22 minute read
Winter Days
To Savor McCall’s Winter Days
by April Thomas Whitney
Whether you’re coming all the way across the country, or just up the highway from the Treasure Valley, a winter trip to the McCall area is well worth the effort. Once you arrive, McCall is a pleasant surprise in so many ways, starting with the quality and variety of outdoor activities, but also in the amenities available for those moments when you’d rather cozy up inside. From secluded outings to high-octane adventures, charming shops, and delicious food, McCall offers something to check the boxes on everyone’s vacation wish list. Here we offer six different itineraries for winter pursuits of all fashions and flavors.
Trip Guide #1 Skiing & Snowboarding
What was once a well-kept secret among powder-chasing purists, the skiing in the McCall area is most certainly getting noticed. Long before Brundage Mountain opened sixty years ago, skiing on the hills around McCall was part of the local mountain culture. Now, powder hounds have two major ski resorts to choose from, offering a tantalizing variety of terrain, scenery, and amenities.
Skiers and snowboarders will want to dedicate an entire day (if not more) to exploring either Brundage Mountain or Tamarack Resort and a ski vacation here can easily offer up a whole week’s worth of exploring.
Photo courtesy Brundage Mountain Resort – John Webster Photography
Brundage Mountain Resort
Known for the Best Snow in Idaho, and recently recognized as the top resort in the U.S. in USA Today’s People’s Choice Awards, the charms of Brundage Mountain reach far beyond the meticulously groomed trails.
Powder hounds will love the easy access powder runs on the edges of the groomed Frontside trails. Look skiers-left of North and Main Street for first chair powder laps, or head over to Meadow Bowl for some of the best low-angle powder stashes anywhere. The Lakeview Zone, on the mountain’s south side, rides bigger than its four named runs would suggest.
For beginners and families, the Beartopia Fun Zone provides a perfect progression, with runs that level-up gently from conveyorserved Tater Tot to the Easy Street Triple Chair’s namesake run. From there, families with multiple skill levels in play can cruise over to the Bear Chair Triple. This area has a nice variety of green mid-mountain groomers, a couple of small terrain parks, and lots of playful tree runs the kids will love. More experienced family members can take quick detours to a handful of blue and black runs. For lunch, hit the easy button and pop into the Bear’s Den. Expanded deck seating gives grownups the option to relax with an adult beverage while the rest of the crew works off that youthful energy lapping the Bear Chair. More advanced riders will appreciate the chance to explore the powder-packed lift-served backcountry adjacent to the ski area (make sure you are avalanche safety-savvy and equipped with shovel, beacon, and probe before heading out). For those seeking the ultimate alpine experience on the Best Snow in Idaho, 18,000 acres of snowcat terrain sits just north of Brundage and is accessible by reservation via a guided Snowcat Adventure.
Photo courtesy Brundage Mountain Resort
Photo courtesy Brundage Mountain Resort
Photo courtesy Brundage Mountain Resort
Photo courtesy Tamarack Resort
TAMARACK RESORT
www.tamarackidaho.com
If you like the convenience of lift-served skiing but long to leave the crowds behind, Tamarack is the place for you. Weekdays are especially chill, but lift lines rarely grow long even on weekends.
Photo courtesy Tamarack Resort
What is long at Tamarack are the runs. With 2,800 feet of total vertical drop, the trails served by the combination of the Tamarack Express and the Summit Express can keep groomer riders satisfied for hours. Bliss offers up stunning views at the top and playful pitch variations that can make you feel like you’re in an Olympic Downhill race. Less seasoned skiers and riders will enjoy Lower Serenity, a favorite spot to build skills or work out the kinks. Whether you’re lapping the blacks and blues off the summit on a powder day, hitting the terrain features on Lower Showtime, or building confidence on Waltz, the mid-mountain Mile High Cantina is a perfect stop for a grab and go meal or refreshing beverage.
The Wildwood Zone, served by a high-speed quad, is out of the main traffic flow but worth the detour for intermediate and advanced skiers.
When the hunger pangs hit, head back to the base area and check out the impressive new offerings along the Plaza Walkway. The Rendezvous Food Hall is an open, indoor venue featuring an eclectic mix of four eateries. The Triple B Diner has a 50’s vibe and offers a classic rib-sticking diner breakfast and burgers and fries at lunch. El Pueblo Taqueria features tasty burritos and street tacos to enjoy inside or to take away. Summit Bowls serves up rice and noodle options with meat, veggies, and tasty sauces. Crusty’s Pizza, a longtime staple of the Downtown McCall food scene, expanded to this second location. The food hall is also home to the new Bumps & Brews Beer Bar, which features an indulgent selection of craft beers on tap and will host live music and a lively ‘apres’ scene throughout the winter.
