Visiting Boise in the winter months offers a plethora of activities to choose from. Whether you are wanting to brave the frigid slopes of one of the nearby ski resorts or would rather stay warm in a gorgeous natural hot spring, Boise offers something for everyone.

Bogus Basin

Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin offers easy access to countless winter activities. The main attraction is the ski hill which offers 2,600 acres of terrain, 80 runs, and 10 lifts. If flying down a mountain is a little extreme for your taste, they also offer cross-country skiing, winter tubing, and snowshoeing. Bogus Basin is also home to Idaho’s only mountain coaster, where riders can fly down 4,330 feet weaving in and out of trees and experience the mountain like never before.

Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden

If you’re visiting during the month of December, the Winter Garden aGlow at the Idaho Botanical Garden is a can’t-miss event for the whole family. Every night during December that Idaho Botanical Garden lights up with over 550,000 lights across its 14 acres of land. Along with the amazing visual experience, there are food trucks, live music, and fun events and activities for the kids. Winter Garden aGlow is one of the botanical garden’s biggest fundraisers of the year, so not only will you receive a memorable experience, but you will also be helping the garden provide a wonderful service to the local community.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is an extremely popular ski-resort town about 3 hours northeast of Boise that offers skiing, fine dining, and an exciting nightlife. Bald Mountain is what brings most winter tourists up to the town. If you enjoy beautiful views, you’ll find plenty in Sun Valley, but the one you can’t miss is at the Seattle Ridge Day Lodge located at the top of Bald Mountain. At 8,800 feet you can see forever, and if you time it right you can see the mountains turn from white to a combination of a breathtaking pink and blue at sunset, just make sure you call ahead because you do need a reservation.

Along with the mountain, Sun Valley has a laundry list of other winter activities such as ice skating, sleigh rides, and ice sculptures. Once you have gotten your fair share of outdoor time, you’ll need to warm up inside with a hearty meal and a drink of your choice. There’s plenty of options to choose from, but some of our favorites include Sawtooth Brewery, Lefty’s Bar & Grill, and The Roundhouse.

Hot Springs

It’s difficult to find yourself anywhere in Idaho without being close to a hot spring. There are dozens of springs within a couple of hours of Boise, here’s a great guide that lists most of the ones available to the public.

If you’re looking for a hot spring experience that has a resort feel to it with built-out pools and some amenities such as bathrooms, food and drink, and on-site parking, we’d recommend Goldfork Hot Springs near McCall or The Springs at Idaho City. Both locations are easy to access while still getting all the benefits of a natural hot spring.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and want to experience a more “natural” hot spring experience you can’t go wrong with Kirkham Hot Springs or Trail Creek Hot Springs. Both require a small but relatively steep hike down to the pools, but the scenery and experience is well worth it if you can make the trek.

McCall

Another lovely mountain town about 2 ½ hours north of Boise is McCall. With many of the same characteristics as Sun Valley, McCall offers all the typical mountain activities in a beautiful city built right next to Payette Lake.

Brundage Mountain & Tamarack Resort are both within a short drive from McCall and have some of the best ski terrains in the Northwest.

In late January to early February McCall hosts their annual Winter Carnival which is a favorite among locals and tourists. One of the main attractions is the ice sculpture contest, where amateurs and professionals compete for $1,000+ prizes for the best sculpture. There are upwards of 100 sculptures each year so just walking through town is an event in and of itself.

The supporting events are just as fun, with activities such as a dog sled challenge, chef collaborative dinner, mardi gras parade, and snowshoe golf.

Looking for more things to do while you are in Boise? Check out our other guides here.

_{Charles Knowles from Meridian Idaho, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

Tis the season for fun! If you’re living in or visiting Ocean Shores this holiday season, you’re probably looking for some excitement.

Don’t assume that things slow down during the holidays. Come down to Ocean Shores, Washington and try some of these fun, winter activities.

1. Enjoy the Beach

Winter on the beach can be an intimate experience. Put on your best boots and warm layers, maybe grab a warm drink and head on out.

Beachcombing is always a fun activity, and you are more likely to find something in the winter months when the beaches are less active. Make sure to let folks know where you are if you plan to walk alone, and always be mindful of the changing tides.

2. Christmas Buffet at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino

If you want a delicious Christmas meal but don’t want to spend all your time in the kitchen cooking, check out the Christmas Buffet at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. Make your reservations today, and enjoy quality family time with an incredible meal.

Want to check out some awesome food on other days? Ocean Shores has great restaurants that are must-visit. From seafood to burgers to Jamaican food, there is something for everyone in Ocean Shores.

3. Seabrook Town Hall

Seabrook Town Hall offers several holiday activities near Ocean Shores.

Seabrook’s Holiday Bazaar is a one-day pop-up market. Bring the family and check out all the hand-made and vintage items. This is a great place to pick up Christmas gifts for everyone on your list.

Another fun event near Ocean Shores is Seabrook’s Surfing Santa Parade. Vintage cars, floats, and of course, the big guy himself will ride through Seabrook. The parade starts at Meriweather Square and ends at Town Hall. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and spread holiday cheer with other families.

Breakfast with Santa is a great holiday event for the whole family. Let the kiddos have an opportunity to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and then enjoy a delicious breakfast followed by craft time.

4. Stage West Community Theatre

Looking for some great entertainment in Ocean Shores? Check out Stage West Community Theatre.

They’re usually putting on some great productions. In December, you can see A Doublewide Texas Christmas. This is a comedic play about a small Texas town and the troubles of a trailer park.

5. Playtime Family Fun

If you’re looking for some good, family fun, you should definitely check out Playtime Family Fun. There’s go-kart rides, virtual reality games, bumper cars, a slip track, and PlayLive gaming.

You can even satisfy your sweet tooth at Peppermint Parlor. Some of the tasty treats include pretzels, ice cream, and donuts.

Enjoy Ocean Shores This Holiday Season

Whether you’re looking for something low key or something for the entire family, you’re sure to enjoy Ocean Shores this holiday season. From movie nights to go-kart rides, there’s something for everyone.

If you live in or are traveling to Ocean Shores, check out our concierge page. We would love to assist you and make your experience in Ocean Shores memorable.