Alpine Village Blog | Alpine Village in McCall, Idaho

Must Do McCall Winter Activities

In the last two weeks, I've had the chance to do two of my absolute favorite winter activities in McCall.  A night with Blue Moon Outfitters and a day with Brundage Snow Cat Adventures are two experiences that every McCall visitor and resident alike should plan for every winter season.

Blue Moon Outfitters put on a winter ski and culinary adventure unlike any other dining experience.  The Blue Moon Yurt is located within Ponderosa State Park.  This cozy setting among dramatic Ponderosa Pine trees is your "restaurant" for the night.  Getting there, however, is all part of the experience.  Arriving at the Yurt entails a one mile cross country ski or snowshoe along the park's ti-ki torch lit trail.  This fantastic evening walk sets the stage for one of the finest meals you will find in Valley County.  Owners, Lisa and Bruce, know how to cook in the backcountry.  They have a passion for preparing and serving incredible meals in incredible settings.  In addition to the beautiful walk and delicious food, the crew and friends you meet at the Yurt round out an experience that I promise, will make you add this to your annual "must do" list for winter.

Brundage Snow Cat Adventures offer 1/2 and full day guided skiing excursions into the beautiful back-country of Payette National Forest.  With access to more than 19,000 acres of snowy steeps, tree lined glades and powdery bowls, this is back-country skiing at its best.  No need to bust your savings account on a grand heli-ski trip, Brundage Snow Cat Adventures is a modestly priced alternative for access to spectacular terrain and the aptly coined "Best Snow in Idaho."  I was lucky enough to get on one of these trips some 20 years ago and I haven't missed many years since.  (And occasionally get in more than one a year!)  The warm, comfortable Snow Cat is stocked with plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you fueled up, and wonderful guides ensure you have a safe and ultra fun day in the mountains.  Much like the Blue Moon Yurt, the crew and friends I've met on a Cat Ski day become as much of the memory for me as the skiing itself.  I've never had a trip that didn't end with hugs and high fives all around!

So get your calendar out and book a trip today.  I promise you'll be glad you did!

Winter Carnival!

Winter Carnival in McCall is in full swing!  Last weekend the town was packed with activities.  Fireworks, Mardi Gras parade, snow sculptures, kids carnival (hosted by Alpine Village!), snow bike races, snowshoe golf, great food...Too much to see?  Come back for the final weekend of festivities.  Monte Carlo Casino Night is Friday, fireworks and closing ceremony on Saturday.  Our cold weather has kept the sculptures in perfect shape so come check it out!

And the pitch...are you looking to purchase a home in McCall?  Visit us at Alpine Village to see if living here is a fit for you.  Here's what two of our owners recently said about their decision to buy at Alpine Village. 

"It makes your home in paradise one that comes without the typical responsibilities.  Isn't that what a vacation home is supposed to offer?"  Paul Pennington - Boise, Idaho

"The quality of the facilities, the sense of community, the friendships we've established, the outstanding service provided by the staff and the convenience of the location have exceeded anything we could have hoped for."  Steve and Cindi Testardi - Boise, Idaho

TV spot now running

Watch for our new television spot that is running various flights over the next few weeks.  The snow keeps falling in McCall and the skiing and sledding reports are fantastic!  Come up and see why a home at Alpine Village leaves your time for fun and relaxation while we clean up the snow!

Brundage Mountain "Lights Up the Night"

I attended Brundage Mountain's 50th Anniversary party "Light Up The Night" last week with my son and daughter.  We had a great afternoon of powder skiing followed by a torchlight parade and fireworks show.  Check out the video footage, and commentary by 7 year old Joe. 

Enjoy!

Winter Wonderland

Winter is in high gear in McCall!  We are on our third straight day of heavy snow.  Skiers, snowmobilers' and winter enthusiasts now is your time!  Head to McCall for fantastic winter recreation and fun.  Check out Brundage Mountain's "Light Up the Night" festival tonight.  There will be a Torchlight Parade, Fireworks show and live music beginning from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. to celebrate their 50th Anniversary.  Stop by and see Cory at our Sales Gallery on Saturday for Apres Ski snacks and drinks while you warm up and check out our furnished condominium homes.

See you in McCall!

Brundage Announces Bonus Ski Weekend

This spring has been one of the best on record for late season snow in McCall, Idaho. Brundage Mountain is celebrating with a bonus ski weekend on April 18th and 19th. And there may be more weekends added as weather forecasters are calling for snow showers in the mountains the rest of this week.

