For serious skiers, a winter trip isn’t a traveling option. It’s a pilgrimage. For those of us in Rexburg or the surrounding areas, we don’t have the time or money to travel all around the world to visit the world’s greatest ski resorts. However, that doesn’t mean you should have to sacrifice your skiing experience! The question that always arises is, where to ski? Southeastern Idaho ski resorts are located either in Idaho, or just a short drive away. Some people abide by tradition and return to the same slopes year after year. However, for many, the thrill of new experiences at different slopes and resorts is what they crave. When choosing a ski resort, everyone has different priorities. There are plenty of award winning ski resorts right here in southeastern Idaho, or very near to it. Here is a list of our top 10 favorite local ski resorts.
- Kelly Canyon Ski Resort
Eastern Idaho’s Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is locating in the Targhee National Forest. Kelly Canyon has plenty of advanced runs for those experienced skiers and snowboards, while still maintaining that family-friendly atmosphere. With ski and snowboard lessons available.
- Grand Targhee Resort
Grand Targhee Resort is located in Alta, Wyoming near the border of Idaho and Wyoming. Known for having deep powder combined with excellent terrain options. Grand Targhee provides guests with spectacular scenery combined with a laid-back atmosphere. The area is paradise for powder lovers. Grand Targhee offers visitors with skiing and snowboarding for both adult and kids. It is also home to snowshoeing, backcountry tours, and Snowcat Adventures.
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is popular for their steep terrain and gorgeous scenery. Located in Teton Village, Wyoming, south of the Grand Teton National Park., it is the perfect stomping grounds for many freeskiers. Jackson Hole is known for some of the most hair-raising slopes in America, although they do have plenty of options for beginners and intermediates. Not only does Jackson Hole have a spectacular view of the Tetons and surrounding valley, it is ranked as one of the best ski resorts in North America.
- Pebble Creek Ski Area
A family favorite, Pebble Creek is a small, yet challenging ski area that sits along the northwestern slopes of Mount Bonneville. Skiers have access to 1,100 skiable acres with a 2,200 foot lift-serviced vertical. Their three triple chairs service 54 names runs, with terrains rating of 12% beginner, 34% intermediate, and 53% advanced. An excellent beginner area at the base and steep chutes above can satisfy the thrill-seeking needs of the whole family.
- Big Sky Ski Resort
Big Sky Ski Resort is known for giving skiers access to more skiing than anywhere else in the United States. Located in south central Montana, Big Sky provides visitors with over 5,750 acres of skiable terrain. The resort offers some of the best expert and advanced terrain around, including an extensive network of trails suited for both beginner and intermediate skiers. Big Sky has everything you would expect from a modern ski resort.
- Pomerelle Mountain Resort
As one of Idaho’s oldest ski resorts, Pomerelle is one of the first to open for the season with its 500 skiable acres. Skiers can enter 24 groomed runs, two terrain parks, and a 1,000-foot vertical drop. This resort benefits from an average of 500 inches of snowfall.
- Brighton Ski Resort
Brighton Ski Resort is a great choice for skiers who are looking for consistent snowfall. With a wide variety of beginner and advanced terrain, Brighton is an excellent option for families. The mountain averages about 500 inches of snow a year. The snow is traditionally light and fluffy making it a paradise for skiers. Brighton is located at the very top of the Big Cottonwood Canyon.
- Park City Mountain Resort
Located in the heart of Park City, Utah, this resort is home to over 7,300 skiable acres for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. Park City is the largest ski area in the United States with 300+ trails, 41 lifts, eight terrain park, 14 bowls, six natural half pipes, one super pipe and one mini pipe. It’s a easily accessible, world-class mountain destination that is located in an historic western town.
- Bogus Basin
Bogus Basin spreads out over a 2,600-acre area that sits above Boise with a 1,800 foot vertical. They have two quads, one triple, and four double chairs. Bogus Basin engages with the community to provide accessible and affordable year-round mountain recreation.
- Brundage Mountain Resort
Brundage Mountain Resort claims to have the “Best Snow in Idaho.” Here, they offer Snowcat skiing on 19,000 acres of backcountry, skiing and snowboarding lessons, and even daycare for children 6 weeks to 8 years old. Brundage is a great place for activities and lodging, charming shops, restaurants, and movie theaters.