These Towns in Idaho Come Alive in Winter

With its rugged landscapes, majestic mountains, and millions of acres of national forests, the state of Idaho is transformed into a winter wonderland when the snow and cold arrive for the season. Throughout the Gem State are several small towns that boast world-class skiing, fat tire biking, and ice skating on frozen lakes and rivers. These small towns host unique winter events, including outhouse races during Winterfest in Stanley and the annual sled dog race in Cascade. From snowmobiling on hundreds of miles of trails in Driggs to exploring the state’s largest ski mountain in Sandpoint, these seven towns in Idaho come alive in winter. 

McCall

Nestled along the southern shores of Payette Lake, McCall provides wintry activities against an icy backdrop. Anglers can try their hand at ice fishing in the lake, while hikers and snowshoers can explore the snowy trails at Ponderosa State Park. One of the best areas for winter adventures in McCall is Brundage Mountain. The ski resort on the mountain boasts skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, snowmobiling, and memorable guided Snow Cat tours in the backcountry of the Payette National Forest. Further winter wonders await in town, such as Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at Hasbrouck Ranch Nordic trails. Travelers can also hit the slopes at Little Ski Hill, the third-oldest ski area in the state. Built in 1937, skiers can explore six runs, a terrain park, and night skiing. 

Stanley

With a population of approximately 130 people, Stanley is the smallest town on this list. However, the small size of Stanley says nothing about its immense charm and exciting winter activities. Surrounded by the Salmon River and the Sawtooth Mountains, outdoor enthusiasts can ski and snowshoe along many trails in the Stanley area, including groomed trails for Nordic skiers at Park Creek and south of town at Alturas Lake. In the winter, the enchanting village of Stanley is also a haven for snowmobile enthusiasts. The area boasts 185 miles of groomed trails, including trials around scenic Redfish Lake.

Stanley is also one of the coldest towns in the contiguous United States, providing one of the few outdoor skating rinks in the Northwest. In fact, admission is free, and ice skates can be borrowed at the Stanley Ice Rink. The rink is home to the Boise Curling Club’s annual Sawtooth Outdoor Bonspiel in January and the annual Hockey Tournament in February. The town is also the site of the memorable Stanley Winterfest, which takes place in February during the weekend before Presidents’ Day. Visitors can participate in unique winter events at the two-day festival, including outhouse races, a frozen turkey bowl, raft sledding, and a 30k or 40k Fat Bike Fondo race.

Sun Valley

Even though the town’s name is Sun Valley, this south-central Idaho town provides ample snow along with the sun in the winter. Sun Valley is a winter wonderland for skiers, surrounded by the Sawtooth National Forest and Smoky Mountains. The most notable peak in the Smoky Mountains is the world-famous Bald Mountain. Known affectionately as Baldy to the locals, skiers can explore the mountain’s 100 trails along 2,054 acres of incredible terrain. Another excellent spot for skiing is Dollar Mountain, featuring 16 trails and the world’s first chairlift. Nearby, the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center offers 25 miles of groomed trails for snowshoeing, fat biking, and Nordic skiing.

For those looking for unique winter adventures, check out the Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink near the shores of Sun Valley Lake. Throughout the winter season, the Sawtooth Avalanche Center also hosts events around town, where outdoor adventurers can learn more about avalanches and the area’s terrain.

Driggs

Located in Idaho’s southeastern Teton Valley near the Wyoming border is Driggs, a town filled with winter wonders. When snow arrives, the Teton Valley Trails and Pathways are turned into adventurous trails for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. More winter activities await in the surrounding snow-covered Teton Mountains to the east, where outdoor enthusiasts can ski, snowboard, and snowshoe. Just north of town is the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, providing snowmobile fans with 500 miles of snowmobile trails. In cold-weather months, the town also opens an open-air ice rink at Driggs City Park. 

For a memorable experience, visit the town in February when Driggs is the final stage stop for the annual Pedigree Stage Stop Race. The dog sledding competition begins in Jackson, Wyoming, stops in a different town each night, and ends in the beautiful town of Driggs. 

Cascade

Just a two-hour drive from Boise, the state capital of Idaho, is the charming town of Cascade. Surrounded by the Boise National Forest and located along the shores of Lake Cascade, the town offers a range of winter activities. Lake Cascade is renowned for its ice fishing, hosting ice fishing events and guided tours throughout winter. More outdoor winter wonders await at Lake Cascade State Park. Cold-weather enthusiasts enjoy winter camping in the boat ramp areas at the park, in addition to snowshoeing and skiing on the 1.2-mile loop. Cascade is also one of the best snowmobiling spots in the state, boating more than 300 miles of groomed trails and backcountry terrain for experienced snowmobilers. 

For a thrilling experience, a visit to Cascade at the end of January is a must. The town is one of the annual Idaho Sled Dog Challenge checkpoints along the frozen Lake Cascade. The thrilling 300-mile race showcases Iditarod and Yukon Quest qualifiers.

Sandpoint

Sandpoint is located in northern Idaho along the shores of Idaho’s largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. When weather permits, the frozen lake becomes an ice skating playground for skaters and pick-up hockey players. The town also creates an ice skating area just off the lake at City Beach. More winter activities await in town at the beautiful Pine Street Woods. The 180-acre forest is part of the Syringa Trail System, providing winter hiking, Nordic skiing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking on 12 trails during cold-weather months. 

A trip to Schweitzer Mountain is a must for the ultimate winter adventure in Sandpoint. In the Selkirk Mountains, Schweitzer is Idaho’s largest ski mountain, boasting 2,900 acres of skiing terrain. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy snowshoe hiking, snowboarding, tubing, and twilight skiing under the night sky on the snow-covered mountain. Visitors can also take a chair lift to the peak of Schweitzer for views of the surrounding vistas and snow-capped mountains in Montana, Washington, and Canada.

Salmon

The enchanting town of Salmon transforms into a winter wonderland when cold weather arrives. Located along the Salmon River, the town is a haven for ice skaters and hockey players of all ages at the Salmon Hockey Rink. The town is also surrounded by the Salmon-Challis National Forest, making it a great home base for snowmobiling, winter hiking, and cross-country skiing. The 4.3 million-acre forest also offers sledding, tubing, and snowshoeing on snow-covered trails in the winter. The Salmon Valley Golf Course allows skiers to make trails when snow arrives, while the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center grooms trails for cross-country skiers. The center is also a hot spot for fat tire biking in the winter. 

These small towns provide memorable winter adventures for any outdoor enthusiast. From twilight skiing on Schweizer Mountain to learning about avalanches in Sun Valley, Idaho offers unique events and activities throughout the cold-weather season. Whether ice fishing on Lake Cascade, attending the annual curling tournament in Stanley, or hitting the slopes in McCall, these Idaho towns offer the perfect getaway for anyone who enjoys the wonders of winter.