” is perhaps the supreme powder stash of Idaho and a skier and snowboarder’s delight located four miles across the border in “Wydaho,” only reachable through Driggs, Idaho, in the Teton Valley.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Teton Village, Wyoming
The average annual snowfall at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is 400-500 inches, providing powder days aplenty to skiers and snowboarders each season from the “Teton Flow.”
Maverick Mountain
Polaris, Montana
Maverick boasts 24 Runs, the Riblet Double, and the MavKids Conveyor with runs for every level of experience from beginner to expert.
skimaverick.com
Pebble Creek Ski Area
Inkom, Idaho
Pebble Creek grew its beginner area by installing one of North America’s longest magic carpets at 700 feet. The resort has also significantly expanded its snowmaking capabilities.
Showdown Montana
Neihart, Montana
Montana’s oldest and only woman-owned ski area.
Snow King Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Established in 1936, Snow King is Jackson Hole’s original ski area and the first in Wyoming. Locals sometimes refer to Snow King as “The Town Hill,” which includes skiing, hiking, North America’s steepest zip line, and many other attractions.
NORTHERN IDAHO
Lookout Pass Ski And Recreation Area
Mullan, Idaho
Lookout Pass added three new glades and expanded its parking area, adding 150 spaces. Idaho’s oldest ski area, which celebrates its 90th season this winter, also added two new permanent bathrooms at the base of the Eagle Peak chairlift.
Lost Trail Ski Area
Sula, Montana
At an elevation of 7,000 feet, straddling the Montana and Idaho border, Lost Trail has five double chair lifts, and three rope tows with access to more than 60 defined trails.
Schweitzer
Sandpoint, Idaho
Schweitzer purchased Selkirk Powder, bringing the snowcat operation in-house. Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures will also offer guided snowmobile tours. The Ski & Ride School will begin offering guided half-day and full-day tours to show guests the best runs on the mountain. New dining experiences include Snowcat Dinners at Sky House and wine-pairing dinners, and Spring Patio DJ Sessions at Crow’s Bench.
Silver Mountain Resort
Kellogg, Idaho
Silver Mountain regraded the slopes on several trails, thinned out the cluster of trees between Saddleback and Paymaster to create a new pow stash, and renovated the Mountain House lodge. The home of Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark, it added a new 5,000-square-foot family-friendly arcade in the Gondola Village that’s expected to open in late December.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Bald Mountain Ski Area
Pierce, Idaho
Bald Mountain is 100% volunteer and considered "The Best Little Ski Hill in Idaho.”
Cherry Peak Resort
Cherry Peak Resort provides 1221 vertical feet, three triple chair lifts, and a magic carpet.
Richmond, Utah
Cottonwood Butte Ski Area
Cottonwood, Idaho
Cottonwood Butte Ski Area has four major groomed runs and several powder-filled trails among the trees served by a 3,000-foot-long t-bar.
Kelly Canyon Resort
Ririe, Idaho
Kelly Canyon doubled its snowmaking capacity, and its new terrain park will feature new rails and an eight-foot half pipe. The mountain has all-new signage, and the parking lot has been expanded and improved. The resort is also working on a ten-year master plan.
Little Ski Hill
McCall, Idaho
Little Ski Hill provides an affordable, accessible, and sustainable winter recreation facility, which offers a full spectrum of winter recreation programs for its surrounding communities while reducing any financial barriers to participation.
Rotarun Ski Hill
Hailey, Idaho
Rotarun completed an exterior renovation of the lodge and installed its third tower snow gun.
Hailey, Idaho
Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Area
Grangeville, Idaho
Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Area offers an individual season pass for skiing and tubing for $250. Full-day lift tickets increase by $1 to $25 per day.
Visit resort websites for specials on passes and tickets, including Ikon, Mountain Collective, Indy Pass, or Powder Alliance multi-resort passes.
Feed Your Ski and Snowboard Stoke
Ski Idaho
The Soul of Skiing
Check out Idaho’s 5th & 6th Grade Peak Season Passport with 17 mountains at $29!
Indy Pass
United We Ski
Seven Ski Idaho destinations include Brundage, Tamarack, Soldier Mountain, Pomerelle, Kelly Canyon, Silver Mountain, and Lost Trail.
indyskipass.com
Local Mountain Perks
Passholders may have reciprocal deals with other mountains in Idaho and beyond.
Jackson Hole’s Golden Ticket
Beyond Bogus Season Pass
Powder Alliance membership
Soldier Mountain season pass holder add-ons