Three Mountains in Three Days

Safety First!

On the road

1. Check your tires before you set off! Tire pressure fluctuates with the temperature, and properly inflated tires are key to staying safe on those slippery roads.
2. Use caution: drive slow enough that you won’t be in trouble if you hit black ice, and always remember to accelerate and decelerate gently.
3. Be prepared! Keep extra warm clothes, snacks, and water in the car as you travel in winter. You may also want to keep sand or cat litter in the car to help with traction if you get stuck.

On the slopes

1. Dress for success: wear a helmet every time you ski or board. Dress in layers and make sure that your outerwear is water repellant. Wear tinted goggles to protect from snow glare.
2. Look before you leap! Keep an eye out for other skiers and boarders who might not be able to see you, and give them the right of way.
3. Buddy up: never ski or board alone, especially off-trail.

CITY & SNOW: BOGUS BASIN MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA

Don't miss the views from Bogus Basin

Just 35 minutes outside of Boise, Bogus Basin offers the most accessible skiing in all of Idaho.

Whether you’re spending a full day on the slopes or hitting a few runs before heading back into town for dinner, Bogus has all of the convenience and none of the stress. On a clear snowy day, you can stand at the top of Shafer Butte and look south towards the capitol city spread over 4,000 vertical feet below you, or north across trackless wilderness.

Eleven lifts, 2,600 acres of mixed runs, bowls, and glades, 37 km. of groomed Nordic trails, and a brand-new terrain park; Bogus has adventures aplenty. And with 175 acres open for night skiing, the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. Beginner and advanced skiers alike will find a welcoming vibe at this community mountain. The best part? Bogus Basin is a nonprofit, meaning 100% of profits go back into equipment, facilities, education, outreach, and more.

For a break from the cold, head over to the J.R. Simplot lodge for a slice of pizza and a cold beer, or stop off at the top of the Morning Star Chairlift to kick up your feet at the Pioneer Grill or the Firewater Saloon. Relax on the spacious patio or cozy up to a fire pit while you watch the alpenglow sunset. Round off the day with a few runs of night skiing with the glowing city lights spread out below you.

Locals’ Tip:

Don’t pass up bogus’s tube hill — an 800 foot downhill slide, with a leisurely ride back up the mountain on a conveyor lift.

SECLUDED BLISS: TAMARACK RESORT

After a day of adventure at Bogus Basin, head up to Tamarack Resort, just two hours north of Boise on the shores of Lake Cascade. Located outside the small town of Donnelly, Tamarack is all about secluded runs and luxurious accommodations.

You’ll feel like you have the mountain all to yourself with fewer crowds than other slopes in the area. Tamarack’s mountain is one of the tallest ski runs in the state with a vertical drop of over 2,760 feet. A vista of the lake and mountains awaits you below, surrounded by a forest of the resort’s namesake tamarack trees. Tamarack’s east-facing slope keeps the runs out of the wind for maximum snow retention.

Tamarack boasts 7 lifts and 50 runs, with diverse terrain including glades, steeps, cornices, and cruisers. Newbies of all ages can take lessons from skilled instructors in a low-pressure, fundamentals-based teaching environment. For the experienced skier, check out the full day guided backcountry experience. Experienced guides will teach you backcountry skiing skills & tactics, and you’ll explore some of the best hidden powder stashes on the mountain.

Back at the lodge, check out the spa for a lush massage before treating yourself to a meal at one of Tamarack’s high-end restaurants. Grab a cocktail in the Parisian ambiance of Fern & Feather Bar, and round out the day by treating yourself to a soak in the hot tub before bed.

Locals’ tip:

For a closer look at tamarack’s scenic views, explore the tamarack nordic trail system. Enjoy open meadows, aspen groves and towering pines.

VISTAS & VARIETY: BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Brundage averages 320″ natural snowfall a year

Round out your mountain exploration with “The Best Snow in Idaho” at Brundage Mountain Resort. Located just thirty-five minutes north of Tamarack, near McCall, ID.

From the powder-packed glades of Hidden Valley, to luxuriously wide groomed trails, there’s 1,920 acres of adventure for skiers of every ability level. Brundage offers unparalleled views of Payette Lake on one side and a vista stretching all the way to the sharp peaks of the Seven Devils and the Snake River on the other. With 320 inches of snow a year and a vertical drop of 1,800 feet, Brundage’s five chairlifts serve 46 named runs with countless glades and snowfields between them.

New skiers and snowboarders should check out the Beartopia Family Fun Zone. You’ll ride the Easy Rider converter and Easy Street Triple chair 100% free. This is the perfect chance for less confident skiers and boarders to try out the sport with no hassle and no expense.

Veteran skiers can explore lift-accessed backcountry terrain full of untouched powder, or check out Brundage’s two terrain parks. Meet back up with the family after a few hours on the slopes for a juicy burger and a specialty cocktail at Smokey’s Bar & Grill in the main lodge. Drop your skis and boards at Fall Line Tune Shop for overnight waxing service, and get ready to hit the slopes again in the morning.

Locals’ tip:

Check out Brundage’s guided snowcat trip on 18,000 acres of backcountry terrain. Their experienced guides will lead you on an adventure that stretches over three separate peaks.

Whether you’re exploring Boise’s backyard at Bogus, the secluded glades of Tamarack, or the bustling family fun of Brundage, Southwest Idaho’s ski spots can’t be beat. Leave the smog behind and escape to the crisp mountain air. You deserve it.

Can’t get enough winter adventure? This is just the beginning. Check out our snow guide for info on snowmobiling, hot springs, winter festivals, and more. Need hotel recommendations? Check out our hotel guide for a breakdown on great stays in Southwest Idaho.