As we’ve officially entered the winter season, it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing regular snow here in the valley. While we may not get as much as some of the higher elevations, there’s still plenty of winter recreation to be had near the Treasure Valley, allowing you to overcome cabin fever in the cold winter months.
Snow Play
The Treasure Valley is close to a few ski resorts. Bogus Basin is about an hour from downtown and offers a variety of slopes for all ability levels. It also delivers fun in the form of snowboarding and mountain tubing. There’s also a mountain coaster that zips riders through the trees.
To the north near McCall, Tamarack Resort and Brundage Mountain also offer skiing and snowboarding opportunities for enthusiasts of all levels. Brundage also offers SnowCat tours and snowmobile rentals.
All of the mountains also have Nordic skiing opportunities as well as snowshoeing.
Idaho Hot Springs
Another year-round activity that is especially popular during the cold winter months is visiting one of Idaho’s hot springs. The Gem State is home to several hot springs, with some being more well-known than others. Idaho’s unique geological location offers many geothermal pools to enjoy. Here is a website with links to many of the state’s hot springs. The Idaho Visitor’s Bureau website also has a good article about area hot springs that are must-see.
Fishing
Fishing is another year-round activity that is popular during the winter. In addition to fishing the rivers, some lakes and ponds also have ice fishing.
Snowmobiling and Camping
The backcountry is a playground for those looking to winter camp or ride snowmobiles. With miles of wide-open spaces, the Idaho wilderness is a joy to explore. There are some designated snowmobile camps with marked trails available in certain parts of the state. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is a good starting point for locating snowmobiling parks and trails and winter camping areas.
Photo Credit: iStock.com/Bicho_raroI