Guide to Idaho's Ski Resorts

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Idaho boasts world-class skiing that beckons both seasoned snow enthusiasts and eager beginners. With fresh powder, steep slopes, and majestic peaks, Idaho is a hidden gem in the ski and snowboarding world. Whether you are seeking a challenging black diamond run or looking for a family retreat on the slopes, there is something for everyone in Idaho. Check out this list of Idaho's top ski resorts!   Sun Valley Mountain Resort Located in the town of Ketchum, a three hour drive from Boise, sits the expansive Sun Valley Mountain Resort. Known for its top notch skiing and as a training ground for Olympians, Bald Mountain is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders with steep pitches and long runs. There is also a second hill, Dollar Mountain, which is the perfect place for beginner skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes. Sun Valley Resort Village sits only minutes from the hill, and is surrounded by multiple restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and a bowling alley. Downtown Ketchum offers a western ski town feel, with high end restaurants (try the Pioneer Saloon for a delicious steak) and classy boutiques and stores. To be at the heart of the action, stay at Sun Valley lodge or a wide variety of other options offered by the resort, or one of the many hotels in downtown Ketchum.    Bogus Basin A beloved local hill to Boiseans, Bogus Basin sits only 16 miles out of Boise. Bogus has 10 lifts that serve 88 runs across 2,600 acres of terrain. With night skiing offered as well, many Boiseans make the trip up on a friday night to enjoy some skiing and food at one of the multiple lodges. Bogus offers lodging at the Pioneer Condos, a ski-in-ski-out experience that cannot be beat. Also consider staying in Boise and making the short drive up for the day!    Brundage Mountain Ski Resort Located a two hour drive from Boise to McCall, Brundage is a classic Idaho ski resort with amazing terrain and a friendly vibe. Brundage is known for having the “best snow in Idaho”. Its elevation and location create the perfect storm for snow (and powder!), with an average of 320 base area inches of snow per year. Brundage Mountain also offers guided SnowCat skiing trips for experienced skiers searching for untracked powder on 18,000 acres of backcountry terrain. McCall offers a range of lodging options in the charming mountain town, with top choices including Shore Lodge and Hotel McCall.     Tamarack Mountain With fresh powder and 2,400 thousand vertical feet of terrain, Tamarack Mountain in Donnelly is a skier's delight. Tamarack receives an average of 300 base inches of snow per year, and has a range of groomed corduroy, wide-open bowls, and tree runs. Tamarack offers a variety of lodging options next to the hill, with estate homes, Tamarack Village condos, and cabins for rent. The Village at Tamarack also has a variety of options for dinner, breakfast, and a drink just steps from the hill. It is a mini version of larger resorts like Telluride or Aspen, giving it a sophisticated, yet approachable appeal.   Schweitzer Ski Resort In the rugged Selkirk mountains sits Sandpoint, a northern Idaho town that is home to Schweitzer ski resort. With 2,900 acres of skiable terrain and a variety of high angle groomers, tree runs, and bowl skiing, this resort has something for every skier. The mountain village surrounding this hill offers family-friendly activities, dining, spa, and slopeside lodging. This hill is about an 8 hour drive from Boise.   Pomerelle Mountain Resort Located in southeast Idaho outside of the small town of Albion, Pomerelle is one of the oldest ski areas in the western United States. Sitting 8,762 feet above sea level, the resort receives an average annual snowfall of 500 inches, making it one of the snowiest resorts in the state. It has a small town feel with less of the tourist crowds, making this a hometown hero of resorts for those in the eastern side of the state.   Soldier Mountain If you’re really looking to escape the crowded lift lines and experience a more laid back Idaho ski day, check out Soldier Mountain outside of Fairfield. This charming family-friendly resort packs a big punch in terms of terrain, with 7,177 vertical feet of mountain doused in fresh powder. It is the most affordable option and ideal for beginners and tiny skiers with a designated magic carpet area. A fun fact: Bruce Willis owned Soldier Mountain for a bit before donating the mountain to a non-profit. It is now owned by an investment group of skiers and riders.    

