* WHAT...An extended period of stagnant air, with light winds and little vertical mixing. This is due to an inversion near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. * WHERE...Portions of south central and southwest Idaho and northeast and southeast Oregon. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST /4 AM PST/ Monday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
A brisk 22.8°F start greets skiers at Soldier Mountain this January 12, 2026, but despite the chilly temps, snowfall remains elusive. Soldier Mountain ski resort in Idaho offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers, but the best trails are said to be the ones on the backside of the mountain.
Wind
Humidity
The current snowpack sits at a modest 3 inches—an 87% deficit from the average for this time of year. With just 1.2 inches Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), fresh powder is in short supply, and early-season conditions persist. Groomed runs are open but thin in spots, with off-piste terrain largely inaccessible. No significant new snow is forecasted in the next 48 hours, so riders are encouraged to check for updated trail openings and stick to marked areas.
Still, the vibes are high at Soldier Mountain amid a whirlwind of recent attention. After going viral for its $149,000 price tag and being snapped up by a pair from Bend, Oregon, the resort continues its transformation with new terrain, expanded sidecountry access, and even U.S. Ski & Snowboard training camps. Chelsea Handler’s recent birthday ski in a bikini may have grabbed headlines, but it's the steady investment in the mountain’s future that has locals and visitors buzzing. While the snow gods have been stingy, Soldier Mountain is charging ahead—making the most of what’s here and building for bigger seasons to come.
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 Soldier 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 Soldier Mountain.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Soldier Mountain impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Soldier Mountain Ski Resort in Idaho include:
1. The Soldier Mountains: This ski resort is located in the Soldier Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in central Idaho.
2. Bald Mountain: The main peak at Soldier Mountain Ski Resort, Bald Mountain offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
3. Lifts and Trails: Soldier Mountain Ski Resort features a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, as well as several lifts to access the mountain terrain.
4. Snowfall and Conditions: The Soldier Mountains receive an average of over 200 inches of snowfall each year, providing excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions throughout the winter season.
5. Backcountry Skiing: The surrounding backcountry terrain of Soldier Mountain offers opportunities for adventure-seekers looking to explore untouched powder and challenging terrain.
The resort was also once owned by famous actor Bruce Willis, who grew up skiing there as a child. For beginners, the resort offers a dedicated learning area with gentler slopes and easy access to the lodge. The apres ski scene is low-key, but guests can enjoy a drink and some local fare at the on-site bar and restaurant, The Last Lift. Overall, Soldier Mountain is a great option for those looking for a quieter, more laid-back ski experience in a beautiful location.
Lift Count | 3 Lifts |
Base Elevation | 1753 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 1150 Acres |
Run Count | 36 Trails |
Top Elevation | 2188 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, mostly sunny, with a high near 41. north wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Idaho ski conditions remain stable, with no new snow reported across the state and no snow forecasted for the next five days. Major resorts like Bogus Basin near Boise, Brundage Mountain near McCall, Schweitzer near Sandpoint, and Sun Valley near Ketchum all show zero snowfall in the past 24 hours and no snow expected. Snowpack depths remain sufficient for skiing, ... Read more