Marvelous McCall: Idaho's winter wonderland - Mountain Travel Guide - Brief Article

Sunset, Feb, 2002 by Diane Ronayne

Sun Valley may be the state's most famous snowy playground, but in winter Idahoans flock to McCall, north of Boise. The former mill town, founded in 1891, still retains its laid-back charm.

Step into McCall Drug & Gifts and Blue Grouse Books & Music (Second St. and Lenora St. E; 208/634-2433) for a blast from the past. Here, old-fashioned soda fountain treats and books on Idaho topics tempt you to tarry. Or grab espresso and fresh pastries at tiny Mountain Java (501 Pine St.; 208/634-2027), then rent skates at Gravity Sports (503 Pine; 208/634-8530) for the McCall Ice Skating Rink next door.

Outside town, families love community-supported Little Ski Hill (State 55, 3 miles northwest of McCall; 208/634-5691), with 31 miles of groomed lanes and touring trails (one is dog-friendly). Beginning skiers should head for 405-foot alpine runs served by a T-bar, lit until 10 P.M. on Fridays and Saturdays. Powder hounds will want to hit Brundage Mountain Resort (State 55, 8 miles northwest of McCall; 800/888-7544) for 1,800-foot runs with spectacular views.

Or head to Ponderosa State Park (2 miles northeast of city center, off Miles Standish Rd.; 208/634-2164) to explore 13 miles of groomed nordic tracks and lanes. Follow a guide to a warm Mongolian-style yurt for a five-course gourmet meal (Blue Moon Outfitters: $55 per person; reservations required; 208/634-3111).

If you hurry, you can catch McCall's Winter Carnival, from January 25 to February 2. This flurry of events includes the Mardi Gras parade, a wine festival, and the "monster" dog-pull, recalling the era when winter's mail came by dogsled. As you wander around, you'll see more than 50 world-class ice sculptures, some 20 feet long.

Whenever you visit, a good place to hole up is the historic Hotel McCall (1101 N. Third St.; 866/800-1183), which serves wine or bedtime cookies and milk; its five new condos sleep four to six. Spend time in easygoing McCall and you'll succumb to its winter charms.

McCall is 107 miles north of Boise on State 55.