Tamarack Resort’s Santa Skis Free Tradition Shines Bright This Holiday Season in Idaho’s Winter Wonderland

Published on December 26, 2025

Christmas 2025 saw a burst of festive fun at Tamarack Resort, Idaho, as it welcomed over 100 Santas, elves, and a playful Grinch to the slopes for its annual Santa Skis Free event. This joyful tradition brought together locals and tourists for a day of skiing, snowboarding, and spreading holiday cheer, all while enjoying the resort’s beautiful mountain scenery. The event not only makes for an unforgettable holiday experience but also boosts winter tourism in the region, attracting visitors to Idaho’s premier ski resort for more than just snow activities.

A Festive Twist on Skiing: Free Lift Tickets for Santa Clauses

The concept is simple yet brilliant — anyone dressed in a full Santa suit, complete with the hat, beard, and red jacket, can ski for free on Christmas Day. It’s a way to bring fun and excitement to holiday skiing while promoting Tamarack Resort as a top-tier winter destination. The resort’s Santa Skis Free event has been growing year after year, becoming one of the standout attractions for families and holiday travellers alike. In 2025, hundreds of Santas descended upon the slopes, spreading cheer to everyone they passed.

The Charm of Tamarack Resort: A Winter Paradise

Tamarack Resort, nestled in the Payette River Mountains near Lake Cascade, is known for its scenic beauty and abundant recreational options. Whether it’s downhill skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, the resort offers over 1,600 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of 2,800 feet that caters to skiers of all levels. With more than 300 inches of snow each winter, Tamarack is a haven for snow sports enthusiasts. However, it’s not just the slopes that make this resort special—Tamarack’s village is a charming alpine retreat offering ski-in, ski-out accommodation, fine dining, and year-round activities.

Santa Skis Free: More Than Just Skiing

The Santa Skis Free event is more than just an opportunity to ski for free—it’s a community celebration. After taking runs on the resort’s pristine slopes, participants gather at Tamarack’s Mid-Mountain Lodge for a warm and festive après-ski experience. With holiday music playing, visitors can enjoy hot drinks, share stories, and participate in family-friendly activities. The event is designed to foster a sense of togetherness, providing something unique for both first-time visitors and loyal guests of the resort.

A Tradition That Brings Tourists and Locals Together

What makes this event so special is how it brings together not just skiers and snowboarders, but people from all walks of life. The Santa Skis Free tradition is open to everyone, from locals in Idaho to tourists visiting from out of state. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-time snow bunny, the resort’s festive atmosphere makes it an excellent option for families, friends, and solo adventurers looking to embrace the holiday spirit in the heart of the mountains.

In addition to the skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy Tamarack’s seasonal programming, which includes holiday performances, snowshoe tours, and guided nature walks—perfect for those who want to experience Idaho’s wilderness in a more leisurely way.

Building Idaho’s Winter Tourism Brand

Tamarack Resort is one of the key players in Idaho’s growing winter tourism market. By offering unique events like Santa Skis Free, the resort helps elevate Idaho’s profile as a winter destination. With the added appeal of Lake Cascade, the resort is perfectly positioned to attract tourists looking for a balanced mix of winter sports, relaxation, and holiday festivities. The Santa Skis Free event serves as a reminder that winter travel in Idaho isn’t just about skiing—it’s about creating memorable experiences for everyone.

By integrating fun holiday traditions into its core operations, Tamarack Resort appeals to a broad audience, from families with young children to avid skiers looking for a new adventure. As the resort continues to innovate and grow, it contributes to a broader trend of experience-based tourism that prioritises cultural engagement and adventure travel.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tamarack Resort’s Holiday Events

As Tamarack Resort continues to grow as a must-visit destination, its holiday programming will undoubtedly evolve. The Santa Skis Free event is just one of many ways the resort is carving out a unique niche in the highly competitive ski tourism market. Looking to the future, Tamarack plans to continue expanding its offerings, providing visitors with more opportunities to create lasting holiday memories.

Additionally, the resort is likely to keep integrating more seasonal events designed to attract off-season visitors as part of its broader goal of becoming a year-round destination. Tamarack Resort’s balance of fun, family-friendly events with world-class skiing continues to solidify its reputation as a top choice for winter holidaymakers.

The Economic Impact of Santa Skis Free on Idaho’s Tourism

Tamarack Resort’s Santa Skis Free event is part of a larger effort to drive tourism to Idaho. By combining local culture and holiday cheer with outdoor adventure, the event draws both first-time and returning visitors, boosting local economy. This surge in visitors generates more revenue for the surrounding businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and local retail shops. Additionally, Tamarack’s high-profile events like Santa Skis Free help keep winter tourism alive throughout the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period, further contributing to Idaho’s tourism development.

Image: Tamarack Resort