With a Park N' Ski Pass

The $25 annual Park N' Ski Pass allows you to park and ski at the 11 back country sites listed below. A 3-day pass is also available for $7.50.

Park N' Ski Permit Info

Park N' Ski permits have financed much of the cross-country skiing development in Idaho during the past several years. Purchasing a pass provides a funding source for ski clubs and agencies interested in maintaining and developing cross-country skiing facilities.

When you purchase a $25 (plus tax) annual permit, or a 3-day temporary permit for $7.50 (plus tax), the money is dedicated by law to be used exclusively for improving cross-country skiing opportunities. As such, the program has been widely supported by Nordic skiers statewide. When skiers purchase a permit, they are asked to designate a specific Park N' Ski area they would like to see improved. This gives skiers greater control over how and where the funds are spent. Here's where to purchase your permit, which is also recognized in Washington and Oregon snow parks.

Click here to download a list of Idaho Park N Ski permit vendor locations.

You must display your Park N' Ski annual decal on the front driver's side of your vehicle window (or your temporary hang tag on the interior rear view mirror) to park in the designated Park N' Ski areas to avoid citations or fines.

Services offered by skiers vary from year to year depending on volunteer support, donations and revenue generated through the sale of Park N' Ski permits. Poor snow years often translate into low income, thus reduced services.

The Park N' Ski areas listed are cooperative projects between ski clubs, local and federal agencies, and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Many of these trails would not exist without the efforts of volunteers. If there is a ski area you would like developed, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0065, (208) 514-2419 Idaho City Area.

Snow Phone

Call 208-514-2423 to hear the latest Snow Grooming Report for the Idaho City Park N’ Ski areas


Map

Current Snow Depths Just click, then scroll down to find information on the site where you plan to ski.

Banner Ridge

The 22 miles of marked trails at Banner Ridge are located on State Highway 21, 23.5 miles north of Idaho City. While various trails are suitable for intermediate to expert skiers, the area's greatest attraction is the view from the ridge top and open bowls for off-trail skiing. A plowed parking area and restrooms are available, and the trails are groomed weekly to 10 feet wide for traditional and skate skiing. Two, fully stocked, 20-foot diameter yurts are available for rent through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Gold Fork

Generally, the 21.4 miles of trails at Gold Fork are a little easier than those at Banner Ridge. A practiced beginner would be comfortable with much of this trail system. However, steep downhill runs will challenge the experts. Gold Fork is located on State Highway 21, 20 miles north of Idaho City. There is a plowed parking area and a restroom, and the trails are groomed weekly to 10 feet wide for traditional and skate skiing. Two, fully stocked, 20-foot diameter yurts are available for rent through the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Whoop-Um-Up

Whoop-Um-Up is located 18 miles north of Idaho City on State Highway 21. Some sections of this 6.6-mile trail are complex, particularly the downhill sections of the creek trail, which are relatively challenging and require advanced skiing skills. Other areas are suitable for beginner to intermediate skiers. This area is also popular with snowshoers. A restroom and plowed parking area is shared with snowmobilers. The trails are marked but not groomed. A fully-stocked yurt is available for rent at Whoop-Um-Up. Dogs are allowed on the ungroomed trails and in nearby yurt.

Island Park Area

Current Snow Depths Just click, then scroll down to find information on the site where you plan to ski.

Three Park N' Ski areas are located in Island Park. If you are planning to ski them, consider staying overnight at Harriman State Park in the dormitory or the Ranch Manager's House.

Fall River Ridge

The Fall River Ridge Park N' Ski area is located 10 miles east of Ashton on the Cave Falls Road. The various loops are suitable for beginner and intermediate use. The terrain consists of rolling hills dotted with meadows, and stands of lodge pole pine and aspen trees. A small plowed parking area is provided and is shared by snowmobilers and skiers. They also share one mile of trail. Nearly seven miles of trails make up this area, which is groomed periodically when funding and weather conditions permit.

