We’re (finally) seeing a boost in new listings…but the question is…are buyers buying and what can potential sellers learn from the trends we’re spotting this summer?
Continue readingAugust 2024 High Mountain Happenings
Is it August already? In spite of the heat and smoky skies, summer seems to be flying by. This month, we’ll point you toward some fun events that show off our communities’ “Local Flavor” in more ways than one!
Continue readingJuly Market Insights
As you relax and recreate around our beautiful mountain lakes, it’s hard not to notice the waterfront homes around the edges. Not surprisingly, Payette Lake and Lake Cascade have been recognized as two of the “10 Best Lakes in Idaho to Live On” and a new listing for a “legacy lakefront compound” on Payette Lake ranks as one of the most expensive properties for sale in the entire state. We thought it was a good time to track some trends on our area’s lakefront listings to see whether they’re truly out of reach…
Keep in mind, there’s not a lot of inventory moving on either of these lakes. Only three homes were sold on Payette Lake in 2021 and 2022, with 5-6 sales closing on Cascade Lake in recent years. These stats are for single family homes, no condo sales are included.
July 2024 High Mountain Happenings
McCall’s music scene spans all tastes, check out these classic summer festivals, ongoing concert series, and vibrant venues helping lay down the soundtrack to Summer 2024.
Continue readingJune 2024 Market Snapshot
We’re seeing some signs of life return to the local real estate market as we head into summer listing season. Overall sales are still sluggish compared to 2 years ago, but we are seeing an upswing compared to last year.
Continue readingJUNE 2024 High Mountain Happenings
RESORT ROUNDUP
Golf at Jug Mountain Ranch: Courtesy McCall Chamber of Commerce
There’s so much going on at our local resorts that we couldn’t possibly cover all of it here…but we will try to share the major highlights…some unexpected offerings…and point you in the right direction to find more information as your plans take shape throughout the summer:
TAMARACK RESORT
The main event at Tamarack this summer is the rebirth of the Osprey Meadows Golf Course. Nine holes are already open for play and the full 18 hole course is expected to be open by July. Renovations on the course, which has sat idle since 2015, include better playability and a 19th Gamblers Hole.
Tamarack is also opening four new mountain bike trails this summer. New downhill trails add to the appeal of the lift-served bike park and a new beginner trail caters to those who want a slower-paced adventure. Tamarack has transformed its concert venue into a grass amphitheater, where it will host its summer concert series on Saturday afternoons.
Other summer highlights include Scenic Chairlift rides, Zipline Tours, Guided Rafting Trips, and all kinds of watersports based out of the resort’s marina on Cascade Lake.
Don’t overlook Tamarack’s event calendar. Tamarack hosts multiple events each week, ranging from summer classics like live music and mountain bike competitions to unexpected offerings like this weekend’s Triple Crown Archery Competition and an Astrophotography Workshop in August.
JUG MOUNTAIN RANCH
Jug Mountain Ranch is rolling out the welcome mat for a different type of golfer with the launch of is brand new six-hole Par 3 course, Jug Junior. The shorter course appeals to beginners, golfers who want to work on their short game, or anyone who wants to include some golf in a day packed with multiple activities.
We love Jug’s weekend events like the “Nine and Dine’ on Wednesdays, (which offers nine holes of golf with a cart and dinner at the clubhouse for just $49/person), and Thursday Scrambles that just so happen to end right when Prime Rib night begins.
For those who’d rather hit the trails than the links, Jug Mountain’s one-of-a-kind mountain bike shuttle service kicks off this weekend. It runs Saturdays and Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm through September…reservations are required.
BRUNDAGE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Brundage Mountain is set to kick off its summer season on Friday, June 14 with scenic chairlift rides, lift-served mountain biking, a new disc golf course, and free yoga practice twice a week.
Early season (June) operations run Fridays through Sundays, the chairlift and restaurant are open Wednesdays through Sundays (with Bonus Days the week of July 4) for most of the summer. Summer Operating Hours
Music lovers will want to mark their calendars for the Fourth of July Music Fest, for the free Friday “TGIF” Concert Series, and for a new offering, Saturday sounds at Smoky’s Bar and Grill (each Saturday from 1-3 pm). Smoky’s is also celebrating the return of its Sunday Brunch Buffet just in time for Father’s Day on June 16.
One of our favorite things to do at Brundage is take a scenic chairlift ride to the summit, then hike a short half-mile in either direction to take in the spectacular views from the Lookout Trail or the Hidden Valley Overlook trail.
Aspiring Mountain Bikers have some fresh options to build their skills this summer at Brundage. The Mountain Sports School is now offering a series of affordable mountain bike clinics in addition to its daily private and semi-private lessons.
That means mountain bikers of ALL TYPES can build the skills they need to ride from the summit of Brundage to Bear Basin via Rock Garden, Lakeview Vista, and the new B2BB trail. This new route, which some are calling “the best 12 miles of singletrack in McCall” is a cool combo of varied terrain, incredible views and fun flow sections.
MEADOWCREEK GOLF RESORT
Always the first course to open in the area each season, MeadowCreek Golf Resort offers a few advantages in exchange for the 22 minute drive from McCall. Last minute tee times are easier to grab at MeadowCreek, and the resort has been upping its game when it comes to events the whole family will enjoy. Some of this summer’s golf clinics are targeted specifically to women and kids. Be sure to check the event calendar for fun events like a Father’s Day BBQ, a Fishing & Golf Derby on June 23, Fourth of July Fireworks and live music events throughout the summer.
FOR THE KIDS
Adventurous parents tend to include their kids in their favorite activities, but sometimes, catering specifically to the children reaps benefits for everyone in the family Here are some events “just for the kids”, and some kid-approved itineraries for the whole family!
Youth Mountain Bike Clinics from Wild Rockies Racing
Starting June 11
If your child (6+) can ride a bike on asphalt and gravel, but yearns to hit more interesting trails, there are three Wild Rockies MTB clinics that can help take them to the next level. The first session starts June 11 at Jug Mountain Ranch. There are also two sessions for intermediate youth riders 8+. Learn more.
Kaleidoscope – A Hands on Celebration of Art for Children
Saturday, June 22, 10 am – 2 pm
This fun outdoor arts festival features a variety of booths, which in past years have included clay-building, tie-dying, watercolor, cardboard castle, face painting, origami, woodworking, music, theatre play, planting, and much more. This free event is brought to you by the McCall Arts & Humanities Council. Learn more.
Break Dance Summer Camp
June 24 – 28 – McCall Community Center
Kids 5-12 have a chance to learn a unique form of dance at this fun, active and creative camp. Students will learn to arm ripple, body wave, top rock, strut & worm as they learn, rehearse and perform the empowering story of breakdance in America. Learn more.
May 2024 Market Snapshot
Our home sales trends are holding steady from the past few months, so I wanted to highlight a different part of the real estate market that is showing significant signs of change: undeveloped lots and homesites.
Continue readingMay 2024 High Mountain Happenings
New McCall Library Grand Opening Saturday May 18
The McCall Public Library has closed to get ready for its big move into a new state-of-the-art facility approved by voters in 2021. The library will reopen on Saturday, May 18. Learn More
Mini Spring Roadtrips Maximize Small Town Fun
Friday, May 31 – Sat, June 1 – Hells Canyon Days in Cambridge
The small-town spirit comes alive in Cambridge for Hells Canyon Days, which features an impressive lineup of live music for the Saturday Street Dance. Those who show up Friday can also catch the Bulls and Broncs Rodeo and a truck and car show. All proceeds are invested back into the community. Learn More
June 1 – Big Water Blowout in Riggins
Riggins is always the place to be the first Saturday in June, as river flows surge and the community turns out for small town fun. From affordably priced raft trips to live music and the legendary Dutch Oven Cookoff, this is a bucket list trip and a lovely way to spend a late spring day. Learn More
Stay Informed: Development Stories Making Headlines in Our Area
100+ Apartments Approved at Former McCall Mobile Home Park
The McCall City Council has approved plans for 125 apartments on a four-acre site that was previously home to the McCall Manor Mobile Home Park. 31 units will be dedicated as workforce housing and another 70 units will be designated as long-term rental units. Learn More
Water Bond in McCall Could Catch Voters Off Guard
Voters in McCall can expect to see a water bond on the May 21 ballot that city officials say will fund required renovations and storage improvements for the city’s water treatment facility. City officials say the bond is crucial, and a deeper look shows it may also be confusing. A “yes” vote on the bond will cost the average user an extra $3 per month, but a “no” vote could cost residential water customers an extra $75 per month. Learn More
Donnelly: Update on Two New Neighborhoods Proposed by Same Developer
341-lot MacGregor Townsite Narrowly Approved by VC P&Z, Headed to Commissioners
Valley County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 10 to consider a recommendation from the P&Z Commission to approve a subdivision that would be built on 159 acres about two miles south of Donnelly. Learn More
Donnelly City Council Approves Preliminary Plans for 700+ Home Mountain Meadows Ranch Development
Preliminary plans for the first phase of a development that could eventually add more than 700 homes to Donnelly were approved on Monday by the Donnelly City Council.
