A calm but promising day greets skiers on Bald Mountain, Idaho, this January 2nd, 2026. Bald Mountain ski resort in Idaho offers 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, with 62 runs and 12 lifts.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temperatures hovered around 23°F, preserving the meager 1” snowpack currently blanketing the base. While this is significantly below average for this time of year—down over 24% from typical depths—there’s hope on the horizon. The 24-hour forecast calls for a light dusting of 0.32", with nearly 3" expected in the next 72 hours and an additional 2" in the five-day forecast. Conditions remain thin, but cold temps and incoming moisture may begin to refresh the mountain's terrain by the weekend.
Despite limited coverage, Bald Mountain remains operational, continuing its long tradition of ski racing and alpine adventure. While most local headlines are focused on Sun Valley’s operational challenges and safety concerns, Bald Mountain quietly underscores its own heritage, marking over 85 years of ski history. Skiers are advised to stick to groomed runs and watch for exposed obstacles, as the Snow Water Equivalent remains low at 0.9". With a potential shift in weather patterns and a La Niña winter still in play, locals and visitors alike are keeping a close eye on the skies—hoping the coming storms will reignite the season.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Pierce R.S..
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Bald Mountain (Not Sun Valley).
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Bald Mountain (Not Sun Valley) impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Bald Mountain, also known as Sun Valley Resort, is located in the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho. The pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of the ski resort include:
1. Pioneer Mountains: Bald Mountain is part of the Pioneer Mountains range, which is known for its rugged peaks and alpine terrain.
2. Smoky Mountains: The Smoky Mountains are located to the east of Bald Mountain, providing stunning views and additional skiing opportunities.
3. Bald Mountain Summit: The summit of Bald Mountain reaches an elevation of 9,150 feet, offering skiers and snowboarders expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
4. North Aspect: Bald Mountain has a north-facing aspect, which helps to preserve the quality of the snow and provide excellent skiing conditions throughout the season.
5. South Aspect: In contrast, the south-facing aspect of Bald Mountain offers more sun exposure and can provide warmer conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
Overall, the mountain ranges and aspects of Bald Mountain contribute to its reputation as one of the premier ski resorts in Idaho, offering a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
The resort is known for its challenging runs, including the Olympic and Christmas Bowl. However, there are also options for beginners, such as the Roundhouse beginner area. One interesting historical fact is that Bald Mountain was originally developed by the Union Pacific Railroad as part of their Sun Valley resort, but it later became a separate entity. For apres ski, Warm Springs Lodge offers a lively atmosphere with live music, food, and drinks. Overall, Bald Mountain offers a mix of challenging terrain and beginner-friendly areas, making it suitable for skiers of all levels.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 2 Lifts |
Base Elevation | 1138 Meters |
Acreage | 140 Acres |
Run Count | 10 Trails |
Top Elevation | 1341 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a chance of rain and snow between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of rain, snow, and freezing rain after 5pm. patchy fog after 5pm. snow level 4000 feet rising to 4900 feet in the afternoon. otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. calm wind. chance of precipitation is 30%. little or no snow accumulation expected.
Bald Mountain (Not Sun Valley) is expected to receive up to 2.89" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Idaho ski conditions are shaping up for an excellent week, with several areas forecasting significant snowfall. The heaviest totals are expected in the northern and central regions. Hidden Lake and Lost Lake in northern Idaho lead the pack with 5-day snowfall forecasts of 23–25", impacting Schweitzer Mountain Resort near Sandpoint, which is expecting 20" and currently has a deep 45" ... Read more