Backcountry at Brundage – Idaho’s Best Skiing

Skiing in Idaho should be on every skier and snowboarder’s bucket list. Twenty-plus million acres of forested terrain mean there are plenty of resorts to choose from, but one continues to be a favorite among residents and visitors alike. Out of the sixteen Idaho ski resorts, Brundage Mountain Resort has the best snow in Idaho, more backcountry acreage than anyone else in the state, and a history that runs deep in the veins of Idahoans far and wide.

Located just north of McCall, Idaho, Brundage is a long-time favorite for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. As the excitement of the ski season grows, equipment is prepped, and dreams are filled with days of carving down bowls and cruising runs free of tracks. For many, skiing in Idaho means grabbing their skis and boards on opening day and making the drive to Brundage to hit slope after slope or glide through trees and snowfields. Here, there’s no shortage of vivid scenery covered in a blanket of Idaho’s best snow.

With Boise Airport only two hours away, many are willing to make a cross-country trip to experience all that is Brundage.

Brundage Mountain has what Skiers and Snowboarders want

There are a variety of features that make for a good ski mountain. Skiers and snowboarders want decent vertical, quality snow, enough lifts to keep people moving, plenty of runs and acreage, and backcountry options. The magic sauce is finding the right combination of all the above. Big vertical doesn’t matter if you’re constantly riding through wet snow. And a multitude of runs is only great if you can get people on the hill (and there are not so many skiers that everything is tracked out).

Let’s look at what makes a good ski mountain and see how Brundage measures up.

Brundage Mountain at a Glance

At first look, Brundage Mountain Resort appears to be a great place to ski in Idaho, and when you dig deeper, this resort gets even better. Here is a quick look at the home of the best snow in Idaho.

Summit Elevation	7,803 feet
Base Elevation	5,882 feet
Vertical Drop	1,921 feet
Snowfall Avg	320″
Lift Accessible Terrain	1,920 acres
Named Runs	70
Terrain Parks	2
Number of Lifts	6
Lift Accessible Backcountry	420 acres
Additional Backcountry	18,000+ acres

Let’s take a closer look.

Vertical Drop

Vertical drop, or vert, refers to the difference between a ski resort’s base elevation and peak elevation. Brundage Mountain Resort, for instance, has a peak elevation of 7803 feet, and its base rests at 5882 feet. The difference is 1921 feet of vertical. Typically, more vertical equals more varied terrain. But there is more to consider than simply how far down the mountain you can ride.

Base elevation also plays a significant factor in many skiers’ and snowboarders’ decision to ski in Idaho. Several resorts across the country have plenty of vertical, but the base elevation of the ski area is too low to provide what every ski and snowboard junky craves – powder.

You’ve Gotta Have Good Snow

Long runs don’t matter if all you have is wet, slushy snow. That’s why a high base elevation is essential. The higher your start point, the more likely you will have cold temperatures all season long. Every tick below 32 degrees creates better circumstances for the fluffy white stuff we long to float through. And dry snow is excellent for those groomed runs.

Significant snowfall makes for a good mountain, and Brundage gets more of it than any other ski resort in the state. And Brundage snow is the best snow in Idaho. With an average base depth of 72 inches and 96 inches at the top, there is all the snow you could want from mid-November to mid-April.

Combine good base elevation with lots of vertical and perfect precipitation, and you’re on your way to a great mountain. But there’s more to skiing in Idaho than snow and vert — you need lots of groomed runs.

Ski Trails for Everyone

Most people spend time skiing and snowboarding in a group with friends, a partner, or the whole family. Chances are that most groups hit the slopes with different levels of experience. The best resorts offer something for every skill level. At Brundage Mountain, there is something for everyone. Skiing the best snow in Idaho means there are plenty of groomers for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced skier or snowboarder.

 

At Brundage Mountain Resort, you can choose from 70 named runs on 1920 lift-accessible acres — the most in the area. Ample space leaves plenty of room for wide groomed runs.

The trail alchemy is excellent for beginners and families while providing plenty of expert runs. With a great mix of greens (21%), blues (33%), and black diamonds (46%), riders of all ages and abilities have miles of snow to enjoy their favorite winter activities. And these ski trails are spread across the mountain with plenty of off-trail ski areas. Glades and snowfields abound on the front, back, and northside of the resort. You heard that right; there are three distinct ski areas at Brundage (not to mention enough backcountry to blow your mind). And if you long for tree skiing, there is plenty of terrain to test your skills.

Here’s a peak at what you will find on the main mountain (we’ll address the ridiculous amount of backcountry at Brundage later):

Skiing the Frontside of Brundage

Beartopia is the perfect place for those new to winter sports to gain experience and confidence. At the base of Brundage, there is an incredible family-friendly setup — no bunny hill here. Where some ski mountains offer one or two runs for children and beginners, Brundage gives kids and families a much grander adventure. Here is what you will find at Beartopia:

– 10 green runs
– 3 blue runs
– 3 black diamonds

The kid’s area is just a small part of Brundage’s frontside. 50 runs (including Beartopia) pepper this part of the mountain with a nice mix of greens, blues, and black diamonds. It will take you days to sample every run.

