9 Reasons Why Idaho is the Best Place to Enjoy Winter
Winters in Idaho are known to last a while compared to other parts of the country. The weather typically starts dipping in October and it isn't uncommon to see the first snow in early November. It can be until March, April, or sometimes even May before the winter weather finally disappears for good. When most people out of state think of Idaho, they think of cold weather, snow, and the mountains. That isn't too far off from the truth, and these are some of the reasons why Idaho is a great place to enjoy spending winter. There are some amazing parts about winter in Idaho that other states can't compare with and that is why it is the best place to enjoy winter in the country.
Hot Springs in the Idaho Winter
Idaho is home to a plethora of natural hot springs, and while sitting in them in the brisk fall weather or a cool summer night is nice, nothing compares to sitting in a warm hot spring with snow around and temperatures below freezing. Watching the steam rise with snow around always makes for a sight, and feeling the warm water around your body as it warms up and relaxes your muscles is one of the best feelings there is. You can go to the spa, or even hike to hidden natural hot springs. Enjoy them with your friends or family, alone, in your bathing suit, or au natural. No matter your preference, you can't beat an Idaho hot spring in the winter.
Hitting the Slopes in Idaho
When most across the country look at taking a trip to ski or snowboard, they typically think of the mountains in Colorado, back east, or perhaps even in California. Not many are thinking to head north to Idaho, and it is one of the reasons why the slopes never appear too crowded. Yes, there are weekends and times that they can be, but overall there is never too many people and Idaho has some amazing ski resorts to visit. Living in Twin there are multiple options around and you could visit a different resort every weekend for a couple of months before you would repeat.
Sledding in Idaho is the Best
Not everybody knows how to ski or snowboard, and not everyone can afford to learn, but sledding is something that everyone can do, and there are plenty of hills and mountains to sled down in the winter in Idaho. Go to the store and get a cheap sled, or use something from home you can sit on and slide down a hill on. It doesn't matter how old you are or which part of the state you live in, sledding is fun for the whole family and you typically won't have to go far to find a good place to do it.
Snow Tubing at Night
As much fun as sledding is or snowboarding and skiing can be, there might not be anything that compares to snow tubing at night. Snow, inter tubes, neon lights, and music make for an amazing and fun experience for all ages. Tubing down a mountain is fun, especially when you go with a group of friends or family and race or watch each other crash, but doing it at night adds to the fun and makes it a little more extreme. You can go to the South Hills to Magic Mountain Resort and judge for yourself.
White Christmas and Winter Feel in Idaho
There are states in the country that rarely, if ever, experience a white Christmas, and for many of them, winter is chilly or cold because the temperatures are in the 40s or 50s. The holiday season has a certain expectation and when it isn't cold, it doesn't feel like a proper Christmas to many. When everything aligns right, as it did last year and in some places this year, then a white Christmas occurs and is more common in Idaho than in some other places. Having a truly white Christmas adds to the ambiance of the holiday season and makes it a little more special.
Cutting Down a Christmas Tree
Depending on where you live, cutting down your own Christmas tree isn't even an option. Many people across the country go to tree lots or Lowes or Home Depot, pick out a tree and go about their holiday season. Some stick with a fake tree, but cutting down your own Christmas tree is a joy that everyone should experience at least once in life. The search for the right tree can often be an adventure, and perhaps a disagreement or two will occur, but the stories you have and the memories you create will last a lifetime.
Enjoying a Warm Winter Fire in Idaho
One of the benefits of the weather being as cold as it typically is in Idaho is that it means needing a nice warm fire to keep the house warm as well as yourself. While this may be a negative to some with the cost of firewood and the effort to keep a fire going, it is all worth it. The smell of the burning wood, the heat from the flames, and the sounds of the cracking, all add to the winter feel and make for a great time to sit by the fire and enjoy a good movie or two.
Snow Days in Idaho
While driving in the winter conditions in Idaho can sometimes be a little tough and scary, the occasional snow day is welcomed, assuming you get to enjoy it as well. When the snow hits hard and the kids are forced to stay home from school, if you can take off work and enjoy it, it is like being a kid again. Sometimes you are forced to stay home due to the roads, and the unexpected day at home can be a fun surprise as well. Who doesn't like a day at home with their family playing in the snow?
Ice Sculpting in Idaho
If you have never seen ice sculpting in person, you are missing out. One of the coolest parts about winter in Idaho is seeing some of the most amazing ice sculptures you will ever see. The way that people can turn a cube of ice into art is astounding and to see the details they go into will blow anyone away. Even if you don't appreciate art, you will appreciate ice sculptures when you see them up close.
While there can be some negatives to living in Idaho during the winter, the positives far outweigh them. As winter continues to roll on, take some time to appreciate it and enjoy all that Idaho winter has to offer. Take a day to go sledding, a night to go tubing, enjoy a night by the fire, or hit the slopes and learn to ski or snowboard and if you already know how to, take advantage of being near some great resorts. We are blessed to live in a state that gives us amazing winters, and they shouldn't be taken for granted.