Things to do in Idaho Falls During the Winter

Between the months of November through March, the city of Idaho Falls sees different heights of snowfall on the ground. With its vast outdoor spaces, this Idaho wonderland maximizes all the capabilities and fun that winter has to offer while allowing the residents and visitors to experience many idyllic winter adventures. Idaho Falls is the perfect place to witness how fun the winter can be by offering many exciting things for individuals and families to be able to do that are all nearby. So whether you have lived here forever, are recurring visitors, or are first-time tourists, you will find that there is so much to do and explore during this extended and magical winter season.

Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing

When there is so much snow on the ground, one of the best activities to do in the winter in Idaho Falls is to go cross-country skiing. Eastern Idaho has a plethora of local parks that have fun trails to explore during a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventure. Some local parks in the area include:

Harriman State Park
Tautphaus Park
Freeman Park
Teton Lakes Golf Course
7N Ranch

These locations have various difficult routes to choose from, so whether you are a beginner or a professional, you will have the time of your life sliding through these well-marked trails. If you need cross-country skiing or snowshoeing rentals, you can find them at places like Henry’s Fork Anglers in Idaho Falls or BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center in Rexburg.

Outdoor Ice Rink in Tautphaus Park

Depending on the weather in the particular year, there is a free Outdoor Ice Rink in Tautphaus Park that is open for all families to participate in. This rink is maintained by the city and located right next to the Idaho Falls Zoo, on the corner of Rollandet St. and Softball Dr. Be sure to use your best judgment in ensuring that the ice is cold enough to skate on and then take the time to practice your skills during some of the coldest months in Idaho. Bring your skates or there is the option to rent skates, at the Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena next door.

Sledding at Local Parks

One of the great aspects of the terrain in Idaho is its naturally hilly nature makes for some amazing natural sledding hills in many of the local parks. If you are looking for a free way to spend some time in the snow, check out a few of the parks that will make for some ideal sledding experiences.

Russ Freeman Park

This large and open space park in Idaho Falls is full of natural hills that are of different heights. When the snow has fallen, this park creates the perfect area for you to grab a sled or some tubes for an afternoon of fun sledding! The hill where the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is located is the more common hill for sledding at this park. Perfect for children, teens, adults, and families – anyone can have a fun time sledding at the free location for winter excitement.

Sandy Downs Arena

There are two entrances to the Sandy Downs Dune Area, and the smaller entrance will lead you to the Sandy Downs Arena that is East of the main entrance. This area has a few hills that are perfect for sledding in the wintertime with the largest sledding hill located on the left after you have passed through the entrance.

Community Park

This popular summer Community Park is also known to be a lot of fun in the winter as well. Located on E 25th Street, Community Park has a nice sledding hill that makes for fun sledding once the snow is on the ground. This sledding hill can be found by the park’s playground and near the parking lot after you have passed by the gazebo.

So, if you are looking for some fun, local, and free sledding options in the area, Idaho Falls has many parks that can make that winter dream come true for you and your family.

Skiing and Snowboarding at Kelly Canyon Resort

If you are looking for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Idaho, look no further than Kelly Canyon Resort. This intermediate ski mountain resort is the perfect place to ski or snowboard that accommodates any skill level! With harder runs and beginner hills, Kelly Canyon brings a family-friendly feel to this classic winter sport and pastime. If you were to ask the locals of Idaho Falls where the best place to ski or snowboard in the area is, they would agree that Kelly Canyon is the place to go.

This resort is an affordable opportunity to enjoy some of your favorite hobbies as well as be able to learn or progress your skills with the private or group lessons they offer during the winter season. With its new lift, gear rentals, food options, and season passes, Kelly Canyon has a lot to offer anyone looking for fun things to do this winter in and around Idaho Falls.

Labelle Lake Ice Palace

One of the more unique winter experiences that Idaho Falls has to offer is that of the Labelle Lake Ice Palace. Each year, this ice palace is constructed with ice slides, stairs, ceilings, and tunnels to create a huge structure to enjoy during the winter. Not only does the ice palace offer an amazing ice structure to explore, but there are also live attractions to witness as well. Fire shows, magic tricks, music, winter character appearances, sleigh rides, food, and beverages are available at the Labelle Lake Ice Palace as well. Be sure to check online for tickets, dress warmly, and enjoy as you and your family embark on this spectacularly magical experience that is sure to be a treasured memory.

Ice Fishing

Fishing is a popular hobby during the summer months, but what about in the winter? If you are passionate about ice fishing and ready to test your skills, then the lakes around Idaho Falls will give you plenty of ice fishing opportunities to go around. The best centrally located ice fishing location near Idaho Falls is Henry’s Lake which typically has trout. Ice conditions can vary from month to month, so be sure to check local Idaho Falls fishing updates for other available fishing spots you might be interested in this winter as well. Other possible ice fishing around East Idaho includes places such as:

Ririe Reservoir: walleye, perch, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, or kokanee
Becker Pond (Ryder Park Pond): catfish or rainbow trout
Ashton Reservoir: rainbow trout, brown trout, or yellow perch
Jim Moore Pond (Roberts Gravel Pond): yellow perch, rainbow trout, tiger trout

Bring all of your fishing gear and some warm clothes and get ready for some of the best ice fishing that Idaho has to offer!

Spend Your Winter in Idaho Falls

With no shortage of activities and things to do during the winter in Idaho Falls, it is no wonder why the locals and visitors love experiencing what this area has to offer. Aside from being a great summer destination, Idaho Falls gives a whole new meaning to winter fun as it capitalizes on the one thing that it has so much of – snow! Take advantage of all the different things there are to do in Idaho Falls to truly make this Idaho winter something to remember.