KELLY CANYON: THE PERFECT NEIGHBORHOOD FAMILY FRIENDLY HILL

A drive through one of the most beautiful and historic river valleys of Eastern Idaho brings you to Kelly Canyon Ski Resort in the Targhee National Forest near the South Fork of the Snake River.

You’ll find a real nice intermediate hill. Kelly is a great place for first-timers and beginners to learn. There’s also a variety of terrain for all ability levels. The challenging trails are on the backside. Wide runs and accessible terrain drop down the front. Plus it offers the only night skiing in the area. All the major runs are lit.

Kelly Canyon has 26 trails and 4 lifts covering 740 skiable acres and a 1,000-foot vertical drop. The terrain park is full of boxes and rails and a new 600-foot tubing park is a blast for families and groups. The lodge is cozy, the cafeteria is quick and easy and there are no lift lines.

Come to Kelly in the morning and enjoy the great snow. Warm up on the rolling, gentle slope of Skier’s Lane. Head to the Powder Lift for steeper terrain and deeper snow. Then have lunch and be sure to order Kelly’s famous French fries with their special fry sauce.

Kelly Canyon prides itself as a learning mountain and certified instructors have provided thousands of lessons for all ages. They teach to all ability levels in both private and group lessons. A series of lessons is available for ages or 4-7 that includes four weekend sessions with four hours of instruction. When they’re done the kids can ski anywhere on mountain.

For a great getaway, try the Cutthroat Inn, [cutthroatinn.com] a real cute little bed and breakfast five mile down the road. Call 208-538-7963 and ask for Cathy.

Kelly Canyon is 26 miles from Idaho Falls, nine miles off U.S. Highway 26, north of Ririe. It’s central location gives easy access from Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Rigby and other outlying areas. Buses are provided Saturdays and holidays from area communities.