Courtesy: John Slattery

Winter has made an incredible comeback in the past two weeks. Here at Brundage Mountain, we’re riding a long winning streak of powder days (check out our photo gallery), and that translates into an exciting backcountry bounty, as well.

With 5-6 feet of new snow on the peaks beyond Brundage Mountain, our 19,000 acre backcountry Snow Cat program is ready to roll. Our first trip of the season heads out tomorrow.

Courtesy: John Slattery

If our prolonged autumn has you aching for some pristine powder redemption, here is your chance.

The best part? Our trips are extremely affordable. They are also filling up fast.

Check out the video below and then make your reservation today!

- April

Important News for Bogus Basin Season Pass Holders:

Brundage Mountain is offering you a DOUBLE DISCOUNT for the month of February!

Show your Bogus Basin Season Pass at the Brundage Mountain ticket window any day from February 1 through February 29, 2012, and you’ll receive $10 off a full-day lift ticket in any age group. That’s double your normal discount! Bogus Pass Holders save $5 off a late arrival ticket.

Brundage Mountain resort continues to dig out after receiving more than 5 FEET of fresh snow in less than seven days.

64 inches of new snow has fallen since Monday, January 16. The resort had only received 59 inches of cumulative snowfall prior to last Monday. That means more than half of the entire Winter’s snowfall has come in the last week.

The very latest snow totals are available at: www.brundage.com/the-mountain/snow-report/

“It’s amazing to see how the mountain has been transformed in just the last seven or eight days,” said resort spokesperson, April Russell. “But we are thrilled to see it and our visitors are incredibly happy to ski it.”

Seven inches of light, fluffy powder fell overnight last night, providing some of the best slope conditions in recent memory. (Photos attached).

As of 1:00 pm on Monday, January 23, 2012, the Brundage Mountain snow base ranges from 63” – 72”.

Forecasters are predicting another sizable storm to hit Brundage Mountain Tuesday Night – Thursday.

Pinpoint Forecast:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.996853743106165&lon=-116.1309814453125&site=boi&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text

Brundage Mountain is now measuring the snowfall with a yard stick instead of a ruler, as the 48-hour snow total tops the 40 inch mark.

The McCall, Idaho ski area has had 31 inches of non-stop snowfall since 5 pm Tuesday evening, and the snow shows no signs of letting up.

The very latest snow totals are available at: www.brundage.com/the-mountain/snow-report/

As of 2:30 pm Thursday, the snow base measures 52” at the base and 60” on the summit.

Mountain crews have been working around the clock to keep roads cleared and parking lots plowed as a surge of skiers and riders descended on the resort to enjoy the bounty of powder.  See our SnowBlog for more.

The official Winter Storm Warning associated with this storm expires at 5:00 pm tonight, but the National Weather Service is still forecasting a 100% chance of snow overnight, with another 5-9 inches possible.

NWS Forecast:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.996853743106165&lon=-116.1309814453125&site=boi&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en&FcstType=text

“Our snow totals have been hitting the high side of the forecasters’ estimates all week long,” said resort spokesperson, April Russell. “Winter is definitely making up for lost time up here at Brundage Mountain and our powder lovers are enjoying every minute of it.”

2011/1012 Bogus Basin Season Pass Holders

Brundage Mountain has some special deals designed just for you!

Save up to $30 a day at Brundage!

Brundage Mountain Resort has a special invitation for Bogus Basin pass holders starting 01/05/2012. Show your current Bogus Basin season pass at the Brundage ticket window and get an adult, single-day, mid-week lift ticket for only $25. That’s $30 off the regular window price. Offer valid Monday –Thursday during non-holiday periods.

BUT  – The deal doesn’t end there.

During all weekends and holiday periods, you can show your current Bogus Basin season pass and purchase an adult, single-day lift ticket at Brundage for only $35. That’s a $20 savings off the regular window price.

Discounts available for other age groups as well. Not valid in combination with any other offers or promotions.

Mid-week/Non-Holiday (Mon-Thu)

Adult  -  $25

Junior/Senior – $20

Youth – $10

Weekend/Holiday (Fri-Sun and Holidays)

Adult  -  $35

Junior/Senior -  $25

Youth – $15

 This offer will expire on January 31, 2012.

Season Pass Savings:

Show your current 11/12 Bogus pass at Brundage Mountain and get an 11/12 Brundage Winter season pass for just $319 plus tax. (Regular price: $489)

OR – buy your 11/12 Brundage Winter season pass first, show it at the Bogus Basin office, and buy your 11/12 Bogus Basin add-on for just $239 plus tax.

