Kelly Canyon Ski Resort
Affordable, beginner-friendly ski resort with groomed runs, a terrain park, and night skiing. Hosts unique events year-round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy night skiing.
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort
Best Time
Enjoy night skiing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Affordable, beginner-friendly ski resort with groomed runs, a terrain park, and night skiing. Hosts unique events year-round.
"This quickly became one of my favorite places to ski in southern Idaho. It’s not too big and it’s got a local charm."
💰 Budget-Friendly Choice
Kelly Canyon is significantly more affordable than larger resorts, making it great for students.
🍔 Big Jud's Burgers
Grab a famously giant burger at the lodge for a unique dining experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Night Skiing
Experience the thrill of skiing under the stars on groomed runs. Perfect for extending your day on the slopes.
Terrain Park
Constantly evolving, the terrain park offers features for snowboarders and skiers looking to practice tricks.
Beginner-Friendly Slopes
Ideal for first-timers, Kelly Canyon offers a welcoming environment to learn skiing and snowboarding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Winter Fun
Events & Activities
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Budget-Friendly Choice
Kelly Canyon is significantly more affordable than larger resorts, making it great for students.
🍔 Big Jud's Burgers
Grab a famously giant burger at the lodge for a unique dining experience.
⛷️ Great for Beginners
Perfect place to learn skiing/snowboarding with friendly staff and gentle slopes.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss unique events like archery challenges and hill climbs!
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget-Friendly Choice
Kelly Canyon is significantly more affordable than larger resorts, making it great for students.
🍔 Big Jud's Burgers
Grab a famously giant burger at the lodge for a unique dining experience.
⛷️ Great for Beginners
Perfect place to learn skiing/snowboarding with friendly staff and gentle slopes.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss unique events like archery challenges and hill climbs!
🌙 Night Skiing Available
Extend your fun on the slopes with well-lit night skiing sessions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is lauded for its affordability and beginner-friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite for locals and those new to skiing. Visitors appreciate the scenic runs, night skiing, and the unique dining experience at Big Jud's. While some find food prices a bit high, the overall value and local charm make it a highly recommended destination for a fun and accessible winter outing. +1
"I came here in January 2022 and I just had a ball of a time. It was my first time ever going skiing and honestly I had so much fun. I didn’t want to stop. We began our day in the morning and skied until late that night. The tracks and slopes were so much fun to go down, nice and scenic. Honestly a really cool ski resort. Created so many memories here. They have a nice park as well to go do tricks on which I didn’t because of my lack of expertise but I saw plenty other people doing some pretty cool tricks. Honestly amazing, everything in good condition and people very nice. No complaints."
Caleb Nish
"Have been going to Kelly Canyon for several years now. This has been an awesome ski area for me and my friends.
The appeal is that it’s:
-much more affordable than other big name resorts
-the closest one to Rexburg
-night skiing
-and friendly towards beginners
I grew up skiing but have had several friends, including my wife, who have wanted to try. This is the place that is great to show them the ropes. While skiing will always be expensive for college students, this is the place where you don’t have to give up rent for.
Plus they do random events sometimes like the snowmobile races which were fun to watch."
Parker Rawson
"This quickly became one of my favorite places to ski in southern Idaho. It’s not too big and it’s got a local charm to the whole mountain. I would recommend it to a beginner trying to learn to ski/snowboard and it’s got some great powder and backcountry for the advanced skier in some places. They’re also constantly adding to the terrain park so if you don’t like it, they might add to it later in the season. It’s not a huge ski resort but it’s got a great vibe to it and it has what you need. The food at the restaurant there is also good, just a little expensive so just a heads up."
David Jensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is the closest ski area to Rexburg, making it a convenient drive. Many visitors find it an easy trip for a day or night of skiing.
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is located in Ririe, Idaho, a manageable drive from Idaho Falls, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors in the region.
Public transport options to Kelly Canyon Ski Resort are limited. It is best accessed by personal vehicle, especially for those coming from surrounding towns like Rexburg or Idaho Falls.
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort offers parking facilities for visitors. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekends or during events, is recommended to secure a good spot.
Information on dedicated shuttle services to Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is not widely advertised. Visitors typically drive to the resort.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is known for being more affordable than larger resorts. While specific prices can vary by season and day, it's a budget-friendly option for a ski pass.
While direct discount ticket information isn't always prominent, the resort's general affordability makes it a good value. Keep an eye out for special event promotions or group rates.
Kelly Canyon offers day passes for skiing and snowboarding. It's a cost-effective choice for a day on the slopes compared to many other ski areas.