Photo courtesy Tamarack Resort – John Webster Photography
Trip Guide #2 Self-Guided Outings No Lift Ticket Required
You don’t need to be a gravity hound to get active outdoors in McCall. The area has plenty to offer those who prefer to recreate on less precipitous surfaces. Before you head out for a day of Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking, you’ll want to make sure your human fuel tank is sufficiently full.
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
FoggLifter Café is a favorite fixture downtown. It opens at 7 am, and offers delicious food, friendly service, and a cozy space to start your day. Another great option is Café 6 Three 4, where you’ll find great coffee and unique eats in a charming and eclectic atmosphere.
If you want your breakfast to stick to your ribs, grab a bite at the Old Town Market. This under-the-radar spot is located inside the Shell Station, but it offers much more than your typical convenience store breakfast.
Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from the Moose Toast or what many consider to be the best biscuits & gravy in town.
NORDIC, ‘CROSS-COUNTRY’, or SKATE SKIING
Nordic Skiing, aka cross-country skiing, has been around even longer than the downhill variety, and McCall is a mecca for those interested in the traditional form of the sport or the increasingly popular style, skate skiing! There’s no shortage of groomed trails to choose from in and around the McCall area.
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
Ponderosa State Park is located on a 1,000-acre peninsula that splits Payette Lake just two miles north of downtown McCall. Ponderosa maintains more than 13 miles (21 km) of groomed forest trails that include level stretches, rolling hills, and ridgetop pitches offering spectacular views of Payette Lake. Ponderosa has a single, one-mile trail, Rover’s Roundabout, that is dog friendly, but those who prefer to recreate with Fido may want to head over to one of the next four locations:
Bear Basin Nordic Center, just north of McCall, provides access to about 19 miles (30 km) of groomed cross-country trails. ALL trails at Bear Basin are now dog-friendly. Bear Basin sits up at 5,280 feet elevation, which makes it a prime spot for early and late-season outings due to the deeper snowpack. Beautiful scenery abounds at Bear Basin—on a clear day, you can’t beat the vistas from Lyle’s Loop.
Jug Mountain Ranch, just 10.5 easy road miles from McCall, maintains 16 miles (25 km) of groomed trails that offer splendid views of Long Valley and the iconic Jughandle Mountain. Trails are free and open to the public, and provide a mixture of flat, open stretches and short, gentle hills that cater to all levels of Nordic skiers. Dogs are welcome on all Jug Mountain Trails.
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
Another dog-friendly spot closer to McCall pieces together the North Valley Rail Trail with the Activity Barn. Together, these free, dog-friendly trails offer more than 5 miles (8 km) of the easy-access trail close to town.
The 15-mile (24 km) Nordic trail system at Tamarack Resort, 8 miles outside Donnelly, offers a variety of trails that wind through open meadows and forested paths lined by towering pines, fir, larch and aspen. These free trails are dog-friendly, but leashes are recommended.
SNOWSHOEING
Perhaps the most accessible winter sport on this list, snowshoeing is exploding in popularity. Why? Anyone who can walk can strap on snowshoes and simply widen their gait to be a few steps away from mastery!
Snowshoeing is allowed in all the Nordic areas listed above, but there are a few things to keep in mind when exploring the Nordic areas. First of all, while skate skiers and classic Nordic skiers keep to their groomed tracks, shoeshoes are great for off-roading, especially after one of the frequent powder dumps hits the area.
FAT BIKING
Gone are the days of stowing bikes away during the winter. Fat bikes have been gaining traction over the last few years in McCall for their ability to grip surfaces a traditional mountain bike would not be able to traverse.
Pro Tip: Tire pressure can make a huge difference when you are fat biking. Hard-packed trails ride well at a PSI of 6-8, while softer trails might ride better at a PSI of 5 and below. It’s easier to let air out then put it in, so we recommend starting high and letting air out as conditions warrant.
Please note: Fat bikes are not allowed on Nordic trails at Bear Basin or Ponderosa State Park.
GEARING UP
Several shops around the area rent snowshoes, classic and skate skis, and fat bikes on a half-day, full-day, and multi-day basis. Pro Tip: some of the rental fleets listed are smaller than others, so if you have a large group, you’ll definitely want to call ahead.
