McCall, Idaho, is a popular vacation spot for those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Known for being one of Idaho’s most-visited destinations in the summer months, McCall has gained widespread recognition in recent years for being a well-rounded winter getaway as well. Experience the magic of McCall, Idaho, in winter on your next cold-weather vacation with these recommendations for popular attractions and activities.
Things to Do in McCall in the Winter
Check out a few of the activities you can try when wondering what to do in McCall, Idaho, in winter, with options for hitting the ski runs, going ice skating, riding snowmobiles and heading out on a snowshoeing or Nordic skiing trek.
Tamarack Resort
Grab your board and your buddies, and then head out to the all-season Tamarack Resort to shred through seemingly endless piles of fresh powder. Adult day tickets are under $60 for a full, pre-selected date up on the hill. “Any day” tickets, multiday packs and flexible passes can also be purchased online.
Brundage Mountain Resort
Set out to ski or board at Brundage Mountain, an expansive resort with a reputation for the “best snow in Idaho.” Brundage has 70 named trails ranging in difficulty, two terrain parks and plenty of scenic views to enjoy all around the mountain. Adult day lift tickets are under $100 when purchased online, and late arrival tickets bought after 1 p.m. are reduced in price. Add more adventure to your itinerary with a guided tour like cat skiing or snowmobiling.
Manchester Ice and Event Center
Twirl and glide on McCall’s fantastic indoor ice rink, and then take a break for a rumbling session of bumper cars. This destination combines both activities for double the fun, with bumper car rides starting every 15 minutes. Be sure to check the ice schedule for session times before heading out, and remember to have loads of family fun out on the rink!
Ponderosa State Park
Grab a pair of snowshoes and venture through snow-covered old-growth forests or try your hand at skiing on the Nordic trail system in Ponderosa State Park. No matter where your adventure leads you, the premier recreational trails at this park offer an activity-loaded retreat to visitors searching for things to do in McCall in winter.
McCall Winter Carnival
If you’re unfamiliar with the McCall Winter Carnival, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. This is one of the most popular things to do in McCall in winter, and the celebration has essentially become a full-scale holiday that brings in droves of people from all over. The event was inspired by the Payette Lake Winter Games, first held in 1924. The carnival began in the 1960s and has snowballed into a large, festive event bringing in more than 60,000 people each year.
There are many activities for carnival attendees to take advantage of, with a Mardi Gras Parade, famous snow sculptures, delicious local food vendors, live music, a craft fair and fireworks over Payette Lake, to name a few of the McCall Winter Carnival’s annual events.
McCall’s Bars & Breweries
McCall is a sensational place to find solace during the cold winter months and has plenty of food and drink destinations for visitors to choose from. Once the lifts close for the night up at Tamarack and Brundage resorts, the skiers and snowboarders flood into town and elbow up at the local bars and breweries. Fill your belly with fresh sushi or house burgers while enjoying a beer from a list of regional brews.
A popular destination amongst those who travel to the area and are familiar with what to do in McCall in the winter is Broken Horn Brewing Company. This brewery is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s well worth hunting down. The brewing company has amazing, well-constructed brews and a one-of-a-kind tasting room. During your visit, be sure to try the favored Sturgeon Tale Pale Ale. If you’re in town for an extended stay or simply looking for more breweries to sample, you can also quench your thirst at McCall Brewing Company and Salmon River Brewery.
A Must-Visit McCall Restaurant
Make sure you find time to visit My Father’s Place on North Third Street. Here, you can take a bite of one of the most mouthwatering burgers you’ll ever sink your teeth into. The charbroiled burgers are always fresh and cooked to perfection, and the fries are golden brown with just the right amount of buttery, crisp crunch.
Where to Stay in McCall
When traveling to McCall in winter, you have the option to stay and unwind in a luxury resort such as Shore Lodge, or you can relax in nature and rent a lakeview cabin in Ponderosa State Park. Whatever style of accommodations that you choose, you are in for a memorable time accompanied by stunning scenery. Browse lodging options for your McCall winter getaway and establish your vacation base camp.
Planning Tips for McCall in Winter
Vacations to McCall in winter are highly sought after, and competing for a hotel room during peak seasons (like during the McCall Winter Carnival) can be hectic at times. Be sure to plan out your itinerary ahead of time. Search for deals and packages on lodging, events and ski and snowboard passes. The McCall Chamber of Commerce Deals & Packages page is an excellent resource if you’re looking to be savvy with your travel costs.
Plan Your McCall Winter Trip
With many wonderful ways to spend your time, the range of things to do in McCall in the winter and so many events in town during the year, it is no wonder that this place remains popular throughout all four seasons. Whether you prefer to spend time pursuing a low-key brewery hopping excursion, snowshoeing through epic Idaho nature scenes or attending the marvelous McCall Winter Carnival, this mountain town is a great fit for you. Hoping to drive on your vacation? Make sure to hop onto the Payette River Scenic Byway during your McCall journey. Running from west of Boise to New Meadows, this route follows the Payette River through national forests and beautiful scenery. Practice caution with winter roads and check road conditions on 511 Idaho before heading out.
This author is a paid content writer for Visit Idaho.
Updated on December 29, 2023
Published on January 21, 2016
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