The proposal by Craig Groves of Donnelly would be built on 272 acres just west of Donnelly between West Roseberry Road and Wallace Lane.
April 2024 Market Snapshot
We’re starting to see some consistency in the trends for the first quarter of 2024. A total of 52 homes have been sold in the New Meadows, McCall, Donnelly and Cascade areas (January through March). In 2023, a total of 59 homes were sold in quarter one. Overall, those sales numbers are down but only by 7 units total.
Continue readingApril High Mountain Happenings
Tamarack Open through Sunday, April 7 with Big Savings on Lift Tickets
Tamarack Resort is in its final week of winter operations, and is offering a free ski day to anyone with a season pass to ANY Idaho resort. Not a season pass holder? No worries, they’ve got late-season discounts available across the board, making it even easier to enjoy the Idaho State Championship Pond Skimming event this Saturday. Learn More
Brundage Mountain Open through Sunday, April 14
Skiers and snowboarders have even more time to enjoy the great late season conditions at Brundage Mountain, which is open through Sunday, April 14. Those who purchase a 2024/25 Season pass now can ski or ride the rest of this season for free.
Brundage hosts its 2nd Annual Cardboard Classic Saturday, April 13. Don’t miss the annual “Last Tracks” toast and fun run to close to season on April 14.
Support Little Ski Hill With a Delicious Dinner Series
The T-Bar may be closed for the season, but the community spirit at Little Ski Hill lives on!
The non-profit community gem is hosting a series of Community Dinners Wednesday Evenings throughout April!
A different local restaurant will be hosting dinner at the Little Ski Hill lodge every week.
6pm – 8pm
Adult Plate $15 | Child Plate $10
Bistro 45 kicks off the series this Wednesday, April 3. Check the LSH Facebook page for news on future dinners.
All proceeds from these dinners go directly to Payette Lakes Ski Club, which is finding creative solutions to make up for $100,000 in lost revenue due to the ski season’s late start.
Can’t make the dinners but still want to help? You can donate directly to the club’s El Nino Recovery Fund.
Avoid CABIN FEVER this MUD SEASON
The McCall Arts & Humanities Council hosts a variety of arts and humanities-based classes all winter long, and there’s no shortage of cool, new experiences to try as winter melts away. April events include everything from homemade pie and fire cider vinegar making, to watercolor, pilates and jazz appreciation sessions. There’s even a floral design class and local history trivia night! (Reservations recommended.)
Cabin Fever supports personal growth, skill-development, community, and a celebration of our shared humanity. (And it takes away any excuses to hole up for the off season! Learn more
BOWLS OF HOPE – April 9 & 10
Join RiseUp2Thrive for its annual soup fundraiser at the Cascade and McCall Community Centers!
Enjoy all you can eat soups, delicious rolls, and yummy desserts from local restaurants and chefs.$15 with the handcrafted ceramic bowl, $10 without bowl, to go orders available.
The Cascade event is Tuesday, April 9, McCall event is Wednesday, April 10. Learn more
A Celebration of Trees
Saturday, April 27
Bring the family to Franz Witte McCall on Saturday, April 27th from Noon-2pm.
This is a rain, snow, or sunshine event consisting of food, fun, and education!
Booth hosts like Payette National Forest, Root’s Preschool, and Idaho Power will have interactive activities and information available.
Live music and free BBQ from Noon – 2pm with the always-exciting appearance of The Lorax around 1pm. Learn more
Celebrate Trails Day is an annual spring celebration of America’s trails. Started by the Rails to Trails Conservancy in 2013, the celebration encourages people across the country to get outside and enjoy the nation’s exceptional trails and trail systems.
This year, the Friends of the Weiser River Trail will again be hosting a 50K run from Council to Midvale, so if you are in the area be sure and cheer on your favorite team! Best places to see the runners are Mesa Siding, Goodrich, Cambridge kiosk, Shoepeg Road and the finish line in Midvale. Learn more