After interviewing the head of ski patrol for the Ski Moms podcast, I had an idea of what to expect from Brundage, a beloved ski area tucked into Idaho’s Payette National Forest. But nothing prepared me for the quiet magic of arriving there in person.
Getting Brundage on the Radar
Driving in from McCall is an unassuming experience—there’s a sprawling parking lot, a freshly built main lodge, and a fairly standard-looking base area. First impressions here are misleading. Beneath the modest façade is a mountain with serious soul, a fiercely loyal fan base, and a world-class reputation for its backcountry terrain.
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Brundage probably isn’t on your “must-ski” list. They don’t advertise much, and they’re definitely not angling to become the next hotspot for snow-loving billionaires. In fact, this snow-rich corner of Idaho feels like it’s doing everything in its power not to be overrun by Silicon Valley.
Their philosophy? Slow, deliberate growth. They’re building with intention—protecting the mountain’s culture and welcoming skiers who’ll respect what makes this place special.
Honestly, it reminds me of reading Anthony Bourdain—how sometimes he hesitated to share the best places for fear they’d be ruined by popularity. I get that now. I want to tell the world about Brundage, but only if the right people go. If you’re reading this, I hope that’s you.
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First Impressions on the Snow
We pulled into the lot under piercingly blue skies with hardly another car in sight. Midweek skiing at its finest. No satellite parking, no shuttle, just a quick walk to the lodge. We booted up in the newly updated locker room and headed straight to the Bluebird Express quad to start the day.
Off-piste wasn’t in the cards thanks to recent precipitation and freeze-thaw cycles, but the groomers more than delivered. We skied two full days without running out of fun and I look forward to a return trip to get to experience some of that iconic Idaho powder.
Brundage by the Numbers
- Summit Elevation: 7,640 feet
- Vertical Drop: 1,800 feet
- Chairlifts: 6
- Lift-Served Terrain: 1,920 acres
- Annual Snowfall: 300–350 inches
- Trails: 69
- Terrain Breakdown:Beginner: 23% Intermediate: 32% Expert+: 45%
Brundage is a mountain with a range. Whether you want to ski solo or join the party, you’ll find terrain to match your vibe—from wide cruisers to spicy steeps to quiet tree runs. And while loading the Bluebird Express, I couldn’t help but smile at the disco ball scattering light across the lift line. Yep, it’s that kind of place.
The front face is packed with steep, wide runs and sweeping views. For warm-ups, try Engen or Main Street. The backside of the mountain, with views of Payette Lake and McCall, features shorter, rollier runs—Hotshot and Dropline from the Lakeview Lift were my personal favorites. But be warned: the lift closes at 3 p.m., and if you miss it, you’re in for a long traverse back.
Experts should explore Hidden Valley or the vast backcountry accessible from the lifts (though unpatrolled). If you’re heading out-of-bounds, be smart. Take an avalanche course—The Payette Avalanche Center and Friends of the Payette Avalanche Center offer regular sessions.
Beyond the Ropes
If you’re the adventurous type, Brundage has 18,000 acres of snowcat-accessed terrain in the Payette National Forest. Full-day, half-day, and two-day guided trips are available. You can book by the seat or reserve a private cat for up to 10 people.
It wasn’t in the cards during our trip—conditions weren’t ideal and frankly, it’s not my scene—but for experienced skiers, this is a major draw.
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Beartopia: Where Little Rippers Learn
Brundage does an incredible job catering to beginners—especially kids. The learning area, affectionately named Beartopia, is tucked conveniently near the parking lot and base lodge. It includes two conveyor lifts, the East Street Triple Chair, and the Bear Chair, giving little skiers space to progress at their own pace.
The vibe here is welcoming and unintimidating. The Adventure School is steps from the daycare, rentals, and everything else a ski parent needs. Discounted lift tickets for Beartopia start at just $30/day, and adults skiing with a child 6 and under can score their own lift ticket for just $20 (when they also reserve a free kids pass online).
