Kelly Canyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kelly Canyon |
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 Kelly Canyon
Location in Idaho
Kelly Canyon
Location in the United States
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| Location | Targhee National Forest Jefferson County & Madison County, Idaho,  United States |
| Nearest city | Ririe Idaho Falls |
| Coordinates | 43°38′45″N 111°37′48″W / 43.64583°N 111.63000°W |
| Vertical | 1,000 feet (305 m) |
| Top elevation | 6,600 feet (2,012 m) |
| Base elevation | 5,600 feet (1,707 m) |
| Skiable area | 640 acres (2.6 km2) |
| Runs | 26 - 35% easiest - 45% more difficult - 20% most difficult |
| Longest run | 1.3 miles (2.1 km) |
| Lift system | 4 double chairs 1 rope tow |
| Terrain parks | 1 |
| Snowfall | 200 inches (510 cm) |
| Snowmaking | yes |
| Night skiing | Mon-Sat, ski area is closed on Sundays |
| Website | Ski Kelly.com |
Kelly Canyon is a fun place to ski and snowboard in eastern Idaho. It's located in the beautiful Targhee National Forest, not too far from Idaho Falls. This ski area actually sits right on the border between Jefferson County and Madison County! It first opened its slopes in 1957, thanks to its founder, E. Bud Johnson.
Exploring Kelly Canyon
Kelly Canyon is a great spot for winter sports. The highest point, called the summit, is about 6,600 feet (2,012 m) above sea level. From there, you can ski down a vertical distance of 1,000 feet (305 m). The ski area covers about 640 acres (2.6 km2) of slopes, which is a lot of space for skiing and snowboarding!
Lifts and Trails
To get up the mountain, Kelly Canyon has four double chairlifts and one rope tow. These lifts take you to the north-facing slopes, which usually have great snow.
The trails at Kelly Canyon are designed for different skill levels:
- About 35% of the trails are considered easiest, perfect for beginners.
- Around 45% are more difficult, good for skiers and snowboarders who have some experience.
- The remaining 20% are most difficult, offering a challenge for advanced riders.
Snow and Night Skiing
Kelly Canyon gets a lot of natural snowfall, usually around 200 inches (510 cm) each year. If there isn't enough natural snow, they can make more using snowmaking machines to keep the slopes in good condition.
You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding six days a week at Kelly Canyon. They even offer night skiing from Monday to Saturday, which is a really cool experience! Just remember, the ski area is closed on Sundays.
Beyond Downhill Skiing
Kelly Canyon isn't just for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Just past the main ski lifts, you'll find special trails for Nordic skiing (also known as cross-country skiing) and snowshoeing. These trails are marked with Atlas Snowshoe markers, making them easy to follow as you explore the snowy landscape.
