What was once a well-kept secret among powder-chasing purists, McCall, Idaho is most certainly getting noticed. Long before its first ski resort opened, winter recreation in the area around McCall was part of the local mountain culture. Now, powder hounds have two major ski resorts (Brundage Mountain Resort and Tamarack Resort) to choose from, a local ski mountain (the Little Ski Hill) that offers a great family friendly atmosphere, 500 plus miles of groomed snowmobile trails, six Nordic ski areas, and every imaginable winter adventure in between.
If a winter wonderland is on your bucket list this year, here are the top five must-do activities in McCall.
#1 Chase Fresh Tracks
Brundage SnowCat Adventures has been guiding powder-hungry skiers and snowboarders to 18,000 acres of coveted backcountry stashes since the early 90’s. Unlike your typical snowcat program, the terrain doesn’t lie adjacent to the ski area. Instead, you’ll journey several miles beyond the ski area into the Goose Creek drainage and ski or snowboard from four different mountain peaks.
#2 Enjoy Bluebird Groomers
Whether you’re a powder hound, a beginner learning the ropes, or a family looking for some playful adventure, Tamarack has you covered with fresh, fun options and legit alpine terrain. With 2,800 feet of total vertical drop, the views and the playful pitch variations make for a perfect day on the slopes. Be sure to check out the namesake Tamarack grove for a fresh twist on tree skiing. The Tamaracks drop their amber needles each fall, causing these trees to develop less intense tree wells than evergreens and creating a unique off-piste experience that powder fans won’t want to miss. And new this year for the family, “Lumberjack Land” with features like berms and whoop-di-dos, a teepee you can ski under, and lots of friendly looking characters you can high-five on your way through.
#3 Snowmobile the Backcountry
Immerse yourself in the beautiful backcountry of the Payette National Forest with a snowmobile tour from Brundage Snowmobile Adventures. For those new to the sport, a guided tour is a great way to make this high-octane adventure approachable. Tours are geared tailored to take advantage of the fresh groomed trails and lead you to magical places like Hazard Lake and Upper Payette Lake.
#4 Après Idaho Style
Nothing caps a day in the snow quite like a quality après experience. Downtown McCall has that elusive small-town charm with loads of friendly boutiques, bistros, and restaurants for a drink and a bite. We love Rupert’s at Hotel McCall for a decidedly Idaho menu. Chef Gary Kucy combines well-loved staples with adventurous eats while the bar serves up craft cocktails and an impressive wine list to match.
#5 Get Cozy
One of the best things about staying in a mountain town is taking in the view from your warm and cozy lodgings. The Glass House offers a unique take on a traditional vacation rental with stunning views of Payette Lake. With three bedrooms, two baths, ample room to hold the entire family, and two blocks from the heart of downtown McCall, this vintage showstopper is the perfect home base. Looking for something more traditional? Book a room at Hotel McCall. Built in 1904, this boutique hotel offers the warmth of a bed and breakfast with the amenities of a modern hotel.
Looking for more great ideas to plan your winter getaway in McCall, Idaho? Go to visitmccall.org to explore more activities like Nordic skiing, hot springs, fat bike riding, snowshoeing, snow biking, ice skating, and so much more.