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What To Do While Visiting Stanley in the Winter

Last updated November 30, 2021 by Mariah Hebbeln

The town of Stanley is excited to welcome and announce all of the thrilling snowy events and experiences waiting for you in Sawtooth Valley this winter. The residents and businesses in this small, idyllic mountain town would like to welcome the Treasure Valley to come to join them for a variety of enjoyable winter events and activities. The Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce businesses like Sawtooth Traxx and Riverwear Rentals and Retail are here to show you just how easy it is to explore the wild and open spaces of the Sawtooth Forest.

Keep reading to learn what events and experiences are waiting for you in Stanley!

Reasons to Visit Stanley in the Winter

Stanley is wonderful no matter which time of year you visit. Nestled in Salmon River Region, at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains, and where the Boise, Sawtooth, and Salmon-Challis National Forests meet, Stanley is one of Idaho’s favorite places to visit. If you’re looking to support the economy of a small town, get away from the hustle and bustle, and spend some days soaking up the fresh air, hot springs, and striking views, Stanley is your next vacation destination. Here are some activities and events you can join in on this winter season!

What To Do

  • Nordic Skiing
  • Backcountry Skiing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Sledding
  • Ice Skating
  • Snowshoeing
  • Curling
  • Hockey
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Amazing Photography Opportunities
  • Private Hot Spring Soak at Mountain Village Resort

Winter Events in Stanley

30th Annual Sawtooth Outdoor Bonspiel at Stanley Ice Rink

January 28th - 30th

Hosted by the Boise Curling Club, this three-day event will feature three separate curling games. Starting on Friday and ending on Sunday, and will feature teams of registered players to compete for glory. Visitors to the event can watch ringside, enjoy the views, banquet, and plenty of fire barrels to keep you warm.

Learn more here:

Sawtooth Outdoor Bonspiel Info

12th Annual Stanley Winterfest

February 18th - 19th

Friday - Join the locals in a Pub Crawl to Beach Party

Saturday - Prepare for a day FULL of winter activities! There will be Fat Bike Fondo, Ski Plane Fly-In, Kid’s Concert, Live Music, Street Dance, Outhouse Race, Drag Race, Howlin’ Wolf Raft Ride, Turkey Bowl, and Kid’s Events.

Curious what the Fat Bike Fondo is? Using specialized bikes equipped for the snow, this 30k or 40k ride takes you through the scenic countryside of the Stanley area.

Click the link below to learn more and to register for the event:

Stanley Winterfest Fat Bike Fondo

Winterfest | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Winterfest | Stanley, Idaho

Winterfest | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Winterfest | Stanley, Idaho

Where to Stay in Stanley

  • Lower Stanley Cabins & Motel
  • Mountain Village Resort
  • Redfish Riverside Inn
  • Stanley High Country Inn
  • Stanley Outpost
  • Stanley Town Square Condos
  • Triangle C Cabins
  • Meadow Creek Tiny Houses
  • Stanley Outpost
  • Beck with Lodge on Airbnb
  • Yankee Fork Lodge on Airbnb

Where to Eat in Stanley

  • Mountain Village Restaurant & Saloon
  • Papa Brunee’s
  • Stanley Kasino Club
  • Stanley High Country Inn
  • Stanley Supper Club
Winterfest | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Winterfest | Stanley, Idaho

Winterfest | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Winterfest | Stanley, Idaho

Sawtooth Traxx

Have you ever wanted to plunge through trials and snow-covered hills behind the wheel of a snowmobile? These machines can be expensive to buy, but thanks to Sawtooth Traxx in Stanley, Idaho, you can rent one to experience the thrill for yourself!

Stocked with single or double seater Polaris snowmobiles, anyone 21 or older can rent a machine to explore the Stanley Area. Riders 16 years or younger can drive but must be accompanied by an adult.

Prices:

  • Half-Day Rentals
    • Singler-person snowmobile $205 (9 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4 pm)
    • Two-person snowmobile $255 (9 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 4 pm)
  • Full-Day Rentals
    • Single-person snowmobile $255 (9 am - 4 pm)
    • Two-person snowmobile $305 (9 am - 4 pm)

Click the link to book yours!

Snowmobile Rentals With Sawtooth Traxx

New to Stanely? The team at Sawtooth Traxx recommends looking into exploring either the Stanley Lake Trails or the Redfish Lake Trails while renting their snowmobiles.

The rental season for the snowmobiles begins December 20th and their team is excited to show you just how fun these motor-powered snow machines are and all the amazing landscapes they can get you into.

Learn more about Sawtooth Traxx at their website!

Sawtooth Traxx Website

Sawtooth Traxx | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Sawtooth Traxx | Stanley, Idaho

Sawtooth Traxx | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Sawtooth Traxx | Stanley, Idaho

Sawtooth Traxx | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Sawtooth Traxx | Stanley, Idaho

Sawtooth Traxx | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Sawtooth Traxx | Stanley, Idaho

Riverwear

Stanley is a land of many outdoor adventures, and Riverwear is your rental and retail shop to help get you out. If you’re interested in exploring the mountains and trails of the greater Stanley area by foot, they’ve got you covered. Now renting for the winter season, you can pick up your own pair of professional snowshoes.

Snowshoes are the perfect tool to help you explore the wild and scenic trails of the greater Stanley area.

Snowshoe prices and packages:

  • Full-Day 10 am - 4 pm
    • Adult 15+ $25
    • Child 3 - 15 $12
  • Half-Day 10 am - 1 pm or 1 pm - 4 pm
    • Adult 15+ $20
    • Child 3 - 15 $10

Some popular, well-loved, hiking trails that are easy for any level or age of snowshoer are,

  • Stanley Lake Trailhead
  • Bench Lakes Trailhead
  • Redfish Trailhead
  • Fishhook Creek drainage

Forget your ski poles or boots? Riverwear rents those too!

Looking for summertime activities rentals? Riverwear also rents wetsuits, river equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and camping equipment.

Not only do they rent the equipment you need, but they sell other gear, apparel, or safety equipment needed to adventure comfortably. You can find gloves, hats, jackets, and so much more to keep you comfortable and happy while you venture out into the great outdoors.

You can shop and browse their full lineup of inventory and rentals at their website below:

Website: riverwear.com

Follow them on Instagram and Facebook!

Instagram: @riverwear_stanley_id

Facebook: @riverwear

Riverwear | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Riverwear | Stanley, Idaho

Riverwear | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Riverwear | Stanley, Idaho

Riverwear | Stanley, Idaho | Totally Boise 2021 Winter Mag

Photo Credit: Riverwear | Stanley, Idaho

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