Bear Gulch/Mesa Falls

This ski area is located seven miles northeast of Ashton on Mesa Falls Forest Highway 47. The trail parallels the snowmobile trail out to the spectacular Lower and Upper Mesa Falls. The trail then branches away from the snowmobile trail and travels along the canyon rim, then returns to the trailhead. This trail is recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers because of the steep climb in the first mile. The trail is nearly nine miles long and is groomed periodically when funding and weather conditions permit.

Brimstone/Buffalo River

The Brimstone trail is located one-quarter mile north of the Island Park Ranger Station on Highway 20 near Ponds Lodge Resort. The terrain varies from gentle grades to downhill runs through tree groves. The nine miles of trail offer scenic views of the Island Park Reservoir, Box Canyon, and Buffalo River. The trail provides opportunities for all levels of skiing ability. The Buffalo River trail is 2.6 miles long, starting at the Island Park Ranger Station and winding along the Buffalo River through forests of lodge pole pine. The trail's gentle grade provides an excellent opportunity for beginners to polish their skills. Both trails are groomed periodically when funding and weather conditions permit.

Other Park N' Ski Areas

Current Snow Depths Just click, then scroll down to find information on the site where you plan to ski.

Fish Creek Meadows

This ski area is located 9 miles south of Grangeville on Forest Service Road 221. The trail is designed for beginner and intermediate skiers, traversing heavily timbered areas and open meadows. Many good play areas are available for the adventurous skier. The views of Gospel Hump Wilderness Area and Seven Devils Mountains are exceptional, and there is a warming hut. Nearly 12 miles are marked.

Elk River

This area offers good skiing for beginning and intermediate skiers on 24 miles of groomed trails. It is located 20 miles east of Bovill on Highway 8 adjacent to the community of Elk River. Most of the trail passes through dense forest and an occasional meadow. A popular stop on the trail is scenic Elk Creek Falls.

Palouse Divide

Most of the 18 miles of trail are rated for beginners, but a few require intermediate skills. Located on State Scenic Highway 6, it is 23 miles east of Potlatch. There are two plowed parking lots, one along Highway 6 and one at the North/South Ski Bowl Alpine Ski. Of the 18 miles of trail, nearly 12 miles are periodically groomed when weather conditions permit.

Fourth of July Pass

The trailhead is located 18 miles east of Coeur d'Alene. The system consists of three loop trails that wind through beautiful cedar and other coniferous trees, and the Coeur d'Alene mountains can be seen in the distance. Except for some short, steep sections recommended only for intermediate to advanced skiers, these trails are suitable for beginners. A vault toilet is available at the large plowed parking lot, and there is a warming hut along the trail. The 12 miles of trail are groomed when funding and weather conditions permit.

Mink Creek

This area is located 15 miles south of Pocatello on Bannock Highway. The area consists of seven plowed parking areas and five cross- country ski trails suitable for the practiced beginner and intermediate skier. Expansive areas for off-trail skiing are available because only the draws are heavily timbered. There are 15 miles of marked trail, 5 of which are periodically groomed when funding and weather conditions permit.

Safety Tips

• Bring the equipment noted on the checklist.
• Wear wool or polypropylene clothing to keep you warm, dry and comfortable.
• Avoid danger by skiing in areas you are capable of skiing safely.
• Do not ski alone. Plan your trip according to the weakest skier's ability.
• Stay tuned to local weather forecasts.
• Avoid avalanche areas.
• Tell someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return.

Recommended Equipment List

• Map and compass
• Water
• Waterproof matches
• Candle/fire starter
• High-energy food
• Small flashlight with extra bulb/batteries
• Whistle
• Knife
• First aid kit
• Lightweight plastic tarp
• Nylon cord
• Wax kit (if using waxable skis)
• Gloves, hat, gaiters, and extra clothing
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Camera and film
• Safety tips

Please remember you are responsible for injury to yourself or other persons and for damage to property that results from the inherent risks of your sport, including but not limited to variations in weather, terrain, surface or subsurface snow or ice conditions, avalanches, poor visibility, bare spots, rocks, trees, other forms of forest growth or debris, and wildlife.

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