Winter Activities

Ride the trails on the whopping 97% of land in Custer County that is covered with National Forest lands and other beautiful natural areas where, every year, Mother Nature rolls out the white carpet on trails with stunning views, nestled deep in the forest. Snowmobiling offers a unique way to tour this backcountry, where the trails are often undisturbed, and the forest landscapes are serene. The same trails you can follow on an ATV in summer will take you through these special areas surrounding Mackay. You don’t have to own a snowmobile or bring your own. You can rent one in Idaho Falls from Adrenaline Outdoors, which will put it on a trailer so you can bring it over to enjoy the natural beauty of southcentral Idaho in the Mackay and Arco area.

If you’ve never tried snowshoeing, it’s easy to learn and fun for all ages. You walk in your normal stride once you’ve strapped on the snowshoes. If your normal gait is narrow, you may have to widen your stance slightly to avoid stepping on the shoe’s frame. Snowshoeing is easy enough for individuals of any age and ability to participate in the sport. Snowshoe outings in the Lost River Valley can include a leisurely walk in the park, a casual jaunt to explore nature, or a steep and challenging backcountry hike! To try this fun sport that is good for the whole family, you can rent snowshoes in Idaho Falls.

If you’ve never skied before and would love to try but don’t want to pay the rates at large Idaho ski areas or find someone to teach you, try skiing at Blizzard Mountain outside Arco, Idaho. The ski area is run entirely by volunteers; local residents who do it just for the love of it. They are supported by the Lions Club, which contributes all proceeds from the $10.00 donation to charitable causes. Most of the locals continue manning the mountain because it is a place where they can teach youngsters to ski and enjoy the sport. There is a ski lift and a trail groomer, both purchased from commercial areas. The season is generally short, sometimes limited to only Saturdays in February, but the actual length depends on how much snow Mother Nature delivers to the Lost River Valley in any given year. It is best to call ahead to determine when the mountain will be open. Access their Facebook page for more details.

The Borah Peak Wilderness Area covers 47,175 acres and features rugged mountains, deep canyons, and alpine lakes, lying at elevations ranging from  6,000 feet to Mount Borah Peak at over 12,000 feet. The stunningly beautiful region offers hiking on the Borah Peak Trail, Chicken Out Ridge Trail, and Leatherman Peak Trail, fishing in the Salmon River and Big Lost River, mountain biking the Mackay Reservoir Trail and the Antelope Creek Trail, and horseback riding on the Fish Creek Trail and Mill Creek Trail.  

Featuring 756,000 acres with views of the Sawtooth Mountains, the area is known for its rugged beauty and wide range of recreational opportunities. The headwaters of four major rivers, over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet, and over 300 high-mountain alpine lakes beckon adventure enthusiasts for hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. The Stanley Ranger Station is the Recreation Area’s best entrance from which you can easily access numerous trails and lakes as well as obtain information, area maps, and a narrated automobile tour highlighting the area’s history and most impressive sights.