Winter Sports

Snowmobiling and skiing light up the forest’s snowy trails, though the grassland’s flatter terrain sees less winter action.

Skiing/Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest offer a mix of resort thrills and backcountry chills! With three ski resorts and plenty of wild snow, it’s a winter playground for shredders. Here’s what you need to know to carve it up:

Where You Can Go

The Caribou-Targhee hosts three sweet resorts—Grand Targhee Resort near Driggs dishes out 2,602 acres of powdery runs and Teton views, Kelly Canyon Ski Area near Ririe keeps it family-friendly with night skiing, and Pebble Creek Ski Area near Inkom rocks 1,100 acres of steep and deep. Beyond the lifts, backcountry spots like the Teton Basin or Big Hole Mountains beg for fresh tracks—grab a map at ranger offices or online to explore. The Curlew Grassland’s flat and snow-light, so stick to the forest for this one; wilderness areas are human-powered only—no motors!

What’s Special

Grand Targhee’s 500+ inches of annual fluff make it a powder hound’s dream, Kelly Canyon’s cozy vibe shines with lit slopes, and Pebble Creek’s got gutsy drops for the bold—each resort’s a vibe of its own. Off-piste, the forest’s untouched snow and pine-lined bowls scream adventure, with December to March serving prime conditions. It’s a triple-threat of lift-served fun and wild runs, all wrapped in mountain magic.

Tips to Be Prepared

Hit the resorts with gear (rentals are there!) and a pass—easy day!...

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland is a full-throttle way to blast through winter’s best! With groomed trails and open snowfields, it’s a sledder’s paradise. Here’s what you need to know to ride the powder:

Where You Can Ride

Trails are primed—grab a free Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) or winter guide at ranger offices or online to find your route. The Caribou-Targhee boasts over 500 miles of groomed trails—hotspots like Island Park and the Teton Basin offer twisty paths and deep powder bowls, perfect for ripping. The Curlew Grassland’s flatter and less snowy, but its open plains can work for a quick spin if conditions hold—stick to designated motorized routes there. Wilderness areas like Jedediah Smith are off-limits to motors, so keep to the mapped trails.

What’s Special

The forest’s a snowmobiler’s jackpot—zoom through pine forests, climb to ridge-top views, or carve fresh tracks in wide meadows, with December to March piling up fluffy, cold snow. Island Park’s dubbed a “snowmobiling mecca” for a reason—endless trails and epic drifts. The Curlew adds a chill twist—open grassland runs with big skies when snow sticks, though it’s lighter than the forest’s haul. It’s all about speed and scenery, from tight turns to wide-open blasts.

Tips to Be Prepared

Bring a registered snowmobile (Idaho or Wyoming sticker required), helmet, and warm gear—goggles, gloves, and boots beat the freeze. Pack a map or Avenza app, extra fuel, and a repair kit—some trails are remote. Avalanche gear (beacon, probe, shovel) is clutch—check forecasts at avalanche.org or local sites. Bear spray’s less key in winter but tell someone your route and ride with a buddy—safety’s king in the backcountry.

Snowmobiling here is all about the roar and the ride—rev up, hit the trails, and let the Caribou-Targhee and Curlew’s snow take you away!

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland is a serene way to glide or trek through winter’s beauty! With trails and open spaces perfect for a quiet outing, it’s a snow-lover’s escape. Here’s what you need to know to get going:

Where You Can Go

The snow’s yours—grab a map at ranger offices or online to pick your path. In the Caribou-Targhee, trails near Island Park or the Teton Basin offer ungroomed routes through pine forests and meadows, while spots like Harriman State Park (on forest edges) mix flat loops with stunning views. Wilderness areas like Jedediah Smith are open too—just human-powered, no motors! The Curlew Grassland’s flatter and snow-shy, but its sagebrush plains can work for a short ski or snowshoe jaunt when blanketed—keep it simple there.

What’s Special

The forest glows in winter—ski or snowshoe past frosty trees and frozen creeks, with Teton peaks peeking through, December to March dishing out deep, powdery snow. It’s a workout with a reward: quiet trails and maybe a deer track to follow. The Curlew’s a subtle shift—open, rolling snowfields under big skies when storms hit, offering a peaceful, prairie vibe. It’s two kinds of calm: forest depths with scenic punch, grassland stretches with wide-open hush.

Tips to Be Prepared

Bring skis or snowshoes, poles, and warm gear—layers, hats, and gloves fight the cold. Pack snacks, water, and a thermos—there’s no stops out there. Bear spray’s less needed in winter, but a map or Avenza app keeps you on course—snow hides trails fast. Check conditions and avalanche risk on steeper forest slopes—stick to flats if unsure. Tell someone your plan—safety’s simple but key.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing here is all about peace and powder—strap on, step out, and enjoy the Caribou-Targhee and Curlew’s winter hush!