Southwest Idaho glistens with deep-packed snow and bright blue skies in winter. Since it’s on the west side of the Rockies, Idaho doesn’t experience much cold Arctic air but has heavy snowfalls, making for excellent winter sports conditions. Boise, the state’s nearby capital city, is easily accessible by plane, car and bus.
Two well known ski resorts near Boise, Bogus Basin and Sun Valley, offer great skiing for those of modest means as well as jet-setters. Bogus Basin is only 16 miles north of Boise while Sun Valley is a three-hour drive by car or shuttle bus from Boise International Airport.
Brundage Mountain Skiing
Just 100 miles north of Boise, the town of McCall and the surrounding area is known for its great winter outdoor activities. Downhill skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing, back-country skiing via snow cat and snowshoeing are some of the adventurous winter sports to take advantage of around McCall. In fact, the area has earned the title “Ski Town USA” because it’s home to several Olympic skiers.
Brundage Mountain boasts uncrowded slopes, a vertical drop of 1,800 feet, 51 runs and average annual snowfall of more than 26 feet. The resort has one high-speed quad lift and four triple chair lifts. Runs are open from late November through April. Brundage is known for its wide groomed runs and powder packed glades.
Appealing to beginning skiers as well as experts, Brundage reputedly has some of the best skiing conditions in Idaho. Near the base of the hill, seven beginner runs provide wide, smooth areas that aren’t too steep. Novice and intermediate skiers appreciate four groomed runs and 160 acres of terrain with steep pitches and open glades. Experts enjoy Hidden Valley’s acres of untracked powder fields and steeps.
McCall Winter Activities and Lodging
The town of McCall, on the south shore of Payette Lake, caters to outdoor adventurers. A winter carnival held each year at the end of January includes snow sculptures, a craft fair, parades, hockey games and fireworks. Snowmobiling on 500 miles of groomed trails around McCall and a snowtubing site (with a 700-foot-long path and 85-foot drop) two miles south of McCall offer more winter activities for singles and families.
Lodging in McCall ranges from vacation rentals to national hotel chains. Condos, homes and cottages are available for rent in the McCall area. Best Western, Holiday Inn and Super 8 offer full accommodations for travelers to McCall. Bear Creek Lodge, a family-run resort, and Shore Lodge, a 77-suite lakefront resort, feature mid-range and high-end lodging for families and couples. Restaurants in McCall range from pizza places and sushi bars to grill spots and fine dining establishments.
Travel to McCall, Idaho, for exciting outdoor winter adventures. Ski at Brundage Mountain and enjoy pristine terrain and uncrowded lifts. Experience an almost 50-year tradition of McCall’s winter carnival. Stay in McCall at vacation rentals, hotels and lodges, and enjoy dining at many local restaurants. While in the area, try snowkiting in nearby Camas Prairie or snowshoeing at Craters of the Moon National Monument.
Susan Lynne Hamilton - Award-winning writer Susan Lynne Hamilton is the Topic Editor of Suite 101's Northwest U.S. travel section, showcasing its rich ...
Join the Conversation