Why Tamarack Ski Resort in Idaho Is Perfect for Families

It’s not easy to start a new ski area. The investment in infrastructure, planning, and land development must be daunting. But with wide-open spaces, natural terrain, and a population that loves skiing, Idaho is certainly the place to try it. Back in 2004, Tamarack was the first new destination ski resort to be built in North America in 23 years. This season, I had the chance to ski the area and see how the latest set of owners are building a ski culture of their own in Idaho.

A Brief History of Tamarack

After a handful of years, the original owners hit rough times, and in 2008, the resort went into foreclosure. Tamarack closed for the 2009-10 season before the municipality stepped in to run the lifts. Then, in November 2018, new ownership began fresh investments in construction and guest amenities. That set of owners didn’t last long. The most recent transaction occurred in 2021, and now MMG Equity Partners is at the helm. I’m happy to say the resort is thriving, with a strong sense of community and a charming village that reminds me of Palisades Tahoe.

Planning Your Trip to Tamarack

Getting there is a breeze. After flying into Boise, we spent a day at Bogus Basin before taking the scenic two-hour drive toward McCall and the southwestern ski areas. The journey along Route 55 is a scenic byway where you might spot wildlife and will definitely find plenty of breathtaking photo ops (pull over safely, please!).

Upon arrival, you won’t see much development in the town of Donnelly—it’s all about the ski area. Tamarack Resort sits on approximately 3,600 acres between Lake Cascade and West Mountain. Development has centered around the ski area, with no significant expansion into town (yet). There are new housing developments in small, picturesque clusters and a quaint village with beautiful ski-in/ski-out condos. The area is easy to navigate, incredibly safe, and perfectly sized for families with small children.

Check-in is at the Tamarack Clubhouse. After grabbing our keys, we drove to the heated, indoor parking lot and unloaded. We stayed in brand-new slopeside condos featuring elegant finishes and cozy decor. Our spacious two-bedroom condo was perfect for unwinding; my friend Sarah and I brewed some tea, enjoyed the fireplace, and mapped out our next two days of skiing. It’s definitely designed for those who appreciate resorts like Sun Valley and Deer Valley.

Laundry lovers, rejoice—our unit had a washer (laundry powder provided!), which we put to good use before heading to dinner. We dined at The Reserve, where I had a perfectly cooked elk tenderloin and a beautifully crafted cocktail. Afterward, we popped into the more casual Seven Devils Taphouse to catch some karaoke action. This spot is ideal for laid-back, pub-style dining.

Skiing at Tamarack

The next morning, we grabbed coffee at Clearwater Coffee and hit the slopes early. Despite the snowy conditions and tough visibility, I loved every minute on the mountain.

Tamarack by the Numbers:

• Summit Elevation: 7,660 feet
• Vertical Drop: 2,760 feet
• Average Snowfall: 300 inches
• Skiable Acres: 1,530
• Runs: 56
• Snowmaking: 150 acres (not much, but enough!)
• Lifts: 7
• Terrain Parks: 3
• Terrain Breakdown: 17% novice, 45% intermediate, 38% advanced

We started from the Tamarack Express, a four-seat high-speed lift, which took us to mid-mountain. From there, it was a short ski to the Summit Express, whisking us up to 7,700 feet for breathtaking views.

From the top, options abound. These runs are short and wide, with excellent grooming and a perfect pitch. Advanced skiers will love it here. My favorite was Upper Serenity, which, when linked with Lower Serenity, made for a fantastic top-to-bottom leg burner.

The lifts are lightning-fast, and the mountain is incredibly easy to navigate. On our mid-week visit, there were no crowds and no lift lines—an absolute dream.

For thrill-seekers, check out the South of the Border Glades and the black diamond terrain off the Wildwood Express. Families and intermediates will enjoy Lumberjack Land, a fun glade run with kid-friendly features off Upper Encore. (Full disclosure: I skied it more than once—it’s that fun!)

To warm up or grab lunch, visit the stunning 12,000-square-foot Mid-Mountain Lodge. With a private club, a cozy restaurant, and a fantastic noodle station, it’s an ideal place to regroup. I had a delicious quinoa bowl and sipped a drink from the full bar while soaking in the valley views.

Family-Friendly Features

Tamarack is a fantastic place to learn to ski. The beginner area, with a discovery chair and magic carpet, is entirely separate from high-speed skiers. Once beginners progress, there are plenty of green runs and an easy way down from the summit.

Ski school is top-notch, with small class sizes. We met families from Mexico City who chose Tamarack over Vail for their kids’ lessons due to the exceptional instruction and value. Lessons run from 10 AM to 3 PM, start at age 3, and cost around $300 per day, including lunch, lift ticket, and rentals.

For adults, there are private lessons and Olympian ski clinics with Erik Fisher. Ladies should check out Wildwood Women Wednesdays, a weekly group session perfect for making new ski friends.

Tamarack also offers Basecamp, a kids’ activity program that pairs with ski school. They even have an Apres Basecamp from 4 PM to 8 PM, so parents can enjoy some après-ski time while the kids stay entertained.

More Than Just Skiing

Beyond skiing, Tamarack offers fat biking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing on 19 miles of scenic trails. Guided ice fishing and snowmobiling are also available. The fitness center, outdoor hot tubs, and spa provide excellent options for unwinding after an active day.

The Village is charming, with a pedestrian-only setup featuring sit-down restaurants, grab-and-go spots, a market, and an ice cream shop. They could use a yoga studio and a wine bar (a girl can dream!), but overall, it’s a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Planning Your Visit

Tamarack is on the Indy Pass and offers its own season pass. Booking lift tickets at least three days in advance ensures the best rate. The resort usually opens in early December and closes in mid-April.

If you have time, I recommend staying for a week and making Tamarack your home base. Spend 3-4 days here, then drive 45 minutes to Brundage for a day or two. McCall, along the way, has great restaurants and coffee spots, making for an ideal ski getaway. Head here to start trip planning https://tamarackidaho.com/

Final Thoughts

Tamarack completely charmed me. If you like things to be easy, beautiful, and just a little bit fancy, this is the spot for you. Think firepits, craft cocktails, happy kids, and no stress. What more could a ski mom ask for?

More Ski Areas to Consider in Idaho

• Bogus Basin: Idaho’s most popular non-profit
• Sun Valley: Posh and delightful this is Idaho’s high-end destination

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