Cross–Country Skiing in Payette River Mountains
The sport of cross–country skiing has been a past time of the Payette River Mountain area with trail systems at The Little Ski Hill, Ponderosa State Park and the Activity Barn. In the past couple of years the number of trails has grown significantly with the addition of new trail systems at Jug Mountain Ranch, Bear Basin, and Tamarack Resort.
Suddenly there were more than 110K of nordic trails to choose from in a radius of less than 20 mile in the northern Valley County area. That is enough trail mileage to entice cross–country skiers from throughout the Pacific Northwest. To a place that is know for consistent snow, finely groomed trails, dog–friendly trails and very reasonable trail fees. A unique season pass, the PRiMO pass, is available for all key cross–country destinations in Valley County. Stop by a local sporting good shop to get yours.
Where to Start
Ponderosa Park's trails are located the closest to McCall. There are plenty of intermediate and advanced trails here (22.5Ks in all) to burn up your legs in one day of skiing for sure. The best destination at Ponderosa Park will take you to Osprey Point, a high vantage point overlooking Payette Lake and the surrounding snow-blanketed mountains.
Bear Basin Trails are about three miles north of McCall. Pull over in a parking area on the right-side (north-side) of the highway before you reach the Little Ski Hill. The trails are moderate to strenuous, depending on your preference.
Near Lake Fork, Jug Mountain Ranch has 18K of groomed trails in a nifty setting next to 8,000-foot Jughandle Mountain in a series of rolling meadows and forests. The trails were designed by Lyle Nelson, a four-time Olympian, who knows what cross-country skiers need and want. Jug Mountain rents snowshoes as well.
At Tamarack Resort, cross-country skiers can bring their dogs 7 days a week, because the trails are groomed 7 days a week.The Nordic course passes through open meadows, with big views of Lake Cascade and the surrounding valley, and then they cruise through groves of aspen, pine and fir trees, creating a more intimate experience.
INFORMATION ON NORDIC DESTINATIONS:
