* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches with totals closer to the higher end of that range from Rexburg northward. Very gusty winds developing late Friday into Friday night. * WHERE...Upper Snake River Plain. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday evening and Friday commutes.
A fresh coat of powder is on the horizon at Kelly Canyon Ski Area this December 4, 2025. Kelly Canyon Ski Area is a small family-friendly ski resort in Idaho, offering 640 acres of skiable terrain, seven lifts, and 26 runs that cater to all skill levels.
Wind
Humidity
After a brisk night with temperatures dipping to 21°F, the slopes awaken to a modest 4-inch snowpack—significantly below average for this time of year, down by more than 60%. However, hope is riding on the forecast: 3.2 inches of new snow is expected in the next 24 hours, with an impressive 11 inches anticipated over the next five days. Combined with a Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) of 0.7, the incoming snowfall could help rejuvenate the base and kickstart more favorable ski conditions as we move deeper into December.
Despite early-season challenges, spirits remain high on the mountain. Recent coverage from Local Freshies lauds Kelly Canyon as a place where skiers are "falling in love with skiing again," highlighting its charm and accessibility. However, not all the news is rosy—some locals are voicing frustration over season pass price hikes, raising questions about affordability at this beloved mom-and-pop resort. Still, with snow on the way and early-season energy building, now’s the time to dust off your gear and prepare for a classic Kelly Canyon comeback.
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 Sheep Mtn..
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 Kelly Canyon Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Kelly Canyon Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and mountain aspects of Kelly Canyon Ski Area in Idaho include:
1. Teton Range: The Teton Range is a prominent mountain range located near Kelly Canyon Ski Area, offering stunning views and challenging terrain for skiing and snowboarding.
2. Snake River Range: Another nearby mountain range that provides a picturesque backdrop to the ski resort and features diverse terrain for all skill levels.
3. Elevation: Kelly Canyon Ski Area has a base elevation of 5,600 feet and a summit elevation of 6,600 feet, providing ample vertical drop for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
4. Terrain: The ski resort offers a variety of terrain, including groomed runs, moguls, glades, and terrain parks, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
5. Snowfall: Kelly Canyon Ski Area receives an average of 200 inches of snowfall each year, ensuring excellent skiing conditions throughout the winter season.
The best trails for advanced skiers are the black diamond runs off Lift 1, while beginners are recommended to start on the gentle slopes off Lifts 2 and 3. The resort has a long-standing tradition of hosting the annual Snow Devils Ski School, which is one of the oldest ski schools in the US. For après ski, head to the Safari Inn in nearby Rigby, which offers a cozy atmosphere, live music, and affordable drinks.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 6 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 3400 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1707 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 640 Acres |
Established | 1957 |
Run Count | 26 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow likely, mainly after 4pm. cloudy, with a high near 26. southwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. chance of precipitation is 60%. new snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Kelly Canyon Ski Area is expected to receive up to 11.76" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Idaho’s snow outlook is looking strong, especially in the northern and central mountain regions, which are expecting significant accumulations over the next five days. The heaviest snowfall is forecast at Cool Creek (50"), Lookout Pass (36"), Lost Lake (42"), and Sunset (35")—all in the Panhandle region. These totals suggest excellent conditions ahead for Schweitzer Mountain Resort (near Bear Mountain and ... Read more