The Best Skiing Idaho Has To Offer

 

Idaho skiing is perfect for snowboarders and skiers who are ready to hit the slopes. They dream of fluffy white powder, vertical drop, chutes, and extensive backcountry all year long. And when the ski season strikes, every winter sports family is thinking, where is the best place to find deep powder with options for everyone? Whether a day on the slopes, an extended weekend playing in the snow, or a week-long vacation carving down every run on the resort, time on the skill hill should always feel like a vacation.

When planning your next family wintertime getaway, make sure it’s filled with deep snow, big runs, and plenty of skiing and snowboarding options for everyone in the family. Idaho skiing hits all the marks, especially when you visit Brundage Mountain Resort.

When the Snow Falls, Brundage is the Place to Be

What better way to spend a winter day than on the slopes as a family? Idaho skiing gives families many options for named runs for everyone, from beginner to advanced. Skiers and riders can get their snow fix at 16 ski resorts across the state, but one stands out because of a family-friendly vibe and a reputation for having the best snow in Idaho — Brundage Mountain Resort.

A Ski Resort in Idaho with Something for Everyone

For many, Idaho skiing is synonymous with Brundage Mountain. The resort sits just 10 miles north of McCall, Idaho. For more than 60 years, both McCall and Brundage have been destinations of choice for Idaho families. And now, the secret is out. People from across the country (and globe) make the trip to Idaho’s favorite ski town.

Brundage Mountain is an independently owned Idaho Ski resort located in the mountains of central Idaho. Incredible terrain accompanied by a family feel, this classic Idaho ski resort gets an average of 320 inches of Idaho’s best snow every year. All season long, the mountain is hit with winter storms from the north and south, resulting in the constant showers of the fluffy snow we call powder.

Home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the state, Brundage is loaded with groomers for every ability level. And, unlike many mountains, Brundage also has an incredibly diverse ski area for kids, packed with runs for every skill level.
 

The Mountain’s Stats

At Brundage, they take their reputation for having the best snow very seriously. Accessing the 26 feet of annual snowfall requires plenty of lifts and named runs. Here is a snapshot of all that is Brundage Mountain:

• 320 base inches of average snowfall
• Base elevation of 5,882 feet
• Summit elevation of 7,803 feet
• 1921 feet of vertical drop
• 1920 acres of lift-accessible terrain
• 420 acres of lift-accessible backcountry
• 18,000 acres of SnowCat accessed backcountry
• 6 lifts including
  • A high-speed quad
  • 4 triple chairlifts
  • 1 magic carpet (conveyor lift)
• 70 named runs (groomed runs)
  • 15 greens
  • 23 blues
  • 32 black diamonds
• 2 terrain parks
  • Bear Terrain Park – beginners
  • Jammer Terrain Park – intermediate/advanced
• Uphill capacity of 7,900 skiers and riders per hour

 

Idaho Family Skiing Perfected

The ideal family mountain is hard to find. Most ski hills have a bunny hill. They might even have a few practice hills, but few have an entire area dedicated to child skiers and snowboarders. At Brundage Mountain, there is an area ready for the kids in your life.

Beartopia is set up like a miniature resort — it features multiple trails and lifts. This little ski haven is located at the base of the mountain’s frontside. Your little ones, or beginners, have access to:

• 2 triple chair lifts
• 1 conveyor lift
• 10 green runs
• 3 blue runs
• 2 black diamond runs

When new skiers or riders move beyond what Beartopia offers, there is still plenty of mountain to explore.

Groomers with lots of Room

Brundage has been a favorite resort for Idaho Skiing for more than six decades because of the great snow, wide-open spaces, and multiple bowls. Seventy runs in three distinct ski areas mean patrons have a host of choices.

The Frontside

The Frontside is covered in well-maintained, wide, groomed runs – 50 in total. And with a great mix of green, blue, and black diamond groomers, winter adventure awaits everyone.

And if you want to hit some glades or treed areas, there is no shortage here.

Lakeview Bowl

Head to Lakeview Bowl for access to four wide-open blues and bowls. Or drop into Dobber’s Dream for some serious black diamond tree skiing. But make sure to take some time to enjoy the view.

Hidden Valley

When the crew is dialed in and ready for a challenge, head to Hidden Valley. Located north of the frontside, Hidden Valley is loaded with fourteen black diamond runs and plenty of challenging chutes, glades, and snowfields. Or get crazy and ski the trees.

Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Lessons

If you and the family are in need of skiing or snowboarding gear, the Fall Line Rental Shop has everything you need for a successful day on the slopes. From beginner to performance gear, the team is ready to outfit you with skis or a board, boots, a helmet, and poles. And if you are looking for a season-long lease, they can set you up with equipment for all skill levels.

For those new to hitting the slope, the Brundage Ski and Ride School is the place to start. Our professionally certified instructors bring plenty of expertise while maintaining the family-friendly feel Brundage is known for. Take advantage of private, small group, and weeklong lessons. Our ski school crew will have you exploring the mountain in no time.

Something for the Extreme Skiing Family

Many people prefer the comfort of long groomers and inbounds skiing. But we all know that the need for adrenaline runs deep in some families. For the extreme skier or snowboarder, Brundage provides powder hounds with more backcountry terrain than any other resort in the state.

Lift-served Backcountry

Part of the appeal of Brundage comes from the 420 acres of backcountry skiing that can be accessed by the Bluebird Express chairlift, a high-speed quad. Head to the peak of the mountain and traverse the ridge to the north up to the top of Sargent’s Mountain. You’ll soon find yourself in waist-deep powder in areas free of tracks.

Ski and Snowboard Heaven

When everyone in the family has pushed their skills to the expert level, 18,000 acres of backcountry await. Brundage Snow Cat Adventures takes the bravest and best of Idaho’s skiers and snowboarders north of the resort, deep into the Payette National Forest. Endless runs, snowfields, cliffs, and chutes are calling from to steeps of Granite Mountain and Slab Butte. When the weather brings blue sky, you’ll feel like you’re in heaven — and you just might be.

Before you chart your own course on one of these peaks, make sure you have avalanche training.

More than a Ski Mountain

Sometimes a family vacation calls for a change of scenery. But let’s be honest, no one wants to miss the expansive views of Brundage and the surrounding areas. So if you want or need a break from the slopes, there are other activities you should check out.

Slow Down and Explore

Snowshoeing is a great family activity. Grab some rentals or bring your own and hit the trail as you explore the snowy landscape of Brundage. Or drive to the upper parking lot and head down the groomed part of Goose Lake Road. Either way, snowshoeing is the perfect way to slow your pace and take in the beauty of Idaho in winter.

High-speed Adventure

Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing are great ways to take in mother nature. However, snowmobiling is fun at full throttle. At Brundage, you can rent snowmobiles or enjoy a guided half-day or full-day tour. Book a half-day, and the experienced guides at Brundage Mountain will take the whole family to places like Clow Point, Granite Lake, Brundage Reservoir, Goose Lake, and the Brundage Mountain Lookout.

If you want a whole day’s adventure, you can journey to Hazard Lake or Upper Payette Lake.

Or bring your own and start exploring.

Idaho’s Ski Town

For more than 60 years, Brundage has brought families together on the slopes. And nearby McCall has been the go-to, winter-time community for even longer. A legacy of laid-back recreation and entertainment has made this small Idaho town a year-round favorite — and there is nothing quite like McCall in the winter.

When you want a break from the slopes, there are plenty of places to grab a bite, enjoy a drink, and rest your tired bones so you can enjoy the mountain the following day.

McCall is loaded with dining options. Choose from a variety of restaurants, including local coffee shops, bakeries, diners, drive-ins, sushi, and fine dining. And for the adult members of the family, choose from several wine shops and breweries for a taste of Idaho microbrews and wines.

Lodging options are never a problem in McCall, with plenty of condos and hotels. Make sure to book a night or two at the famous Shore Lodge. The family experience you’ll have at Brundage continues with great food, a year-round heated pool, and a fully equipped entertainment room for the kids. They even have nightly movies in their in-house theater.

Brundage is the Home of Idaho Skiing

Idaho skiing is best experienced at Brundage Mountain Resort. Every season, skiers and snowboarders from across the states experience the vast, well-groomed runs and 1920 feet of vertical drop through the best snow in Idaho.

Winter is calling. Come see why Brundage has been and continues to be the mountain of choice for so many families.

Grab your lift tickets or pick up a season pass, and we’ll see you there.

For more information, visit Brundage.com