Current Bogus Basin pass holders who have never had a Brundage pass can save even more…you are eligible to buy this winter’s Brundage Pass for just $199 plus tax. Buy on-line now

AND – Be sure to mark your calendars for the SECOND SUNDAY of each month this winter, when Bogus Basin season pass holders can purchase $25 full-day lift tickets!

$99 “Learn to Ski Guarantee”

Takes the Risk Out of Learning a New Winter Sport

Brundage Mountain Resort is building on the success of its ‘Learn to Ski Guarantee’ lesson program by making it even more affordable this season!

For a single package price of just $99, prospective skiers and snowboarders aged 12 and up can take as many beginner group lessons as they choose during the remainder of the 2011/2012 Winter season. They are also provided with two full days of rental gear and lift tickets at no additional charge.

“We want to take the risk out of learning to ski,” said resort spokesperson, April Russell. “Different people learn at different paces, and it’s important to know that you can come back for as many lessons as you need without making a huge financial commitment.”

In addition to being a great value, the program appeals to people with busy lives and schedules.

“While solid skills can be developed in just one lesson, this program takes those skills and roots them deeply into muscle memory,” said Snowsports Director Seth Jacobsen.

“Adhering to a set schedule of a limited number of lessons can be difficult,” adds Jacobsen. “With the Brundage Learn-To-Ski-Guarantee, students can take lessons when it works for them.”

The “Learn to Ski Guarantee” is available starting January 1, 2012.

It includes UNLIMITED beginner group lessons (levels 1-3), one intermediate group lesson (level 4-5), two full-day rentals, and two full-day Easy Street Lift Tickets for the 2011/12 season.

Group lessons are available weekends and holidays at 11:30 am. The program is designed for beginners only. Affordable season rentals are also available.

www.brundage.com/the-mountain/snow-sports-school/learn-to-ski-guarantee-just-99/

Call 208-634-4151 ext. 100 for more information

Brundage Mountain Resort is pleased to announce that it will open for winter operations on Friday, December 30.

More than nine inches of fresh snow has fallen on the McCall, Idaho ski area in the last 48 hours, giving mountain crews just enough snow to prep the slopes for opening. The resort has a total of 18” of snow in the base area and 24” on the summit.

“We may not have as many runs groomed as we normally do on opening day,” said resort spokesperson, April Russell, “but we’re eager to get our skiers and riders on the slopes so they can enjoy some holiday turns.”

Nearly 1,200 of the mountain’s 1,500 acres are expected to be open Friday, although many popular runs may not be groomed. Mountain crews hope to open the Lakeview Lift and to expand grooming operations in the near future as more snow piles up.

Snow is in the forecast from now through Friday night.

Friday, the front side of the mountain will open with the Blue Bird quad, Easy Street triple, Bear Chair and Centennial Triple Chair in operation from 9:30 to 4:30. Several of the main runs will NOT be groomed for opening day. 45^th Parallel, North, Temptation, Thumper, Bear, Griz and Easy Street are expected to be groomed, but conditions are changing quickly. Visitors are strongly urged to check the grooming report and to be aware of early season snow conditions both on and off the groomed runs.

Read the Latest Snow Report.

“The snow waited a long time to show up this year, but we are extremely excited that we can open the slopes for the last part of Winter Break,” said resort spokesperson, April Russell. “It’s important to us that family time at Brundage Mountain continues to be part of our visitors’ holiday traditions.”

Brundage Mountain’s operations also have a significant impact on the McCall-area economy. Brundage Mountain employs approximately 200 winter employees.

This is the second latest opening day in the ski area’s 50 year history. The latest opening was January 8, 1977.

The fireworks show is just days away, and it looks like a large snow storm could arrive just in time for our “Light Up the Night Party” on Wednesday.

Forecasters are predicting significant accumulations of snow starting Tuesday Night and continuing through Thursday and beyond.

Check out the pin-point forecast for Brundage Mountain.

This is the best looking forecast we’ve seen all season, and if we get a direct hit, we could be open in a matter of days.

Brundage Mountain’s hard-working mountain crews are extremely experienced and ready to work around the clock to do what it takes to get the resort open as quickly as possible.

The slopes of Brundage Mountain are already partially covered with a base ranging from 12-18 inches, but more snow is needed in order to properly pack and groom the slopes for winter operations. Check out our photo tour from last week.

As always, we’ll be reporting fresh snow totals and giving progress reports on our Snow Report page and on the snow phone: 634-SNOW(7669).

