Located in eastern Idaho, the city of Rexburg is known for its long winters and snow accumulation. According to Brian Collins, a Brigham Young University-Idaho Outdoor Resource Center employee, Idaho has some of the best backcountry and recreational opportunities in the United States. Rexburg, Idaho, in particular, has a wide variety of winter activities suitable for the entire family. Whether you enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, or sledding, you'll find it in Rexburg.
If you're in Rexburg, Idaho and you want to go skiing or snowboarding, Kelly Canyon in nearby Ririe, Idaho is the best bet. Kelly Canyon offers a variety of specials throughout the week, such as specials for couples or youth, and has opportunities to ski during weekday afternoons, full days on weekends, and at night. Kelly Canyon is suitable for beginning or advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort
P.O. Box 367
Ririe, Idaho 83443
208-538-6251
skikelly.com
Located on the east side of Rexburg, Smith Park is open during the snowy winter months. A small hill is a prime spot for sledding and snowtubing.
Smith Park
East Main 3rd South
Rexburg, ID 83440
208-359-3020, Ext. 0
abc.eznettools.net/D302498/X376511/thingstodo/parkstrails/parkscity/smithpark.html
Craters of the Moon is acres upon acres of ancient lava flow fields and cinder cones. From October through May, when the landscape is covered in snow, visitors can visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve where they will receive a brief instructional presentation and then are free to snowshoe the preserve.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
National Park Service
P.O. Box 29
Arco, ID 83213
nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
From December through April, there are plenty of snowmobile trails just east of Rexburg. Between Madison County, where Rexburg is located, and nearby Jefferson and Teton counties, there are 280 miles of groomed trails and tens of thousands of acres of off-trail riding. A great place to start is to head west where Lyons Creek and Burn Siding Road meet and lead to Red Butte via trail 218, where there's a a snowmobile slide that drops 1,000 feet into Springs Valley. The trails lead to Green Canyon Hot Springs, where snowmobile riders can grab a meal, gas, or a soak in the hot springs.
The City of Rexburg's annual Snowfest occurs at the end of every January, in the heart of eastern Idaho's winter. Activities usually last from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Past years' activities have included a snow bank treasure hunt, horse wagon rides, snowman bowling, snowball target competition, GPS-geocaching, ski/snowboard rail jam, free hot chocolate, sled races, snowman dress up, snow graffiti, polar bear swim, and Christmas tree bonfire.
City of Rexburg
Smith Park
East Main 3rd South
Rexburg, ID 83440
208-359-3020, Ext. 0
rexburg.org/play/recreation/snowfest/default.aspx
