Idaho might not be the first place that comes to mind for family ski vacations but it should be! As a mom of three, I get it – uncrowded slopes and kid-friendly vibes are musts for creating core memories on the slopes. Here in the Gem State, you’ll find both.
From the glamorous Sun Valley Resort to accessible fun at Bogus Basin, Idaho has a ski resort for every family.
Here are eight of my favorite kid-friendly ski resorts in Idaho and ideas for après-ski fun. Get ready to experience the magic of winter in Idaho!
North Idaho
Schweitzer: A Family Paradise with Lake Views
Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains of North Idaho, Schweitzer is my home mountain and a true gem for families. We moved to Sandpoint several years ago specifically for the opportunity to raise our kids in this family-first community at the base of Schweitzer.
Schweitzer has a luxe village atmosphere overlooking Lake Pend Oreille, a laid-back vibe, and tons of activities. With 2,900 acres of terrain, there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the amazing powder. Plus, the ski-in/ski-out lodging options make it easy for parents on a multi-day ski vacation.
Why Schweitzer is great for families:
- Excellent ski school: Schweitzer’s renowned ski school offers programs for all ages and abilities.
- Variety of terrain: From gentle beginner runs via the high-speed Creekside Express quad lift to challenging black diamonds, Schweitzer has something for everyone.
- Magic carpet area: This free area is perfect for first-time skiers and little ones. It was even gentle enough for my 18-month-old to ski down with me walking behind him while pregnant last winter.
- Childcare options: Schweitzer’s Children’s Center offers daycare for kids 6 and under, an Infant Care Room, and both a Kids’ Night Out program and babysitting referrals to encourage date nights for Mom and Dad.
- Scenic lift to lunch: Get a Foot Passenger Lift Ticket up to the Sky House restaurant for lunch with a 360-degree view of the lake, three states and Canada.
Après-ski fun:
- Enjoy the snow tubing park.
- Have a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in the Village or on the slopes.
- Explore the shops in the Village.
- Try the Kids Craft Hour in the Children’s Center.
- Explore downtown Sandpoint and visit the Cedar Street Bridge with its toy store, indoor playground, and more.
- Recover after a long day of skiing with hot and cold therapy at Toasty’s Mobile Sauna, my happy place. Or book a mobile session at your rental and Cara will bring her set-up to you.
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Silver Mountain Resort: Family-Friendly Skiing with Gondola & Waterpark
Escape to the beautiful Bitterroot mountains and discover Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg. Known for Silver Rapids, Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark, this resort also boasts incredible alpine skiing with terrain for all levels. Create lasting memories with a stay at the Morning Star Lodge in the Gondola Village.
Why Silver Mountain is great for families:
- Convenient gondola access: The scenic gondola whisks you directly from the village to the ski area. It’s the largest single-stage gondola in North America, making the ride an attraction in itself.
- Variety of terrain: There’s a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs.
- Beginner-Friendly Programs: Learn to ski in a week with the Flex 5 Pak (ages 7+). It offers five lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and a season pass for the remainder of the season upon pack completion ($309 plus tax).
Après-ski fun:
- Enjoy the lazy river, surfing, water slides and splash pad at the Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark.
- Hit up the 640-foot-long tubing hill at the magic carpet area.
- Take in the mountain’s winter wonderland on the snowshoe trail then treat yourself to a hot chocolate at the Mountain House.
- Explore the historic mining town of Kellogg.
Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area: Affordable Family Skiing on the Idaho-Montana Border
Located on the Idaho-Montana border with runs spanning both PT and MT time zones, Lookout Pass offers great value for families seeking an affordable ski vacation. With its uncrowded slopes, friendly atmosphere, and focus on beginner and intermediate terrain, it’s a great choice for those new to skiing.
Why Lookout Pass is great for families:
- Easy drive: No long sketchy and twisty-turney winter access roads to get to the ski area. From the Spokane Airport, take I-90 1.5 hours to Exit 0 and the parking lot is just off the interstate.
- Affordable lift tickets and rentals: Lookout Pass offers some of the most budget-friendly prices in the region. Ski free on your birthday, or show a 24-25 season pass from any other mountain for 50% off your lift ticket.
- Beginner-friendly terrain: The majority of the terrain is geared towards beginners and intermediates, with 52 gentle trails and wide-open runs.
