A Week of Winter Wonder

Holiday festivities typically conclude at year’s end, but for many Idahoans, winter is far from over. After the new year begins, one charming mountain town opens its arms to thousands of travelers, offering them a magical week of activities.

Only two hours from the Treasure Valley, McCall’s Winter Carnival is a welcome interruption from frigid, inversion-filled air. This year marks the event’s 45-year anniversary, but the long-running tradition began in 1924. Its first year featured dog-sled racing, snow shoveling contests and toboggan rides that began at the top of a hotel building and ended on the frozen lake. In 1941, the Winter Carnival went on a hiatus that lasted until its reintroduction in 1965. Since then, spectators have arrived in droves, anxious to see award winning snow sculptures or watch the Grand Parade wind through town.

Today, the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce supports several of the events—for the benefit of both tourists and local businesses. “The only thing bigger than the economic significance of the Winter Carnival is the community spirit that has survived for the past 44+ yrs,” says Tim Cochrane, CEO of the chamber. “This is without a doubt the strongest community builder…[and] that’s priceless.”

The event is a great way for families to enjoy an Idaho winter. From the moment fireworks crack and boom over Payette Lake during opening ceremonies, visitors are promised a week’s full of entertainment. Kid-friendly fun includes the Light Parade, the tubing hill and the Monster Dog Pull.

Adults can enjoy live music or bingo many evenings of the week and are sure to have a good time at Monte Carlo Night. The particularly adventurous can participate in a hairy and sexy legs contest at the Yacht Club.

There is much to do during the Winter Carnival, but longtime McCall residents recommend three must-see events for travelers.

Snow Sculptures

No need to journey to Alaska for the World Ice Sculpture Championships—world-class sculptures line McCall’s streets during the event. “Just when you think you’ve seen it all, they blow you away with new masterpieces,” says Bonnie Bertram, past sculpturist and current owner of The Pancake House. Diane Wiegand, Idaho Snow Sculpting Championship Chair, says there’s one sculpture from years ago that she’ll never forget: a giant Batman. “It was incredible…just the sheer size of it—probably 35 feet long and about 15 feet high.”

Originally, residents began building sculptures in front of their homes, but local businesses eventually adopted the tradition. Today, it is has grown to become what is perhaps the most popular feature of McCall’s Winter Carnival

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Snowdon Wine Tasting and Art Auction

Saturday, February 6th is a night to enjoy Idaho’s best vino while supporting a great cause. Only $25 gets you admission, a souvenir glass and tasting of local wines. Attendees can also bid on fine art. Proceeds from the event will benefit Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary, a non-profit organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of displaced or injured wildlife. Until this year, Snowdon hasn’t allowed the public to enter the sanctuary. But thanks in part to funds derived from the auction, a visitor’s center is being built.

Anyone attending this year’s event at McCall’s Shore Lodge is assured of seeing depictions of wildlife, but in years past, donated items have included jewelry, pottery, metal sculptures and woodcarvings. For more information, contact Snowdon’s Executive Director Linda DeEulis at (208) 634-8050.

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Snowshoe Golf

Kids of all ages will enjoy golfing—on snow—with a tennis ball while wearing snowshoes. It’s fun, we promise. Pros or beginners can rent equipment and play all day at the three-hole course—all for just $20. The best part? Since its inception in 2000, monies raised have helped fund Meals on Wheels and other programs at the local senior center.

Ramon Alford, a current board member for McCall’s senior center, developed the sport’s concept. “I tried to talk some friends into playing golf in the winter,” he relates. “I thought it’d be a hoot to do it on snow.” Playing the unique version of the sport serves another purpose. “Golfers are too serious with their game,” explains Alford. “We invite you to bring your kids and your dog and have fun.” Though Alford, now 71, has passed the torch to another organizer, he can sometimes be seen on the course in a snowshoe rabbit costume, much to young golfers’ delight. Call Jason Klure at (208) 859-2998 to schedule a tee time.

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Though it may not be possible to experience everything at the McCall Winter Carnival, it’s certainly fun to try. Whenever you go, wherever you stay—be safe, have fun and enjoy the wonder of winter in Idaho.