Idaho’s 18 Ski Resorts Ranked from Worst to First & When They Open

Idaho is a skier's paradise, boasting world-class resorts with legendary powder and impressive vertical drops. The state receives, on average, over 300 inches of snowfall each winter, creating ideal conditions from December through April. Whether you're an expert looking for challenging terrain or a beginner starting out, there's a resort perfectly suited for you.

One of the most well-known is Sun Valley Resort in central Idaho. As the first destination ski resort in the United States, it still draws visitors today with over 2,150 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of over 2,150 feet. Nearby in southern Idaho, Bogus Basin offers 2,600 acres and a vertical rise of 1,800 feet outside Boise. It typically has the most reliable snow in the lower elevations.

In northern Idaho, the crown jewel is Silver Mountain Resort. It averages over 450 inches of light, dry powder each season along the Canadian border. Silver Mountain spans five mountain faces with 3,000 skiable acres and the highest base elevation in the lower 48 states.

For untracked powder, Brundage Mountain is a local favorite. It receives over 320 inches annually, and its remote location means many runs go unskied, allowing powder hounds to lap fresh tracks all day. Further east, Tamarack Resort is known for tree skiing and backcountry access via Snowcat.

No matter your ability or interests, Idaho's ski resorts have it all - fluffy powder, steeps, groomers, halfpipes, terrain parks, and more. The combination of bountiful snowfall and diverse terrain make it one of the top ski destinations in the United States.