Gravity Sports: 503 Pine St., McCall www.gravitysportsidaho.com Nordic • Skate • Fat Bike
Hometown Sports: 300 E. Lenora St., McCall www.hometownsportsmccall.com Nordic • Skate • Snowshoe
McCall Sports: 802 N. 3rd St., McCall www.mccallsports.com Nordic • Snowshoes • Fat Bikes
Activity Barn: 141 Moonridge Dr., McCall www.activitybarn.com Snowshoes • Fat Bikes
Tamarack Outfitters: 311 Village Dr., Tamarack www.tamarackidaho.com Nordic • Snowshoes • Fat Bikes
Know Before You Go:
Check the grooming report for all trail systems at www.inidaho.com/ xc/mccall_xcreport.asp
Trip Guide #3 Plan a “Yes Day” With this family-friendly itinerary
Families come in all shapes and sizes and it can be tricky to find activities that strike the right balance when it comes to energy, attention span, and athletic skill. Parents want to make great vacation memories for the kids, but, let’s be honest, we’d also like to relax a little! Here’s a quick rundown of some fun experiences kids of all ages will enjoy:
SNOWTUBING AT McCALL’S ACTIVITY BARN
Holiday visitors and weekenders can start their day by catching the early session of snow tubing at the Activity Barn, located just outside McCall on Moonridge Drive. A conveyor lift (aka magic carpet) makes this snowtubing adventure a breeze, transporting your family members to the top of a collection of 800-foot tubing lanes. While any fun-loving child over 36” tall will love this outing, you might be surprised at how much your ‘inner child’ will enjoy careening down the snow-covered lanes! The Activity Barn is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Look for extended hours and Bonus Days over Winter Break and other holiday and carnival periods.
CHILL AT MANCHESTER ICE & EVENT CENTER
This beautiful facility is one of the gems of downtown McCall, but unlike your typical ice rink, it offers up a lot more than sports leagues and public skating sessions. Check the ice calendar for Cosmic Skate sessions when they black out the rink and put on a cool light show. Weekends and holidays are popular times to try out a popular new activity, Ice Bumper Cars! And don’t get us wrong, public skate sessions can be tons of fun. The rink offers rental skates for less than $3 and a Bump & Skate package for just $15 per person.
Photo courtesy Zims Hot Springs
HOT SPRING SOAK & PLAY
After all that action (and a lunch break) you may want to warm up and relax a little, and Zims Hot Springs might be just the ticket. Zims is located a few miles outside of New Meadows. It features two outdoor pools fed by an artesian well and cooled by the waters of the Little Salmon River. The large pool is a touch cooler so the kiddos can get their wiggles out while grown-ups find some zen in the hot pool. The snack bar and arcade are also a big hit. Zims is open until 9 or 10 pm during the winter which makes it easy to work into any family’s schedule! If you’re heading back from Zims toward McCall close to mealtime, don’t miss the chance to stop and eat at The Intersection BBQ Bar & Grill in downtown New Meadows. This family-owned treasure specializes in slow-smoked barbeque but the extensive menu includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
Among other family-friendly dinner options, The Blue Moose, on the north end of McCall, features drive-through convenience with flavor combos that will satisfy everyone. Known for its affordable kids meals and delicious shakes, Blue Moose has a great selection of burgers, wraps, and salads that incorporate cool ingredients like lamb, elk, and ribeye. Yum!
For those looking to take a load off after a long day on your feet, Toll Station Pizza is set up to please every member of the family. A small arcade area will keep the kids busy while the pizzas bake and a nice selection of beer and wine can help mom and dad unwind after an action-packed ‘Yes Day’!
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
NIGHT SKIING AT LITTLE SKI HILL
If your crew has any energy to spare after sun-down, the Little Ski Hill offers easy access to a low-key night skiing adventure. Grab a super-affordable ticket at the cozy lodge and head over to the brand new T-bar to shred under the lights! The lighted slopes are mostly gentle, but the terrain park features are impressive, and you might be surprised to find some little powder stashes here and there.
The modern girlfriend getaway is just as likely to include highenergy outdoor adventures, but if your stay allows for a ‘down day’, we’ve got some suggestions on how to make the most of it.
First, and most importantly, start slow. More active winter pursuits often require an early morning wakeup call, so our Ladies Day itinerary starts with sleeping in! Our favorite hotels for not-so-early rising include two luxurious lakefront options. Shore Lodge and Hotel McCall both offer pampering touches and easy access to a delicious breakfast on-site.