Yes, Kelly Canyon Ski Resort offers night skiing, and separate tickets or passes are available for these sessions, allowing you to enjoy the slopes after dark.
Rental prices at Kelly Canyon are generally reasonable, making it accessible for those who need to rent skis, snowboards, or other equipment.
🎫 ⛷️ Onsite Experience
Kelly Canyon boasts 640 acres of terrain with groomed runs suitable for various skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. It also features a terrain park for freestyle enthusiasts.
Absolutely! Kelly Canyon is a great spot for snowboarding, with a dedicated half-pipe and terrain park features. Many visitors enjoy snowboarding here.
Operating hours for Kelly Canyon Ski Resort typically include daytime skiing and night skiing sessions. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most current hours, especially during different seasons.
Yes, Kelly Canyon Ski Resort is known for being beginner-friendly and offers ski lessons, making it an excellent place for first-time skiers and snowboarders to learn.
The snow report for Kelly Canyon Ski Resort can be found on their official channels. Conditions vary, but the resort aims to provide good skiing and snowboarding experiences throughout the winter season.
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
Kelly Canyon Ski Resort has dining options within its lodge. Notably, Big Jud's serves their famous giant burgers, offering a unique and hearty meal.
While the food at Kelly Canyon's lodge is generally good, some visitors note that it can be a bit pricey. It's a good option for convenience, but budgeting for meals is advised.
Specific vegetarian or vegan options at Kelly Canyon's dining facilities are not detailed, but typical lodge fare might include salads or sides. It's best to inquire directly upon arrival.
Bringing your own snacks or packed lunch is generally permissible at many ski resorts, including Kelly Canyon, to help manage costs. However, check resort policies for specific rules on outside food consumption in dining areas.
The lodge at Kelly Canyon offers a range of beverages, including hot drinks, sodas, and potentially alcoholic options. They also have shakes that have been noted as looking yummy.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic mountain views, especially with fresh snow, offer great photo opportunities. The ski runs themselves, the lodge area, and any event venues provide picturesque backdrops.
Drone usage policies can vary at ski resorts. It's essential to check Kelly Canyon Ski Resort's specific regulations regarding drone operation to ensure compliance.
Events like the Rokman Games or hillclimb races offer dynamic and exciting scenes for photography, capturing the action and the atmosphere of the resort.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
While not a single landmark, the ski lifts, the expansive slopes covered in snow, and the unique Big Jud's burger are all memorable subjects for photos at Kelly Canyon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With well-maintained runs suitable for all ages and skill levels, the whole family can enjoy the slopes together. The lodge offers a warm place to rest and refuel, and the availability of rentals makes it easy to gear up without a significant upfront investment. Consider checking for family package deals or group rates to maximize savings.
💰 Budget Travelers
The resort offers competitive pricing on lift tickets and rentals, allowing visitors to enjoy a full day or night of skiing without excessive expense. Packing your own snacks and drinks can further reduce costs, and the availability of night skiing provides extra value by extending the usable hours on the slopes.
🏂 Snowboarders
While it may not have the vastness of a mega-resort, Kelly Canyon offers a solid experience for snowboarders of all levels, from beginners getting their first taste of the sport to intermediate riders looking to hone their skills in the park.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Kelly Canyon for Beginners
The resort offers ski lessons, which are highly recommended for first-timers to get a solid foundation in the sport. The staff are often described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a less intimidating learning curve. This focus on accessibility makes Kelly Canyon a top choice for families and individuals looking to try winter sports without the pressure of a large, advanced resort.
Beyond the lessons, the well-maintained runs and the availability of rentals ensure that beginners have everything they need for a successful and enjoyable introduction to skiing and snowboarding. The resort's commitment to catering to all skill levels is a key factor in its appeal.
Events and Activities at Kelly Canyon
During the winter season, Kelly Canyon has been known to host thrilling events like hillclimb racing, where riders compete on the snowy slopes. These events add an extra layer of excitement and offer spectators a chance to witness high-adrenaline action.
+1Additionally, the resort participates in community-focused events, such as the 'Slopes of Hope' initiative, which provides free lift passes and rentals for mental wellness days. These events underscore Kelly Canyon's role as a community asset, offering more than just recreational opportunities.
+1Dining Delights at Kelly Canyon
While the burgers are a standout, it's worth noting that some guests find the food prices at the lodge to be on the higher side. However, the convenience of having a substantial meal available on-site, especially after a day on the slopes, is a significant plus.
Beyond the burgers, the lodge offers a cozy atmosphere for refueling. Visitors have enjoyed looking out at the hillside and ski lift views while enjoying their meals. The availability of shakes has also been mentioned as a tempting treat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit