Winter is 91 days long. Ninety-one bright days, warm nights, and unlimited chances for adventure. How will you spend these fleeting hours of fun? We have a few ideas to get you started.
Hit the Powder
With three family-friendly resorts and the deepest snow in Idaho, it’s no wonder that Southern Idaho is a favorite for skiers seeking affordable fun. Check out cat skiing at Soldier Mountain, Pomerelle’s 500 inches of snow, and Magic Mountain’s awesome terrain park.
Blaze a Trail
Hundreds of miles of groomed trails and only 3,500 snowmobiles registered throughout the state. What’s not to love about that equation? Blaze your own trail or take advantage of groomed favorites. You’ll see fantastic scenery and have plenty of fun. Read about the best spots here.
Soak. Relax. Repeat.
Southern Idaho is blessed with some of the most active geothermal springs in the state. They’re perfect for escaping the wind and chill — just ease your way into the pool and let the hot water melt away your winter worries.
Appreciate the Silence
Nordic skiing is one of the best ways to truly fall in love with winter — it’s just you, the trees, and the silent snow. Favorite Nordic spots include the Penstemon Trail, the South Hills, and Pomerelle Ski Resort.
Get Close to Wildlife
Birds love the warm microclimate in Thousand Springs State Park. Head there in winter and you’ll be rewarded with an awesome site: Dozens upon dozens of majestic bald eagles, and thousands of mallards, Canada geese, gold-eyes, American coots, and more. Read our guide to viewing these birds here.
Keep Your Summer Golf Streak Going
Feel like working on your handicap in December? Not a problem in Southern Idaho! Several courses switch to winter rates during the colder months. Bundle up and hit the links for a lot less — around $25 for 18 holes. Check out Clear Lake Country Club, River’s Edge Golf Club, Canyon Springs Golf Course, 93 Golf Ranch, Twin Falls Municipal Golf Course, and Pleasant Valley Golf Course.
Go Caving
Southern Idaho’s volcanic past has left us with amazing caves, and one of the most stunning can only be accessed in the winter. Black Magic Canyon, north of Shoshone, was carved from twisting black basalt that gives the cave its name. It’s usually full of irrigation water in the summer, so winter is prime exploration time. Don’t forget to check the Big Wood Canal Company’s website www.bwccafrd2.com to check on the cave’s water levels; water can be released into the cave as early as February.
Take the Fam Tubing
There are plenty of small hills in Southern Idaho where you can go tubing, but for real, all-ages thrills, Magic Mountain Ski Resort is the spot. For $15, you’ll get two hours on a fast moving groomed run. And you don’t even need to lug your tube back up the hill — just hook yours on to the mountain’s special tube lift. Call ahead if you have a large group; a special group discount applies, but you’ll need to make reservations.
Or Take Them Skating
Rupert — a.k.a. “Christmas City USA” — knows how to make the most of winter. The city is installing a new, synthetic ice rink at Neptune Park that will open around Thanksgiving and offer tons of fun until mid-February.
Trek Through Powder
Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to explore Southern Idaho during the winter — it’s an opportunity to slow down and really take in the scenery. Craters of the Moon National Monument has a 1.5-mile snowshoe loop and plenty of other break-your-own-trail opportunities throughout the park. The Thompson Creek hut, a three-mile trek from Magic Mountain Ski Resort, comfortably sleeps 4-6 and is great for backcountry explorers who are used to packing in their own gear. If that’s not your style, check out the Willow Glamping Yurt at City of Rocks National Reserve. It comes complete with a king-size bed, linens, and indoor heat.
Weather Too Frightful?
Head indoors for some family fun when the weather gets too cold or wet. Southern Idaho has a host of wonderful museums and performing arts centers. The Herrett Center for Arts and Science includes a slate of regularly rotating programs, as well. Stroll through Old Town Twin Falls for some leisurely holiday shopping — or, if the kids have some serious cabin fever to work out, take them to Jump Time. Everyone getting antsy? Try Gemstone Climbing Center, which accommodates anyone — it’s the first 100% ADA accessible gym in the world.
Your Guide to Southern Idaho’s Winter Wonders
Ditch the crowded ski resorts, the packed trails, and your same-old, same-old winter activities. Winter adventures await in Southern Idaho! Answer a few quick questions and begin downloading your guide to this season’s 10 best bets in Southern Idaho.