* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. There is a likelihood of major winter storm impacts. Total snow accumulations 2 to 6 inches in the valleys and 9 to 18 inches in the higher terrain including Lolo Pass. * WHERE...Highway 11 Pierce to Headquarters, Highway 12 Lowell to Lolo Pass, Pierce, Dixie, Elk River, and Elk City. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes, especially over higher passes.
Snowhaven Ski Area in Idaho is preparing to welcome skiers for the 2025 season with a renewed sense of optimism. Snowhaven Ski Area is a small, family-friendly ski resort in Idaho that offers six slopes and two chairlifts.
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After uncertainty about operations earlier this year, the resort is officially set to open thanks to a longtime lift operator stepping up as the new general manager. Despite some ongoing infrastructure challenges related to water and septic systems, the resort is moving forward with plans for a limited but spirited opening. The snowpack currently sits at just 0.5 inches—well below operational levels—but this is nearly 3.7 times better than the average for this early in December, offering a hopeful start.
Overnight temps hovered just above freezing at 33.2°F, creating a less-than-ideal environment for new snow accumulation. However, forecasts suggest a shift in weather patterns later this week with potential snowfall that could boost the base. While ski runs remain closed for the moment, the area’s popular tubing hill is expected to open soon, drawing families and thrill-seekers alike. With momentum building and local passion reigniting Snowhaven’s legacy, snow enthusiasts should keep a close eye on conditions—one good storm could change everything.
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 Grangeville 0.2 Ene, Id.
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 Snowhaven Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Snowhaven Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of Snowhaven Ski Area in Idaho include:
1. The Clearwater Mountains: Snowhaven Ski Area is located within the Clearwater Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in Idaho. The mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for skiing and snowboarding at the resort.
2. Aspect: Snowhaven Ski Area has north-facing slopes, which can receive more consistent snowfall and retain better snow conditions throughout the winter season. The aspect of the slopes also provides shade, which can help preserve the snow quality.
Overall, Snowhaven Ski Area offers a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, with stunning views of the surrounding Clearwater Mountains.
Its best trail is the Sundance, a beautiful intermediate run that provides amazing views of the surrounding mountains. An interesting fact about Snowhaven is that it was first established in 1937 as a Works Progress Administration project. For beginner skiers, the Bunny Hill is the perfect slope to start with, offering a gentle terrain that is easy to manage. For après ski, The Last Run Inn is the perfect spot to grab a drink and enjoy some live music. Overall, Snowhaven Ski Area is a great destination for those looking for a laid-back and affordable skiing experience.
Night Skiing | Yes |
Lift Count | 2 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 700 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1585 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Acreage | 40 Acres |
Run Count | 9 Trails |
Top Elevation | 1707 Meters |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, rain. snow level 4300 feet rising to 6500 feet in the afternoon. high near 41. light south wind becoming southwest 8 to 13 mph in the morning. winds could gust as high as 25 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Idaho’s ski season is revving up with significant snowfall expected in the coming days. The heaviest 5-day snow totals are forecasted for Cool Creek (60"), Sunset (38"), Hoodoo Basin (38"), and Lost Lake (41") in north-central Idaho. These areas are near Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain, both of which are poised for excellent powder conditions with a 5-day forecast of ... Read more