From Hot Springs to Ski Slopes: Check Out These 5 Idaho Winter Escapes

LOOKING FOR A FUN WINTER GETAWAY IN IDAHO? 

You’ve come to the right place! We both grew up in Idaho, and we’re raising our family here, too, so we’ve had lots of experience finding winter fun in the Gem State!

Pulling from our adventures throughout the state, we’ve compiled a countdown of our top five favorite winter getaways in Idaho. We’ll fill you in on all you need to know about the weather, where to stay, and the best things to do during your visit! 

5 Idaho Winter Vacation Spots

1. Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a gorgeous resort town, the perfect central Idaho winter getaway. Known for its exceptional skiing conditions, Bald and Dollar Mountains pull skiers and boarders from around the globe to Sun Valley like a siren song. 

Not a skier? No worries! There are a lot of other ways to enjoy this snowy paradise! Take to the trails for some epic fat biking through the powder, or crank up the adrenaline on a snowmobile! 

Those looking for a more pampered stay might enjoy a day at the spa or a horsedrawn sleigh ride. If you have the budget for it, the spa is absolutely incredible. We have gone there numerous times and always have the most amazing time.

There’s plenty of shopping and delicious food to keep the whole family happy as well. 

Average high winter temperatures here sit around 33 °F, with lows dipping to around 7 °F. December and January weather conditions are typically comparable, with February offering a noticeable spike in temperatures as spring approaches. 

The Sun Valley Resort is the coziest and classiest place to stay in this neck of the woods and a place we have stayed at many times. The rooms are spectacular, and with six restaurants and an ice skating rink on-site, you never have to leave! 

2. McCall

If you’re looking for a winter getaway in Idaho in the mountains, McCall is the place to go! Another snowy destination, you can hit the slopes at either Brundage or Tamarack resorts or visit the McCall Activity Barn for a rip-roaring session of tubing. My kids had a blast tubing here!

McCall’s crowned jewels are its hot springs. With both Burgdorf Hot Springs and GoldFork Hot Springs in the area, a hot soak will cure anything that ails you!  

But best of all is the McCall Winter Carnival! Each year, the weekend festival is designated with a specific theme, for which ice sculptures are created throughout the area.

There’s nothing quite like walking through town and checking out all of the sculptures amidst the live music, parades, fireworks, and other festivities. The Winter Carnival is a can’t-miss McCall moment. 

December is the coldest winter month in McCall, with temperatures slowly warming up throughout January and February. During a winter getaway in McCall, you can expect an average high of around 30 °F and a low of about 12 °F. 

The Evergreen Hotel is the top place to stay in McCall. The property is highly rated for cleanliness and service, but it’s the convenient and comfortable family suite that really sets them apart. 

3. Stanley

Those looking for a rugged winter getaway in Idaho will find just what they are looking for in Stanley. Though it’s a popular spot for skiing and snowshoeing, this area really shines in the backcountry, with the space and freedom for some epic snowmobiling and offroading! 

The beautiful and vast landscape here also features some amazing frozen ponds that are popular spots for playing hockey. In fact, there’s a local pond hockey tournament each February! 

Looking to hunt during your winter getaway? December and January in Stanley will offer that opportunity when the season opens for mountain lions and bobcats. After a long day of hunting in the cold, you can choose from several different hot springs nearby to restore warmth to your body! 

Stanley is one of the coldest winter getaways in Idaho. You can expect winter highs to only reach 28 °F and lows to stay around -1 °F. Make sure to pack for extra warmth when visiting Stanley! 

There aren’t a lot of hotel accommodations available in Stanley, but you can expect a quaint and comfortable stay at Mountain Village Lodge. There’s a bar and restaurant on-site to keep you well-fed, too! 

4. Island Park

Island Park is a little town in eastern Idaho, about 20 minutes outside of the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Home to the longest main street in the country, the 36.8-mile road will lead you directly to the town’s Wild West Winterfest in January. Parades, snow sculptures, and fun will ensue! 