POKING AROUND TOWN
If you skipped breakfast at your hotel, splurge-worthy Stacey Cakes makes a great first stop. Pick up one of Stacey’s handcrafted, highly addictive sweet and savory pastries, or grab a cookie for later.
Swing by North Fork Coffee Roaster’s new downtown storefront for a hot cuppa or to stock up on locally roasted organic beans and grounds. The new location includes a fullservice coffee and espresso bar, toasty breakfast burritos and sandwiches, and stylish North Fork merch. Once you’re sufficiently caffeinated, bring on the shopping!
McCall is a haven for shoppers who prefer a unique boutique to a chain store. While you’re in the heart of town, be sure to check out Lake Street’s new Monkey Love, which aims to celebrate the mountain lifestyle with everything from cool apparel to artisan candles and ethically-sourced and sustainably made jewelry. Dozens of cool and eclectic shops line the streets of McCall, offering everything from art and housewares to apparel, gifts, and antiques. https://visitmccall.org/things-to-do/activity/shopping/
SPA TIME
There’s no shortage of options for those in search of something soothing. Try a Thai or Hot Stone massage from Unwind Spa or get IV Therapy treatments in their companion shop, Hydrate 208. A trip to The Cove Spa at Shore Lodge makes for an idyllic afternoon: a soothing soak in the indoor/outdoor saltwater immersion pools is a perfect warm-up for a massage, facial, or full-body scrub.
In Donnelly, Emulate Natural Care incorporates wild healing herbs in its one-of-a-kind, organic massage, body scrub and facial treatments.
If your day of leisure is centered at Tamarack, you can pair your spa day with an evening of fine dining. The newly-updated Tamarack Spa offers massage and facials in the Lodge atOsprey Meadows. From there, head over to The Reserve in the Tamarack Village to savor signature cocktails and settle in for a multi-course dinner in a modern mountain atmosphere.
If you’re heading back to McCall for dinner and drinks, the options are endless. Pop in to the newly-remodeled Foresters Club for a happy hour cocktail, or, opt for a glass of wine with your steak & seafood dinner at Steamers.
Pro Tip: if your girlfriend getaway starts on a Thursday or stretches into Monday, you can’t beat the delightful theme nights at Ruperts restaurant, located lakeside in Hotel McCall. Thursday is Thai Night and Mondays feature the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Two freshly updated bar and lounge spaces provide ample opportunity to sample seasonal craft cocktails or the impressive wine and liquor list selections…in relaxing, lakefront style.
Photo courtesy Brundage Mountain Resort
Trip Guide #5 Winter Adventure Seekers
The mountains of soft powder snow and expansive trail systems in the backcountry provide all the right ingredients to help adrenaline junkies get their fix. Seasoned backcountry skiers have their own favorite approaches. Experienced snowmobile riders have their favorite stashes. But you don’t need to have a ton of local knowledge to ‘get the goods’ in this outdoor adventure mecca. Fortunately for newcomers, permitted guide services can take the hassles out of your backcountry quests.
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY SNOWCAT SKIING ON 18,000 ACRES
Nope, that’s not a typo. Brundage Snowcat Adventures has been guiding powder-hungry skiers and snowboarders to a huge expanse 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. Slab Butte is one of the most iconic, but repeat guests will tell you that the long, playful runs off Granite Mountain are among the most memorable. When conditions are just right, skiers and riders might get the rare treat of exploring the snowy steeps of Twin Lakes or pillow drops on La Casa. And in between runs? The remote alpine views are other-worldly. Intermediate powder riding experience is necessary and reservations are required. Brundage Snowcat Adventures: www.brundage.com/snowcat
Photo courtesy Inflatable Films
Photo courtesy Brundage Mountain Resort
Photo courtesy Brundage Mountain Resort
Guided Snowmobile Tours
The same great ingredients that make a snowcat adventure so satisfying are in the mix for guided snowmobile adventures, just add in some horsepower and get ready to ride.
You don’t need to worry about parking or wayfinding when you sign on with CM Backcountry Adventures or Brundage Snowmobile Tours. Both outfits roll out the red carpet and make this high-octane adventure approachable for those new to the sport. Brundage Mountain Snowmobile Adventures are tailored more toward trail riding and touring the stunning scenery north of Brundage Mountain. CM Backcountry has more of a freeride focus and offers avalanche safety and skill-building clinics on top of their guided tours. Either way, a guided tour is the most hassle-free way to get your juices flowing and immerse yourself in the beautiful backcountry of the Payette National Forest.
