Get BOARD

Board: Snow

The most classic of the three. Snowboarding in Southwest Idaho is for all skill levels. Never strapped in before? There’s a run for that. Been riding for years and chasing powder? There’s a run for that, too.

Where to Go

• Bogus Basin: This is Boise’s backyard mountain, just 16 miles north of downtown. You’ll find 10 lifts, 4 high-speed quads, 90 named trails, and 360-degree mountain access. Bogus also offers one of the best night skiing operations in the country. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets.
• Brundage Mountain: Next to McCall, about two and a half hours from Boise. Brundage averages 320 inches of snow a year and has earned its reputation as having the best snow in Idaho. Beyond 70 named runs, there are 18,000 acres of snowcat-accessed backcountry.
• Tamarack Resort: Just 90 miles north of Boise, Tamarack gets around 300 inches of snowfall a year and offers 2,800 vertical feet across 1,600 acres. When your legs are jello, the slope-side village has après-ski drinks and dinner covered.

Skill Level

All three mountains have terrain for beginners and experienced riders. Bogus Basin is especially beginner-friendly with a dedicated learning area separate from advanced terrain. Tamarack and Brundage are generally better suited for riders with some experience, though both have options across ability levels.

At Bogus Basin, the Coach + Conveyor lift ticket runs just $25 and gets you access to the beginner terrain.

Board: Surf

Yes, really. There’s a surfable standing wave on the Boise River, right in the middle of the city.

Boise Whitewater Park has adjustable wave shapers built directly into the riverbed. They get shaped for surfers on some days and for whitewater kayakers on others. (You can learn more about the wave shapers and see the schedule for yourself here.) The park is open to everyone and the water runs year round.

Where To Go

• Boise Whitewater Park: Right on the edge of downtown, tucked into the Boise River, which runs right past Esther Simplot Park. The in-river features are purpose-built for whitewater fun and skill development.

Skill Level

Surfers make it look easy, but it does require a lot of skill. If you’re a beginner, start on the lower waves with a boogie board, or explore nearby Quinn’s Pond on a stand-up paddleboard to get comfortable on the water.

Need Gear?

Idaho River Sports is right next to the park and carries whitewater kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and wave-specific gear. The water can be chilly, so consider if you need a wetsuit, too.

Free to Watch

Not ready to brave the river? It’s free to watch from the bridge or the river’s edge. That alone is worth the stop. Esther Simplot Park and the Greenbelt make for a great morning walk while you scope the scene.

Board: Sand

Sandboarding is a lot like snowboarding, but sandier, hotter, and honestly a lot more effort. There are no chairlifts back up to the top of North America’s tallest single-structured sand dune. But the views are epic, and the experience is one of a kind.

Where To Go

• Bruneau Dunes State Park: Just an hour from Boise, this state park hosts the main event. The dune rises 470 feet above the desert floor. Sandboards and sleds are available for rent at the Visitor Center. Hiking, camping, fishing, and a public planetarium can be fun ways to round out the visit.

Skill Level

Sandboarding is beginner friendly, but it is physically demanding. Getting back to the top is all you. Not into stand-up riding? Grab a sled. Both are a blast.

Avoid the Burn

Try this in the spring or fall. You don’t want to be on the dunes in August, as the sand gets too hot to touch (150 degrees at the surface). If summer is your only option, go early morning or after the heat breaks in the evening.

Pick Your Board

Snow, surf, or sand — Southwest Idaho has terrain for all three. Grab your gear and ride on!