Conditions Report
Report from March 2, 2025 – Kelly Canyon, Idaho
Situated just outside Idaho Falls, Kelly Canyon Resort, Idaho, is an inviting, family-friendly destination that combines the charm of a local hill with the allure of a hidden gem for skiers and snowboarders alike. Nestled partially in the stunning Targhee National Forest, the resort offers diverse terrain, a warm community atmosphere, and a growing reputation for excellent snow conditions.
On our visit, we had the chance to sit down with Nate, the resort’s snow reporter, who shared his passion for Kelly Canyon and the remarkable changes the resort has seen since he joined the team after graduating from BYU Idaho. Nate wasn’t a skier at Kelly Canyon growing up; it was the allure of the mountain’s potential that led him here.
Arriving at Kelly Canyon
The journey to Kelly Canyon offers spectacular views of the rugged canyon surrounding the resort. As we approached, snow-covered peaks and towering evergreens set the stage for a fantastic day of skiing. Nate’s enthusiasm for his job was contagious, and as we toured the resort, it became clear that Kelly Canyon is much more than just a ski hill; it’s a community.
Resort Growth and Development
Nate was excited to share the resort’s successes this season. “We’ve been fortunate with the snow this year,” he said, recounting how the resort experienced a huge February snowfall, with some areas of the mountain accumulating over a foot of powder. Despite the warm spring weather as we visited, conditions were ideal for spring skiing, with great spring snow and no icy patches. The forecast suggests that second winter is on its way, which should bring cold temperatures and fresh snowfall to the region, further enhancing the resort’s skiing conditions.
Kelly Canyon’s recent investments in snowmaking technology are a major factor in these conditions. The resort’s first snowmaking system was installed only three years ago, and this season has seen the fruits of those efforts. As Nate explained, snowmaking now extends to the lower and middle portions of the mountain, providing excellent early season coverage. This year, for the first time ever, the resort had chairs running before Thanksgiving. “We’ve seen a marked improvement,” Nate said. “That’s made a huge difference in our ability to open sooner and offer better snow.”
Looking ahead, Nate shared that the resort is planning to expand its snowmaking to the top of the mountain. The installation of this new infrastructure is set to improve coverage even further, ensuring that Kelly Canyon remains open longer and can offer top-notch conditions well into spring. The goal is to have the Gold Rush lift operational before Thanksgiving each year.
A Family-Oriented Resort with Community at Its Core
At its heart, Kelly Canyon remains a family-oriented resort. Nate explained how this is reflected in everything from the affordable pricing of season passes to the close-knit team of seasonal employees. “Many of our staff members are siblings or parents who bring their kids to work,” Nate said. “You see families all around the mountain, and it really gives the resort a special feel.”
Many of the resort’s visitors are locals from Idaho Falls, with some many coming to ski after work, thanks to Kelly Canyon’s popular night skiing. The resort offers night skiing Monday through Saturday, running until 8 p.m., making it easy for locals to squeeze in a few runs after a long day in the city. Nate noted that the resort’s night skiing has grown in popularity, especially with the addition of new LED lights on parts of the mountain. “It’s been really cool to see more people enjoying the mountain after hours,” he said.
Kelly Canyon’s commitment to community shows. The resort works closely with local schools to get kids on the slopes. Nate highlighted the school ski programs that bring as many as 700 students to Kelly Canyon for lessons during the week from January through mid February.
Terrain and Features for Every Skill Level
While Kelly Canyon is primarily known for its family-friendly terrain, the resort is making strides to cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers a variety of runs, with a focus on intermediate terrain, but there’s more than enough for advanced skiers, too. The upcoming addition of more mogul runs and tree skiing areas will add much-needed variety and excitement for experts looking for a challenge.
One of the highlights of the resort is its terrain park, which is known for its high-quality features. Kelly Canyon’s park builder—Brandon, a former Woodward Copper groomer, and another groomer from Heavenly—have worked tirelessly to create an exceptional park. The features range from beginner to advanced, and the feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.
In addition to its varied terrain, Kelly Canyon’s skiable acreage boasts wide-open runs that make it easy to enjoy the snow and return to the base without worrying about getting lost. Nate’s favorite spot is the two car-track green runs that meander along the boundaries of the resort. “They’re the perfect way to take in the views and get back to the base with ease,” he said.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Kelly Canyon is exploring new ways to expand and improve the resort. Plans are already in the works to add more terrain and infrastructure, including the potential for a new lift on the east side of the mountain. The resort’s owners, who are locals from nearby Rigby, are passionate about the future of Kelly Canyon and have already shown their commitment by investing in the resort’s growth.
In addition to physical expansions, the resort is working to enhance its events programming. On March 14-15, Kelly Canyon will host the Rim Shaw Snowmobile Hill Climb Race, which will bring an exciting, high-energy event to the resort’s slopes.
The Resort
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort, located 30 miles east of Idaho Falls, offers 740 acres of skiable terrain with 51 runs and a vertical drop of 1,000 feet. Known for its friendly atmosphere, excellent terrain park, and diverse ski options, the resort caters to skiers of all levels.
Forecast
As spring approaches, the resort is experiencing excellent spring snow conditions with no ice. The upcoming weeks are expected to bring cold temperatures and deep snow, making it a great time to visit.
Snow Numbers
