Planning Your Family Ski Trip to Brundage
We visited McCall, Idaho several summers ago and absolutely fell in love with this charming, outdoorsy town. The crystal clear Payette Lake is the main attraction here along with hiking trails galore.
During that summer visit, we spent an afternoon at Brundage Mountain Resort. We rode mountain bikes, took the scenic chairlifts, and enjoyed the fantastic views at the top of the mountain.
At that moment, we vowed to return to check out Brundage during the winter ski season, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Here’s what you need to know.
Intrigued by a summer visit to McCall? See our Summer Fun In McCall, Idaho Itinerary for all the details.
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Getting To Brundage
Boise, Idaho is the closest airport to Brundage. From the Boise Airport, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach McCall, Idaho, the closest town to Brundage.
McCall is a small resort town that will have everything you need. Restaurants, a sprinkle of breweries, a variety of lodging accommodations, and beautiful Payette Lake which sits right at the center of it all.
McCall is just 8 miles away from Brundage Mountain, and the road is well plowed. You can also take a free first-come-first-served ski shuttle from various points in town to Brundage.
Scenic I-55 From Boise To McCall 
Plowed Road From McCall To Brundage
Brundage Mountain Stats
The first thing you should know is that Brundage gets more snow than any other resort in Idaho including Sun Valley. And it’s off to a good start this season opening early this year due to the amount of snow they’ve received. Yes!!
But you should also know that it’s a ski resort that truly focuses on skiing. There are no lodging accommodations on the mountain, and skiers must make their daily pilgrimage from their lodging in the cozy town of McCall. (See lodging info below.)
Brundage has a local’s mountain feel to it, and offers 70 ski runs of varying difficulty and plenty of backcountry area to explore. And if you don’t ski, they have a groomed snow tubing hill for a few hours of fun.
Daily lift tickets cost $95 (online) for adults, teens 13-17 cost $65 (online), and kids 7-12 cost $45 (online). Children 6 and under ski free.
Brundage also offers a heavily discounted “4 Packs” for rentals, lessons, and lift tickets but you need to buy them early as they sell out quickly (before the season begins).
Families will also like the inexpensive “Beartopia Pass” that gives you access to a large area of all green and blue runs over 2 lifts, perfect for a beginner. The Beartopia pass is only $20 if you are purchasing it along with a free lift ticket for kids six and under, making Brundage one of the cheapest places to teach your little ones to ski.
For a family, the cost is reasonable for the quality of the skiing and is a value compared to the major western ski resorts like Sun Valley and Big Sky Resort (which we also love dearly! See our blog Big Sky Skiing- Everything You Need To Know.)
Rentals and ski lessons are offered daily as well as daycare for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, so it’s a great ski resort for young families as well.
Another stat that we like is that Brundage’s base elevation is 5882′ and its summit reaches 7803 feet. For us low-elevation lubbers, this elevation profile is perfect. It allows for quick acclimation, and we’ve never had to worry about altitude sickness.
By The Numbers
Brundage Ski Terrain
We found the majority of the terrain to be mostly geared to intermediate skiers with plenty of blue runs.
We liked that the groomers are flanked by tree-filled slopes so you can find the stashes of powder easily.
Popular trails include Temptation, Dropline, Kickback, and North.
We found the majority of the terrain to be mostly geared to intermediate skiers with plenty of blue runs.
We liked that the groomers are flanked by tree-filled slopes so you can find the stashes of powder easily. Popular trails include Temptation, Dropline, Kickback, and North.
Expert skiers will want to check out Hidden Valley on the north side of the mountain which provides 14 black diamond runs in what feels like pure backcountry.
Beginner skiers can begin with the “magic carpet” and eventually graduate to the Bear Chair which provides a variety of beginner level runs.
One of the most unique features of Brundage is its access to backcountry terrain.
You can reach 420 acres of backcountry by chairlift, and 18,000 acres of backcountry by snowcat for an unparalleled ski experience. (We have not tried this yet, but it’s on the bucket list!)
On Mountain Dining
Brundage has a handful of dining options. Nothing fancy but still good. Smoky’s Bar & Grill offers good pub food and a full bar. We ate there and found it decently affordable for the convenience and ambiance overlooking the scenic base area.
You can get your caffeine fix at Main Street Market & Espresso (pizza, burgers, and grab and go) or Base Camp Coffee, or enjoy a cold one at the over-21 Upper Lot Pub.
Bear’s Den is located mid-mountain and offers lunch-time meals and adult beverages with a large outdoor seating area.
Or, you can bring your own food and hang out “tail-gate” style at Brundage’s designated “winter picnic areas.“
Lodging In McCall
McCall has a variety of homes, condos, and cabins to rent. You can stay right in the heart of town or near it, in the woods, on the lake, on a river, or on a golf course. It’s a resort town so you will have plenty of options.