Plus, don't miss the annual Crazy Daze spring skiing extravaganza this weekend, April 11th and 12th. On Saturday, join in on events including a costume contest, treasure hunt, poker run and a tray race. At noon, watch skiers and snowboarders glide on the water in the pond skimming contest. Come to the slopes Sunday for an Easter egg hunt and the Brundage Mountain Marathon. And guests of season pass holders ski free and Bogus Basin holders get half off lift tickets. 

Great Ski Deals and New Snow at Brundage

Sure, spring is officially just two days away, but there are plenty of reasons to come up to McCall, Idaho for a ski vacation at Brundage Mountain.  Earlier this week they got a fresh 15 inches of snow, making excellent conditions for groomed and backcountry skiing.

What is even more excellent are the long list of deals and events Brundage has lined up this month and into April.  Their March Madness promotion is in full swing, including discounted 2009/10 season passes until April 30th - and ski free the rest of the season if you buy one.  For the remainder of the month, Bogus Basin and Tamarack pass holders get $10 off adult lift tickets Fridays - Sunday, and Mondays - Thursdays get $20 off.  Oh yeah, and Sun Valley pass holders get $5 off daily lift tickets. If this isn't enough, Sunday, March 29th is "Gimme a Break Day" when kids under 17 get a free day on the slopes.

This weekend, come cheer on up and coming talent on the slalom and giant slalom courses at the J-3 Junior Olympics for 13 - 14 year old skiers from the Western Region.  Participate in some madcap ski challenges at the family-friendly O-Wimp-Ic Games Saturday, April 4th.  And head up on the weekend of April 11th and 12th for the pond skimming contest and the ski marathon. For all the latest event schedules and further details on discounts, go to www.brundage.com.

Great Times at the 2009 McCall Winter Carnival

The Winter Carnival has been in full swing all week, with one of the largest turnouts in the festival's history for last weekend. Attendees came in droves to view the impressive ice sculptures and attend the full slate of community, arts and sporting events throughout town.

Alpine Village was a popular stop throughout the weekend. The party tent was  set up at the entrance to the pedestrian plaza with City Market selling tasty treats and lunch items and offering complementary hot cocoa and coffee. Cory gave numerous tours of the Firetower Building, set for occupancy on June 1st.

Lively crowds gathered during the Mardi Gras parade and came by to see our award-winning "Fantasy Forest" snow sculpture. Cool weather all week has kept all the sculptures in town looking amazing, so stop by and see this impressive display of icy art if you are coming up to McCall this weekend.

Highlights this weekend include snowbike racing at the McCall Golf Course, live music at Depot Park, the kid's snowman building contest and closing ceremony fireworks.  Our information center is open all weekend, so come by and say hello.

Check out plenty of photos from the weekend on the new Alpine Village Facebook page.

Lining the Streets for the McCall Winter Carnival Parade

Here are some photos from last year's McCall Winter Carnival Mardi Gras Parade. Hundreds of people lined the streets to see the floats and enjoy the bright sunny day. Expect more of the same this year on Saturday, January 31 starting at noon. Stop by Alpine Village at 3rd Street and Washington and enjoy the parade from our heated tent. City Market will be selling scrumptious lunch items and cookies and we will be serving complimentary coffee and hot cocoa. We will be here both Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Get Ready for the McCall Winter Carnival

It’s Winter Carnival time once again, and this year Alpine Village will be joining in 44^th annual celebration of fun, food and snow that is so uniquely McCall.

This year’s festivities promise a wide array of events, including the renowned Idaho Snow Sculpting Championships that has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Friday, January 30, kicks off the Carnival with a neon light parade followed by fireworks over Payette Lake.

Saturday is when the Winter Carnival gets into full swing with the illustrious Mardi Gras Parade through the heart of downtown McCall starting at noon. This year Alpine Village will be one of the best locales to watch the procession. We will have a heated tent set up on the street side of our pedestrian plaza for your viewing pleasure.  Hot cocoa and coffee will be served along with snacks and goodies to keep you warm on a brisk winter’s day. Stop by and visit us at the Alpine Village tent between 10 and 6 on Saturday and Sunday.

Of course, Saturday night will inevitably bring you to Depot Park for live music on the main stage. Food and craft vendors will be on hand to during the shows. On Sunday, take the snow sculpture bus tour, a great way to see all the contest entries, including “Fantasy Forest”, the Alpine Village sculpture located next to the sales office at 3^rd and Washington. Be sure and stop by our tent for some warm refreshments before you check out the sculpture.

For more information and a full list of all the great events happening all week, go to mccallwintercarnival.com or give us a call at 888-634-3430.