Want to get away for an unforgettable winter adventure trip that the whole family will enjoy? Head to Eastern Idaho. Located on the west side of the Teton Mountain range and just across the border of West Yellowstone is a spectacular area of Eastern Idaho dotted with endless forests, rivers, mountains, and wildlife. If you want to experience the magic of winter in a beautiful landscape, without the steep prices or the crowds of popular ski towns in the Rockies, Eastern Idaho is your place.
In a lot of ways, winter in Eastern Idaho is one of the best kept secrets in the U.S. Most people venture to the Wyoming side of the Tetons to ski at Jackson Hole or visit Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, however they are missing an unspoiled, less crowded, and equally as beautiful area that lies in Eastern Idaho. That’s why it makes for the best family winter trip in Eastern Idaho.
This post is sponsored by Visit Idaho, however all content and opinions are our own.
How to Get to Eastern Idaho
If you’re flying to Eastern Idaho, it is a bit of a challenge getting there. With no international airport close by, you have two main options–either fly to Idaho Falls (which might cost you a little more) or fly to Salt Lake City, Utah which is the nearest major airport. With this option, you will then need to rent a car and drive about 3 hours north to Eastern Idaho.
Either way, you will need a car to get around Eastern Idaho. Booking.com is a great website to find affordable rental cars, as well as lodging. I recommend booking a 4X4 in the winter since Eastern Idaho is known for receiving big snow storms often and the roads can be dicey without a four wheel drive.
Where to Stay in Eastern Idaho
Making Driggs your “home base” in Eastern Idaho is a good idea if you want easy access to skiing, as well as other winter activities in the vicinity. Driggs is a charming, small town only 30 minutes from Grand Targhee Ski Resort and less than 2 hours from West Yellowstone. With views of the back side of the Teton mountain range, plus a variety of lodging options and restaurants, Driggs is the perfect place to stay for the best family winter trip in Eastern Idaho.
You might choose to stay in Island Park, which is about an hour from Driggs, if you want to be in a more rural area surrounded by forests, rivers, and wildlife. It’s a bit farther from skiing (about 1.5 hours), but you have access to many other outdoor activities here too, such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Plus, you’re closer to West Yellowstone. So depending on what you prefer to do, Island Park is a great option too.
If you have at least 4 nights in Eastern Idaho, you could also split your time between Driggs and Island Park to get the best of both worlds. Both areas offer cabin rentals, so if you want to cozy up by a fire in a log cabin, renting via VRBO or Airbnb is the way to go. However there are also many lodges and hotels to fit your budget in both of these areas too.
If you have at least a few days in Eastern Idaho, here is a guide for the best family winter trip in Eastern Idaho. This itinerary can be adjusted to your budget and interests, so there are also additional activities listed below. Or if you plan to stay longer than 4 days, you can use some of those suggestions. I recommend at least 3-4 days though because trust me, you won’t want to leave!
Day 1: Ski at Grand Targhee
You can’t come to Idaho in the winter and not go downhill skiing. Idaho might not be as well known for skiing as the neighboring states in the Rocky Mountains, but it doesn’t mean that Idaho doesn’t offer world-class skiing. If you want to experience skiing deep powder and some of the most beautiful views of the Teton mountain range, without paying an arm and a leg (compared to nearby Jackson Hole or even Sun Valley), Grand Targhee is a must for the best family winter trip in Eastern Idaho.
Grand Targhee Ski Resort is technically located in Alta, Wyoming just over the border from Idaho, however Targhee is considered more of an Idaho destination due to lodging. Most people stay in Driggs, Idaho which has more options for different budgets (versus staying at the ski resort which is more expensive). Grand Targhee Ski Resort is a great ski resort for families with kids of all ages and also for beginner skiers.
Targhee offers ski lessons for all abilities and ages, as well as rentals on equipment if you don’t own your own ski gear. In addition, Grand Targhee boasts terrain parks, awesome off-piste skiing (known for fluffy, light powder!), and breathtaking views of the Teton mountains. It truly is a sight to behold!
Grand Targhee also offers cat skiing, which is an experience of a lifetime–complete with 600 acres of untracked powder only accessible by “snowcat” machines. Imagine having the mountain to yourself for the day! You and nine other skiers and boarders will experience up to 18,000 vertical feet in just one day while you cruise through open bowls, endless glades, and steep tree pitches. *Please note that cat skiing at Grand Targhee is only for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders with off-piste experience.
If you aren’t into downhill skiing, Targhee also offers other activities such as snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and fat biking. Tours and equipment rentals are available at the shops in the village, but make sure to reserve ahead as there is limited supply. Come explore Targhee’s extensive nordic trail system and experience the magic of winter in a different way!
Day 2: Snowmobile to Mesa Falls
Snowmobiling is a very popular recreational activity in Idaho in the winter and Eastern Idaho has some of the best trails for off-roading adventures in the state! If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat! You can rent snow machines, however I recommend going on a guided tour with Teton Valley Adventures located in Driggs, Idaho. They offer several different options for full or half day tours, to include the Mesa Falls Snowmobile Tour. This is an all day adventure and perfect for families with older kids. It will surely be one of your favorite memories on the best family winter trip in Eastern Idaho!
This particular tour will take you approximately 50-60 miles through Island Park and to the breathtaking Mesa Falls. This waterfall is located in Targhee National Forest and only 15 miles from West Yellowstone, comprising of Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. Upper Mesa stands at 114 feet tall, while Lower Mesa is about 65 feet tall.
