explore
valley county
winter
Valley County is truly a year-round destination for adventure. Only two hours from Boise and with vast mountains, lakes, and trails right out your doorstep, there are plenty of can't miss activities for everyone! Read on to discover all the ways to make the most of the powder in McCall, Donnelly, Cascade, and the surrounding areas.
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brundage mountain resort
the activity barn - mcall
tamarack resort
ski, snowboard, tube
With two mountains within 30 miles of each other, there are no excuses for missing powder day! Brundage Mountain in McCall has trademarked the title "Best Snow in Idaho," and for good reason. This independent, classic resort averages more than 320 base area inches of snowfall annually, and has a wide-variety of terrain for beginners to advanced skiers. Tamarack Resort in Donnelly offers 2,800' of vertical across 2,000 acres and offers dining, lodging, and a spa. And don't miss McCall’s premier snow tubing hill at the Activity Barn, featuring groomed lanes and a Magic Carpet.
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ponderosa state park
jug mountain ranch
hasbrouch ranch - cascade
bear basin - mccall
hit the trails
Who says you can't bike in the winter? Valley County has a broad network of world-class groomed trails for a multitude of winter activities, including snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and fat biking, as well as an array of options for renting equipment. Pick a bluebird day and swap out those powder skis for a pair of skinnies and a breathtaking change of scenery.
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bear basin/brundage mountain
mccall recreation area
secesh/warren/elk summit
snowmobile
Explore why SnoWest Magazine dubbed McCall one of the top 15 destinations in the U.S for snowmobiling, taking into consider snow quality, terrain, services and scenery, crowds and off trail conditions; “with more than 500 miles of groomed trails, and the opportunity to jump off the trail anywhere along the way, there is unlimited riding potential.” There are plenty of places offering rentals, or opt for a full-day guided excursion, complete with your rental equipment, transportation, and lunch.
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gold fork hot springs
burgdorf hot springs
trail creek hot springs
council mountain (laurel) hot springs
hot springs
There's nothing like a relaxing mineral soak after a day of playing in the mountains! Valley County features an array of maintained developed hot springs, as well as plenty of backcountry primitive springs that require some local knowledge and a bit of hiking.
pro tip
Burgdorf Hot Springs is only accessible snowmobile in the winter. Rent a snowmobile and combine two amazing winter activities into one!
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opening ceremonies + fireworks
vendor court + beer garden
snow sculpture contest
live music
winter carnival
"Celebrating all things winter, the McCall Winter Carnival was inspired by the Payette Lake Winter Games, first held in 1924 when a train from Boise brought 248 visitors to McCall. The official McCall Winter Carnival started in the 1960s, and over the years, the Carnival has grown into an iconic Idaho event bringing more than 60,000 people to McCall each year" (McCall Chamber). Complete with opening ceremonies, fantastic ice sculptures, fireworks, live music, and beer garden and vendor court, Winter Carnival is an event not to be missed!
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Lake Cascade
Horsethief reservoir - cascade
warm lake - cascade
payette lake
ice fishing
If you've never tried ice fishing, it's a fun and exciting way for the whole family to get outside! Lake Cascade is well-known as a winter angler's dream, and has a reputation for producing state-record winning perch and trophy trout. Be sure to brush up on your ice fishing safety, obtain your fishing license, and maybe consider hiring a local guide. Pack your chairs, camp stove, snacks, beverages, and enjoy the thrill of the catch even when the lake is frozen.