Winter visitors to Sawtooth National Recreation Area can enjoy cross-country skiing, backcountry touring, ice skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and steelhead fishing.

More than 90 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails challenge all levels of ability, from the beginner to the most experienced. Snowmobilers will find challenging terrain with access to over 100 miles of groomed trails. Ice fishing is open on some area lakes. Steelhead fishing begins in late winter.

Ice skaters glide on the frozen Big Wood River's beaver ponds, and many areas around Stanley are great for sledding. Snowshoers will find endless places to explore, including logging roads that wind through the area. In winter, wildlife migrate to lower elevations in search for food. Some areas have been set aside as winter habitat for these animals, and no snowmobiles, ski or foot traffic is allowed there. Area maps show road closures and wildlife wintering areas.