While these waterfalls are stunning all year long, they are particularly magical in the winter. No crowds and a frozen winter wonderland surrounding these falls, make this place a highlight along the snowmobile tour with Teton Valley Adventures.
Throughout the Mesa Falls snowmobile tour, you will also make stops at different landmarks in Island Park to include Big Springs, Warm Springs, and lunch along the river at Pond’s Inn. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and some delicious comfort food before heading back out on the trails. Some other important things to note about all tours with Teton Valley Adventures: you will be provided gear to include outerwear such as a jumpsuit, boots, helmet and gloves. The guide will also provide instructions on how to safely and properly operate and drive the snowmobiles.
Day 3: Snowshoeing at Harriman State Park
On the third day, it’s time to head to Harriman State Park, located just 15 minutes from the heart of Island Park, Idaho. Harriman State Park lies within a 16,000-acre wildlife refuge in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and is known for its beautiful scenery. It should be on your list for the best family winter trip in Eastern Idaho. And if you love spotting wildlife, Harriman is one of the best places in Eastern Idaho to see moose, elk and Trumpeter swans. All of these species are common sightings here, even in winter.
There are over 20 miles of trails in Harriman State Park used for multiple purposes in all seasons, but in the Winter, you can come here and snowshoe, cross-country ski or fat bike. There are several trails that you can choose from with varying degrees of mileage and difficulty at HarrimanState Park. If you’re looking for any easy, short hike that you can do in two hours or less, check out the John Muir Trail, which is accessed right from the main parking lot near the park office.
Other great shorter trails include: Ranch Loop, River Trail, and the Thurman Creek Inner Loop. These trails are less than 3 miles round trip, making it perfect for families. If you want a slightly longer trail, Harriman Ridge Trail Loop and Golden Lake Loop are good options and also offer stunning vistas. Check out All Trails for all the details, trail conditions, and to see photos.
A $7 vehicle entrance fee and a $5 per person fee is required when you arrive at Harriman State Park (the per person fee covers the grooming and upkeep of the trail system) at the ranger station. If you have an Idaho State Parks Passport, your entrance fee is waived. As a bonus, the fee or passport also covers a day trip to the nearby Upper Mesa Falls and Henry’s Lake! Lastly, snowshoe rentals are available in Henry’s Fork Anglers in Island Park, which is the closest rental shop to Harriman State Park.
Day 4: Skiing at Kelly Canyon
If you haven’t had your fill of skiing yet and want to try another ski resort in the area that has more of a “local vibe”, don’t miss Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, located only 30 minutes from Rexburg, in Ririe, Idaho. Known for their impeccable grooming system, uncrowded trails and lifts, and homestyle cooked food, Kelly Canyon is full of hidden gems. It is also one of the best ski resorts in Idaho to learn how to ski or snowboard, and even boasts a terrain park.
What makes this ski resort even better is it’s more affordable than most ski resorts. For less than $70/day for adults and $45 for kids, you can ski all day here and get your money’s worth. Kelly Canyon also offers ski lessons complete with a “magic carpet”, and even has night skiing!
Other Activities:
If you have more time in Eastern Idaho or want to opt for different activities listed on this guide, below are a few more winter activities that you can add onto your itinerary for best family winter trip in Eastern Idaho.
Dog sledding
Dog sledding is hands-down one of the best winter activities for families. This is an easy, fun activity that all ages can enjoy and a great way to experience winter in Eastern Idaho. Silver Sage Mushing located in Ashton, Idaho offers dog sledding tours through the Teton Valley. The company offers 3 different tour packages for short, medium, and long trips, so you can choose the one that suits you best. This is one experience you will never forget!
Visit West Yellowstone
If you want to experience Yellowstone without big crowds, winter is the time to go. Some activities that you can do here in the winter include: snowmobiling, riding on a snow coach, nordic skiing or snowshoeing on one of many trails in the park, visiting the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, sledding, soaking in the hot springs at Boiling River, or just driving through the park stopping at different landmarks (such as Mammoth Springs, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, etc).
You will likely see plenty of wildlife such as bison, elk, moose, and if you are lucky, bears or wolves. Yellowstone Safari Company offers guided tours where you are guaranteed to see a plethora of wildlife, plus learn more about the history of Yellowstone and the ecosystem here.
Ice Fishing
If you’re in Eastern Idaho in the winter, you are close to some of the best fishing lakes and streams in the entire country. Henry’s Lake, located 15 miles from West Yellowstone, is probably the best ice-fishing spot in all of Idaho brimming with big cutthroats, rainbow-cutthroat hybrids and trophy brook trout.
Anglers can fish with minimal equipment and can access the lake easily by foot or snow machine from various public access points around the lake. It’s also a great experience for the whole family to get out and try their luck at some trophy-sized trout. At Henry’s Fork Anglers, you can hire an experienced fishing guide to take you.
Fat Biking
Eastern Idaho is known for some of the best mountain and fat biking trails. It is a great winter activity that the whole family can enjoy! Grand Targhee Ski Resort, Harriman State Park, Horseshoe Canyon, Packsaddle Road, Teton Canyon, and Darby Canyon all have trails that people take their fat bikes on. You can rent bikes at Targhee, Kelly Canyon, BYU-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center and Fitzgerald’s Bicycles in Victor, Idaho.
If you’re planning a trip and want more suggestions for the best family winter trip in Eastern Idaho, make sure to check out Visit Idaho for more fun ideas, hidden gems, and itineraries for your winter vacation.