Top Idaho Ski Resort

Idaho ski resorts offer plenty of vertical, ample snowfall, and millions of acres of forests. With 16 ski mountains to choose from, there is something for everybody. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts far and wide are making Idaho a top winter-time destination — some come to vacation, others to live, and all can enjoy the many activities the great outdoors provides. While each of the Idaho ski resorts offers excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions, one ski mountain continues to be a favorite, and for good reason. Brundage Mountain rests next to the quaint town of McCall and is home to the Best Snow in Idaho^TM.

McCall’s Ski Resort

For decades, Idaho families have made Brundage Mountain their resort of choice. Some day trip while others vacation in nearby McCall, Idaho. There are even out-of-staters that travel to their favorite ski resort in the region. Brundage and McCall (2 hours north of Boise, Idaho) regularly pull winter sports enthusiasts from across Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

The town is loaded with a variety of lodging options, from Airbnbs to hotels, including McCall’s famous Shore Lodge. This community has maintained its small-town, friendly vibe since 1911. Rich with history and a hunger for outdoor activities, this community is perfect for a day trip and ideal for anyone looking for a weekend of adventure – especially when the flakes start to fall.

Every winter, people strap their skis or snowboards to the top of their cars and make the drive to McCall and Brundage Mountain for one reason – it features the area’s best snow.

Brundage Mountain — Simply the Best Snow

Idaho is home to seven national forests and shares four additional national forests with neighboring states. With 20.5 million acres of forested terrain, there are plenty of mountains covered with thousands and thousands of acres of groomed runs. Throw in the backcountry skiing that you can find across the state, and you have endless opportunities for named runs, big drops, challenging chutes, and powder galore.

 

In the heart of the Payette National Forest, Brundage Mountain is home to some of the best snow Idaho sees. An average snowfall of 320 inches is no joke, especially when the low winter temps mean the snow is dry and a delight to carve through under a bright blue winter sky. Add in 70 named runs with 1921 feet of vertical, and you have yourself a decent mountain. But Brundage offers a whole lot more than great named runs. Snowfields and glades abound at Idaho’s favorite ski resort, giving you plenty of chances to go off trail, ski the trees, and explore new terrain, all while staying close to the convenience of Brundage Mountain’s ski lifts.

And if knee-deep powder is more your speed, Brundage is home to the most backcountry terrain in Idaho. Whether skiing or riding powder is your preference, there are endless options with a view that will take your breath away at every turn.

There is history here — for over 60 years, snow lovers have skied or snowboarded the slopes of Brundage Mountain. Let’s take a look at why.

The Brundage Mountain Breakdown

Brundage Mountain is one of Idaho’s top ski areas and has provided Idahoans with the best snow in the state for six-plus decades. And now, people travel from across the country to dip their tips in the massive Brundage snowfall. Over the years, a lot has changed, but as the mountain has grown, a dedication to providing the best experience has never wavered. Brundage boasts 70 named runs, deep snow, and more backcountry terrain than anyone else in the state. With two lodges on site, it’s easy to find space to rest between runs. And food is readily available at five onsite locations.

Here is what you can expect when you visit Brundage Mountain for the 2022/2023 season:

• Average snowfall – 320 base inches
• Season length – Late-November through Mid-April
• Vertical drop – 1921 feet
• Summit elevation – 7,803 feet
• Base elevation – 5,882 feet
• Lift-accessible terrain – 1920 acres
• Lift-accessible backcountry – 420 acres
• Guided backcountry – 18,000 acres
• Lifts – 6
  • 1 high-speed quad
  • 4 triple chairlifts
  • 1 conveyor
• Named runs – 70 (beginner – 21%, intermediate – 33%, advanced – 46%)
• Terrain parks – 2 (Bear Terrain Park and Jammer Terrain Park)
• Chairlift capacity – 7,900 people per hour
• Dining options – 4 restaurants and 1 food truck
  • Main Street Market – coffee and to-go meals on the 3^rd floor of the lodge
  • Bears Den – food, snacks, and full bar mid-mountain
  • Smoky’s – sit-down restaurant with a full bar on the 2^nd floor of the lodge
  • Upper Lot – 21+ full-service bar with light food on the 3^rd floor of the lodge
  • The Bandit – food truck at the base area featuring snacks, meals, and drinks

From newbies to powder aficionados and everything in between, Brundage truly offers something for every skill level. Their dedication to the ski and snowboard community begins with Beartopia — not your normal bunny hill.

Kids Unite at the Ultimate Bear (or bunny) Hill

Many resorts have a run or two dedicated to those new to the sport. And if you need a refresher on how to use your edges before tackling some slalom or moguls, you head to the bunny hill. At Brundage, though, there is an entire network of trails geared toward rookies, wee ones, and those getting back at it.

Beartopia is the perfect beginner or kid ski area. It consists of two triple chairlifts and a conveyor with access to seven green runs, three blues, and three short black diamonds.

