Kelly Canyon Plans Major snowmaking upgrades for this summer
20/March/2026
Kelly Canyon is excited to announce a major snowmaking improvement planned for this summer: snowmaking infrastructure will be extended to the top of Goldrush (Lift 2) ahead of next season.
This summer project will significantly improve snow coverage across terrain served by Goldrush. By bringing snowmaking to the top of Lift 2, Kelly Canyon will be able to provide more consistent snow conditions up and down the mountain.
The expanded system will help the resort open terrain earlier in the season, maintain stronger coverage throughout the winter, and extend the overall ski season.
Work on the project will take place throughout the summer, with the goal of having the system fully operational in time for the 2026/2027 ski season.
This investment is part of Kelly Canyon’s continued commitment to improving the mountain experience and delivering better snow, longer seasons, and more dependable conditions for skiers and riders.
Additional improvements for the upcoming season will be announced soon.
Kelly Canyon is an alpine ski area in eastern Idaho, in the Targhee National Forest. Northeast of Idaho Falls, it straddles the county line in the southeastern corner of Jefferson County and also in southern Madison County. The ski area opened in 1957, founded by E. Bud Johnson.
The summit is at an elevation of 6,600 feet (2,012 m) above sea level with a vertical drop of 1,000 feet (305 m), on 640 acres (2.6 km2) of slopes. Lift service includes four double chairlifts and a rope tow on the north-facing slopes. The terrain is rated at 35% easiest, 45% more difficult, and 20% most difficult.
The annual snowfall is 200 inches (510 cm), supplemented with snowmaking. The ski area is open seven days a week.
Kelly Canyon also has Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails, just beyond the alpine lifts. The snowshoe trails are designated with Atlas Snowshoe markers for easy navigation.
