Winter Adventures in Eastern Idaho: A Guide to Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Fat Biking
Eastern Idaho transforms into a snowy playground during winter, offering a variety of outdoor activities for both beginners and enthusiasts seeking cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking adventures.Here at InstaGear Outdoor Co., your go-to outdoor gear rental and retail shop, we’ve curated a guide to the best locations and experiences in the region.
Public Lands
Head to the public lands beyond Kelly Canyon Resort, specifically Forest Road 218, for fantastic free skiing and snowshoeing. Thanks to the collaboration between IFSC and the US Forest Service, weekly grooming on several trails is provided, with warming huts at Morgan Summit and Kelly Mountain. Remember, dogs are not allowed on these Forest Service trails.
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort welcomes enthusiasts to its expanding trail system known as the SHRED TRAILS! With 12 miles of groomed uphill-downhill terrain, including beautiful forest seclusion and stunning vistas, it’s perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Don’t forget to check out the Shred Trails for a fee.
Teton Lakes Golf Course, Rexburg
Just 30 minutes north of Eastern Idaho, Teton Lakes provides both skate and classic loops for enjoyable, well-groomed experiences. The snow conditions often remain favorable even when Eastern Idaho is experiencing less-than-ideal weather. It’s free to explore, and they even offer rentals for various ages.
Pocatello (East Fork Mink Creek Nordic Center)
Operated by the City of Pocatello along with Caribou-Targhee National Forest, this Nordic center, located about 7 miles from Pocatello, offers approximately 20k of groomed skate and classic ski trails. With separate snowshoe trails and a sledding hill, it’s a hub for winter activities with grooming, classes, races, and more.
Teton Valley (Victor-Driggs Area)
One of the favorite places to go, Teton Valley Trails and Pathways (TVTAP) organization, along with the USFS Teton Basin Ranger District, has developed a world-class Nordic ski region over the last 10 years. With well-groomed trails and numerous activities, it’s a must-visit destination.
Harriman State Park
Historically one of the most beautiful areas for cross-country skiing, Harriman offers a serene experience, especially for swan enthusiasts. There’s a $5 parking fee (or Idaho Parks sticker) plus a $5 winter access fee to support their grooming efforts. You’ll find trails for all kinds of winter gear here.
Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Ashton Island Park Ranger District
Managed by the US Forest Service, several areas throughout the Ashton, Island Park area are groomed for exceptional skiing experiences. Canyon Rim, Bear Gulch, and Mesa Falls are some standout locations.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Experience a unique Nordic skiing adventure at Craters of the Moon, well-groomed by the National Park Service. The winter months offer a magical and serene experience, with no entrance fees.
West Yellowstone, Rendezvous Ski Trails & USFS Boundary Trail
For a premium cross-country ski experience, visit the Rendezvous Ski Trails system in West Yellowstone. With 35 km of immaculately groomed trails, it’s ideal for serious enthusiasts. Check out the USFS-groomed boundary trail for dog-friendly options.
InstaGear Outdoor Co. – Your Gear Rental Hub
No matter which winter wonderland you choose to explore in Eastern Idaho, InstaGear Outdoor Co. has all the gear you need for a memorable adventure. From sleds and cross-country ski rentals to snowshoes and fat tire e-bikes, we’ve got you covered. Make the most of your winter escapades with reliable equipment from InstaGear.
Gear up, venture out, and embrace the snowy landscapes of Eastern Idaho with thrilling cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking adventures!
As you’re getting ready to head out, don’t forget the snow essentials, we’ve listed some of our favorites down below!
Gloves:
KLIM Togwotee Gore-Tex Gauntlet Gloves with Removable Fleece Liner
Snow Pants:
MSR Voyager Adventure Pant https://amzn.to/47Us12Y
Ski Goggles:
<a href=”https://www.amazon.com/Wildhorn-Anti-FogScratch-Snowboard-Goggles-US-Supplier-100/dp/B08GF1GRRL?crid=CLWBOIADIFYQ&keywords=oakley%2Bski%2Bgoggle&qid=1702062452&sprefix=oakley%2Bski%2Bgoogl%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-11-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&th=1&linkCode=li2&tag=chuckgrant-20&linkId=fa89d8f97647da55dec1826145b1ebe4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il” target=”_blank”><img border=”0″ src=”//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08GF1GRRL&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=chuckgrant-20&language=en_US” ></a><img src=”https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chuckgrant-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B08GF1GRRL” width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” />
Coats:
Arc’teryx Beta Jacket Men’s | Gore-Tex Shell made for Maximum Versatility – Redesign
Socks:
Darn Tough 1403 Men’s Merino Wool Boot Sock Cushion
Fat Tire E-Bikes:
Mokwheel E-Bike – Basalt Step Thru – InstaGear Outdoors
Cross Country Skis:
Rossignol – Evo XC 55 R-Skin Cross Country Ski Pack + Control Step in Bindings Red Men – Men – Red
*If you purchase through the links above, we make a small commission as part of the Amazon Associate Program.
