Another Idaho Ski Resort Finally Opens, But Some Are Still Struggling

Soldier Mountain Opens Today, Even as Idaho’s Snow Year Stays Spotty

This winter hasn't been all that great for Idaho's ski resorts. If you’ve been waiting for another resort to finally open, here you go. Soldier Mountain is officially up and running.

According to a Soldier Mountain press release, they opened for the 2025–26 season on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Both of Soldier's chairlifts are now operating with a handful of runs ready to go.

What’s Open Right Now at Soldier

According to the resort, Bird’s Eye has four runs open, and High Trail Express has one run open.

The Surprise: Snowcat Terrain Is Also Open

Soldier says snowcat terrain is already open, and they’re calling the coverage “extraordinary.” General Manager David Alden says they’ve got plenty of snow above 7,000 feet, and that it’s enough coverage to build a road directly to the top of Peak 1.

Other Small Resorts Continue to Struggle

Soldier’s opening is good news, but other Idaho resorts are still having a hard go of it.

In a recent social media update, Magic Mountain said December 2025 was unseasonably and historically warm across Idaho.

There's been some encouraging snowfall recently at Magic, with four inches earlier in the week and an additional five inches recently. However, the terrain is still too rocky to open safely. More snow is needed to cover problem areas and to build out the tubing hill. Safety comes first, and one solid storm could be what finally gets them open if temperatures stay cold.

Bigger Resorts Are Hanging In There

In the meantime, larger resorts like Sun Valley and Bogus Basin are faring better thanks to recent snowfall, and the ability to create man-made snow when conditions are thin.

Bogus Basin said they sold out of day passes for Jan. 10, and said tickets for Jan. 11 were limited, urging people to buy online ahead of time. Parking was near capacity, and Bogus asked people not to drive up the mountain if they hadn’t already purchased a day ticket for that day.

Will Idaho Get Another Snowmaker System Soon?

At the moment, there doesn't seem to be a snow-making system in the forecast. The forecast for Boise and Twin Falls trends mostly dry with a lot of sun from Jan. 10 through Jan. 16. Highs generally sit in the 40s with overnight lows below freezing. Fairfield is staying colder at night, including lows down near the low teens late in the week. That colder overnight pattern can help resorts that rely on man-made snow, but it does not point to major fresh natural snow in the next several days.