A Traveler’s Guide to Winter in McCall, Idaho
Learn more about the things you can do in McCall during Winter Season!
Although McCall, Idaho, impresses as a four-season destination with lots to do during every month of the year, it offers unique excitement during the winter months.
Located just 90 miles north of Boise, you’ll find plenty to do in this mountain town, from cross-country skiing in the backcountry and mountain biking on groomed trails to exploring local breweries. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a regular in the McCall area, check out this travel guide to discover things to do during your next Idaho winter getaway.
Skiers flock from far and wide to enjoy McCall’s fresh powder and impressive ski slopes. You can count on at least 113 inches of snowfall in McCall per year, and there are around 20,000 acres of snow just waiting for you to make your mark. Check out the following ski resorts that attract visitors with at least 2,600 skiable acres.
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Does Brundage Mountain Resort have the best snow in Idaho? The only way to find out is to try your skis on 1,920 acres with a vertical drop approaching 1,921 feet. You and your kids will appreciate the family-friendly Beartopia Fun Zone as thrill-seekers rush down the pitches of Hidden Valley.
Go on an outdoor adventure across 18,000 acres of backcountry on a snowcat or improve your moves in terrain parks like Easy Street for newbies, Bear Park to build skills, and Rodeo to hit the flow. Adaptive ski equipment is available for those requiring special alpine ski lessons.
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Little Ski Hill is part of the Payette Lakes Ski Club and built its rep on leading the little ones down the slopes. They can start with an afterschool program that brings them in on a bus and continue with a Saturday group program.
Snowboarders can catch plenty of air in the Outback Terrain Park, which has 20 rails, tabletop jumps, volcanoes, and spines. Little Ski Hill is also the only place in McCall that encourages night skiing on trails that are bright with floodlights.
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If you’re looking for a thrill ride, have a go at Upper Bliss and Lower Bliss in Tamarack Resort. You’ll run down a combined 2,200 feet of vertical at almost two miles. That’s assuming that you don’t stop to gaze at the spectacular views of Lake Cascade and the valley.
If you prefer to disappear among groves of fir and Aspen, explore nearby trails through Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking. When you’re hungry for a fresh catch, take the five-hour guided fishing trip that includes all your needed equipment, lunch, a heated ice shack, and a snowmobile rental. You may end up with the biggest perch you’ve ever seen.
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While McCall is known for its outdoor wonders, the town also entertains with many indoor diversions. You’ll find made-in-Idaho goods at Rustic Outlet McCall, which highlights 16 local artists and dealers and their art, furniture, jewelry, ceramics, antiques, candles, clothing, and home décor. For a unique selection of imports, gifts, and home furnishings, Wild Onion encourages you to “Expect the Unexpected.” When you need to upgrade your gear before you ski, pay a visit to the “Mountain Recreation Experts” at Home Town Sports.
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Enjoy a night of plays, musicals, and other performing arts at the Alpine Playhouse, which was started in 1966 by local lovers of culture and is still going strong. Twice a year, your youngest performers can take part in Children’s Theater which is sponsored by the McCall Arts & Humanities Council.
Behind the Art Deco facade of the Roxy Theater, which opened in 1939, you can watch the latest blockbuster movies or applaud live performances ranging from comedy to music.
You’ll find the best of local sculpture, paintings, and other visual art displayed at Gallery Fifty-Five — a non-profit that 20 of its member artists own.
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Unwind from a day of winter sports with a trip to the town’s relaxing spas.
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Both kids and adults can enjoy the thrill of snow tubing at the Activity Barn, which is built especially for the activity on big inflatable cushions. Pick one of five lanes and glide to the top of the hill on a “magic carpet” conveyor lift, then speed down an 800-foot run as you drop by 85 feet.
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As the largest building in downtown McCall, the Manchester Ice and Event Center enthralls with ice shows, curling, hockey, and an ice rink. Enjoy daily public skating or learn the skill by enrolling in an official United States Figure Skating Association course. For something unusual, drive an ice bumper car to bounce off other vehicles.
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Less than a half-hour north of McCall, the Hap & Florence Sleigh Rides put you in a horse-drawn sleigh to view Rocky Mountain elk and other wildlife by the Gold Fork River near Donnelly. Be sure to dress in warm clothes and bring a blanket and camera for your 45-minute sledding jaunt.
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Explore over 500 miles of groomed trails in a rented snowmobile or snow bike, which replaces the front wheel of a motorcycle with a ski and the back wheel with a track system.
Granite Lake is particularly scenic with such viewpoints as Black Tip Point and Fisher Creek Saddle. If you’re visiting the historic Burgdorf Hot Springs, the only way to reach it in the winter is to take the Warren Wagon Trail from the Frances Wallace parking lot.
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For inexpensive fun outdoors, head for the many parks that dot the area.
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The biggest celebration of the season is the McCall Winter Carnival, which has symbolized Idaho winters since 1924. Everybody gets in on the week-long fun with over 100 unique winter activities that include:
The McCall Ale Trail serves beer lovers who want an organized excursion through the local scene. Start with a McCall Ale Trail passport from the McCall Chamber of Commerce. Then visit 10 stops that include breweries and restaurants to collect a stamp. When you’ve gathered at least 10 stamps, drop your passport off at the Chamber of Commerce to collect your commemorative McCall Ale Trail Koozie.
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Whether you’re in McCall for the day or the week, you’ll eventually want to satisfy your appetite. You can stick with the offerings at the ski resorts or enjoy more variety at the many eateries in McCall. Your choices vary by cuisine but some of the favorites include:
All the ski resorts in McCall have comfortable accommodations. However, for more space and privacy, many visitors opt for their very own vacation rental. You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect spot for your group’s needs, but be sure to make your reservation in advance as many rentals book up during the peak winter season.
McCall may be a small town, but it packs a big punch when it comes to things to do in winter. Whether you’re heading to McCall on a road trip from a neighboring state or planning to spend your winter vacation here, you’ll have no trouble finding exciting activities to thrill the whole family.
