Fire and Ice Winterfest

Feb. 7-8/LAVA HOT SPRINGS – Famous for its natural spring-fed hot pools, bring your friends and family and celebrate winter! Recognized as one of the weirdest winter festivals, there will be a mix of hot and cold events including a polar bear float in the Portneuf River, costume contests, sports curling competition, fire shows and, of course, plenty of hot pool soaking. There will be a Polar  Bear Beer Garden set up for ages 21+  and don’t miss the Aaron Ball concert on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://lavahotsprings.org/event/fire-ice/

All-American Dog Sled Race

Feb. 14-15/ASHTON – There are 5 different races offered and a start/finish line full of activities including a celebrity race, a snowshoe race, and a weight pull in which spectators and their dogs can compete. Main Races start at 8:30 a.m. on Main Street or Bear Gulch leaving at 2-minute intervals. A soup challenge from  5:30 – 7 p.m. will be held at the community center for only $2 per person.  On Sat., race activities include a kid’s snowshoe race and mutt race.

Winter Carnival

Feb. 21-23/MCCALL – Celebrating all things winter, the McCall Winter Carnival was inspired by the Payette Lake Winter Games, first held in 1924 when a train from Boise brought 248 visitors to McCall. Begin with a pancake breakfast. Experience live music, competitions, parades, dog sledding, and craft fair. Participate in snowshoe golf and bingo,  The grand finale will be fireworks over Payette Lake. For a complete schedule, visit https://visitmccall.org/events/winter-carnival

The Skijoring Grand Showdown

Feb. 22-23/DRIGGS – Races 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Teton County Fairgrounds. Feel the thrill of skijoring in the Tetons, where horses, riders and skiers race together in an adrenaline-pumping display of skill and speed. Teams from across the western U.S. gather to compete for top prizes in this storied event. Cheer as skiers are pulled by galloping horses over jumps and through gates in a competition that’s as fierce as it is fast. Feel the thrill of skijoring in the Tetons, where horses, riders and skiers race together in an adrenaline-pumping display of skill and speed. Teams from across the western U.S. gather to compete for top prizes in this storied event. Cheer as skiers are pulled by galloping horses over jumps and through gates in a competition that’s as fierce as it is fast. General admission is $18 per day or $35 for weekend. Ages 12 and under are free with a paid adult. https://tetonskijor.org/event-teton-skijor/tickets-teton-skijor/