Fresh turns await at Kelly Canyon Ski Area this December 21, 2025, as winter slowly finds its rhythm. 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
Overnight temps hovered just above freezing at 31.5°F, keeping the current snowpack at a modest 6 inches—well below the seasonal average by over 60%. However, hope is on the horizon with 1.42 inches of fresh snow in the past 24 hours and another 5 inches forecasted over the next five days. Conditions are currently firm in the early morning, transitioning to soft, carvable snow by midday—perfect for intermediate cruisers and early-season riders looking to shake off the rust.
While the snow depth might not rival the giants just yet, Kelly Canyon is buzzing with local energy. A recent feature in Local Freshies highlights how Idaho Falls locals are “falling in love with skiing again,” capturing the hometown spirit that defines this mom-and-pop favorite. Still, skiers should remain aware of broader industry news, as recent legal rulings may threaten small ski areas like Kelly Canyon across the country. For now, grab your gear, keep an eye on the skies, and get ready to carve into a season that’s just beginning to pick up momentum.
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 before 11am, then rain and snow between 11am and 2pm, then rain after 2pm. snow level rising to 8500 feet in the afternoon. high near 40. breezy, with a south southwest wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Kelly Canyon Ski Area is expected to receive up to 5.08" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Idaho is gearing up for a major snow event, with the heaviest 5-day snowfall forecasts centered around the Wood River and Sawtooth regions. Galena Summit and Chocolate Gulch near Sun Valley are expecting up to 44–46 inches of snow, while the nearby Vienna Mine tops the chart with a 48-inch forecast. Stickney Mill and Hyndman, also in proximity to Sun ... Read more