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Skiing & Snowboarding
In recent years, the Heartland has become a major ski and snowboard destination with winter storms providing abundant powder to the slopes, ensuring outstanding conditions. Just a short drive from the Cascade area, Brundage Mountain Resort and Little Ski Hill in McCall offer excellent lift-served skiing and snowboarding. Beginners to experts will enjoy trails that range from well-groomed moderate slopes to off-trail powder runs.
Friendly and knowledgeable instructors can teach beginners how to link their first turns and help the more advanced improve their technique. Brundage Mountain Resort, one of the grand old-timers among Idaho skiing locations, has done an excellent job of keeping up with the times and offers a wide variety of services.
Nordic Skiing
Little Ski Hill
Little Ski Hill is an extremely popular destination for local skiers with more than 30 miles of groomed trails with the special feature of a five kilometer dog loop reserved for dogs and their owners. The hill is host to clinics and races held on the local, divisional and national levels, sponsored by the Payette Lakes Ski Club and McCall Ski Racing Team. For additional information call 208-634-5691.
Spring Mountain Ranch
Spring Mountain Ranch has approximately 10 miles of trails with one reserved exclusively for skiers and their dogs to enjoy. Trail maps are available at the Spring Mountain Ranch Clubhouse. For additional information contact Spring Mountain Ranch at 208-634-2206.
Ponderosa State Park
Ponderosa State Park has approximately 14 miles of trails with 1.2 miles lighted for night skiing. The trails are challenging, the terrain varied, and skiers are rewarded with spectacular views of Payette Lake. A heated restroom in the park is open beginning in mid-December. One of the following is required for admission: a $4 daily motor vehicle entrance fee or a State Parks Annual Passport. Trail maps are available at the park headquarters. Call for details: 208-634-2164.
The Activity Barn
The Activity Barn, located on a cattle ranch just south of McCall, provides miles of peaceful skiing offering panoramic mountain views along well-groomed trails that run along the Payette River. Pets are allowed. You can contact the Activity Barn by phone at 208-634-2222, or visit them on the web at www.activitybarn.com.
Backcountry Skiing
The Heartland offers unlimited opportunity for all types of skiing apart from the established ski areas. There are various ways of accessing backcountry skiing areas and a large variety of locations. Apart from services provided by the established ski resorts to take skiers to the starting point or further into backcountry skiing locales, it is best to make local inquiry before setting out. Possible hazards include rapidly changing weather conditions, avalanche conditions or simply losing your way in unfamiliar terrain. Local sports shops can suggest places to explore, provide up-to-the-minute information on avalanche conditions and on guide or other services which are available. Make sure that you are in the know before you go!