Idaho ski resorts easily rank among the best in North America. The reputation of Idaho as a major winter destination for skiing and snowboarding, and a myriad of winter adventures, has been gaining impressive momentum for well over three decades. The Idaho Department of Tourism, located in this state’s beautiful Capitol city of Boise, has made a major commitment to Idaho’s ski resort industry and other winter sport opportunities in the state. To insure Tourism in general remains a top priority for the gem state, there is a special advisory board appointed by the Governor of Idaho that serves under the Economic Development Division specializing in tourism related projects. This advisory group is serious about promoting the world-class winter recreation one can easily discover in the Gem State.
Idaho Ski Resorts are some of the Finest in the Country
The Idaho Travel Council is made up of a group of seven citizens, one from each geographical region in the state, whose responsibility is it to protect the interest of all Idaho snowboarding and ski resorts. This commitment by the state is particularly meaningful to the Idaho resorts that are still considered “day areas.” These smaller ski and snowboard areas are often family owned and possess a charm that the bigger ski resorts simply can’t claim. Teton Springs Lodge & Spa in Victor has long been a champion of Idaho’s day areas, realizing full well that these charming unassuming areas are often the breeding grounds for developing future ski enthusiasts.
Teton Springs Lodge – Year Round, Full Service Destination Resort
Teton Springs Lodge & Spa, Victor, Idaho’s only year-round, full service destination resort, is in fact located only a few miles from one of Idaho’s first ski areas. Pine Creek Basin was once a proud one-lift operation at the base of Pine Creek Pass, which weaves up Idaho’s Highway 31. Highway 31 is one of Idaho’s loveliest scenic byways, and if you continue on past Pine Creek Basin, you’ll find yourself in the lovely hamlet of Swan Valley, Idaho.
Historians claim that its heyday, Pine Creek Basin’s one ski lift was powered by an old Ford farm truck and lovingly maintained by Teton and Swan Valley residents. And while the actual ski area no longer exists, a rustic Lodge that once served neighboring families enjoying their day playing in the snow, still sits proudly at the base of the mountain. The Lodge is easily accessible from the highway and is still utilized today for special events, family reunions and weddings.
Kelly’s Canyon, a Close and Fun Place for the Family
One of eastern Idaho’s day ski areas demonstrating incredible staying power is Kelly Canyon, which opened its slopes to the public in 1957. Referred to simply as “Kelly,” this charming area is located approximately 30 minutes from Idaho Falls and less than an hour’s drive from Teton Springs. Guests staying at Teton Springs Resort will travel thru Swan Valley and visit Kelly Canyon for a day on the slopes at this area that truly caters to the skiing and snowboarding family. Kelly has a rich reputation for catering to all ages, and in particular, teaching young children how to maneuver on the mountain trails which are geared to the beginner and intermediate skier. Their beautiful trails are illuminated at night giving working families an opportunity to sample the slopes in the evening. Affordability is the key to this area’s years of successful operation and each and every season the owners add mountain features and services at the base to better serve their guests, which are also their neighbors. It’s a walk back in time and definitely worth a look. Then back to Teton Springs Resort for a scrumptious meal at the Headwaters Grill and a cozy bed.
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