Idaho Ski Lodging: Find the Perfect Place

Wherever you go skiing in Idaho, you are going to need somewhere to rest your head and store your gear when the slopes close. Your choices for Idaho ski lodging are going to fall into two primary categories. You can choose to stay at the resort, or you can stay offsite. Both options have their pros and cons. When staying onsite, you’re guaranteeing yourself the full resort experience. Most of Idaho’s resorts have amazing properties available near the base; some are even ski-in/out. You will, however, pay a premium for the experience and convenience. Staying offsite is almost the opposite. Options for offsite hotels range from standard chain hotels to local niche sites. In most cases, these are less expensive than onsite, but you have to account for transportation back to the resort.

Onsite Idaho Ski Lodging

Schweitzer offers onsite lodging at the Selkirk Lodge, the White Pine, or separate cabins and condominiums. The lodges run at about $100 per person per night during ski season, although the sooner you book, the better deal you’re going to get. For larger parties, condominiums are usually a better option. For example, the Chapel Point cabin sleeps eight, and during regular season runs $537 per night. For eight people, that runs to less than $70 per night per person. Figure in the value of other amenities, such as a full kitchen, in-cabin laundry, and a 2-car garage, this option becomes less expensive than a budget motel.

Pricing for Idaho ski lodging is similar at the other resorts. Grand Targhee offers slope-side lodging, townhomes, and full vacation cabins. Silver Mountain is centered on the Morning Star Lodge, which has hotel style rooms as well as condominiums. Sun Valley has a 105-room inn that is located near the slopes that features suites and family, apartment-style rooms as well as traditional hotel rooms. There are also cottages, and standard and deluxe condominiums. Tamarack has all of these plus custom chalet homes that can accommodate up to 16 people. No matter which resort you choose, you will have plenty of onsite options.

Offsite Idaho Ski Lodging

Most ski areas and resorts are located within fifteen to twenty minutes of local towns or cities. For example, Silver Mountain is located in Kellog, where there are five local inns, whose prices during ski season range from $40 to $100 per night. Whatever ski area you are traveling to, make sure to check with the local hotels to see if they are offering a “ski and stay” package. Often, you can get a room with a lift ticket for a steeply discounted price. If you’re traveling with friends or family, you can also get additional lift tickets for cheaper than at the ski slopes. Be sure to book early because ski area hotels can be filled very quickly, especially on holidays and weekends.

Less Traditional Lodging

If you’re going out to ski, you can make your vacation more memorable by looking for Idaho ski lodging a little off the beaten path. For instance, Bogus Basin offers an alpine yurt that you can ski to. This is a 27-foot diameter round tent that sits on a wooden deck. You have to bring your own food, water, sleeping bags and light sources, but the ski area provides propane for the cooking stove. The yurt is wood-heated and is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience that is a step above camping in a tent. There are bunks, and each yurt sleeps 12. The cost is only $125 per night. Other non-traditional places to stay are bed-and-breakfast inns such as the Albion Bed and Breakfast outside of Pomerelle Mountain. This gem is located in a former teaching school and the rooms reflect the eclectic taste of the owners. The rooms average $99 per night, but most sleep between two and five people.