Come December, McCall turns into a winter wonderland and Shore Lodge sits at the heart of all the action.
As temperatures continue to drop, and snow continues to fall, McCall’s winter activities step into full swing. For visitors, this means an endless array of recreational and leisure activities. Whether planning a long holiday getaway or just looking to escape for a couple days, visitors to McCall will have no problem keeping busy this winter.
To take advantage of all that the season has to offer, now is the time to plan. Here are just a few things happening in the area to keep in mind when creating your ideal getaway:
Relaxation
If there’s one word that immediately sparks the thought of a vacation, it’s “relaxation.” Prepare yourself for the ultimate in serenity and comfort as Idaho is home to not only one, but three natural hot springs. Soak up the panoramic views of the scenic backcountry, or cozy up underneath the stars, while enjoying the warm, burbling waters of the most well-developed hot springs the Northwest has to offer.
If hot springs aren’t your thing, consider a relaxing trip to the spa. The Cove offers both rejuvenation and tranquility with a selection of facial, body and massage treatments; natural nail services in its salon; two immersion pools; and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Recreation
When it comes to outdoor recreation, McCall may just be a snow-sport lover’s paradise. Whether we’re snowmobiling or snowshoeing, sledding or skiing, we just can’t get enough of the fluffy white stuff, and our town has the best of it, too. Experience “the best powder in North America,” according to Ski Magazine, as you enjoy the peaceful setting and spectacular terrain of nearby Brundage Mountain. Opt for a backcountry sno-cat tour on Brundage, explore scenic cross-country ski trails through the McCall area, or head over to Ponderosa State Park for Nordic skiing through old growth forests. Speed things up with a snowmobile ride through stunning and remote country, slow it down with a winter hike on snowshoes through Ponderosa State Park’s Nordic trail system, or sit back and let gravity take over as you snow tube down one of the runs at The Activity Barn.
Leisure
Experience the transformation of one of Idaho’s oldest logging towns to a recreational mecca as you stroll down the streets of Downtown McCall. Winter is the perfect time to browse the local shops and charming galleries with cocoa or coffee in hand or to stop in at one of town’s many fantastic restaurants.
Winter Events
Experience the true grandeur of winter in McCall at the 42nd annual Winter Carnival. The community organized event features beer gardens, live music and a variety of food vendors. Among the carnival’s main highlights are the fireworks show over the dazzling Payette Lake, the local Mardis Gras Parade, a live lobster feed with 1.25lb lobsters flown in from Maine and extraordinary, local-made snow sculptures that line the streets of the community. From January 27 through February 5th, McCall locals, businesses and visitors come out in the masses to take part in this festive local tradition.
