Friends of Brundage,

Summer is heating up across Idaho and it’s been really exciting to see more and more of you heading this way to enjoy cooler temperatures and the fun outdoor activities available here on the mountain. Our trail crew has been working hard and we have 100% of our trail system open for hikers and bikers to enjoy. We also have some new summer learning programs for those who’d like to level up their mountain biking skills. The Brundage Mountain Sports School is offering both private lessons and group clinics and the rental shop has a full fleet of mountain bikes ready to rent.

In addition to launching our summer season, we are super excited to share some details on our new Brundage Mountain Community Fund (BCMF). We formed this fund in late 2023 in order to be able to contribute more directly to the efforts of local nonprofit groups.

Population-wise, our community is fairly small, but you wouldn’t know that by the scope and range of incredible work our nonprofits are engaged in. From youth programs to search and rescue efforts — and everything in between — these groups play a crucial role in the community we love. Ever since Brundage Mountain opened in 1961, we’ve been supporting local causes through lift ticket donations and other in-kind contributions. Now, we have the ability to raise and contribute cash directly to causes in need of capital.

Our first big fundraiser for the BMCF raised nearly $24,000 from the auction of five of the carriers from the decommissioned Centennial Triple Chairlift. We are absolutely delighted to share the news that we’ve awarded our first significant donation to the Mehen Memorial Skate Park.

When it came time to make our first donation, the Mehen Memorial Skate Park was a natural choice. Rory and Sara Mehen epitomized the community spirit. As longtime supporters of the Little Ski Hill and the New Meadows community in general, they never shied away from getting involved and dreaming big dreams. The Skate Park will be a lasting symbol of that passion and the great things we can all do for future generations when we work together.

We know that our guests share our generous spirit and sense of community, and that’s why we’re launching a new Good Music/Good Deeds program. Our popular Friday night concerts will remain free to the public, but with a suggested donation.

Each week, we’ll be partnering with a different nonprofit organization. Those organizations will get a chance to share their mission with the concertgoers and will receive 50% of the funds raised by the BMCF the evening of the concert. The other 50% will go into the fund and be used for annual grant awards, like the one we just gave to the Mehen Memorial Skate Park. The goal is to grow this fund so we can increase the size and number of the awards in the future.

All of the concert dates this summer are spoken for, but nonprofits who wish to participate in future Good Music/Good Deeds concerts can reach out via email to [email protected] to be added to our waiting list for Summer 2025. Applications for the next grant awarded through the BCMF will be opened in early 2025, with the goal of issuing grant awards in late spring or early summer each year. Nonprofits focused on youth enrichment/education, outdoor recreation and sustainability will be given preference.

We hope to see you on the mountain this summer at one of our concerts, on a scenic chairlift ride, or hitting the trails. The slopes are beautiful this time of year, with wildflowers popping and meadow grass swaying in the breeze. And when temperatures in the valley start sizzling, it’s significantly cooler up here…both in temperature and in the chill vibe of the mountain environment.

Come spend some time with us!

Ken Rider

General Manager

Brundage Mountain Resort