December 2022
McCall, Idaho, is a gorgeous resort town that’s filled to the brim with winter outdoor adventures. When visitors arrive during this time of year, they are greeted by fresh powder sparkling in the sunlight. From skiing on Brundage Mountain to the annual Winter Carnival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re seeking your next winter trip, we invite you to our cozy and welcoming community, where you can enjoy the charm and excitement to be had during our magical winter. The best thing about winter in McCall is how it brings people together. Whether you’re with family and friends or just someone passing through town for a day trip – you’ll soon find yourself making new adventures out on the slopes, on the trails, or when drinking a warm cup of hot chocolate at the Shore Lodge Coffee Shop.
The colder weather in McCall means guests can enjoy some of the best ski resorts in North America. The snowfall is heavy, and there are plenty of places to go sledding or cross-country skiing. Imagine the serene beauty of the frozen expanse of Payette Lake in McCall, with heavily forested mountains as a backdrop, all blanketed in white. This exact scenery awaits you in McCall this season.
Experience the Historic Winter Carnival
The history of the McCall Winter Carnival runs deep.
The first organized event that would eventually become Carnival was held in 1924 when a group of local residents decided they’d had enough of the winter doldrums and set out to spice things up for the people around Payette Lake. They organized a weekend-long event featuring different winter activities like ski jumping, horse skijoring, and even a good ol’ fashioned tug-o-war with a box of oranges as the prize!
If you’re wondering what horse skijoring means, it’s an adrenaline-packed race that involves a skier being pulled behind a horse!
Today, the festival still offers some of these activities as well as others, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding. With this year’s theme being: Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, and Tall Tales, we look forward to seeing all the festive costumes, decorations, and themed events. The official dates for 2023 are from January 27 – February 5.
Hit the Slopes at Brundage Mountain
As the McCall area’s premier skiing and snowboarding hot spot for 60 years running, Brundage Mountain is one of the most popular ski resorts in the world. This mountain has something for everyone: advanced runs, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, dogsledding and more!
The list of activities at Brundage Mountain includes:
- Skiing & Snowboarding – experienced skiers will appreciate the steep, tree-lined pitches in Hidden Valley, while families will love the Beartopia Fun Zone. With velvety groomed runs and epic views, it makes for a wonderful ski day for all.
- Lift-Served Backcountry – just beyond the slopes lies hundreds of acres of backcountry area to explore with the proper equipment and training.
- Terrain Parks – snowboarders will enjoy areas from the beginning tracks of Easy Street and Bear all the way to Jammer and Rodeo for those who really want to take it up a notch.
- Snowcat Adventures – take a guided snowcat tour deep into the backcountry.
- Snowtubing – release your inner child and whisk down the mountain on a snow tube. Conveyor lifts and friendly staff will guide a two-hour snow tube session for all.
McCall is perfect for you if you’d rather do a little bit of exploring on your own two feet. Many beautiful trails around town are perfect for hiking or cross-country skiing, depending on how long you want to spend outside.
The expansive Payette Lake area also has something for everyone, making Shore Lodge your perfect home base. Non-skiers may prefer visiting one of our local wineries, breweries, or distilleries—or just enjoying some time with friends over dinner at one of many amazing restaurants around town.
Enjoy the Snowmobile Adventure Package
With the full-day private snowmobile adventure tour, you can experience the beauty and wonder of the mountains and enjoy the wilds of western Idaho as only nature intended. Following a quick safety chat, you will embark on a 30-mile ride with your tour leader, reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
Following this adrenaline-pumping experience, head to The Cove and enjoy a 50-minute facial or massage. Then, take a dip in an indoor or outdoor saltwater immersion pool – perfect for relaxing the muscles.
After the relaxing spa time, head to The Narrows Steakhouse for dinner and enjoy breathtaking views of the Salmon River Mountains and Payette Lake.
Join us this 2023 at Shore Lodge and experience the magic that awaits in McCall, Idaho. To book your winter getaway, call 800.657.6464 or visit us here. Also, follow the resort on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to stay connected.