If you have an RV, you can even camp in Brundage’s Centennial Parking Lot. Now that would be an experience!
We recommend staying close enough to town so that you can easily access restaurants and breweries. There’s plenty of lodging within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
This is our personal list of places that we have stayed in previously, have been recommended by friends we trust, or we have bookmarked as possibilities for future visits.
The lodging options listed here have a fantastic location right near Payette Lake and are within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Park the car and walk everywhere!
Hotel McCall– Perfect location near Payette Lake and walkable to all shops and restaurants in downtown McCall. This boutique hotel offers a variety of room sizes and suites as well as an indoor swimming pool and onsite restaurant. Free continental breakfast.
Shore Lodge– Feel like being pampered? This downtown luxury hotel with spa and restaurant sits on the shore of Payette Lake. Recently rated the 3rd “Best Resort in the West” by Conde Naste Traveler.
Stylish, lake view condo with fireplace & amazing location – walk to lake & town. VRBO 3238375. 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Sleeps 6. 2nd floor condo. Walk everywhere. Bunk beds for the kiddos is always a plus!
Lakefront 2 bedroom condo with seasonal pool, beach & dock slip. VRBO 1846828. King in Master and queen bed and a twin over full bunk bed in the 2nd bedroom. Walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants.
These hotels are located right next to each other. Both get great reviews and have terrific price points for their location. A bit further from dining and shops than those listed above but doable.
Third Street Inn– Good price point for the location with indoor swimming pool for the kiddos, a hot breakfast bar, and walkable to restaurants and shops.
The Scandia Inn– I’ve been intrigued by this renovated boutique motel with its cozy, sleek, minimalist Scandinavian design. Lots of excellent reviews and a good location.
These are standard “go-to” hotels in McCall. You could walk to downtown- it’s still just shy of one mile to Legacy Park on Payette Lake.
Best Western Plus McCall Lodge & Suites– This lodge-style Best Western has everything you need- a cozy lobby, large rooms, a pool and hot tub, and a hot breakfast.
The Evergreen Hotel was the former Holiday Inn and has been nicely remodeled. The hotel does not offer a free breakfast, but it is conveniently located to restaurants downtown.
Looking for a condo or vacation home? See more vacation rental options on VRBO.
McCall Restaurants
McCall has a good variety of restaurants in town. All of the restaurants listed here come highly recommended.
Of these, we ate at Ice Cream Alley, Stacy’s Cakes, McCall Brewing Co. Salmon River Brewery, and Smoky’s Grill at Brundage Resort. All were terrific. McCall’s Chamber of Commerce has a current list of restaurants here.
McCall Brewing Company– A great stop for good beer and food. Sandwiches, wraps, and kids menu. 807 N. 3rd St
Salmon River Brewing– Celebrate your arrival at Salmon River Brewing, housed in McCall’s old train depot downtown near Legacy Park.
Good beer and pub food including a kids menu. It also has a nice outdoor patio with lake views. 411 Railroad Ave.
Ice Cream Alley- This locally owned ice cream shop has been a summer staple in downtown McCall for nearly 40 years. 310 E. Lake Street. Open Memorial Day- Labor Day.
My Father’s Place– You’ll see a line here at the walk-up takeout window during the summer. Great shakes and burgers. The kids meal comes with ice cream. Always a pleaser! 901 N. 3rd St.
Lardo’s Grill and Saloon– A western-themed local institution known for its burgers. Our local friends really like the burger here. It’s located about a 25 minute walk from Hotel McCall. 600 W. Lake St.
Stacy’s Cakes– Famous for their gingersnap cookies (baked fresh every day- we loved them!) Also a good place for a coffee and baked goods. 136 E. Lake St. Opens at 8am.
Rupert’s at Hotel McCall and Cutwater at Shore Lodge offer high-end dining with amazing water views. A bit pricey but worth it.
HomeTown Pizza and Crusty’s Pizza will satisfy your pizza cravings. HomeTown Pizza has been around for decades and is well loved by the locals. Crusty’s Pizza delights with its thin crust pizza, excellent beer menu, and live music offerings. Growler’s Pizza is another option that we really enjoyed.
Mountain Java or Fogglifter Cafe– If you need a coffee fix in McCall, these two places should satisfy. Both have excellent downtown locations.
Smoky’s Bar & Grill located north of town at Brundage Mountain Resort is reasonably priced for the setting. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from their patio. They offer a kids menu as well.
Happy Trails! Enjoy your ski days in McCall! I guarantee you’ll want to return! Need help packing? Check out our Best Family Ski Trip Packing List. – Amy
