Best Ski Resorts Close To McCall Idaho

By Wolfe Ashcraft

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McCall Idaho Resorts, Top-Notch Lodging For Your Next Vacation

McCall, Idaho resorts provide incredible lodging options where you can get the rest you need so you can experience all the Payette National Forest’s 2.3 million acres of adventure. Located in the middle of Payette National Forest, McCall, Idaho is a quiet mountain town that rests on Payette Lake’s southern shores. Home to two fantastic ski resorts, some of the best mountain biking in the state, and more fishing and boating opportunities anyone could hope for, the McCall, Idaho area is a must-visit destination for every outdoor enthusiast.

an interior shot of the osprey meadows lodge at tamarack resort, the best place to stay for an idaho ski vacation near mccall idaho

Luxury Resorts, The Perfect Blend Of Nature and Adventure

Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes of the two nearby ski mountains, eager to spend some time on the water, or can’t wait to burn down some mountain trails, the McCall area is a vacation must.

Resorts and Lodging With Outdoor Adventure And A Side Of Pampering

Vacation is supposed to be rejuvenating. For some, this means escaping into nature; for others, it means fine wine and delicious food after a day at the resort spa. Many people appreciate both, but regardless of any specific vacation want/need, chances are you’ll find it in McCall.

An exterior photo of the village market, tamarack resort's grocery store in the village where visitors of the idaho ski resort can get all their groceries

Scratch Your Adventure Itch In McCall

There is no end to the outdoor opportunities of Payette National Forest. Here is a snapshot of the adventures that are waiting for you:
  • Two major ski resorts
  • Snowshoeing
  • Backcountry Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Water Skiing
  • Zipline Tours
  • Golfing
  • Fishing

Wine, Dine, and Spa Time

No vacation is complete without some of the finer things in life like good food and drink and the opportunity to pamper yourself or someone you love. The dining options at some of the resorts in/around McCall will be enough to have you coming back for more, but throw in first-class spa treatments, and what more could you want.

a bar tender and server at tamarack resort idaho serves a guest at the reserve, a fine dining restaurant at tamarack resort a ski resort in idaho

Three Great Resort Vacation Destinations To Stay

For those that want to camp, backpack, or shall we say rough it — nature offers plenty of options near McCall. But, if you’re looking to spoil yourself with some of the best lodging options you will find in Idaho, look no further. The McCall area has three excellent choices for lodging:
  • Tamarack Resort
  • Shore Lodge
  • Bear Creek Lodge
Let’s take a look at what each of these fantastic properties has to offer.

Tamarack resort, one of idaho's top ski resorts is the place to visit near mccall idaho for a ski vacation

Tamarack Resort — The Crème De La Crème

As one of the few destination resorts in Idaho and the only one in the McCall area, Tamarack Resort is a wonder to behold. This year-round resort sits on the shores of Lake Cascade outside of Donnelly, Idaho, and is home to some of the best outdoor adventure found in Idaho. With lodging choices for every budget, you can choose to stay in the lodge, cottages, townhomes, chalets, or estate homes — all well equipped with Wi-Fi, within walking distance to excellent restaurants and a grocery store, and near the many amenities found here. Home to one of Idaho’s best ski resorts, Tamarack is an incredible year-round destination for families, couples, and friends. The property is also an excellent place for business events, weddings, and reunions. Here’s what you’ll find at Tamarack Resort:
  • Skiing and snowboarding
  • Mountain biking
  • Full-service spa
  • Daycare
  • Multiple restaurants on site
  • Event booking
  • Onsite grocery store
  • Lake and river access for boating and fishing
Regardless of your desire for outdoor opportunities, to stay at Tamarack is to have access to some of Idaho’s most incredible mountain adventures — the perfect place to experience nature all year long.

A woman and her friends enjoy drinks and dinner in mccall idaho, a top ski destination

Shore lodge is a mccall idaho institution where visitors can stay and enjoy payette lake, skiing and mccall idaho just north of boise

Shore Lodge — A McCall, Idaho Icon

The Shore Lodge is appropriately named as this resort sits directly on the shores of Payette Lake. A destination for Idahoans since 1948, Shore Lodge is synonymous with McCall. Regardless of the time of year, patrons are blessed with scenery that is sure to take your breath away, and the amenities found here leave nothing to be desired. With fine dining, comfortable rooms, great event space, and direct access to Payette Lake, no one can deny this place is magical. Sitting in downtown McCall, Shore Lodge is a short drive to two major ski mountains, Brundage Mountain and Tamarack resort, not to mention the lodge is a short walk from McCall’s many dining options. But Shore Lodge is the kind of place you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to — whatever you desire, they’ve got you covered. Check out this list of some of the amenities offered at Short Lodge:
  • Direct access to Payette Lake
  • Heated pool with poolside bar
  • Full-service spa
  • Two restaurants and a bar on site
  • Kid’s playroom and summer day camp
  • On-site movie theater
  • Event booking
  • Mercantile
Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend of luxury or a cozy retreat after hours on the mountain, Shore Lodge should be on your list of places to stay.

Bear Creek Lodge — A Charming Escape

For those wanting to step away from crowds to enjoy time with family, host a wedding, or looking for a place for a business retreat, Beer Creek Lodge should be at the top of your list. Located just west of McCall, this unique resort consists of a 9-room main lodge, 2 duplex cabins (4 units), and 2 three-bedroom family cabins. The perfect location for a mountainscape wedding or corporate retreat, Bear Creek Lodge is the closest lodging to Brundage Mountain. From summer to winter, this quaint lodge is a great place to escape the busyness of life and breathe in the fresh mountain air of Payette National Forest. Staying here, it almost feels like you go back in time. Enjoy the variety of activities at Bear Creek Lodge:
  • Private pond
  • Horseshoe pits
  • Direct access to hiking and biking trails
  • Snowshoeing
  • 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails

A family enjoys a ski vacation staying at tamarack resort in donnelly idaho. Tamarack Resort is one of Idaho's best ski resorts and top ski destinations

Plan Your Next Vacation Adventure

The secret has been out for a while, McCall, Idaho is a year-round vacation destination of choice for many. The hardest decision you have to make isn’t whether or not you come; it’s where you will stay.
  1. Tamarack Resort – For those who want a place that has it all, including a ski mountain with the best Idaho skiing, this is an easy decision.
  2. Shore Lodge – Lakeside luxury at its finest.
  3. Bear Creek Lodge – A quiet resort experience removed from the rest of the world.
Regardless of where you choose to stay, we know you’ll love your next vacation adventure in the heart of Payette National Forest