It’s wintertime baby! Some people hate it, some people love it. But if you live in Idaho, you’re going to have to deal with it, so why not make it fun?
So whether the kids are driving you bonkers, or you want to go on a fun date, this article will show you some fun outdoor activities you can do with the whole family.
Skiing
Bogus Basin
By far, the most popular activity to do during the winter is skiing. As a matter of fact, you can see a ski resort from all around the valley surrounding Boise. Bogus Basin is less than one hour away, if traffic is clear, and is one of the biggest perks of living in the Treasure Valley.
The popular ski resort got its name during the late 1800s when some crooks were claiming they found gold but were in fact, making fake gold to sell.
You can purchase a day pass, or season pass, rent gear, take lessons, and even bring the kiddies on the bunny hill. Check out their website for details on the many different pass packages they have.
Be aware that since it is so close to the biggest city in Idaho, you can expect lots of people. Be careful driving on the road up to the lodge, and take your time. If you are trying to avoid crowds, you might want to try strategies such as skiing during the weekdays if possible or try night skiing.
Other Relatively Close Ski Resorts
If you are trying to get away from the crowds, your best chance is to go somewhere a bit further away from Boise. Luckily, this great state has some options for you.
If you head North on Highway 55, you will be on your way towards Tamarack Ski Resort. It overlooks Lake Cascade, and it is about 3 hours from Boise. So make sure you get an early start if you are trying to make a day trip.
Brundage Ski Resort is just past McCall, Idaho, on Highway 55 as well, and you can see the town from the top of the mountain.
Google maps shows it at 2 hours and 49 minutes from Boise. A very doable day ski adventure if you are a go-getter. Me and my dad used to do this ski trip, and it’s a nice change from Bogus.
Sunvalley Ski Resort is a day’s drive also but in the other direction. Sun Valley is a Hollywood hangout and has a great mountain to ski.
To get there, you will need to go East on I-84, take a left at Mountain Home, and another left just past Magic Reservoir on Highway 75. Don’t stop until you see Bruce Willis or Arnold Schwarzenegger.
But for real, you will be looking for the city of Ketchum, Idaho. You should be able to find the ski resort from there. This drive is about 2 hours and 42 minutes from Boise.
Sledding
You will be able to find people sledding on the way up to Bogus Basin. But to avoid the traffic to the ski resort, you might consider Steamboat Gulch Tubing Hill.
This is near Idaho City, Idaho. You can park and tailgate and they allow campfires. It’s a great way to kill a winter Saturday. And the best part is the drive time.
Coming in at just 55 minutes from Boise, you can be on some snow, holding on for dear life.
Ice Skating
For ice skating locally, you can stay in the greater Boise area by hitting the little skating rink in the Village in Meridian, Id. It’s great for little ones.
But if you are on a date or maybe have an older family and need some more space, you will need to go to Idaho Ice World by the Idaho Outlet Malls out past the airport.
If you want to take a trip up to Sun Valley/ Ketchum area, you can try both indoor and outdoor skating. Check out their website here.
Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree
Ok, do you want to win father of the year? Take your family out to cut down your own Christmas tree. Yep, here in Idaho, you can play lumberjack and Santa at the same time.
Visit the Forest Service website for specific information and areas eligible to cut down your tree. You will need to buy a permit at Recreation.gov.
If ever in doubt, just call one of the local offices and they will guide you in the right direction. If you are new to driving in the mountains in the winter, I would highly recommend a 4-wheel drive and have some tire chains and a shovel in the back of your rig.
There you have it. 4-day activities that can be fun for the winter months. Remember, it is up to every one of us to keep this state clean and healthy. Go forth to explore and enjoy.
