The Gem State has numerous communities with charming small-town vibes. And that atmosphere extends to many ski areas, too. “Uniquely in Idaho, there’s still demand for a slower-moving, community ski hill,” says David Alden, general manager at Soldier Mountain, a resort in the Sawtooth Range, 80 miles north of Twin Falls. “Many small family ski areas have faded away in other states, but Idaho’s ski industry feels very protective of keeping the sport affordable and accessible.”