- Longest running free kids ski school in the country: Since the early 1940s, kids ages 7-17 ski free with a paying adult.
- Group ski lessons for littles: The Mini Moose program provides group ski lessons for 4-6-year-olds.
Après-ski fun:
- Enjoy a casual meal at the Lookout Pass Lodge.
- Warm up by the fireplace in the lodge.
- Participate in kid-friendly events like Snow Bowling, Cardboard Box Derby, Santa Ski Day, Torchlight Parade and Easter Egg Hunt.
- Take a scenic drive along the historic Mullan Road and explore the charming town of Mullan.
Central Idaho
Sun Valley Resort: Luxury Family Ski Vacation with World-Class Amenities
Sun Valley is legendary! As “America’s First Destination Ski Resort,” Hollywood icons used to vacation here, and it still has that glamorous vibe. If you’re looking for a luxurious family ski vacation with top-notch amenities and a touch of history, Sun Valley is a great place to be.
Why Sun Valley Resort is great for families:
- Luxury accommodations: Sun Valley offers a range of luxurious accommodations, from cozy condos to spacious villas and the iconic Sun Valley Lodge.
- Terrain for all levels: Dollar Mountain, home of the world’s very first chairlift, is a dedicated mountain for beginner skiers. Baldy Mountain is notorious for its vertical drops.
- Excellent childcare and ski school: Ski instruction starts for children as young as three.
- Bluebird days: Sun Valley averages 250 sunny days each year.
Après-ski fun:
- Enjoy fine dining at the historic Ram Restaurant or America’s original on-mountain dining destination at The Roundhouse.
- Your kids will love the ice skating rink (one of my earliest childhood memories is from this magical rink).
- Each December the Village transforms into a Winter Wonderland with carolers, a European-style Holiday Market, movie nights at the Opera House, sleigh ride dinners, a Christmas Eve parade and fireworks.
- Explore the charming town of Ketchum, famous for its healing hot springs, and its art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Tamarack Resort: Modern Village and Mountain Adventures for Families
Looking for a kid-friendly resort with a modern vibe and tons to do? Check out Tamarack! It’s about 2.5 hours north of Boise in Donnelly. The village is charming, the scenery overlooking Lake Cascade is stunning and there’s a welcoming atmosphere. Plus they have onsite lodging and a fantastic mix of activities.
Why Tamarack Resort is great for families:
- Awesome kids’ activities: Tamarack’s Basecamp is the ultimate kids’ hangout with a program focused on outdoor fun and learning (ages ranging from 6 months to 12 years).
- Terrain for everyone: Plenty of green and blue runs for families to cruise together, including a free lift for first-timers.
- Modern village life: The Village at Tamarack is super convenient and walkable with shops, restaurants, and cozy spots to relax.
- Affordable Childcare: At just $15 an hour, Tamarack’s childcare is a great value.
Après-ski fun:
- Relax and unwind in your cozy accommodations in the Village.
- Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants.
- Warm up by the fire pit.
- Utilize Basecamp’s evening hours to go on a much-needed date.
- Go for a scenic snowshoe hike or cross-country ski adventure.
- Book a guided ice fishing adventure (kids must be 6+).
- Check out the Osprey Meadows Golf Simulator, new this year.
Honorable mention! Consider Shiloh Bible Conference’s Snow Camp in Donnelly for older kids while you work remotely. My cousins manage this camp. They’re wonderful people and the campground is what nostalgic Parent Trap dreams are made of.
Brundage Mountain Resort: Uncrowded Ski Slopes, Beautiful Views
Brundage Mountain is a classic Idaho ski resort with a laid-back vibe and amazing terrain. It’s known for having phenomenal snow and incredible views of Payette Lake.
Brundage is 2.5 hours north of Boise, nestled in the charming town of McCall. While there’s no lodging on the mountain itself, McCall has tons of great options.
Why Brundage Mountain Resort is great for families:
- Beginner-Friendly: Brundage is a great place to learn to ski, with the Easy Street chairlift for beginners (only $10) and a magic carpet area.
- Beartopia: This dedicated area has tons of green runs, a fun little terrain park, and discounted lift tickets.
- Excellent grooming: The resort takes pride in its 2,000 acres of meticulously groomed runs.
- Affordable Options: Brundage offers a variety of affordable lift ticket options, (e.g., Beartopia-only, Easy Street-only, 4-Pak for multiple days).