There are also two terrain parks on the front side: Bear terrain park and Jammer terrain park. When you need a break from the downhill or just want to jib on boxes and rails, you’ll know where to go.

Hitting the Bowl on the Backside

Every good ski mountain has a backside, and at Brundage, this area is known as Lakeview Bowl. Take the Centennial Chairlift and head south to access some mountain favorites. Four open blue runs offer skiers and snowboarders great runs and beautiful views of Payette Lake. And there is tree skiing aplenty for those looking for a challenge.

Black Diamonds Only — The North Side

North-facing terrain is notorious for great snow because it gets less sun exposure. At Brundage, the north side is also the mountain’s steepest section. Known as Hidden Valley, this area is one step shy of backcountry terrain. Expert skiers can access 14 black diamonds and loads of snow fields, glades, chutes, and forests to push winter fun to the next level.

Mountain Access – The Chairlifts

Lifts can make or break a mountain. You need enough to keep people moving and give access to every part of the ski hill. Move too many people too fast, and you have a cluttered mountain. Too slow, and you have long lines. At Brundage, they have figured out the right mix to keep lines short and avoid run congestions on the mountain.

There is a high-speed quad, 4 triples, and 1 magic carpet that keep skiers and snowboarders happy:

• Bluebird Express – located on the front side, this high-speed quad takes riders from the base to the peak of the mountain and provides access to Hidden Valley
• Centennial Lift – a triple lift that serves the south side of the face and gives skiers access to Lakeview bowl
• Bear Chair – a triple lift that keeps the beginner and kid area moving
• Easy Street – a triple chair for the upper portion of Beartopia
• Easy Rider – magic carpet for brand new skiers and riders to access the easiest of runs
• Lakeview Chair – located on the south side, this triple chairlift keeps traffic moving in Lakeview Bowl and provides access to the front side of the mountain

Brundage Mountain Resort is dedicated to its patrons. In addition to a good flow of skiers and riders, Brundage limits the number of season passes and lift tickets sold. Plenty of space, a lift capacity of 7900 people/hr, and daily caps help ensure that everyone visiting this mountain has the best experience possible.

The Most Backcountry in the State

When skiing in Idaho, it’s important to remember there is a whole lot more than groomed runs, especially at Brundage. Home to the most backcountry terrain in the state, Brundage features 420 acres of lift-accessible backcountry and an additional 18,000 acres of snowcat-served wintertime bliss.

Lift-served Backcountry

Brundage’s 420 acres of lift-accessed backcountry sits northeast of Hidden Valley, below Sargent’s Peak. Powder hounds love this region for its wide-open snowfields, expansive glades, and 2167 feet of vertical descent. Slopes are as steep as 45% making for highly technical terrain. Like all backcountry terrain, this area is ranked as double black diamond. Experts only, please.

Snow Cat Adventuring

For those who seek the ultimate winter experience, Brundage Mountain Snowcat Adventures answers the call. 18,000 acres await the most skilled snowboarders and skiers north of Brundage Mountain Resort, near Goose Lake. You have two peaks to choose from, Granite Mountain to the west of Goose Lake and Slab Butte to the east.

Ski and snowboard extremists who cat their way to the peak of Granite Mountain can take in the view at 8479 feet before dropping into Summit Run or Zim’s Plunge. Two other peaks to the south, Four Corners and Tortilla Flats, serve as additional starting points for backcountry craziness. More than 2000 feet of vertical drop and 28 recognized runs exist on or near Granite Mountain. Or chart your own course through endless glades and snowfields.

East of Goose Lake, Slab Butte tops out at 8200 feet. Neighbored by two slightly shorter peaks, one to the north and one to the south, these three mountains are peppered with 22 additional recognized backcountry runs. Like Granite and its neighbors, this area is loaded with snowfields, chutes, drops, cliffs, and glades.

Only backcountry-trained and well-equipped riders should consider hitting this terrain. But when you’re ready, this will be some of the best skiing or snowboarding you’ll ever find. It would take a lifetime to hit it all. Better get started.

Come Experience Idaho Skiing

If you’ve ever wondered what skiing in Idaho is like, look no further. Brundage Mountain Resort has everything you need for a great day on the slopes. From beginners to experts and weekend warriors to season-long snow junkies, everyone can scratch their powder itch here.

And if dining options or lodging are concerns, there are a handful of restaurants on-site and some great hotels in town.

The only question left to ask is when are you coming to visit?

Grab a season pass, view the trail map, and book lessons at brundage.com.