Learning Programs That Stand Out
Brundage has a strong local community, and it shows in their programming. With an incredible menu of relatively affordable options, Brudage is an industry-leader in creative programming to get EVERYONE in the community out on snow. These aren’t just drop-in ski schools—they’re hubs for connection and confidence-building. Here are a few highlights:
- Sharlie’s Shredders: A five-week program for potty-trained kids ages 3–6. ($299)
- 50/50 Program: For adults 50-ish and older looking for a low-pressure, social way to build skills. ($249 for 5 weeks)
- Friday Friends: A women-focused group designed to boost confidence and stretch boundaries. 90-minute lessons include demo rentals. ($149)
- The Starter PAK: This beginner bundle includes 3 private lessons, rentals, lift tickets and a season pass upon completion. Kids under 17: $499; Adults: $999
Bonus: Ladies Days on Thursdays in February offer discounts on daycare and rental gear from Hometown Sports.
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Fueling Up
While not a foodie-centered mountain, there are plenty of delicious options to help you stay energized or to reward yourself for all those turns.
- Bear’s Den (mid-mountain): A cozy cabin near Beartopia. Grab a cocktail, chili, or warm up with a view. They also host “Dinner After Dark”—a mountain meal adventure under the stars.
- Smokey’s Bar & Grill (base): Classic ski fare with wings, big salads, and a sunny deck. Upstairs, the Upper Lot Pub serves 21+ skiers. Friendly staff, good value.
- Base Camp Coffee (main lodge): Your go-to for espresso and quick bites. It’s next to the rental shop and ski demos.
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The Lodge Life (Or Lack Thereof)
Brundage isn’t fancy. The architecture is a bit of a patchwork. There’s a brand-new Mountain Adventure Center—an 18,000 sq. ft. beauty with rentals, ski school, daycare (yes, daycare!), and guest services. But right next to it? A quirky 1950s A-frame annexed with a slightly ramshackle addition from the 1970s.
Still, the heart is there. The daycare, for instance, is gorgeous and thoughtfully designed. Full- and half-day care is available for ages 6 weeks to 6 years (reservations required).
A new Ski Patrol HQ also recently opened—a 2,800 sq. ft. space dedicated to mountain safety. And more changes are coming, including a small handful of on-mountain private homes. From what I saw, these additions are tasteful and unlikely to shift the low-key culture.
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Parking Lot Culture
Since there’s no on-mountain lodging, the parking lot vibe is real. Even midweek, you’ll find tailgaters and campers enjoying après with a view. RV camping is free (yes, free!) in the Centennial Lot, but registration at Guest Services is required.
Trip Planning Tips
Stay in McCall, rent an Airbnb, or make Tamarack your base. From McCall, there’s a free shuttle that runs daily with stops at the post office, transit center, Shore Lodge, and Brundage Inn. (No parking at the Bus Shelter stop!) The Bluebird Express Shuttle is also free but fills up fast.
Great Snow, Better Deals
Compared to resorts with similar snow quality, Brundage is a steal.
- Kids 10 and under: $49 season pass
- Teens (13–18): $249
- Adults: $699
They’re also part of the Indy Pass. As a Brundage passholder, you can add an Indy Add-On for access to dozens of partner resorts.
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Final Thoughts
Getting to Brundage takes some effort. It’s a drive from Boise, and they’re not aggressively courting destination skiers. But if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to find your own magic, this place will reward you. Deep snow. Epic views. A culture that feels untouched.
Brundage isn’t trying to be the next big thing. And that’s exactly why it’s so special.
📍 Address: 3890 Goose Lake Rd, McCall, ID 83638
🔗 More Info: brundage.com
More Ski Areas to Consider in Idaho
- Bogus Basin: Idaho’s most popular non-profit
- Sun Valley: Posh and delightful this is Idaho’s high-end destination
- Tamarack Resort: The perfect family option for a Idaho ski holiday