Island Park is one of the most fascinating Idaho winter getaway destinations because of its unique landscape. Nestled in a caldera from a volcanic eruption millions of years ago, the land itself holds so much history and significance. 

The Island Park Caldera and the Henrys Fork Caldera within it are popular places for winter sports like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Island Park is also known for its stellar fishing environments. Ice fishing for rainbow trout on the reservoir or at Henry’s Lake and fly fishing on the Snake River are some of the most enjoyed things to do on a winter getaway to Island Park. 

Harriman State Park is a wonderful place to visit in this area. Also a wildlife refuge, the park spans 11,000 acres and is an amazing place to observe some stunning wildlife in their natural habitats. Elk, moose, and trumpeter swans are some of the most spotted species in this area. 

Snowshoeing and fat tire bike riding are fun things to do here too, but there’s no better way to get in touch with nature than to spend the night there. Rent a yurt, cabin, or bunkhouse in the park for a memorable Idaho camping experience. 

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider snowmobiling through Yellowstone. While winter isn’t the most popular time to visit the park, it is a great time to visit if you’re looking to see lots of wildlife down in the valley and escape the crowds. For more information about visiting Yellowstone in the winter, you can check out our best time to visit guide.

Plan for very cold conditions when packing for a winter getaway in Island Park. The average high temperature during the winter months is 28 °F, with a low of 5 °F. Conditions may be wet as well, as the winter months are fairly rainy in Island Park. 

Spring Hill Suites Island Park is a cozy place to stay while visiting Island Park. The property is beautiful, pets are welcome, and they even provide a free breakfast! 

5. Boise

Located in the southwest region of the state, Boise is the capital of Idaho and the biggest city in the state. It’s the perfect place to escape if you’re looking for a little winter getaway in Idaho’s big city. It’s a fun urban playground with a vibrant downtown area and some amazing restaurants. 

If you happen to be visiting during the holidays, you’re in for a treat! Boise goes all out when it comes to Christmas lights. You can view some spectacular displays at the Idaho Botanical Garden, at Scentsy Commons in nearby Meridian, and at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell. Strolling through Christmas lights is a wonderful way to capture the holiday spirit! 

Snow in the valley can be sparse, so if there’s some on the ground during your visit, sledding at Camel’s Back Park is a top activity. If there’s no snow in Boise, you can make the short drive to Bogus Basin to ski, snowboard, or snow tube. 

Boise has some of the warmest temperatures when considering winter getaways in Idaho. The average winter high temperature is 41 °F, with a low of 24°F. The weather offers a nice balance of winter crispness, but it’s comfortable and not unbearably cold. 

The Grove Hotel is a fun place to stay in downtown Boise. It’s an upscale hotel with clean and comfortable rooms and a great location for lots of fun city happenings. 

What is Idaho Like in the Winter?

Idaho has a true winter experience. Winter getaways in Idaho will most likely include snow and freezing temperatures, but nothing overly uncomfortable. Though you should expect snow, especially in mountain locations, you can also plan for sunny days. 

What is Winter Like in Boise, Idaho?

Winter in Boise is relatively mild. The area does get snow throughout the season, but not typically anything that sticks for more than a few days. If you’re looking for a fun city winter getaway in Idaho, Boise is a great choice. 

What is There to Do in East Idaho in the Winter?

There are so many outdoor adventures to enjoy in eastern Idaho. From skiing and snowshoeing to ice fishing and fat biking, there are plenty of gorgeous landscapes and activities to keep you busy!  

Final Thoughts: Idaho Winter Escapes

Idaho is full of beautiful and adventurous places, just waiting to be escaped to this winter. Every year, my family looks forward to our winter traditions around Boise, as well as the time we spend in the mountains skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling.

Spend time breathless on the snowy slopes, quiet on the hunting grounds, or relaxed as can be in a hot spring. This year, don’t let the cold weather weigh you down; pack your bags for all of the fun winter getaways in Idaho!