Idaho has a long snow season and high elevations, which translate into hundreds of miles of Nordic activities including: skate skiing, traditional skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities. In addition to 300 miles of groomed ski trails you will find a few hundred more miles of marked trails that provide solitude and untouched powder. The following parks offer overnight accommodations during the winter months:
- Castle Rocks State Park
- Farragut State Park
- Harriman State Park (premium)
- Lake Cascade State Park
- Ponderosa State Park (premium)
- Priest Lake State Park
- Winchester State Park
Winter Updates
Avalanche Warnings, Road Conditions, & Weather Reports
- Avalanche Warnings
- Snow Conditions
- Road Conditions
- 10 Day Forecast
- For more information, visit our Winter Safety & Education page
Park ‘N Ski Information:
Strap on the skis or snowshoes and enjoy the snow at any of 15 Park N’ Ski areas across Idaho. Over 180 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails are marked in some of the most scenic areas in Idaho.
Revenues from the sale of permits go toward plowing parking lots and improving Nordic ski and snowshoe opportunities. Upon purchasing, skiers and snowshoers can designate which Park N’ Ski area they would like to have receive their fee. This gives permit purchasers an opportunity to help make improvements to an area of their choice.
Additionally, annual permits are good at Park N’ Ski areas in Oregon due to a reciprocity agreement. You must purchase and display your permit in the proper location on your vehicle in order to avoid citations.
The Park N’ Ski program is managed primarily by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, with cooperation and support from U.S. Forest Service, the Idaho Department of Lands, the Idaho Department of Transportation, and many local recreation user groups who provide volunteer trail-enhancement work to make it all possible.
Park N’ Ski passes are available for purchase from late September through mid April.
Grooming Information:
Park N’ Ski Locations
There are 15 Park N’ Ski locations throughout Idaho. Park N’ Ski permits are required November 15 – April 30.
North Idaho:
- Hanna Flats – 33 miles North of Priest River off State Highway 57
- Priest Lake Golf Course – 28 miles North of Priest River, west side Priest Lake off Highway 57
- Priest Lake State Park’s Park N Ski Unit: 11 miles North of Coolin, east side of Priest Lake
- Chipmunk Rapids: 22 miles North of Priest River, off Highway 57
- 4th of July Pass: From Coeur d’Alene, travel east on Highway I-90, approx. 23 miles take exit 28
Central Idaho:
- Fish Creek Meadows: From Grangeville, travel South of Forest Service Road 221, approx. 8 miles
- Palouse Divide: From Moscow, travel North on Highway 95, approx. 16 miles, then travel East on Highway 6, approx. 23 miles
East Idaho:
- Brimstone/Buffalo River: From Ashton, travel North on Highway 20, approx. 26 miles
- Bear Gulch/Mesa Falls: From Ashton, travel East on Mesa Falls Forest Highway 47, approx. 12 miles
- Fall River Ridge: From Ashton, travel East on Mesa Falls Forest Highway 47 about 6 miles, then right onto Cave Falls Road about 6 miles
- Mink Creek: From Highway 15 at Pocatello, take Exit 63, travel South on Portneuf Road about 2 miles then South on Bannock Highway, approx. 10 miles
South Idaho:
- Beaver Creek Summit: 25 miles North of Idaho city, off Highway 21
- Banner Ridge: 23 miles North of Idaho City, off Highway 21
- Gold Fork: 20 miles North of Idaho City, off Highway 21
- Whoop-Um-Up: 18 miles North of Idaho City, off Highway 21
**Click here to read the Winter Park N’ Ski Rules for the Idaho City area (all South Idaho locations)