Plan your winter adventure in Idaho

Picture of Mount Baldy courtesy Sun Valley Resort.

Ski enthusiasts who have tried North America as a change from the usual European venues have usually come away very impressed, writes Brian Byrne. And while more usual destinations include Bannf in Canada and Vermont in the US, Idaho is another perfect winter getaway.

With 28,000 vertical feet of terrain on over 18,000 acres, Idaho offers skiers spectacular scenery, 18 world-class resorts and exceptional ski trails located within the Idaho State Parks. Start planning your unique, family-friendly winter adventure!

Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley Resort is America’s first destination ski resort that offers visitors the choice of two different mountains with activities for all skill levels, from beginners to advance. Also famous as Idaho’s most luxurious resort, it offers visitors excellent snow conditions on 3,200 feet of vertical drop, 26,000-square-foot family centre with everything from lessons to rentals to themed adventure trails for kids.

Brundage Mountain Resort
Located in the mountains of central Idaho, Brundage Mountain has a reputation for the best snow in Idaho thanks to over 320 base area inches of snowfall annually, 1,500 in-bounds of skiable terrain, 7,640 feet summit elevation and its longest trail “Temptation”. The mountain is open seven days a week during the winter season.  Located next to the Alpine Village, skiers should visit the Brundage Adventure Center, a one-stop shop for all their recreation needs, from tourist information to purchase of lift tickets and season passes.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Open year-round, it is a family friendly destination located in the Idaho Panhandle, 85 miles from Spokane, WA and 66 miles south of the Canadian border of British Columbia. The resort offering includes 2,900 acres of varied terrain for skiing and snowboarding as well as 32 kilometres of Nordic trails for cross-country, snowshoeing and snow biking. The nearby intimate village offers also additional activities for non-skiers such as an on-site spa, dining and shopping areas.

Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is located only 16.5 miles north of Boise and is open for full winter operation mid-November through mid-April. It boasts 2,600 acres of terrain for day skiing and 165 acres for night skiing, 78 designated runs together with a Terrain Park, several lodges with unique winter camping experiences in yurt and live music entertainment at the Simplot Lodge.

For more information, visit visitidaho.org/