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McCall Idaho Skiing Guide & Best Slopes

Idaho Ski Resorts offers some of the finest snow conditions in the world. Yep, in the world. The extremely dry conditions in Central Idaho deliver some of the best powder snow you could dream of for snowboarding and skiing. In fact, natural snowfall in McCall, Idaho, averages an impressive 320″ (base area average), so you’re in for some fun powdery conditions when you opt to ski here.

Idaho ski resorts are smaller and more intimate than other spots in North America — they offer that quaint, small-town alpine feel that lures people from all over the world to ski in unparalleled powder conditions with breathtaking vistas.

There are four ski slopes in central Idaho located fairly close together, so if you plan on staying a week or so in one of our DoneRight vacation rentals, plan on hitting all of these exciting slopes.

 

Brundage Mountain Resort — Best All-Rounder

  • Summit elevation: 7,803 feet
  • Mountain base elevation: 5,882 feet
  • Vertical drop: 1,921 feet
  • Lifts: 6 (one high-speed quad, four triples, one conveyor lift), daily lift tickets are available

Brundage Ski Resort is a quick six miles northwest of McCall and has several chair lifts that offer a total lift-accessed terrain of 1,920 acres and lift-accessed backcountry terrain (unpatrolled, uncontrolled) of 420 acres. This is an amazing location for every level of skier and at reasonable lift ticket and season pass prices that won’t break the bank.

If you haven’t heard about Brundage Mountain, with a little bit of research, you will quickly know the reputation as one of the best Idaho ski resorts is deserved, so carve out some time here and put this on your must-do “Bucket List” while you and your family and friends are renting one of our DoneRight Vacation Rental Getaway Cabins and Homes.

For those who want the ultimate skiing adventure, reserve the snowcat and explore the untouched virgin powder in Idaho. It’s the countless glades and snowfields in between the named trails that set Brundage apart with an incredible variety of terrain that ensures you can enjoy the 46 named trails and everything in between.

From the far-out corners of Hidden Valley to the ridiculously wide groomed runs or the close-at-hand convenience of the Easy Street learning area, there’s a little something for everyone when it comes to the best snow in Idaho.

Tamarack Resort — Best for All-Season Skiing

  • Summit elevation: 7,700 feet
  • Resort base elevation: 4,900 feet
  • Vertical drop: 2,800 feet
  • Lift-accessible terrain: 1,100 acres

Tamarack Ski Resort is a newly developed and currently expanding skiing destination located a short distance from Donnelly. This spot is known as the Modern Mountain Village, destined to be one of your favorite snowboarding and skiing destinations that resonates with individuals who prefer a higher caliber experience and expect first-class treatment.

Just 90 minutes from Boise, this is a great adventure waiting to happen. If you are visiting and plan on spending a few days, weeks, or a lifetime living at Tamarack Resort, this is an all-season, family-friendly ski resort — from skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking, whitewater rafting, ziplining, and more.

The luxury accommodations, diverse dining options, and village amenities deliver a true mountain resort vacation experience. Strap on your cross-country skis and hit the Nordic trail systems, indulge in the pleasure of fat tire biking, or hit the backcountry powder for wildly good times.

The Little Ski Hill — Best for All Abilities

  • Summit elevation: 5,600 feet
  • Resort base elevation: 5,195 feet
  • Vertical drop: 405 feet
  • Lifts: 1

The Little Ski Hill is where many local Olympians started learning because this spot has great beginner ski runs and slopes. This is ideal for getting kids or novices comfortable before graduating to more advanced ski runs and snowboarding trails.

Little Ski Hill is part of Payette Lakes Ski Club, which also incorporates Bear Basin Nordic Center. In total, there are 18 miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for every skill level. Night skiing is also a popular pursuit here, since it’s the only place in McCall to do so. Plus, all of the trails are dog-friendly for those of you who love to have your pooch run alongside you.

Sun Valley Ski Resort — Best For Easy Access

  • Summit elevation: 9,150 feet
  • Resort base elevation: 5,750 feet
  • Vertical drop: 3,400 feet
  • Lifts: 18 lifts serving 121 trails and two terrain parks

Most people equate Warren Buffet and Sun Valley together, and naturally, opulence springs to mind. Here you will find a world-famous ski resort that has been built on decades of tradition that caters to the well-to-do.

Getting to Sun Valley is as simple as taking a flight from one of the three airlines that fly into Sun Valley Airport, which is just 14 miles from the ski resort. Or driving through picturesque farmlands covered under a blanket of snow from the Boise Airport, which is 151 miles away, will take just about 3 hours.

Part of the adventure of Sun Valley is getting around. You won’t need your car, because it’s just a short stroll to just about anything you could want to see, do or eat. Or you could hop on the Mountain Rides complimentary bus service for transportation throughout the Wood River Valley, including round trips from the Village to both Dollar and Bald Mountains and to the towns of Ketchum and Elkhorn Springs.

Mind the lift ticket prices and lodging costs when you plan your trip to Sun Valley and availability, as this is geared toward those who have plenty of resources, and the price is not an object. Like all ski areas, Sun Valley is usually not crowded, so boarders and skiers alike can enjoy the mountains with little crowding. Snowmobiling and other winter sports are also available.

 

Your Winter Adventure in McCall is One Click Away

Now that you know where the best skiing in Idaho can be found, all that’s left to do is to book your trip. There’s nothing better than coming home to a cozy vacation rental at the end of an exhilarating day out on the slopes, and DoneRight has plenty of great options to choose from. Check out our rentals with hot tubs for a real treat!

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