11 Things To Do In Idaho This Winter!
Start planning your Idaho winter vacation with these fun winter activities, from hot springs to snowmobiling to dog sledding and more. Whether you like to spend these months skiing, skating, or taking the kids to warm indoor locations to burn off some energy, we’ve got you covered! So, put on your coat and boots or sweats and slippers and check back often to see all that you can do in Idaho this winter!
11 Best Idaho Winter Activities
#1) Visit One Of The States Many Hot Springs
With more soakable hot springs than any other state, Idaho offers a unique way to keep warm during the winter. There are plenty of springs accessible right off the highway, but if you’re feeling adventurous, strap on a pair of snowshoes and hit the trail.
Just north of Lowman in the Boise National Forest, the all-natural Bonneville Hot Springs stays open through winter, even after the snow has closed the road to the campground. Best reached with snowshoes, the springs are approximately one mile from the road — enough to deter the crowds that typically visit here in summer.
#2) Check Out All The Christmas Lights Around The Treasure Valley
We’ve rounded up the Top Christmas Light Displays throughout the Treasure Valley in a recent blog post! Everything from cozying up in the car and listening to some holiday tunes to walking around the Boise Botanical Gardens enjoying Winter Garden aGlow!
#3) Ride A Horse Drawn Sleigh
Located about an hour away from Boise in Garden Valley, Idaho Sleigh Rides runs draft horse-pulled sleigh rides through the winter wonderland of Garden Valley. You can even add on a delicious slow-cooked Dutch Oven meal back at the lodge.
The horses that will be whisking you away through the winter wonderland are Spotted Draft horses. The Allred family is one of the very few breeders of the Spotted Draft horses in the state of Idaho.
#4) Spend The Day Ice Fishing On One Of Idaho’s Many Lakes
Ice fishing lets you catch fish throughout winter, and it’s a unique and fun way to go fishing with your family and friends. All you need is fishing gear, a few pieces of special equipment and a basic understanding of ice safety.
The fishing part is always fun, but you can add more fun with the tailgating part. Bring a camping stove or grill, some food, your favorite beverages (hot or cold), lawn chairs, heater, etc. The only challenge is getting it out on the ice, and an inexpensive kids’ plastic toboggan can haul a surprising amount of gear. If you have a snowmobile or ATV, there are trailers and sleds that are great for hauling cargo.
#5) Get Rowdy At The McCall Winter Carnival
The year is 1924. It’s the roaring 20’s and the first EVER Winter Olympics. From January 25th through February 5th in the sleepy village of Chamonix, over 258 athletes descend upon the town to compete. Around the same time thousands of miles west of Chamonix, a train from Boise whisked 248 visitors up to McCall for their own version of the Olympics – The Payette Lake Winter Games. The sports carnival existed for several years until it became an ice-breakup contest and ended in 1941. As years went by, visitors fondly remembered the events, and in 1965, the McCall Winter Carnival was born.
With a deep connection to the 1st winter Olympics, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the opening ceremonies are a must-see. Kicking things off is the Children’s torchlight parade where kids in some-of-the-most festive Mardi Gras gear strut their stuff with McCall’s firemen through the center of downtown. That’s followed right after by a fireworks extravaganza over the frozen waters of Payette Lake at Depot Park.
#6) Spend A Day At The Village in Meridian
The sights and sounds of the holidays are beginning again at The Village at Meridian! The halls are decked with beautiful Christmas décor with the most magical 50-foot holiday tree in Fountain Square. Whether you’re shopping for loved ones on your holiday list, grabbing a bite to eat with friends, or taking a break from it all by enjoying a festive ice skating session, the Village at Meridian has it all. Santa has arrived and will be available for visits and photos in Fountain Square now through December 24th. Reservations are going quickly and can be made online.
#7) Catch An Idaho Steelheads Hockey Game
Enjoy an action packed night with family and friends at an Idaho Steelheads hockey game. Our Idaho Steelheads hockey team is part of the ECHL. Come watch the team battle it out on the ice at the Idaho Central Arena; adjacent to The Grove Hotel. Tickets sell quick, so make sure you grab yours in advance.
#8) Sledding at Eagle Island State Park
Gateway Parks can be found within Eagle Island State Park. This unique winter park boasts fun, affordable recreation that people of all ages can partake in. Most parks like this one are only open on weekends or holidays, but not this one. Gateway Parks in Idaho is open for tubing every single day. As long as there is snow on the ground, there is fun to be had! You won't be able to help but scream with glee as you whizz down the hill on your inner tube. Once you get to the bottom, all you have to do is hop onto the magic carpet to ride back up to the top.
#9) Apres Ski - Sun Valley!
Sun Valley, Idaho, stands as a world-renowned ski resort, celebrated for its rich history and stunning landscapes. Established in 1936, it holds the distinction of being home to the world's first operational ski lift, revolutionizing the winter sports industry. Nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Smoky Mountain Range, Sun Valley captivates visitors with its magical views and pristine slopes. This iconic destination seamlessly blends tradition with modern luxury, offering an unforgettable experience for winter enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation.
#10) Grab Some Goodies At The Winter Holiday Market
Shop local, eat local, and experience Idaho at the Capital City Public Market! The Capital City Public Market is Idaho's Largest Outdoor Farmers Market! Located in the Heart of Downtown Boise on the Grove Plaza (street parking is free for 20 minutes; garage parking is free for 1 hour).
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, Dec 2, 2022 10am - 2pm
Saturday, Dec 9, 2022 10am - 2pm
Saturday, Dec 16, 2022 10am - 2pm
#11) Catch A Movie at The Flicks or Egyptian Theatre
The Flicks is the cutest local theater downtown that features four screens playing a variety of indie movies and new releases. There’s also an in-house cafe that offers beer and wine options. The Egyptian Theatre is another fun local theater located downtown. They play a selection of popular Christmas movies around the holidays! The Egyptian also hosts concerts and comedy shows.
