BOISE, ID – While east coast boarders and skiers routinely high-five each other when they review the Murderer’s Row line-up of Indy Pass resorts – two free days each year at Cannon, Waterville, Jay Peak, Magic, and Saddleback for openers – west coasters would be well advised to consider Indy as well for its breadth and depth in both the Rockies and Pac-Northwest. Although Powder Mountain may have switched allegiances, every single other Indy Pass venue renewed for 2025-25. Let’s take a look at some of the top Indy Pass resorts on the west side of the Mississippi.
IDAHO
Talk about market coverage, Idaho may feature the strongest lineup of Indy’s western states, both geographically and in terms of stature. Of the arguably top six venues in Idaho, Indy has four of them in its roster: Tamarack, Brundage, Soldier, and Silver. We wrote about Brundage and the town of McCall here and will supplement that story later this winter. Nearby Tamarack makes a perfect week-long trip without changing accommodations as they are only seven miles as the crow flies from Brundage and McCall makes a perfect base of operations for both. ***PRO TIP*** McCall is short on tasty dining options, and prepare to pay through the nose. Lodging and skiing, on the other hand, are plentiful.
“My favorite Indys in Idaho are Brundage and Silver,” said Indy Pass founder and ambassador Doug Fish. “Like many of our non-mega partners, they are a bit off the beaten path but worth every mile of the drive. Both offer light Northern Rockies powder, huge dumps and excellent terrain for powder-charging adventurers who are seeking a new and different experience. McCall, Idaho, just down the road from Brundage is a charming, lakeside mountain community brimming with character.”
Also, don’t sleep on Soldier Mountain, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Sun Valley. With much the same of SV’s rugged terrain and majestic scenery its a great foil to Sun Valley. Sort of like Grand Targhee is to Jackson Hole.
OREGON/WASHINGTON
MOUNT SHASTA, CA
It may not be as large as Mammoth (few are) but Mount Shasta, standing in bold, lonely stoic prominence has character. Rising from the southern edge of the Cascade Range, it features 38 slopes and above the treeline skiing.
