Become an Expert Axe Thrower – Book a Reservation Today!
Even in the winter, there is still plenty to do in Idaho Falls. Many people travel to Idaho Falls in the winter specifically for the winter activities and sports. If you are wondering what to do during the winter in Idaho Falls, one of the best ways to enjoy the winter months is to get out of the house and try your hand at axe throwing. You don’t have to be an expert axe thrower, either or enjoy the fine art of axe throwing. You can go with a group or try it solo because either way, it will be fun. It is a great way to spice up the weekend, and you can learn a valuable skill. On Target Axe Throwing has 14 lanes complete with challenging targets, and you can throw an axe while staying safe. There are many different sizes of axes to choose from, so you will be able to find the perfect one to hone in on your axe throwing skills. Whether you go alone or with a friend, you will get to brag that you can handle an ax.
Tie on Some Skates
Another fun activity that you can do is to go skating at the Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena. There is always something to do at the local ice rink. You can join a pickup hockey scrimmage or skate on the outdoor ice rink at the Tautphaus Park Football Field. If you don’t have your own skates, you can always rent a pair inside the arena. If you don’t want to get out on the ice, you can always enjoy a figure skating show or catch a hockey game. You can even grab a snack at the concessions if you get hungry.
Go Skiing
If skiing is more your thing, you can explore the groomed trails at Freeman Park and Tautphaus Park. If you don’t have your own cross-country equipment, you can rent everything that you need at the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto arena located in Tautphaus Park.
If you like the rush of downhill skiing, you will want to check out Kelly Canyon Ski Resort. It is just a 30-minute drive from Idaho Falls and is the perfect spot to ski and snowboard. It has four double chairs and a surface lift so you can explore over 50 challenging and fun runs. If you have never skied before or you would like to brush up on your skills, you can even take a few lessons. There are also gear rentals available if you don’t have all your own gear.
Go Ice Fishing
Another fun activity that you can try is to go ice fishing. Even if you have never tried it before it is sure to be a lot of fun. You will need a few supplies, but if you go fishing in the summertime, you will most likely have everything that you need already. One thing that you may need to get is an auger to drill a hole in the ice.
You will also want to pack a few other supplies to help keep you comfortable while you wait to get a bite. You should pack plenty of warm clothes and a big thermos of your favorite hot beverage. If can even go all out and get a portable hut and space heater so you can be toasty for hours. There are thirty-one reservoirs and lakes to go ice fishing in and around Idaho Falls so it won’t be difficult to find a spot to go fishing.
Take a Dip in the Hot Springs
If you like a bit of adventure with a reward at the end, you will want to try snowshoeing to some hot springs. Idaho is home to more hot springs than any other state. If a relaxing soak in a hot spring sounds like your idea of an ideal getaway, all you need to do is grab a pair of snowshoes and hit the trail.
The Bonneville Hot Springs are open throughout the winter season and are located in the Boise National Forest north of Lowman. They are approximately one mile from the road. If you want to enjoy the trek as much as the destination, you will want to go on the four-mile round-trip to Goldbug Hot Springs. It is located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest just off of Highway 93 and near mile marker 282. The scenery is breathtaking, and you will get plenty of opportunities to take a few keepsake photos of Goldbug Ridge and Poison Peak.
Go Dog Sledding
If you are looking for something you have never done before you will want to check out Ashton’s American Dog Derby. It is held in the third week of February every year. If you want to give it a try, you could always join the 100-yard Mutt Race and see if your dog has what it takes to win.
Or, you could simply enjoy the experience of dog sledding and take a dog sled tour. Silver Sage Mushing in Ashton gives you the option to choose from a short-but-sweet tour, or a more extended four-mile tour that gives you a beautiful view of the Tetons.
You will want to dress warm, and you’ll also want to bring goggles or sunglasses since the dogs hit speeds of about 12 miles per hour and can kick up snow as they run. You will have some great opportunities to take some panoramic pictures of the Tetons so don’t forget to pack your camera.
Glide Through the Snow on a Sleigh
If you like to explore nature at a more relaxed pace, you can enjoy a sleigh ride through the snow, complete with dinner theatre entertainment at Mountain River Ranch in Ririe, Idaho. There are a few different packages to choose from, and you will get to enjoy hot cider, singing and a night that you’ll always remember. This is not a spontaneous activity through so you will need to plan ahead and make a reservation to ensure that you will be able to get a spot.
Go Biking in the Snow
Biking is fun, but you don’t have to be limited to just the summer months. All you need is a fat bike, and the winter wonderland is yours to explore. Idaho offers no shortage of places to ride. You will want to take your fat bike to the Nordic trails of Grand Targhee Resort just outside of Driggs, Idaho but there are plenty of trails in the Teton Valley as well. If you are competitive, you could even enter a race for some challenging fun.