- Childcare: There’s a quality childcare center for little ones (ages 6 weeks to 6 years).
- Adaptive Sports Program: Brundage is committed to making skiing accessible to everyone through the Adaptive Wilderness Sports of McCall (AWeSOMe!) non-profit.*
Après-ski fun:
- Relax by the fire and refuel at the new Brundage Mountain Lodge.
- Take a scenic snowshoe hike through the surrounding forests.
- Stay in McCall and enjoy its charming shops, restaurants, and winter activities like ice skating and snowmobiling.
- Visit Ponderosa State Park for some winter hiking or snowshoeing.
- Don’t miss the McCall Winter Carnival (Feb. 21-23, 2025)! With ice sculptures, a parade, live music, and tons of kid-friendly activities, it’s a great way to experience winter magic at McCall.
*Avid Nordic skier and long-time family friend of ours Lori Messenger suffered a spinal cord injury last year. Thanks to AWeSOMe!, Lori is getting back to the sport she loves. Learn more about Lori’s story and how this incredible program might benefit your loved one with varied physical abilities in Visit McCall’s winter issue.
Southwestern Idaho
Bogus Basin: Affordable Family Fun Near Boise
Bogus Basin is a classic! It’s been a favorite for Idaho families for over 82 years. Located a short 45-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin makes for a perfect day trip or a weekend getaway.
As a nonprofit, Bogus Basin helps families learn to ski without breaking the bank. It’s a true community mountain and you can feel that in the vibe.
Why Bogus Basin is great for families:
- Beginner-Friendly: Bogus Basin is a fantastic place to learn to ski with a top-notch ski and snowboard school. This year, they improved their beginner runs and got two new quad chairlifts serving the area.
- Affordable Fun: Bogus Basin is committed to keeping winter recreation affordable for families with lift tickets and lessons priced below the industry average.
- Variety of Terrain: With over 2,600 skiable acres and 10 lifts (including 4 high-speed quds), Bogus Basin offers terrain for new and experienced skiers alike.
- Night Skiing: Ski under the stars, every night until 10 pm!
- Convenient Amenities: With three lodges and several food outlets, you’ll have plenty of options for warming up and refueling.
- Community Vibe: Bogus Basin has a really friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Après-ski fun:
- Enjoy a casual meal at the Bogus Basin Lodge, with panoramic views of the Treasure Valley.
- Go tubing at the dedicated tubing hill.
- Head back to Boise and explore the city’s museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Southeastern Idaho
Pebble Creek Ski Area: Laid-Back Vibes and Big Mountain Fun Near Pocatello
Pebble Creek, located near Pocatello, is a hidden gem for families seeking a laid-back atmosphere. It’s been a local favorite for 76 years, and it’s easy to see why. With its long season, affordable prices, easy parking and virtually non-existent lift lines, Pebble Creek offers a classic, stress-free ski experience.
But don’t be fooled by the mellow vibes – Pebble Creek also boasts 2,200 vertical feet and some seriously challenging terrain for those who are ready to step it up.
Why Pebble Creek is great for families:
- Variety of Terrain: From gentle beginner slopes to challenging black diamonds.
- Affordable Prices: Pebble Creek offers competitive lift ticket prices and various deals, like $32 lift tickets for the Aspen beginner area.
- Beginner-Friendly: With a a magic carpet, triple chair and 25 acres of gentle slopes, the Aspen beginner area is perfect for kids and first-time skiers to learn and gain confidence.
- Night Skiing: Enjoy skiing under the stars on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Ski School: Pebble Creek offers month-long group ski and snowboard lessons for kids (ages 3-12). The lessons end with a fun race where kids earn a cookie and show off their new skills.
- Laid-Back Atmosphere: Pebble Creek has a relaxed and welcoming vibe with super friendly staff.
Après-ski fun:
- Enjoy a relaxed meal at Pebble Creek Lodge, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Go tubing at the dedicated tubing hill.
- Visit the nearby city of Pocatello and explore its museums, restaurants, and historical sites.
Ready to Hit the Slopes?
Planning a ski trip with the family can seem overwhelming, but Idaho’s kid-friendly resorts make it a breeze. With options for every budget and skill level, stunning scenery, uncrowded slopes and a relaxed atmosphere, the Gem State is the perfect place to create lasting winter memories.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your unforgettable family ski adventure in Idaho today!
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