Courtesy: Peter Hitt

No matter the timing of the storms, the “Light Up the Night” event will proceed as planned, with the free slope side fireworks show beginning at 5:30 pm Wednesday. Visitors will also enjoy live music and a celebratory outdoor bonfire. Food and hot and cold drink will be available for purchase. A sit-down dinner will be held on the third floor for those who pre-purchased dinner tickets.

Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly.  Our plans have changed slightly because of the weather situation. Full details on the Light up the Night Party are available here.

There has been only one time in Brundage Mountain’s 50-year history when it did not open in time for the Winter holiday period. Severe drought conditions during the winter of 1976-1977 pushed Brundage Mountain’s opening day to January 8. The second latest opening on record was on December 21, 1989.

Courtesy: Peter Hitt

Brundage Mountain Resort is still waiting for more snowfall before it can open the slopes to skiing and riding, but ‘the show will go on’ when it comes to the resort’s 50^th Birthday Party, scheduled for Wednesday, December 28^th.

UPDATE: Jeff Crosby and the Sloppy Hog Trio will be performing at the Light Up the Night event, which will now include a huge ‘Pray for Snow’ bonfire. Tickets are also available for a sit-down dinner on the third floor.

“It doesn’t look like we’ll be getting much additional snow before our party,” said resort spokesperson, April Russell. “So we’re inviting everyone to join us for the fireworks show and join us for our official prayer and pleas to the forces that bring us snow.”

More information on the Light Up the Night party is available here.

Snow lovers are encouraged to visit the snow report page at brundage.com or call the snow phone at 634-SNOW (7669) for updates on snowfall and information about opening day prospects.

There has been only one time in Brundage Mountain’s 50-year history when it did not open in time for the Winter holiday period. Severe drought conditions during the winter of 1976-1977 pushed Brundage’s opening day to January 8. The second latest opening on record was on December 21, 1989.

“We’re encouraging everyone to do their best snow dances and to rest assured that we are ready to spring into action and open as soon as we get a good blast of snow,” added Russell.

Regardless of snow conditions, Brundage Mountain is committed to its Golden Anniversary celebration. Technically, Brundage Mountain’s 50^th birthday was last month. Brundage first opened to skiers on November 23^rd, 1961. Resort managers planned the birthday event for the last week in December so that vacationing families would be in the area to join the celebration.

Those interested in purchasing tickets to the sit-down dinner on the third floor can do so by contacting info@brundage.com or calling 208-634-4151 ext. 124 by 10 am Monday, December 26.  Space is limited and advance purchase is required.

Visitors without dinner tickets are encouraged to dress warmly to view the fireworks show outside. Bonfires will help keep things cozy and hot drinks will be available for purchase.

More details are available here.

Payette National Forest Supervisor Keith Lannom signed a Special Order on December 15, 2011 closing 4,730 acres of terrain on Granite Mountain to over-snow motor vehicle use from January 15 – March 31, 2012.

“The focus of this initiative is to provide exceptional winter recreational experiences for all. The Payette and its partners, such as the Winter Recreation Forum, and area communities worked together so that this area continues to be known for offering high-quality winter outdoor activities for experts, families, and people of all ages and abilities,” said Forest Supervisor Keith Lannom.

The Special Order is a one-year trial and is the result of several years of collaboration and public comment.

“We want to thank the Winter Recreation Committee for coming together to find consensus on this issue,” said Brundage Mountain President and General Manager Rick Certano. “Both local and regional recreationists, including snowmobilers, backcountry skiers, alpine skiers, as well as the County Commissioners, worked with the Forest Service to find common ground and get this accomplished.”

The two and a half month closure means no snowmobiles would be allowed to operate in this area from January 15 through March 31.

“This will allow our backcountry Snow Cat clients and other backcountry skiers to enjoy prime conditions on top-notch terrain like North and South Dead Tree, Baby Face and Free Willy,” said Brundage Mountain Snow Cat Adventures Manager Niki LeClair.

Snowmobiles can still access Granite bowl via the boulevard or from the Twin Lakes area.

The Winter Recreation Committee also found consensus on winter use of some other popular areas, and agreed to support the continued shared use of Slab Butte and another area known as ‘76’.

The Payette National Forest has produced a map that shows areas closed to motorized over snow vehicles This map is now available to the public, free of charge, and is available at all PNF offices, at major winter Trailhead kiosks, and on the PNF web site.

The Granite closure area was specifically designed to utilize the already existing and approved snow-cat roads for closure boundaries. The southern boundary is Six Mile Creek, and the western boundary is Road 294, both are easily definable geographic and man-made features, which should help snowmobilers easily recognize the boundaries on the ground.