Tons of new snow in the mountains - Go play in the Snow!

Fresh pow at Brundage Mountain Resort

Hi all, 

We've been in McCall since Tuesday of this week, anticipating the big atmospheric river storm that has hit McCall and the West Central Mountains right between the eyes, while the Central Mountains and Sun Valley got an even bigger dose of new snow. 

We've had nearly 2 feet of new snow in the last 48 hours in McCall. The downhill skiing has been epic at Brundage Mountain and Tamarack Resort.

I feel blessed that I could be here to enjoy the new *pow.* 

Skiing down the mountain in the dim morning light while it's bombing snow is other-worldly and transformative for me. The fresh powder was so light on Thursday, it was absolutely delightful. When I am cruising through untouched fields of virgin snow through nicely spaced trees, I start singing involuntarily or let out whoops of joy. Yabba Dabba! To nail a powder day is good medicine for the soul. Total, absolute joy! We all can use a dose of that, eh?

And so I feel kind of like Mr. Obvious on the Bob & Tom radio show by saying, hey, we just got a great dose of new snow this week -- actual snow depths depend on location -- so get out and enjoy it!

Sun Valley had received more than 3 feet of new snow in two days, so the avalanche danger in the mountains around the Wood River Valley is very high. FYI. Check with the Sawtooth Avalanche Center before you go. 

Pow day at Sun Valley (Courtesy Sun Valley Resort)

Backcountry skiers/riders also should exercise caution in the Payette National Forest. Skiing/riding on slopes greater than 30 degrees is not recommended currently. See the report on the Payette Avalanche Center. 

See my latest snow forecast on the Idaho Daily Snow. 

The big storm dropped over 6 inches of snow at Bogus Basin, and you can bet that there's fresh snow in them thar mountains around Idaho City, Mores Creek Summit and points beyond, too. If you'd like to check on snow depths, recent snowfall, etc., go to the NRCS Snow Survey snotel interactive map.

Downhill skiing - If you want to go downhill skiing/riding, be sure to buy day tickets online at your resort of choice before you go. Quantities are limited. Be prepared to mask up before you get in the lift line. No exceptions. 

Cross-country skiing/snowshoeing: I did a comprehensive blog post on more than 15 locations for xc skiing and snowshoeing in Idaho several weeks ago. Check it out! 

In addition, you could watch Steve Dent's Backroads report with me about Nordic skiing at Bogus Basin and beyond. 

Go tubing at Bogus Basin or the Activity Barn in McCall. I think Garden Valley may have a tubing venue too. Advance reservations are required for tubing at Bogus. Plan ahead.

Well there you have it! 

Enjoy!
- SS