* WHAT...A 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...Boise Mountains and West Central Mountains. * WHEN...Until 8 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
Brave the brisk mountain air this December 30th at Tamarack Resort, where overnight temperatures dipped to a chilly 8.4°F—preserving the early-season base while setting the stage for a promising snowfall ahead. Tamarack Resort is a popular ski destination in Idaho, with 2,800 acres of terrain and over 40 runs.
Wind
Humidity
While current snowpack depth sits at a modest 3 inches, well below the seasonal average by over 77%, the extended forecast offers hope: 6 inches of fresh snow is expected over the next five days, with light flurries (0.28 inches) possible within the next 72 hours. The low snow water equivalent (0.5 SWE) means the current base is thin and conditions are best suited for intermediate to advanced skiers navigating groomed trails.
Despite a drier start, Tamarack is buzzing with excitement thanks to major off-season upgrades and terrain expansions, including newly opened trails carved from areas affected by past wildfires. This season marks the resort’s most ambitious transformation yet, celebrating its 20th anniversary with new lifts, revitalized village areas, and a commitment to quality over quantity—evident in its first-ever cap on ticket and pass sales. Those lucky enough to hold a pass will enjoy uncrowded slopes and fresh powder by the weekend. Bundle up, hit the groomers, and get ready for a season that’s just beginning to heat up.
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 Long Valley.
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 Tamarack Resort.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Tamarack Resort impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Tamarack Resort ski resort in Idaho is located in the West Central Mountains of the state. The resort is surrounded by several mountain ranges, including the Salmon River Mountains to the north, the Payette National Forest to the east, the Boise National Forest to the south, and the Sawtooth Mountains to the west.
The ski resort itself is situated on the west side of the West Mountain, which is a subrange of the Salmon River Mountains. Tamarack Resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders, including groomed runs, glades, and backcountry options. The mountain has a summit elevation of 7,700 feet and a vertical drop of 2,800 feet.
Overall, the mountain ranges and aspects surrounding Tamarack Resort provide a picturesque backdrop for a variety of winter sports activities.
The best trails are considered to be the black diamond runs off the Summit Chairlift, such as Temptation and Upper Bliss. An interesting fact is that the resort was originally planned as a private ski resort called Westrock, but the development failed and it was eventually taken over by the state. A specific suggestion for beginners would be to start on the Magic Carpet and Buttercup runs. For apres ski, the Fern & Feather is a cozy and rustic bar that serves tasty cocktails and local beers.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 7 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 8700 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1494 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 1100 Acres |
Established | 2004 |
Run Count | 41 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 36. calm wind.
Tamarack Resort is expected to receive up to 6.26" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Idaho’s heaviest snowfall over the next five days is forecasted in the southeast, where Franklin Basin is expected to receive 12 inches, closely followed by Emigrant Summit and Sedgwick Peak with 8–9 inches. The Tony Grove Lake and Garden City Summit areas near the Idaho-Utah border also show 11–12 inches forecasted, likely impacting nearby ski areas such as Pebble Creek ... Read more