Winter Activities in Idaho
Now that we’ve had our first dusting of snow for the season, it’s time to switch gears for winter activities. Whether you enjoy getting out in the powder or trying your best to stay warm (me!), there is something for everyone here in Idaho.
Ski Areas
Idaho ski resorts cater to the advanced as well as the excited beginner. You’ll find groomed runs for skis or snowboards at each of these locations. With options for lessons, a variety of challenging runs, and cozy lodges, there is truly something for everyone.
Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin is roughly 16 miles from downtown Boise and serves as the easiest ski resort to access for much of the Treasure Valley. Bogus Basin offers a full on-site rental shop. You’ll also find a snow tubbing mountain, snowshoeing trails, and cross-country ski options along with downhill runs. As the Boise area has grown, Bogus Basin has become much more crowded. I’m told that it is most enjoyable on weekdays, when the lift lines aren’t as long.
You’ll find great information on snow conditions, open trails, available lifts, and even have the ability to purchase passes on their website: https://bogusbasin.org
Pomerelle Ski Resort
Located about 3 hours from Boise, this ski resort is a hidden gem. Pomerelle’s website boasts an annual snow fall of 500”! This resort has 24 groomed slopes, one triple chair lift, one double chair, and the Magic Carpet beginner lift (ah, that brings back memories!). You can also rent all needed equipment onsite.
Pomerelle’s website can help with hours of operation, snow conditions, lesson schedules, and ticket purchases: https://www.pomerelle.com
Brundage Mountain
Brundage Mountain Ski Resort is found just north of McCall, Idaho and a little over 2 hours from the Boise area. Brundage has a total of 1920 acres of lift-accessed terrain and a natural snowfall of 320” at the base. You can ski here mid-November through mid-April.
While Brundage is an incredible place to strap on skis or a snowboard, if downhill thrills aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more to choose from here. They’ve got snowmobile tours and rentals, a tubing hill for the kids (or your inner child), and the Nordic Trail for snowshoes, cross country skiing, or biking.
All information can be found on their website, along with the ability to buy daily or season passes: https://brundage.com
Hot Springs
For those that love the contrast of a soak in natural hot springs while surrounded by crisp winter air, there are a lot of choices. A little known fact is that Idaho is a geothermal hotspot that offers plenty of natural hot springs. Some are found along the rivers, and accessed by hiking in. Others are developed hot springs facilities to provide amenities to make taking a quick dip easy and enjoyable. I suggest adding these developed hot springs to your winter to-do list – I know I have!
The Springs
You’ll find The Springs about 40 miles northwest of Boise. The drive there will take your through the historic mining town of Idaho City. This geothermal retreat offers food and drinks that can be ordered right to the pool, a large hot pool, a steam sauna, and professional massages are available by appointment.
The best part about The Springs is they limit the number of daily guests, so you’ll never be wedged in a packed pool. You’ll need to make reservations online or by phone: https://www.thespringsid.com
Miracle Hot Springs
Miracle Hot Springs is a 2 hour drive from the Boise area, and if you take the scenic route, even the drive is nice! This geothermal hot springs has been around as long as I can remember, as I have fond memories of swimming here as a little girl.
There are several pools with varying degrees of heat, along with the option to rent private hot pools or VIP private pools. They offer overnight accommodations in Geo-Domes, or the onsite RV park.
I highly recommend scheduling a massage and a soak in their pools if you want the ultimate relaxation package!
You can check out all their amenities and purchase passes on their website: https://www.miraclehotspring.com
Don’t forget to stop by and say “hi” to the on-site alligator!
Lava Hot Springs
If you find yourself heading to Eastern Idaho, Lava Hot Springs is a must. This hot springs is located 35 miles southeast of Pocatello or 4 hours from Boise. This is truly the Goldilocks of hot springs as they have a tiered assortment of pools at different temperatures so you can find the one that is just right for you. All pools have a natural water temperature from 102F to 112F and all have gravel or rock bottoms. Lava Hot Springs is open 363 days a year, so you can make your way here anytime, although I highly recommend trying it out in the winter with the snow falling around the pools.
For more information on Lava Hot Springs or to buy passes, visit their website: https://lavahotsprings.com/hotpools/
Winter Events
There are many Winter in Idaho celebrations. The following are family-friendly ideas to help embrace the spirit of winter.
McCall Winter Carnival
This annual event is a winter favorite. Located in McCall, Idaho, this event takes over the entire town. The biggest attraction is the large-scale ice sculptures you’ll find throughout the town. These elaborate but temporary pieces of art are the focus of the festival. Prizes are given for the best entries and artists come from all over to participate.
Of course, there is a lot more to McCall’s Winter Carnival than ice sculptures. Live music, fireworks, a Mardi Gras parade, beer gardens, and plenty of food options can be found throughout the event.
An event schedule and more information can be found on this website: https://visitmccall.org/events/winter-carnival/
Idaho Botanical Garden’s Winter Garden aGlow
Idaho Botanical Garden puts on an incredible light display with nearly 400,000 lights covering the entire garden. This is a walk-through event with plenty to delight for all ages. The website lists Live Choirs, Letters to Santa, Free Hot Cocoa & Cookies, Fire Pits throughout, and much more.
https://www.idahobotanicalgarden.org/wintergardenaglow
Christmas In Color
If you are looking for a festive event that is good for the entire family, then load up the car and head to The Expo Idaho. This drive-through experience has you creeping through millions of holiday lights and displays, all perfectly synchronized to holiday music you tune your radio to.
https://christmasincolor.net
I hope you find something that fills your soul this winter in Idaho. I’d love to hear from you if you check out any of the suggestions or if you find something incredible that I need to add to the list!