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Boise’s 5 Spookiest Places to Visit this Fall

Every city has its share of haunted spots, and Boise is no exception. From the heart of downtown to the edges of the foothills, we’ve rounded up five of the spookiest locations around the Boise area—perfect for a Halloween adventure! Old Idaho Penitentiary Built in 1870, this Boise landmark tops our list of the area’s most haunted buildings. During its 101 years in operation, over 13,000 inmates were housed within its iron bars. The penitentiary was the site of ten executions and 129 deaths, and a staggering 90 inmates attempted to escape over the years. The walls of this eerie building have held everyone from armed robbers to infamous killers. Perhaps its most notorious inmate was Harry Orchard, who confessed to killing over 17 people, including a former Idaho governor. Visitors on the penitentiary’s tours have reported chilling experiences—voices, shadowy figures, and an inexplicable sense of “heaviness” lingering throughout the grounds.   Idanha Hotel This six-story, French-chateau-style brick landmark is a downtown Boise icon. Built in 1901, the Idanha initially opened as a luxury hotel, hosting prominent figures, including presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft. At its original five stories, it was Idaho’s tallest building and the first to feature an elevator. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the upper floors were converted into apartments. Residents claim paranormal encounters, with sightings of a bellboy, tragically shot in 1970, and a woman reportedly murdered by her husband in the 1920s. Our own Bryan, who worked across the street, recalls curtains mysteriously floating in the Northwest tower. Curious? Experience the eerie charm of this historic Boise treasure for yourself.   Fort Boise Cemetery If you've spent a Boise summer enjoying the outdoors, chances are you've explored the trails near Fort Boise. Hidden in these peaceful foothills is a cemetery with 247 headstones, many belonging to military men, army officers, and even family members of those who served. While serene by day, this cemetery reportedly becomes a hotspot for paranormal activity at night. Visitors have shared eerie tales of ghostly figures near the headstones and faint, disembodied voices drifting through the quiet.   The Egyptian Theatre Opening in April 1927, the Boise Egyptian Theater quickly became a local favorite, drawing tourists and locals alike to experience its unique architecture, inspired by the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1926. This Egyptian Revival design brought a striking landmark to Boise’s Capitol Boulevard. Years ago, a projectionist named Joe, who worked there for 35 years, reportedly passed away from a heart attack inside the theater. To this day, some claim he never clocked out—visitors and staff have spotted a ghostly figure walking toward the projection room. Others say they’ve glimpsed the apparition of a woman crossing the stage, perhaps a former actress unable to leave the spotlight. Haunted Stories   The Owyhee Building Shortly after the Idanha Hotel welcomed guests, the Owyhee Plaza Hotel opened on 12th and Main Street in 1910. Originally designed with 99 rooms, the hotel has since undergone nearly 40 renovations and now houses restaurants and retail spaces. While there are no recorded fatal incidents here, many former guests and staff claim that spirits may still linger. Reports of strange noises, shadowy apparitions, and the unnerving sense of being watched add an air of mystery to this historic Boise landmark.  

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5 Events in Boise & Beyond - October 25th - 27th

Photo credit to Pexels 5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Movies On The Greenbelt Where: Kuna Greenbelt - 301 W 2nd St, Kuna When: Friday, October 25th Time: 7:00 - 10:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. An Epic, Fun-Filled Scavenger Hunt! - Hidden Treasures Where: 700 W Jefferson St When: Friday, October 25th Time: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   3.  Boo At The Zoo Where: Zoo Boise - 355 Julia Davis Dr When: Saturday, October 26th - Sunday, October 27th Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. Glow in the Dark Paint & Sip Where: The Social on Eighth - 404 South 8th Street Suite L120 Boise When: Saturday, October 26th Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE   5. Coffee + Spooky Cake Decorating Where: Jitters By Jayne - 208 9th, Boise When: Saturday, Oct 26th Time: 10:00 AM - 11:15 PM EVENT DETAILS HERE    

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