Central Idaho Park N' Ski Locations

Park N’ Ski Parking Permit required November 15th through April 30th

Elk River Park N’ Ski

Location: From Moscow travel E. on Hwy 8 approximately 34 miles to Bovill. At Bovill travel S. on Hwy 8 approximately 29 miles.
Location map
Trail map
Difficulty: Intermediate - Advanced
Distance: 7.3 miles/11.7 kilometers
Grooming: Yes, set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing: Yes
Yurts: No
Warming hut: No
Backcountry skiing potential: Yes
Restroom: No
Dogs: Yes, on un-groomed trails only

The Elk River Park N’ Ski area features one primary groomed loop trail, a 2.6-mile trail from the plowed parking lot along Idaho State Highway 8, just west of Elk River. There is a spur from Elk River to the groomed loop, and another spur from Elk Creek Reservoir to the loop. A cool side trip is to snowshoe or ski to
Elk Creek Falls, which is a challenging trail that may be better suited for snowshoeing than skiing, depending on ability.

Fish Creek Meadows Park N’ Ski

Location: From Grangeville travel S. on Forest Service Rd. 221 approximately 8 miles.
Location map
Trail map
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate
Distance: 12 miles/19.3 kilometers
Grooming: Yes, set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing: Yes
Yurts: No
Warming hut: Yes
Backcountry skiing potential: Yes
Restroom: Yes
Dogs: Yes, on un-groomed trails only

The Fish Creek Park N’ Ski area is a premium place to go Nordic skiing or snowshoeing close to Grangeville. The terrain is moderate, so it’s well-suited for beginners and intermediate skiers.On a clear day, you can see Seven Devils and Gospel Hump Wilderness areas from the Fish Creek Meadows. For the adventurous, some nearby backcountry Nordic touring is possible.

4th of July Pass Park N’ Ski

Location: From Coeur d’ Alene travel E. on Hwy I-90 approximately 23 miles, take Exit 28.
Location map
Trail map
Difficulty: Beginner – Intermediate, with a few expert pitches
Distance: 12 miles/19.3K of groomed trails; 7.8 miles/12.5K of snowshoe trails
Grooming: Yes, 10-foot skating lane with track set for traditional kick and glide Snowshoeing: Yes
Yurts: No
Warming hut: Yes
Backcountry skiing potential: Yes
Restroom: Yes
Dogs: No, not allowed

4th of July Pass is a great place to ski or snowshoe because it starts from a high point afforded by the 4th of July Summit. Three loop trails wind through stately cedar, fir and pine forests. The snowshoeing trails are almost as extensive as the groomed ski trails. Backcountry skiers can climb nearby mountains to carve turns.

Palouse Divide Park N’ Ski

Location: From Moscow travel N. on Hwy 95 approximately 16 miles, then travel E. on Hwy 6 approximately 23 miles.
Location Map
Trail map
Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate
Distance: 18 miles/29 kilometers
Grooming: Yes, set track for traditional kick and glide
Snowshoeing: Yes
Yurts: No
Warming hut: No
Backcountry skiing potential: Yes
Restroom: No
Dogs: Yes, on un-groomed trails only

Palouse Divide has something for everyone—lots of Nordic trails for skate skiers and traditional cross-country skiers, a snowshoeing area on the west side of Idaho Highway 6, and several opportunities for backcountry skiers to carve turns on either side of the highway. About 12 of the 18 miles are groomed periodically. The ski trails hug the mountainside and contour through a forested setting, making them suitable for most abilities. There are several steep pitches to navigate. Backcountry skiers can seek out turns on Bald Mountain Lookout or Dennis Mountain.