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7 Shocking Secrets Of The Activity Barn McCall Idaho: From Cattle Ranch To Winter Wonderland

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The McCall Activity Barn, a premier destination for year-round family fun in Valley County, Idaho, has firmly established itself as the region's go-to spot for exhilarating outdoor adventures. As of late December 2025, the buzz around the Activity Barn is twofold: the anticipation for its legendary snow tubing season and its surprising evolution into a multi-season recreation hub. While the venue is most famous for its lift-served snow tubing runs, recent updates highlight its growing importance for summer recreation and its deep roots in the McCall community.

This unique venue, located just south of the main town, transforms annually from a quiet, working cattle ranch in the warmer months into a vibrant, snowy playground when the winter season hits. However, unseasonably warm weather has recently created challenges, delaying the firm opening date for the snow tubing season, making the latest updates essential for any visitor planning a trip to this Idaho gem.

The Activity Barn: Venue Biography and Profile

The McCall Activity Barn is more than just a hill; it’s a key piece of the region’s recreational infrastructure, managed and operated by the renowned Brundage Mountain Resort.

  • Venue Name: The McCall Activity Barn (or simply The Activity Barn)
  • Location: 141 Moonridge Drive, South of McCall, Idaho (Valley County)
  • Ownership/Operator: Brundage Mountain Resort
  • President of Operator (Brundage): Bob Looper
  • Inaugural Season: Winter of 1999–2000
  • Primary Winter Attraction: Lift-Served Snow Tubing Hill
  • Primary Summer Use: Working Cattle Ranch
  • Key Infrastructure: Six 800-foot tubing lanes, 85-foot vertical drop, Magic Carpet conveyor lift, 6 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails.
  • Community Role: Host site for activities during the annual McCall Winter Carnival and a focus area for Brundage Mountain's 10-Year Improvement Plan, specifically for wetlands restoration.

The Ultimate Winter Thrill: Snow Tubing, Nordic Skiing, and Sleigh Rides

When the snow falls and the conditions are right, the Activity Barn becomes a true winter wonderland, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages and skill levels. Its focus on lift-served snow tubing has made it a nationally recognized destination.

1. The Premier Lift-Served Snow Tubing Experience

The centerpiece of the Activity Barn is its incredible tubing hill. Unlike many sledding spots, this is a professionally managed, high-thrill experience.

  • The Runs: The hill features six freshly groomed, 800-foot-long lanes.
  • The Drop: Riders experience an exciting 85-foot vertical drop on their specially made, cushioned tubes.
  • The Lift: The "lift-served" aspect is handled by a specially designed cable-tow lift, often referred to as a Magic Carpet conveyor belt, which hooks onto your tube and eliminates the exhausting uphill walk.
  • Pricing & Sessions: Snow tubing is typically sold in 2-hour sessions, with prices ranging from $30 to $40, depending on the day and whether you book online or walk-up.
  • Operating Hours: Standard winter hours are generally weekends, with extended hours on Fridays (e.g., 4 pm to 8 pm) and full-day operation on Saturdays and Sundays. Always check the Brundage Mountain website for the most current schedule.

2. A Nordic Paradise: Trails for Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Fat Biking

Beyond the tubing hill, the Activity Barn is a crucial hub for Nordic activities. It offers 6 kilometers of groomed trails, making it a perfect spot for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and the increasingly popular sport of fat biking.

The facility provides rentals for all three activities, allowing visitors to explore the scenic Idaho landscape at their own pace. This network of trails is especially popular during the annual McCall Winter Carnival, where the barn serves as a central point for various snowy activities.

3. Cozy Sleigh Rides and Venue Rentals

For a more relaxed winter experience, the Activity Barn also offers traditional sleigh rides, providing a charming, picturesque tour of the property. The historic barn structure itself is also available for venue rental, making it a unique and rustic choice for private events, corporate gatherings, and weddings.

The Surprising Summer Transformation: Mountain Biking and Disc Golf

While the Activity Barn's reputation is built on snow, one of the most exciting recent developments is its expansion into a year-round destination. The venue is actively adding summer operations, leveraging its beautiful landscape and proximity to Payette Lake and Ponderosa State Park.

4. Mountain Biking Trails for All Skill Levels

In the warmer months, the slopes and surrounding area transform into a network of mountain biking trails. The venue offers a variety of paths, from gentle, free trails perfect for beginners and families to more challenging routes for experienced riders. This commitment to summer recreation is part of a broader strategy by Brundage Mountain to maximize the venue's utility and provide more outdoor options for visitors to McCall.

5. The Free Disc Golf Course

A lesser-known but highly appreciated summer offering is the small, free disc golf course. Disc golf is a fantastic, low-cost activity for families and friends, and the Activity Barn provides the perfect setting for a casual round. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own discs and enjoy the course at their leisure, making it one of the most affordable recreational activities in the area.

The Future and Logistics: What Every Visitor Needs to Know

6. The Connection to Brundage Mountain and Wetland Restoration

The Activity Barn's operation under Brundage Mountain Resort is a major advantage, ensuring professional grooming, maintenance, and reliable service. Furthermore, Brundage Mountain is investing in the future of the property through a 10-Year Improvement Plan that includes significant wetlands restoration at the Activity Barn site. This ecological effort involves planting nearly 1,000 shrubs and seedlings, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship alongside recreational development.

7. The Latest Opening Status: Warm Weather Challenges

The most crucial update for winter travelers is the current opening status. Due to unseasonably warm weather in the region, the Activity Barn has faced difficulties in making the necessary snow to open the tubing lanes. This has led to a lack of a firm opening date. Visitors are strongly advised to check the official Brundage Mountain Resort website or call ahead before planning their trip to ensure the tubing hill is operational. This is a critical piece of information for planning a successful winter getaway to McCall.

The Activity Barn in McCall, Idaho, is a dynamic, evolving destination. Whether you are seeking the adrenaline rush of snow tubing, a peaceful afternoon on Nordic trails, or a summer day of mountain biking and disc golf, the venue offers a wide array of activities. Its rich history as a cattle ranch, its connection to Brundage Mountain, and its forward-looking investment in both recreation and the environment solidify its status as a must-visit location in Southwest Idaho.

7 Shocking Secrets of The Activity Barn McCall Idaho: From Cattle Ranch to Winter Wonderland
activity barn mccall idaho
activity barn mccall idaho

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