For those who’d like to strike out on their own, the greater McCall area has more than 500 miles of groomed trails to explore. Snowmobile rentals are available from Brundage and CM along with Cheap Thrills Rentals in McCall.
RedLine Recreational Toys in Lake Fork operates on a membership basis and offers snowmobile rentals along with a wide selection of summer playthings. www.redlinerectoys.com
Guided Snowmobile Tours:
CM Backcountry Adventures: 313 McBride, McCall www.cmbackcountryrentals.com
Brundage Snowmobile Adventures: 3890 Goose Lake Roadwww.brundage.com/snowmobile
Snowmobile Rentals:
Brundage Snowmobile Adventures: www.brundage.com/snowmobile
Cheap Thrills Rentals: www.cheapthrillsrentals.com
CM Backcountry Adventures: www.cmbackcountryrentals.com
Mountain Meadow Adventure Rentals: www.mountainmeadowrentals.com
Photo courtesy Ragazza di Lago
ADVENTURES IN DINING
If your sense of adventure holds strong through dinnertime, this area offers a surprising array of international cuisine. Mexican food fans will love the authenticity of Pueblo Lindo. Frenchies on Third serves up New Orleans-inspired comfort food and a “Blue Plate Special” lineup that is not to be overlooked. Sushi Bar McCall offers a fun, eclectic lakeview dining experience and food that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Photo courtesy Ragazza di Bufalo
Ragazza di Lago offers lakefront dining, a full bar, and a creative take on Mediterranean cuisine, while sister restaurant Ragazza di Bufalo has been wowing diners in Donnelly for years with its delicious twist on Italian cuisine and focus on locally-sourced ingredients.
Pro Tip: The “Ragazza” Crispy Artichoke appetizer is gluten-free and delicious!
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
Trip Guide #6 In Search of Solitude
Snow-covered mountains naturally instill a sense of calm in all who carve out quiet moments among them. Those looking for an extra bit of solace need look no further than McCall for cozy cabins, secluded lookouts, and intimate family fun.
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
HISTORIC HOTSPRINGS OVERNIGHTER
There is no adventure more unique, or more quintessentially McCall, than an overnight trip to Burgdorf Hot Springs. Burgdorf is a rustic, historic resort nestled in the mountains of the Payette National Forest dating all the way back to the 1860’s when gold miners crawled the surrounding hills.
Located 32 miles north of McCall, winter access is by snowmobile only. While the ride out will include some engine noise, a sense of peace and tranquility will wash over you the moment you arrive.
Burgdorf cabins are charming and clean, but rustic. Overnight guests get priority access to three historic log-sided pools set at the heart of this backcountry escape, and the surrounding meadows offer plenty of opportunities to take a walk or snowshoe trek for some quiet reflections during the day.
Pro Tip: Advanced reservations are required (with a two-night minimum stay and proof of vaccination) so you’ll need to do some pre-planning for this adventure. www.burgdorfhotsprings.com
Cheap Thrills Rentals offers overnight snowmobile rentals. www.cheapthrillsrentals.com
SMALL DOSE OF SOLITUDE – ICE FISHING LAKE CASCADE
If you’re looking to work some solace into a day with other activities, Ice Fishing is about as chill as you can get, and Lake Cascade is the place to start. Ice traditionally starts getting thick enough for anglers in December, but those pursuing cold water catches of perch and trout should remember to review Ice Fishing safety gear and guidelines.
Pro Tip: The Idaho Fish and Game website has great resources for safety, gear, targets, tackle and techniques: www.idfg.idaho.gov/fish/ice-fishing
If you’d rather have someone show you the ropes during your first ice fishing excursion, Tamarack Resort is now offering Ice Fishing adventures as a guided service. www.tamarackidaho.com
Photo courtesy John Webster
UNTRACKED BACKCOUNTRY LINES
It’s tough to get more immersed in the backcountry than with this next excursion, but you will need to pay some dues for access to this level of solitude. Payette Powder Guides’ coveted ‘yurt trip’ takes experienced backcountry skiers to a cozy encampment deep in the backcountry at 6930’ elevation. It includes two yurts, a wood-fired sauna, and an outhouse. This adventure offers more than 30,000 acres of backcountry skiing that varies from mellow tree glades to the steep and deep. A snowcat will drive you out to the remote site, but the climb to the top of your desired ski runs is up to you. www.payettepowderguides.com
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
