Fresh snow in the forecast every day this weekend - perfect for McCall Winter Carnival!

One of the highlights of the McCall Winter Carnival is the professional snow sculptures.
Experts travel from throughout the region to win the contest! 

I thought this snow sculpture was phemonenal ... built at the Hunt Lodge several years ago. 

Marti Gras Parade! 

Hi all,

It should be a fabulous weekend to head up the McCall Winter Carnival. Brundage Mountain has received more than 2 feet of snow in the last week, 6 inches last night, and more than 15 inches are forecast through the weekend. It'll be great conditions for downhill skiing, xc skiing, snowshoeing, snow-biking, sleigh rides and tubing at the Activity Barn, among other things!

On Friday, Jan. 26, the McCall Winter Carnival comes to life for 10 days, and the options for fun expands multifold with fireworks, snowshoe golf, ice skating, checking out the snow sculptures, the Marti Gras parade on Saturday, beer garden, monster dog pull, beard and hairy legs contest, snow tubing, a snow bike race and so much more. See the event schedule for details. This year's theme is "Snow Place Like Home."

Here's an Outdoor Idaho program on the Winter Carnival from Idaho Public TV.

If you don't have a place to stay in McCall, yet, try the McCall Chamber, InIdaho.com, or vrbo.com for lodging options. Things fill up pretty fast for winter carnival, so get on that quickly if you haven't already. The area hotels may have rooms available, too.

While you're in the hood, you can escape the crowds in McCall and ski or ride Tamarack Resort. You'll get more of a private Idaho experience at Tamarack, and that means more powder for you! Tamarack also may have lodging available.

Closer to home, downhill skiing, xc skiing or snowshoeing at Bogus Basin should be great this weekend. They've been getting a little bit of new snow practically every day this week. They had 5 inches over the last 24 hours. I skied there last Saturday, and they had solid coverage in most places. With more fresh snow during the week, the conditions should be great this weekend as more storms pass through.

Skiing or snowshoeing in the backcountry should be fab this weekend, too. Try starting from Mores Creek Summit above Idaho City and scale Pilot Peak, Freeman Peak or Sunset Mountain. I bet it'll be fantastic conditions up there.

The Idaho City Park n' Ski Areas should be getting in decent shape as well. I tried the grooming hotline, 208-514-2419, but I couldn't get through ... but due to all the storms we've been having lately, I would bet that the Gold Fork, Skyline, Banner Ridge and Stargaze trails are all in good shape for xc skiing or snowshoeing.

Hope you have a fun wintry weekend in the mountains!
- SS