Kelly Canyon, Ririe, Idaho

Kelly Canyon is a ski resort located in Ririe, Idaho. The ski resort is located in the Targhee National Forest close to the south fork of the Snake River. The area is considered to be one of the most magnificent valleys in eastern Idaho. Each year there are numerous attractions all year round for visitors to take part in. Swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling, and skiing are all outdoor activities for tourists and residents.

Kelly Canyon Ski Resort began in 1957, with Bud Johnson. During this year farmers and ranchers went to Sun Valley Ski Resort. They took photos and asked some questions. It was this information that was used to bring Kelly Canyon to fruition. Bud Johnson was only one of the owners. The others were Frank Stone, Lawrence Blakely, Warren Blakely, and Ray Wheeler.

To help visitors to reach the mountain for entertainment there is a local bus which runs through the ski resort. Miles Bus Co. provides transportation throughout the winter season except for holidays. Most of the buses get an early start to the resort to bring visitors to the mountain for fresh powder.

Kelly Canyon's mountain summit is 6,600 feet, with a base elevation of 5,600 feet. In a snow year the resort typically gets 200 inches. There are 640 acres of land for skiing, and 26 runs. The longest run of the mountain is 6,900 feet. There are 4 double chairs and 2 ropes. The lift capacity can take 3,400 per hour. When a season is not particularly snowy the resort will make snow. They also offer night skiing on certain runs. Slope ratings are 35 percent easy, 45 percent intermediate, and 20 percent for the experienced skier.

Night skiing is from 5pm to 9:30pm. The rate for night skiing has been $27 for adults and $21 for children or seniors in the past. It may remain at this same cost for the new season, but the resort does hold the rights to changing their prices depending on the season.

Kelly Canyon Ski Resort has a ski patrol, ski school and ski team. They also host social events. They have two rooms for events: the southeast Sun Room and the Northwest Room. These rooms are part of the remodel of the lodge. The resort can handle reunions, wedding parties, or even corporate retreats companies have.

Like all resorts during the other seasons Kelly Canyon is still open. During the summer months they still run the ski lifts for individuals wanting to hike the mountain. Visitors are welcome to take to the trails for picnics or day hikes to view the national forest.

The national forest is actually quite large. There are 3 million acres belonging to the park in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. As part of the south eastern part of the state, there is camping, fishing, and other activities in areas of the park. The park provides facilities at a number of places to make visitors comfortable while on their vacation.