It may be a little later than usual, but most of Southern Idaho’s ski resorts are finally open! Never experienced the region’s stress-free skiing? Here’s a snapshot: No lift lines. Easy access for the whole family. And prices so affordable that you’ll reconsider all the times you shelled out for fancy lift tickets.
Conditions are changing daily, so be sure to check in with each resort’s website before heading out.
Pomerelle Mountain Resort
Location: 961 E. Howell Canyon Road, Albion
Current Status: Open
Located just 25 miles off I-84, Pomerelle has two key features: Next-to-zero lift lines and an average of 500 inches of snow. Snowboarders and skiers love Pomerelle’s long season, down-to-earth attitude, and easy-on-the-wallet rates.
Pomerelle has 24 daily groomed ski runs and gladed tree skiing. Night skiing opened in December, and you can head down the hill in the moonlight for only $17. Pomerelle keeps the fun going with tons of events, from Ladies Days to Kids Days to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
When you’ve put in a full day, head to the Base Lodge for a bite at the cafeteria or head to the Outdoor Grill. Pomerelle also has a rental shop and accessory shop.
Get the latest ski report at Pomerelle’s website: http://www.pomerelle.com/
Magic Mountain Resort
Location: Forest Road 499, Kimberly
Current Status: Open
This resort just outside of Twin Falls and offers skiers and snowboarders easy access to Southern Idaho’s world-famous snow. There are three lifts and 11 trails on the 120-acre mountain and a 740-foot drop, making it a perfect weekend getaway. Backcountry lovers, take note: The Thompson Creek Hut is about 3.5 miles away and is maintained by the High Desert Nordic Association.
Magic has a rental shop with affordable skiing and snowboarding packages ($20-$25), or you can get a bit more adventurous and take a turn on their snowshoes or snow bikes. Buses to the resort are available for $10 from Jerome Lincoln Plaza, Claude Sports, the Swensen’s on South Washington in Twin Falls, Maxie’s Pizza in Kimberly, or Hansen Market.
The resort is open now from Wednesday through Sunday. Check out the website for bus departure times, ticket information, and daily schedules: http://www.magicmountainresort.com/
Soldier Mountain Ski Area
Location: 1043 North Soldier Road, Fairfield
Current Status: Closed, but keep doing your snow dance!
This beloved resort is short on frills but long on thrills. A favorite destination for families who love its affordable lift prices, Soldier Mountain is also a top pick for cat skiers thanks to its awesome snowcat (watch a flat-screen TV while you head up!) and the promise of powder at 10,095 feet.
This ski resort has always been a labor of love. Buddies Bob Frostenson and Harry Durall were inspired to create an affordable ski option after watching the 1948 Winter Olympics tryouts in Sun Valley. They started out with two rope tows and built the original lodge themselves, log by log. The original lodge burned in 2009, but a rebuilt lodge serves homemade burgers, chili, and snacks to skiers who need to refuel after tackling Soldier’s 1,150 acres of terrain.
Fun fact: Actor Bruce Willis owned Soldier Mountain for about 20 years. The resort was purchased in 2015 by Diane and Matt McFerran, who run it today.
Soldier isn’t quite open yet, but new storm systems have everyone keeping their fingers crossed. You can check Soldier’s status by visiting https://soldiermountain.com/