Beartopia is also home to two terrain parks.

A Terrain Park for Everyone

At the base of the mountain, two terrain parks are ready for skiers and snowboarders alike. Beginners looking to have fun on rails, boxes, and small to medium jumps can hit Bear Terrain Park. For more advanced skill levels, Jammer Terrain Park has a host of more advanced freestyle features and medium to large jumps that will push each skier and snowboarder looking for more of a challenge.

Both parks are accessible via the Bear Chair Triple Lift.

Hitting the Slopes on the Front Side

Brundage Mountain’s peak can be accessed via the Bluebird Express high-speed quad and the Centennial triple chairlift. The front side of the mountain, home to the kid-friendly ski area, Beartopia, has something for the whole family. From greens to blues to black diamonds, the front side of Brundage is loaded with dozens of groomers and plenty of glades and snowfields for tree skiing and riding.

Take in the Views on the Backside of the Mountain

Many winter-time enthusiasts who make it to the top of Brundage can’t resist the call of Lakeview Bowl. Fed by the Bluebird Express, Lakeview Bowl holds one green and a handful of blues. Two mountain favorites, Dropline and Kickback, give skiers spectacular views of the valley to the south, and Dobber’s Dream is loaded with trees and piles of powder.

The summit of Brundage is accessible from the backside of the mountain via the Lakeview lift, a triple. 

Black Diamonds Galore

For those looking to challenge their alpine recreation abilities, Hidden Valley is Brundage Mountain’s answer. To access this ski area, take the Bluebird Express and head north. Black diamond, powdery goodness is calling — plenty of expert runs, snow field, and tree skiing opportunities await.

Lift-served Backcountry

If sweet, powdery goodness is your jam, keep heading north beyond Hidden Valley for 420 acres of lift-served backcountry. Chart your own path through this unpatrolled area. But these glades, snowfields, and chutes are not for the faint of heart, advanced skiers and snowboarders only.

Extreme Conditions for Extreme Skiers

If lift-served backcountry isn’t hardcore enough for you, don’t worry. Brave the cold this ski season and push your equipment and skill to the absolute limit on 18,000 acres of Brundage Mountain Snowcat Adventures backcountry. What you’ll find here is a different kind of slope. Two thousand feet of vertical and endless miles of waist-deep powder are calling. You can ski or ride these ungroomed runs all season and never cross someone else’s tracks.

Ski and Snowboard Rentals

Some people don’t have winter gear; others want to try something new. Either way, the Fall Line Shop at Brundage Mountain has your rental needs covered. Make sure you have the gear you need to enjoy all Brundage has to offer.

Daily Ski and snowboard rental packages:

• Basic (Ski and Snowboard) – Great for those looking for an easy, freeride feel. The basic packages are designed for those with beginner or intermediate skills.
• Sport (Ski only) – Smooth and stable gear ready to explore the entire mountain. The sport package gives skiers added stability with a wider waist on skis so they can tackle both groomers and powder.
• Performance (Ski and Snowboard) – These ski and snowboard packages are designed to push skiers and riders beyond their intermediate or advanced ability. These packages are ready for every condition and the highest of skill levels.

Gear up for the Season

If you’re looking to lease for the entire ski or riding season, the Fall Line Shop offers lease packages for junior athletes. They even have an option to purchase leased gear at the end of the season.

Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Leases are available from mid-November 2022 through mid-April 2023.

Ski and Snowboard Lessons

Brundage has a reputation that extends beyond the best snow in Idaho. The mountain is known for its friendly staff, including dozens of certified ski and snowboard instructors. The Brundage Mountain Ski & Ride School provides lessons for every age and every ability level.

Private Lessons and Coaching

Starting a new sport can be a lot to handle without some guidance. Our professional instructors offer one-on-one and customized group lessons. The private and low-pressure nature of these sessions helps those new to the sport find the confidence to take on the slopes at their speed.

Private coaching is available for ages seven and up. Small group lessons are available for ages three and up.

Multi-week Lessons

For those wanting to hone their ski or snowboard abilities with the guidance of an expert, the Ski & Ride School offers multi-week sessions for ages 3 to 12. Winter athletes ages 3 to 6 have the option for 6 or 12 lessons over six weeks. Juniors ages 7 to 12 can take advantage of one weekly lesson over six weeks.

Come Enjoy the Best Snow in Idaho

Thousands of acres of snow-covered terrain await wintertime enthusiasts at Brundage Mountain — home to the best snow in Idaho. Whatever your skill level, the ski season at Brundage is calling. Get ready to embrace miles of named runs, plenty of vertical drop, blankets of white powder, and the most backcountry skiing of any resort in the state.

If you’ve been to Brundage, you know why people claim it as their favorite resort. If you haven’t, you’re missing out.

For info on lift tickets, season passes, and more, visit us at Brundage.com