Tucked on the west side of Idaho is arguably one of the most charming towns in the state, the town of McCall. Being situated on the edge of Payette Lake, within walking distance to the Ponderosa State Park, and close to the National Payette Forest, makes it a mecca for adventure. The town intermingles with nature and deer sightings are common as they wander through the town from the nearby wilderness areas. In the winter, the town is enchanted by a blanket of snow turning it into must visit winter wonderland. The smaller crowds make it an ideal time to visit and there is no shortage of activities. Explore winter in McCall with this 3-day winter guide.
Day 1
On day one, take your pick between cross country skiing, fat biking or snowshoeing. Within Ponderosa State Park, there are over 22 km of groomed trails to explore for cross country skiing and there are also designated snowshoe trails allowing you to escape the worldly noise as you weave through the trees. Fat biking can be enjoyed around the town of McCall and the surrounding streets.
For more challenging terrain, hit up the over 25 km of cross-country ski trails and fat biking trails 20 minutes out of town at Jug Mountain Ranch. Snowshoers are welcome on many of the trails but must hike to the side. If you don’t have your own gear, then you can rent at Gravity Sports or Jug Mountain.
Before dinner, enjoy a walk by the Payette Lake and soak up the sunset views on your way to dinner at Ragazza Di Lago. Make sure to reserve a seat by their window overlooking the water while appreciating their creative take on Mediterranean cuisine.
Day 2
One of the best parts of Idaho is that there are ample opportunities to combine adventure with relaxation. Sleep in and slow down on day 2. This is a vacation, right? Next, enjoy breakfast and a latte at Fogglifter café. For a lighter option, enjoy avocado on toast or indulge in one of their Bob’s Benedict’s with Canadian Bacon.
Following breakfast, treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the Cove Spa located in Shore Lodge. They offer a variety of different massage options from relaxation, deep tissue, prenatal, and even a foot massage for after those long days adventuring on your feet. Pampering does not stop there and continues with an option to soak in their indoor/outdoor hot pools for up to two serene hours. The experience includes tea, light trail snacks, and the option to order in food if you need a little something extra.
Don’t go far and finish the day with dinner and drinks at The Shore Lodge overlooking the pristine Payette Lake. Their pacific northwest flavours combine local and sustainably sourced ingredients for an ideal dining experience.
Day 3
On the last day, visit Brundage Mountain located 40 minutes from downtown McCall. This resort boasts some of the best snow in Idaho with over 1900 acres to explore. The terrain is varied, offering beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers, and snowboarders’ ample opportunities to play. Beginners will enjoy learning off the Beartopia chairlift, intermediate skiers will fall in love with the views off Lakeview and advanced skiers will welcome the challenge of the chutes off the Hidden Valley trails. For those looking for a little more adventure, consider booking in with their snow cat to access over 18,000 acres of terrain and the chance to catch some amazing fresh powder in the backcountry.
End the day at Salmon River Brewery for a casual pub experience while recapping the adventures of the last few days. The brewery features award winning brews, and a fun upbeat environment to celebrate the time away.
Where to Stay
McCall is a touristy town with many lodging options. Stay at the historical Hotel McCall to enjoy an elegant stay just off the water and within the downtown proper. The hotel features a piece of Idaho history, has a pool, restaurant, and is within proximity to the many of the shops and restaurants in the town. Alternatively, for a resort feel, stay at The Shore Lodge which boasts a variety of luxurious modern hotel room along the shores of Payette Lake. Larger families and gatherings can book into of their mountain lake vacation rentals.
Although it is hard to pack all the activities in McCall, Idaho into three days, this 3-day guide combines a mix of adventure and relaxation to help you make the most of your trip. If you have more time, you will not regret exploring more of the trail system and adding on an extra few days skiing or snowboarding at Brundage mountain. Truthfully, the McCall area is one of quintessential experiences in Idaho and a must bucket list destination for tourists.
Feature image credited to Annika Mang.
Annika Mang is a photographer and published writer based in Regina, Saskatchewan who focuses on family adventure travel. She has lived in various countries around the world and spent three months living the Van Life across the USA and Canada with two kids under three years old. In June 2020, she published the book “Hikes for Families: A Guide to the Canadian Rockies”. She documents her travels on her blog and social media Born to be Adventurous.
Published on January 16, 2024
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