Congratulations to the Payette Lakes Ski Patrol for winning First Place in this year’s Winter Carnival snow sculpture contest with the impressive “Rescue Sharlie” sculpture at the Brundage Mountain summit!

These fine craftsmen and craftswomen had to cope with mountain-top weather conditions during the construction process. They also conquered the added challenge of having no running water to help sculpt this gigantic creation! Our patrollers packed every ounce of water up the chairlift in order to set the sculpture and create the fine details. 

You don’t need to be a skier or snowboarder to come view this majestic snow creature. Visitors can ride the Blue Bird High Speed quad on foot (please wear warm snow boots with good traction and bundle up!). We will stop it for you so you can get off at the 7,640 foot summit to check out Rescue Sharlie. On a clear day, you can also enjoy some of the most amazing views in the area. From our summit, you can see the Seven Devils, the Wallowas, the Salmon River Mountains and into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Single ride tickets are just $10 per person, so head on up!

While we’re definitely proud of our patrol’s work on this project, we’re even MORE grateful for the service they provide our community day in and day out.

The Payette Lakes Ski Patrol is a group of dedicated volunteers who go to great effort to provide emergency care to skiers and riders at Brundage Mountain AND the Little Ski Hill. Thank you and congratulations on this well-deserved honor and the $1400 prize to contribute to your wonderful cause! (Photos by Gary Ertter Photography).

Meanwhile, there’s plenty of Winter Carnival action still ahead. Here’s a look at some great events still to come:

Mid-Week Events

McCall’s Activity Barn is open EVERY DAY of Winter Carnival and now offers snow tubing via the new Moonrider Conveyor, as well as a terrain park and beginner ski lessons! Learn more.

Monday, Feb. 1 through Thursday, Feb. 4, the Activity Barn will be open 4 pm – 8 pm.

Regular hours are:

Fridays:            4 pm – 9 pm

Saturdays:       10 am – 9 pm

Sundays:          Noon – 6 pm

Wednesday, February 3

9:30 am – 4:30 pm – Buddy Bonus Day at Brundage Mountain

Brundage Mountain Season Pass holders can bring a friend for $25. Bogus Basin Season Pass holders can purchase full-day lift tickets for $25. Learn more.

Friday, February 5

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Mardi Gras Party at The Activity Barn. Learn more.

Closing Weekend

Saturday, February 6

9:30 am – 4:30 pm – Diva Day at Brundage Mountain

$25 lift tickets for women 18 & up, PLUS free chair massages, happy hour specials and live music with Rebecca Scott AND fabulous spa package giveaways from Spa Del Sol. Learn more.

7:00 pm – Closing Ceremonies & Fireworks Over Payette Lake – Downtown McCall. Learn more.

Sunday, February 7

9:30 am – 4:30 pm – ‘Divas, Don’t Leave Us’ Day at Brundage Mountain

Women 18 & up who show their 2-6-2016 lift ticket can get today’s ticket for $25, too! Learn more.

On-Going Events

Winter Carnival wouldn’t be Winter Carnival without the snow sculptures. You can view them every day from January 29 – February 7 all across town. Be sure to stop by the Brundage Adventure Center to see our “Beyond Tomorrow” sculpture and to pick up Snow Sculpture viewing maps starting Monday, January 25th – OR – Download a sculpture map here.

Naturally, Brundage Mountain is open every day during Winter Carnival. Lifts run 9:30 – 4:30.

McCall’s Activity Barn is open and offering snowtubing, a rail park and beginner ski lessons & rentals every day of Winter Carnival. Learn more.