What to Do in McCall Idaho in the Winter

The Shore Lodge

This is McCall’s most famous resort. It’s located right on the Payette lake and has gorgeous views, great amenities, and wonderful restaurants. If you’re looking for a bit more of a luxurious stay, then hands down stay at the Shore Lodge! I’ve loved it every time I’ve stayed. See most recent prices here.

Airbnb Cabin Rental

I highly recommend booking a cabin if you can find one close to the lake or close to town. Use my link for $40 off your rental! My grandparents have a cabin in McCall, so I’ve always gotten lucky to get to stay with them, but I’ve also rented a few different cabins in McCall and it’s always been so much fun. See all of the open cabins here.

Rent a Yurt

Jack and I rented a yurt one weekend, this one to be exact, and it was an adventure. It’s not quite in McCall, but close to Jug Handle Mountain and we had a blast. We even had to melt our own snow! Use my code for a discount on your first Airbnb.

McCall Winter Carnival

This was a first for me this year and so much fun! Yes, it’s one of the most crowded times to come up to McCall, but it’s so fun and the ice sculptures truly are amazing. Check out my weekend guide to the McCall Winter Carnival.

Go skiing or snowboarding at Brundage Mountain Resort or Tamarack Resort

Brundage Mountain Resort is super fun! The lodge is a little janky, but I grew up going here so there’s a bit of charm, plus it’s really close to McCall. Tamarack Resort is south of McCall and closer to Donnelly, Idaho (I haven’t been here yet, but heard it amazing).  

Go on a sleigh ride to see reindeer

Aching to see some wildlife? This sleigh ride is magical with Hap and Florence Points sleigh rides. I’ve done it a few times and every time I just love it because it takes you right to where all of the reindeer (elk) actually live! You can see them in their natural habitat and it’s just a super cool family-friendly activity and so exciting to be so close to them!

Hit the trails on a snowmobile

Rent snowmobile’s at Cheap Thrills and go snowmobiling to Burgdorf Hot Springs or McCall’s backwoods.

Go to the McCall Activity Barn for tubing, or fat mountain biking

I’ve been to the Activity Barn to go snow tubing a few times and it’s always a blast! I’ve also always wanted to try fat mountain biking. Check out the Activity Barn for all of these fun adventures.

Try cross country skiing or snowshoeing at Jug Mountain Ranch

Jug Mountain Ranch is a golf course in the summer and a perfect nordic sports location in the winter. I recommend cross country skiing or snowshoeing here or through Ponderose State Park!

Take a dip at the local hot springs

There are a few hot springs around McCall, but some of the ones that you can actually pay to go to are Burgdorf Hot Springs and GoldFork Hot Springs. They both can get crowded during this time of year, especially during the Winter Carnival, so just be conscious of this. Remember to be respectful of these hot springs and don’t trash them! Idahoans take their hot springs really seriously. 🙂

Have a night out on the town

McCall brings out all sorts of wild and fun crowds depending on when you are there. Head over to Foresters or Yacht Club for some interesting nights. If you’re looking for something more casual, go to Salmon River Brewing or McCall Brewing Company.

Have a spa day at the Shore Lodge Cove Spa

Looking for some luxury inside? Go to the Shore Lodge spa for a relaxing and delightful spa day on the water.