Soldier Mountain Ski Resort is one of the best-kept secrets in south-central Idaho. This family-friendly ski resort is nestled in the Soldier Mountains of the Sawtooth National Forest. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about skiing at Soldier Mountain Ski Resort. Plus, where to eat, where to stay, and other things to do.
Soldier Mountain Ski Resort
The resort has two chairlifts reaching heights up to 7,177′ and a magic carpet for the little ones or beginners to learn on. They offer a nice assortment of green, blue, and black trails. They have 36 runs. Because of the nearby airbase, Mountain Home AFB, they offer a good military discount.
Lift Tickets
Full-Day Ticket: Adult $47, Child $27
Half a Day Ticket: Adult $40, Child $20
Children 5 and under free.
Full-Day with Military Discount: Adult $30, Child $19
Magic Carpet Only: $16
Season Passes
Season pass holders enjoy a few special perks like two complimentary winter lift tickets to Bogus Basin near Boise and three complimentary tickets to Nordic Valley Ski Resort in Utah. Pass holders also receive a 40% discount at the following ski resorts: Kelly Canyon, Pebble Creek, Magic Mountain, Snow King Mountain Resort, and Beaver Mountain Ski Area!
Adult $435, Child $225
Military Adult $249, Child $129
Seniors ages 70+ $119
Lessons
Soldier Mountain offers a variety of lessons depending on what day you visit and the snow conditions. For example, if there is not enough snow to run the Magic Carpet there will not be any lessons. You can take a group lesson or a private lesson. Lessons are taught by Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) certified. Here are the prices:
- (1.5 hr) Private Lesson $58
- (1.5 hr) Group Lesson $40
- 3 (1.5 hr) Private lessons $160
Cat Skiing
If you want to elevate your ski experience consider doing cat skiing. A cat will take you up to an elevation of 10,095′ where you can ski down Smoky Dome’s private powder. This part of the mountain has 2,000 acres of skiable backcountry terrain. For a single seat on the cat to ski this area the cost is $299 for a single seat. Cat ski prices include the use of a transceiver, backpack, shovel, and probe. You need to be an expert skier or snowboarder in order to participate.
Trail Map
Rentals
They do have a rental shop where you can rent ski or snowboard equipment. Rentals start at $21 and go up to $39 depending on what you need. All rentals include a free helmet. If you have your own equipment you can get it tuned up or waxed here. Be sure to check out our Ski Trip Packing List for Families to make sure you remember everything you need.
Food
There’s a little cafe inside the lodge with excellent hamburgers. They also have great chili. Next door is a full bar, the Fox Den Pub.
Fun Fact: At one time it was owned by Bruce Willis, but has changed owners a few times in more recent years.
Things to do near Soldier Mountain
Baumgartner Hot Springs – Located at the Baumgartner campground is a hot spring that stays at 101 degrees year-round.
Snowmobile – Just north of Fairfield is a good area to go snowmobiling. The runs near Fairfield are groomed weekly and regularly from December to March. You can pick up a free map of groomed trails from the Fairfield Ranger District. You can take your snowmobile to Worswick Hot Springs.
Skillern Hot Springs – You will have to be super motivated to reach this well-fed hot spring. It is a two-hour hike along the Smoky Mountains in the Sawtooth National Forest.
Bike Couch Summit – Couch Summit has miles of doubletrack and singletrack trails. As you ride you enjoy amazing views of the Sawtooth and Smoky Mountain ranges as well as the South Fork of the Boise River.
Worswick Hot Springs – This hot spring is located north of Fairfield, Idaho on the way towards Soldier Mt. There’s a parking lot making it easier to find.
Fish for Rainbow Trout – Go boating and fishing at Mormon Lake.
Where to Eat Near Soldier Mountain
Wrangler Inn – Burgers and shakes.
Soldier Creek Brewing Company in Fairfield – Live music, bar food, and a large selection of beer.
Iron Mountain Inn – Homestyle family diners like New York strips, Leg of Lamb, Surf and Turf, and Chicken Fried Steak.
Where to Stay near Soldier Mountain
There are not really any hotels nearby other than Prairie Inn, so you will likely need to look for a house to rent. You could also stay further away in Sun Valley if you prefer a hotel. Fairfield is the closest place to stay.
For a totally unique stay check out this yurt! It has a hot tub.
Soldier Mountain FAQ’s
Where is Soldier Mountain located?
The ski resort is located at 1043 North Soldier Creek Rd., Fairfield, Idaho 83327.
What time is it at Soldier Mountain?
Soldier Mountain is on Mountain time, so one hour later than Pacific Time.
Where do I find the Soldier Mountain snow report?
You can find the daily snow report at https://www.onthesnow.com/idaho/soldier-mountain-ski-area/ski-resort.html.
Where can I fly into to get to Soldier Mountain?
The two closest major airports are Boise or Salt Lake City. Be sure to rent a car that has AWD.
How far is Soldier Mountain from Boise?
It is a one-hour and fifty-five-minute drive from Boise to Soldier Mountain.
How far is Soldier Mountain from Salt Lake City?
From Salt Lake City, Soldier Mountain is a four-hour and nineteen-minute drive.
More Fun Places to Ski in Idaho
Sun Valley
Magic Mountian
All in all, Soldier Mountain Ski Resort is great for a weekend getaway. Just don’t forget your skis or snowshoes – and some goggles if you plan on going down one of those hills! See ya at the top!
