Idaho doesn’t have a wide reputation as one of the snowiest states in the country, but you might be surprised how much of the fluffy stuff the Gem State sees every year (hint: it’s a lot!). Of course, if you live in one particular Idaho city, you know what real snow looks like. Back in 2016, the folks over at the Weather Channel ranked the snowiest cities in each region of the U.S., and even today one particular tiny town in Idaho continues to top the charts for the highest average snowfall in the state. Even if you’re not a snow-lover – or maybe you’re just ready for spring to hurry up and get here already – you’ll think it’s positively gorgeous. Without further ado, welcome to the snowiest city in Idaho:

On an average day, Island Park is one of those tiny but picturesque towns in Idaho that have somehow managed to miss most of the crowds.
Adam Sorenson/Flickr
South of West Yellowstone near the border of Yellowstone National Park, Island Park isn't an island in the traditional sense. Rather, it's a unique haven of lakes, wooded areas, rivers, meadows, and mountains lightly sprinkled with ranches and charming mountain lodges.
Renowned fishing on Henry’s Fork - a tributary of the Snake River - is just one of the superb angling spots you'll find in the area. Other fishing jewels include Henry’s Lake and the Island Park Reservoir.
Steve Smith/Getty
Of course, you don't need to be a fly fishing pro to enjoy the area!
Dana Denney/GoogleMaps
Visitors come to enjoy a variety of near-perfect camping and recreation opportunities offered both on and off the water.
Being nestled inside the Henry's Lake and Island Park calderas creates a stunning display of all four seasons every year.
Delanie Miller/GoogleMaps
Fun fact: The Island Park caldera - the unique crater-like volcanic formation that the town sits in - is actually one of the largest in the world.
But when winter hits, this tiny town with its year-round population of just under 300 residents transforms into a winter wonderland.
Island Park Chamber of Commerce

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Seriously.
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The Weather Channel's original study tallied Island Park's annual average snowfall at just over 211 inches.
Island Park Chamber of Commerce
That's a whopping 17 1/2 feet, in case you were wondering.
A more accurate average gives Island Park an annual snowfall of around 12 feet, or approximately 154 inches.
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This lower number doesn't take into account the severe winter storms of the 1940s, which - if you recall from this article - created a brutal and unforgiving snow season country-wide.
But whether 12 feet or 17 feet, this slice of Idaho is still pretty spectacular, wouldn't you say?
Island Park, ID
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Of course, Island Park's numbers are still dwarfed by some of its more mountainous PNW counterparts, like Mount Rainier in Washington state. But that just means those who live in Idaho have the best of both worlds - sun and snow, to each their own!
Island Park, ID
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Whether you’re itching for another free weekend to hit the slopes or whether you’re dying for the brilliant rays of summer, there’s no denying that Idaho is fabulously gorgeous year-round – and these pictures prove it.

What’s your favorite season in Idaho?

Don’t just read about the snow… enjoy it! This winter, get out and visit this stunning state park while you’re in the area.

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Snowiest City in Idaho & Related Info

Jennifer | December 13, 2022

What are the winters like in Idaho?

The Gem State is large and diverse, so winters in Idaho vary from year to year and differ greatly between regions. In general, winters in Idaho are mild; however, the state does see plenty of snow and ice, in addition to extreme temperatures when conditions are right. Some of the worst winter storms Idaho has ever seen include:

 

Aside from these notable winter storms, Idaho visitors and residents can expect to see annual snowfall - particularly at higher elevations - average state-wide temperatures between 15 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and a winter season that typically lasts from November to February. Stanley, Idaho spends over 260 days each year below freezing, and many parts of the state experience extreme temperature drops as well.

How much snowfall does Idaho get each year?

In general, the southern half of Idaho is warmer and drier than Central and Northern Idaho, but heavy snowfall can be found in every corner of the state due to Idaho's numerous mountain ranges. The snowiest cities in Idaho, measured in average inches of snow per year are:

  • Island Park: 154 inches per year
  • Mack's Inn; 141 inches per year
  • Warm River: 97 inches per year
  • Ashton: 97 inches per year
  • Warren: 95 inches per year

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Island Park, ID, USA