What to Wear for Winter in Idaho
Winter in Idaho can vary drastically depending on where you are geographically in the state and whether you're in the mountains or valleys. Winters in southwest Idaho (where Boise is located) tend to be the most mild of anywhere in the state, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°F on the chilliest days to upper 40s and even 50s. South-central, eastern, and northern Idaho all generally receive a lot more winter weather, bitter cold temperatures, and even breezy conditions. If you’re in the mountains, expect LOTS of snow!
Boise and the Treasure Valley as a whole also doesn’t see quite as much snowfall as other areas on average. We often get the dreaded inversion in the winter (which can be exacerbated by snow on the ground); this is when a cold pool in the valley settles in for a long period of time, trapping pollutants and giving us haze and temperatures colder than the nearby mountains.
Whether you’re new to the state or here for a visit, this is a list of exactly what you should pack and wear to stay warm in an Idaho winter, including weather-appropriate footwear and my favorite outerwear for all weather conditions!
What to Wear for Winter in Idaho
1. Base layers
Let's start from the bottom: base layers. If you're not going to be outside for any significant length of time, you probably don't need to worry much about wearing thermals under your regular clothes. I do wear and recommend Uniqlo HEATTECH tops for layering under sweaters and flannel shirts, but I typically go without an extra pant layer unless I'll be outside in the bitter cold (<20°F) for a while. If you are outside for a while, or if you're playing in the snow, I'd recommend thin thermal pants (or HEATTECH leggings) under either snow pants or regular pants that have a wider leg (thermals won't fit under skinny jeans; make sure your jeans fit comfortably over another layer).
2. Long pants / jeans
Personally, my legs can tolerate cold a lot better than my arms and torso, so I typically reach for regular jeans in the winter months. Here I’m wearing a pair of “heatrich” jeans by Madewell, which feature a small percentage of cashmere and brushed interior for extra softness and warmth. They released only a limited number of new styles this season but keep an eye for them on secondhand sites like Poshmark! Otherwise, regular jeans should be fine unless you're outside for a while, in which case I would wear a thin pant layer under either snow/ski pants (if you're doing activities) or wider-leg pants (see what I wrote above under base layers; tights might be a good option, too).
3. Sweaters made from natural fibers
For tops, sweaters are what will keep you warmest, especially those made with wool and cashmere and other natural fibers. I prefer cashmere; I developed a wool sensitivity within the past couple of years, so regular wool is too itchy for me. Merino wool is great, but I find cashmere warmest. Alpaca is also an excellent option if you're not sensitive to the fabric. Cotton sweaters are not as warm in my experience, so if you cannot wear wool/cashmere/alpaca, be sure to wear a long-sleeved thermal layer underneath for maximum warmth. Flannel shirts are another great option and can be quite warm depending on the thickness! My favorite brands for thick flannel are L.L.Bean and Madewell (the flannel Sunday shirts with the front pockets are the thickest I've found from the brand).
Read next: Affordable cashmere sweater reviews: Quince vs. Naadam vs. Everlane
4. Wool socks + weather-appropriate footwear
Socks and footwear are key in Idaho winters. You do NOT want your feet to freeze! You'll want socks that will keep your feet dry and warm but not make them sweaty: WOOL is the best option. I love Smartwool socks but I know others swear by Stance, Darn Tough, and Swiftwick (Swiftwick gifted me a pair of thick hiking socks that are perfect on chilly winter days). I don’t think you can go wrong! As far as footwear goes, opt for boots that cover your ankles and that provide traction, especially if it's snowy. Sorel makes winter boots that are functional and also cute! I own two pairs of Sorels including these old Cumberland snow boots I’m wearing here. Other brands that offer nice winter boot options are L.L.Bean and The North Face (browse a variety at Backcountry). Do keep sizing in mind; you may need to size up a half or whole size in order to wear thick wool socks with your boots!
5. Puffer coat
Top your whole outfit off with a cozy coat! When it's really cold out (it was only 16°F when we shot this outfit), puffer coats are the only way I survive. They may not be as cute as a figure-grazing wool coat, but they are 100x warmer, and during Idaho winters, warmth > cuteness any day. You can find great puffers/parks anywhere (with real down or faux/recycled down), just be sure to read reviews to make sure they're warm enough. The one I'm wearing here is old from Uniqlo, but I also have favorites from Everlane (last seen here) and The North Face. Patagonia, Columbia, and other outdoor-centric brands have excellent options, including some coats that hit around your knee for extra coziness (check out Backcountry for a wide selection). I definitely recommend buying a coat with a hood if nothing else than to prevent snowflakes from hitting your neck!
6. Accessories: beanie, scarf, gloves
You'll also probably want a nice beanie, a scarf, and gloves. J.Crew offers pom-pom beanies that fit my small-ish head perfectly. I also have a variety of scarves, and you can pick up alpaca, wool, and/or cashmere scarves for extra warmth. If it's windy, your neck will thank you. Gloves are absolutely a necessity if you'll be outside for long periods of time. Grab a pair that can be used with a touch screen so you don't have to take them off to use your phone!
Don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses, especially on those sunny days with fresh snow on the ground! Check out all of my winter outfits for more inspiration on how to dress to stay warm.
Read next: Where to ski and snowboard in Idaho
OUTFIT DETAILS
Uniqlo coat / old; similar (limited sizes) or similar from Macy's
Everlane sweater / old; similar style or similar from SSENSE (last seen here)
Madewell jeans / old; similar (last seen here)
Sorel boots / old; similar or similar
J.Crew hat / exact style or similar by Quince
Everlane scarf / exact or similar by Quince
The North Face gloves / old; new version
Le Specs sunglasses / exact via Zappos, Shopbop or Nordstrom
Dior Lip Glow in rosewood / exact
