Skiing in Idaho
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, life in Boise is pretty dang good in the winter. You’ve got Bogus Basin just 30 minutes up the hill from the North End of Boise, arguably the best skiing in Idaho at Sun Valley a few hours to the east and more terrain to rip up in McCall and Donnelly, also just a few hours north. You really can’t go wrong with any of the options on a good snow winter, but your ability to get down the mountain should factor into your decision!
I’ve spent the last 10 winters chasing snow, bluebird days and the opportunity for the best skiing in Idaho all while sharing it all with my kids. If you’re moving to Boise, are visiting or have newly arrived and want to check out what the skiing in Idaho is all about, I’m going to break it down for you & pass along some tips.
While some may stick their noses up at Bogus Basin, I’m a Bogus lover. Sure the front is a bit crowded, but the new express passes, limited number of day tickets available and getting there early certainly helps. The real fun comes on the backside. Don’t let a front picture of Bogus fool you, the majority of the terrain you can’t see from the parking lot. If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, this is a good mountain for you to get comfortable on.
My kids loved the Mighty Mouse ski program and now my daughter is on the Bogus Basin Ski Education Foundation developmental ski team at the ripe old age of 8. Top tips: rent off the mountain at one of the local shops like Greenwoods or Mcu Sports, purchase your ticket in advance at the Bogus sales office and drive responsibly on Bogus Basin Rd. If you’re looking to purchase a season pass they go on sale President’s Day weekend for the following year.
Brundage Mountain and Tamarack are two favorites among Idahoans. Many spent their childhood learning to ski on Brundage, while Tamarack is a newer option and a bit closer in Donnelly, Idaho. Both of these mountains are leading the way snow wise this winter with Brundage at 181 inches and Tamarack at 184 so far this season. The views are spectacular with Payette and Cascade lakes sitting just below these beauties. Brundage is hailed for its vertical while Tamarack enthusiasts say the mountains backcountry is one of the best. Out of all of the mountains, Tamarack has the best ski-in/ski-out options.
Lastly, Sun Valley. This mountain isn’t for newbies so if you’re new to the sport, head over to Dollar Mountain for some lessons. Its only a few minutes away and offers great full-day lessons. I’ve watched many lose a bit of color in their face standing in front of Bald Mountain (affectionately known as Baldy) so you can understand why Ski Magazine has voted it North America’s Best Resort three years running. It is a spendy hill so if you are going for several days check out IKON, Epic or Mountain Collective passes to see if Sun Valley is included. It changes yearly. For a getaway, you can’t beat the Ketchum area as there is plenty to do (spa, shop, dine, hike, etc) for any non-skiers in the group.
If you have any questions, I’m always happy to chat! If not, enjoy the snow and maybe I’ll see you up there!
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