You Won't Believe This Town Is In Idaho

Few places in Idaho feel as isolated and as unforgettable as the little town of Stanley. Located about three hours northeast of Boise, it sits near the base of the rugged Sawtooths and endures some of the most extreme winters in the contiguous United States. While you might expect these frigid temperatures to shut the town down during the winter, the opposite actually occurs. Visitors from across the country arrive during the coldest months, eager to explore Stanley’s snowy, mountainous terrain on skis, snowmobiles, and skates.

About Stanley

Sawtooth mountains and a log cabin at sunrise and Highway 75 leading to Stanley, Idaho.

Since fur traders first arrived in the area that is now Stanley in the 1820s, they found that the rugged, mountainous terrain and the Salmon River made the land quite treacherous. Today, the area remains sparsely populated, with the town home to just over 100 residents. It continues to reflect the spirit of the Idaho frontier, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains.

Stanley is also located within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, an expansive, 756,000-acre preserve that contains four major rivers (Salmon, Payette, Big Wood, and Boise), four mountain ranges (Sawtooth, Boulder, Smoky, and White Cloud), hundreds of lakes, more than 1,000 miles of streams, and at least 50 peaks that rise above 10,000 feet. With so much natural beauty and wilderness, the town attracts a wide variety of individuals, including anglers, boaters, hikers, bikers, skiers, horseback riders, ranchers, campers, and artists.

Stanley’s Bitter Winters

Winter scene in Stanley, Idaho. — Winter in Stanley, Idaho.

Stanley is one of the coldest places in the contiguous United States and has, at times, recorded the region’s lowest temperatures. In 1981, the National Weather Service recorded a record-breaking 54℉ below zero! So what contributes to these unbelievably frigid temperatures? Sitting at an elevation of about 6,200 feet in a natural “bowl” at the foot of the mountains, cold air from the surrounding snowy peaks sweeps into the valley and settles, trapping the cold there. From New Year’s Day through mid-March, average temperatures in the town stay below 35°F, with snowfall averaging around 72 inches. While many people may want to steer clear of this harsh, wintry climate, others see it as a snowy playground filled with potential for winter sports.

Backcountry and Nordic Skiing

Winter wilderness Idaho forest with snow in the trees and a mountain range — Winter in Idaho.

Many skiers use Stanley as a base camp to explore the snowy slopes of the Sawtooths. Travelers needing to rent some gear before starting their expedition can do so at one of the town’s local outfitters, such as Riverwear, which has cross-country ski, boot, and pole packages for rent. For Nordic skiing, you will find a variety of trails that wind through the Sawtooth and Stanley Basin, Park Creek, and the Alturas Nordic Trail. A backcountry skiing trail network passes through sections of the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains as well.

If you are eager to ski but prefer going with a local guide, consider booking a trip with Sawtooth Mountain Guides. They offer a range of excursions, from the gentle, powdery slopes of Galena to the rugged, challenging inclines of the Sawtooths.

Snowmobiling and Offroading

The gorgeous town of Stanley, Idaho. — The landscape surrounding Stanley, Idaho.

With 185 miles of groomed trails, Stanley has rightfully earned its reputation as a snowmobiling hub. Many travelers bring their own snowmobiles, although renting one is also an option. If you need a snowmobile while in town, local agencies like Sawtooth Traxx offer full-day and half-day rentals for both single and double riders. Helmets and gas are included in the rentals as well! A few of the most popular trails to explore include Stanley Lake/Elk Mountain Overlook, Nip and Tuck/Kelly Creek Loop, Stanley to Redfish Lake, and Elk Creek Loop.

Ice Skating, Curling, and Pond Hockey

Man pulls sled at Stanley, Idaho. — A man pulls a sled at Stanley, Idaho. Image credit Charles Knowles via Shutterstock

In addition to more rugged activities like skiing and snowmobiling, many travelers enjoy ice skating, curling, and pond hockey while in Stanley. The Stanley Ice Rink is the most popular place for skaters, sitting across from Pioneer Park. The rink is free to use, with the skating season lasting from December until around the end of February. A collection of donated skates, helmets, pucks, and sticks is also available for those needing gear. The rink is located atop a hill, giving you the chance to appreciate beautiful views of the Sawtooth mountains as you skate!

Quirkiest Idaho Towns To Visit In 2025Nicknamed the Gem State, Idaho lives up to its name, but not all of its treasures are the kind you might expect.

Between its valley and mountain towns, Idaho has a surprisingly diverse range of climates. Stanley is the perfect example of one of its extremes, boasting frigid winters that rival those of the contiguous United States’ northernmost towns. While some residents may prefer to hole themselves up indoors during these harsh temperatures, others take advantage of the climate, enjoying all kinds of winter activities. Maybe you will be the next to experience this town at its coldest time of year!

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