Welcome Outdoor Enthusiasts!
Strap on the skis or snowshoes and enjoy the snow at any of Idaho’s 18 Park N’ Ski areas. Put a fresh coating of wax on the skis or grab the snowshoes and head out into Idaho’s majestic, snowy mountains for a recreational tour or an invigorating workout.
The Park N’ Ski area program in Idaho continues to grow statewide with an addition of five new areas surrounding Priest Lake. The program now offers 180 miles or 290 kilometers of marked trails for everyone to enjoy.
Park N' Ski Locations in Idaho--click on an area to find out more.
Northern Idaho
Central Idaho
Eastern Idaho
Southern Idaho
Park N’ Ski Permits
The annual and three day parking permits are a cornerstone of the Nordic program. Revenues from the sale of permits go toward trail improvements, plowing parking lots and grooming trails. When skiers and snowshoers purchase a permit, they have a choice of which park the fee will be designated to. This gives the permit purchaser an opportunity to support and help make improvements to the area of their choice.
Now you can purchase your Annual or Temporary permits on-line. You can purchase an Annual Permit for $25, and the windshield sticker will come to you in the mail. Or the purchase of a 1-3 day Temporary Permit is $7.50 and allows you to print out your Permit/Receipt which is then placed on the dashboard of your vehicle.
PURCHASE PERMIT On-Line
Permits can also be purchased from the vendors on this list. It's always a good idea to call the vendor to make sure they have permits on hand.
Annual permit vendor locations
Temporary permit vendor locations
Remember that your annual permit is good at Park N' Ski areas in Oregon and Washington as well, due to a reciprocity agreement with those states. You must purchase and then display your Park N' Ski permit in the proper location on your vehicle to avoid citations or fines.
Trail Grooming
Trail grooming and frequency of grooming will vary. Areas differ widely in terms of the trail systems offered. Some of them feature a 10-foot skating lane with set track for traditional kick and glide skiers, others have set track and no skating lanes and others have no grooming at all. As a general rule, the first priority is to use Park N’ Ski funds toward trail improvements, to plow parking areas and then to groom trails. Be advised that grooming levels will vary depending on funding and weather.
Other valuable information:
Cross Country Ski guide
Important Contacts
Leo Hennessy, IDPR Non-Motorized Trails Program Manager
leo.hennessy@idpr.idaho.gov
(208)514-2419
National weather report: www.wrh.noaa.gov
Idaho road report: www.511.idaho.gov or dial 511
Idaho State police: http://www.isp.idaho.gov/or (208)844-7000
Kathryn Hampton, IDPR Volunteer Services Coordinator
kathryn.hampton@idpr.idaho.gov
(208) 514-2493.