Brundage Mountain Resort
4.5(406)google
3.7(43)yelp
SkiingMountainWinter SnowHiking
Overview
Brundage Mountain Resort is an alpine ski area in the western United States, located in west central Idaho in the Payette National Forest. Brundage first opened in November 1961 and is eight miles (13 km) northwest of McCall, a twenty-minute drive in average winter conditions. The summit elevation of Brundage is 7,803 feet (2,380 m) above sea level, with an overall vertical drop of 1,921 feet (590 m).
Practical Info
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration4-8 hours
Best TimeA premier dual-season alpine resort: winter (December to March) is famous for 'the best powder in Idaho' for downhill skiing, while summer (July to August) offers lift-served downhill mountain biking. In summer, ascend via the BlueBird Express chairlift right at 10:00 AM for maximum atmospheric clarity to view the Seven Devils Peaks.
Getting ThereSet 8 miles northwest of McCall up a mountain access road; driving is required as there is no public transit. From McCall, take ID-55 N, turn left onto Brundage Mountain Road, and follow it up to the base basin. Roads are well-plowed, but snow tires or AWD are advised in winter. The lodge features an immense open surface parking area that is completely free.
Travel Tips
- High-altitude winter ridge wind-gusts over 50 mph trigger automatic emergency mountain lift shutdowns; check mountain weather reports before purchasing day passes.
- Summer mountain bike trail singletracks are comprised of highly volatile decomposed granite and loose pumice dust; full-face helmets and body armor are required.
- The mountain base access corridors double as heavy timber logging truck pathways during off-season terms; maintain lane discipline on blind unpaved corners.
Reviews
Positive
- Renowned for 'the best snow in Idaho'! Features wide, expertly planned ski runs and a peak view overlooking McCall and Payette Lake.
- Not just for winter skiing; summer brings epic mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides over wildflower meadows. Great all-year round.
- Lifts handle crowds well; even during peak season, lift lines are far shorter than Colorado resorts, backed by professional ski patrols.
- Offers a highly welcoming ski school for all skill sets, and the rental hub is packed with modern gear, keeping value reasonable.
Heads up
- With soaring popularity, access roads from downtown McCall bottleneck badly during winter morning peaks, and prime parking fills fast.
- The mountaintop snack shack is pricey; a standard cheeseburger and fries cost a premium, pushing local skiers to pack their own lunch.
- During warm winters or early spring melts, low-elevation beginner green runs exhibit exposed soil and roots, showing strained grooming.
- Mountain Wi-Fi and cellular coverage are spotty; high-altitude glade zones are often dead zones, making it tough to ping skiing buddies.