Idaho is not just a winter wonderland; it also offers a plethora of summer adventures across its 18 ski destinations. When the snow melts, 10 of these locations transform into hubs of outdoor activities. From adrenaline-pumping mountain biking and ziplining to leisurely pursuits like disc golf and horseback riding, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re seeking thrills or family-friendly fun, Idaho’s ski areas have you covered. So pack your sunglasses and sunscreen, and prepare for an unforgettable mountain-high adventure this summer!
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area | Boise
Outdoor Adventures:
- Biking & Hiking: Explore over 20 miles of cross-country and downhill trails, plus access to the 190-mile Ridge to Rivers trail system.
- Thrills: Experience Idaho’s only mountain coaster, the Glade Runner, stretching 4,330 feet.
Family Fun:
- Activities: Enjoy scenic chairlift rides, summer tubing, a bungee trampoline, a climbing wall, gem mining, and a nine-hole disc golf course.
Dining:
- Food & Drink: Savor BBQ at Double R Ranch Smokehouse or grab tacos and cocktails at The Burrito Shack.
Brundage Mountain Resort | McCall
Biking & Hiking:
Explore 30 miles of cross-country and lift-served downhill trails.
Family Fun:
Enjoy scenic chairlift rides and a nine-hole disc golf course.
Dining:
Savor elevated pub food at Smoky’s Bar & Grill, featuring a full bar and an expansive deck with base area views.
Grand Targhee Ski Resort | near Driggs
Biking & Hiking:
Explore over 70 miles of multi-use trails with 2,200 vertical feet and 17 miles of downhill trails. Enjoy guided hikes for an immersive experience.
Family Friendly:
Activities include scenic chairlift rides, a bungee trampoline, climbing wall, 18-hole disc golf course, gem and fossil mining, kids summer camp, a nature center, outdoor swimming pool, yoga, and the Agents of Discovery geo-location mobile game.
Food & Drink:
Options include Snorkel’s Café for breakfast and lunch, The Branding Iron for upscale casual dining, and the General Store for grab-and-go deli selections.
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort | Ririe
Biking & Hiking:
Enjoy 19 miles of trails, a pump track, and a jump park.
Thrills:
Experience the excitement of ziplining.
Family Friendly:
Attend the free summer concert series for entertainment.
Food & Drink:
Join the community for Food Truck Fridays.
Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area | Mullan
Biking & Hiking:
Explore 5 top-to-bottom trails and the scenic Route of the Hiawatha rail-to-trail.
Family Friendly:
Enjoy scenic chairlift rides, a 9-hole disc golf course, and huckleberry picking from August to September.
Food & Drink:
Dine at the international food court offering cafeteria-style grill and deli options, or enjoy classic pub fare and draft beer at The Loft.
Schweitzer | Sandpoint
Biking & Hiking:
Discover 40+ mountain bike trails with 1,700 vertical feet and access to Little Sand Creek Basin’s 4,000 vertical feet of singletrack. Enjoy hosted e-bike tours.
Thrills:
Experience the excitement of dual side-by-side ziplining.
Family Friendly:
Scenic chairlift rides, a 9-hole disc golf course, horseback riding, rock climbing, bungee trampoline, sluice box, huckleberry picking, adventure camp for ages 6-10, kids crafts, geocaching, and lawn games.
Food & Drink:
Chimney Rock Grill offers casual dining with a full bar, while Cabinet Mountain Coffee provides grab-and-go snacks.
Silver Mountain Resort | Kellogg
Biking & Hiking
Enjoy 39 lift-served trails spanning 3,400 vertical feet.
Family Friendly
Take scenic rides on North America’s longest gondola, splash around at Silver Rapids indoor water park, or play a round at Galena Ridge nine-hole golf course.
Food & Drink
Grab coffee or breakfast at Mountain Café & Catering and enjoy mountain biking dinner tours, or opt for cafeteria-style dining at Mountain House Grill.
Bald Mountain | Sun Valley Resort
Biking & Hiking
Explore nearly 400 miles of singletrack trails across 3,100+ vertical feet.
Family Friendly
Enjoy activities such as horseback riding, ice skating shows, tennis, pickleball, swimming pools, outdoor concerts, Kids Adventure Camp, fly-fishing, and three golf courses. Relax at the spa.
Food & Drink
Indulge at Konditorei (coffee, pastries, fast-casual dining), Village Station (pub fare), The Ram (elegant dining), Sun Valley Club (lunch favorites), Gretchen’s (lunch and dinner classics), and The Roundhouse (sandwiches, salads, lighter fare).
Tamarack Resort | near Donnelly
Biking & Hiking
20 lift-served trails span 1,700 vertical feet, complemented by a pump track, jump park, and guided hikes.
Thrills
Experience zipline canopy tours over 3,500 feet of terrain and guided whitewater rafting trips.
Family Friendly
Enjoy scenic chairlift rides, various watersports on Lake Cascade, two disc golf courses, a regulation axe-throwing arena, pickleball, mountain yoga, and a spa.
Food & Drink
Dine at The Rendezvous (indoor food hall), The Reserve (upscale casual), Village Market (grab & go), and Clearwater Coffee Co. (coffee & pastries).
