Explore Peak Thrills in Southern Idaho
Hit the slopes and even more in the Southern Idaho region.
Sponsored by: Southern Idaho Tourism
The majestic South Idaho mountains beckon with endless options for skiing, biking, hiking, snowshoeing and more.
In This Article
Shred the Mountain
With 11 trails for all skill levels on 120 acres in the Sawtooth National Forest, Magic Mountain Ski Resort just south of Kimberly features some of the best slopes in the state to ski, sled or snowboard – or ride a lift to the top and watch. Have fun with the whole family while rushing down one of several runs on the tubing hill.
Near Albion, Pomerelle Mountain Resort is one of the highest-elevation ski resorts in the region with an annual snowfall of 500 inches, a renowned beginner instruction program and exciting trails with names like Stampede, Saddle and Six Shooter. For cozy overnight accommodations in beautiful Albion Valley, check out Albion Bed & Breakfast or Marsh Creek Inn.
Twenty minutes from Fairfield, Soldier Mountain Ski Area is a wonderful place to learn more,
no matter your level of experience. Join a guided backcountry snowcat excursion or sign up for lessons at Soldier Mountain Snow Sports School. Afterward, warm up with a meal in the lodge before hunkering down in the Smokey Dome, a yurt that sleeps 12.
Take it Cross-Country
There is perhaps no better way to appreciate the quiet beauty and snowy wonders of Southern Idaho than on snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Try one of the groomed trails at Magic Mountain Ski Resort, which also hosts cosmic tubing at certain times of the year as strobe lights pulse in the dark. (Check the website; tickets sell out quickly.)
Discover the serenity of City of Rocks State Park and see the wildlife on its 22 miles of cross-country trails. For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, ski across a volcano – don’t worry, it’s dormant – at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve through February. Got a need for speed? Hop on a snowmobile and explore the
easy-to-access Howell Canyon south of Burley or the outstanding Diamondfield Jack Campground area south of Twin Falls.
Reach New Heights
Mountain enthusiasts can experience high-elevation fun in all seasons, with plenty of choices for biking, hiking, camping, ATV outings, horseback riding, picnicking and drinking in the sensational views.
In the forests and rolling grasslands of the Cassia Mountain Range – the locals call it the “South Hills” – walkers can take a half-mile easy route to Ross Falls or marvel at the picture-perfect sunset views of Rock Creek Canyon on the moderately challenging Rim View Trail. Near alpine wildflower meadows, Lake Cleveland is a popular summer site for non-motorized boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking and swimming, while Pettit Campground at the trailhead to the 3-mile Eagle Loop puts on a colorful display of blooms.
The South Hills Trail features 25 miles of woodland hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding; Independence Lakes Trail in the Albion Mountains is a great birding destination; and most of the trails near Auger Falls are gentle enough for kids just starting out.
Cycle the trails at Couch Summit or ride the lift at Soldier Mountain to take advantage of the new advanced skills park. In warm-weather months, Soldier Mountain offers special events like archery, disc golf and live music; visit Pomerelle for limited lift-served mountain biking, hiking and wedding rentals.
