January High Mountain Happenings

If breaking out of old habits and trying something new are among your New Year’s resolutions, then you are in for a treat. Our local area has a ton of unique events on tap that are sure to help you break out of your comfort zone.

Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Alpine Playhouse

Thursday, January 9

Friday, January 10

Saturday, January 11

Experience Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” at the Alpine Playhouse in McCall, Idaho. This abridged adaptation features live original music by Greg Attonito and Shanti Wintergate. Enjoy a blend of magic, music, and dance in this timeless tale of love and forgiveness.

Learn more

Full Moon Snowshoe Experience at Tamarack Resort

Friday, January 10 – 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Begin with a moon-focused yoga session ($20), then, enjoy a guided snowshoe walk featuring snowshoe rentals, wine, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and photo opportunities ($60 for 21+, $30 under 21).

Bundle both experiences for $68 (21+) or $38 (under 21).

Learn More

History Night at New Meadows Railway Depot

Tuesday, January 14 – 7:00 pm

Local historian Dale Fisk will give a presentation on the early history of Meadows Valley, its geology and early settlers. The main focus will be about what life was like in the late 1800’s when the valley was first settled. The free presentation will be held in the Freight Room Auditorium at the historic P&IN Railway Depot, 101 S. Commercial Avenue.

Pizza Making Class at Tamarack

Saturday, January 25 – 3:00 pm

Join Chef Topple and the McCall Arts and Humanities Council for a hands-on pizza-making class at Bella Vista Pizza in the village at Tamarack Resort. Learn dough preparation, sauce crafting, and more. Registration details coming soon; space is limited.

Learn More

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge

January 29 – February 4

The Idaho Sled Dog Challenge, an official Iditarod qualifier, is scheduled for January 27 to February 5, 2025. This year’s event features a 200-mile race (adjusted from the traditional 300 miles due to wildfire-related trail damage) alongside a 100-mile race and the Warm Lake Stage Race—a two-day, 52-mile sprint. Participants often compete in the Rocky Mountain Triple Crown, aiming to qualify for the Iditarod in a single year. This event, while far-flung, is fun for spectators, who can watch the races from one of four road-accessed checkpoints – or – at the annual Meet the Mushers Event.

Learn More

January Market Insights

Before I share my predictions for 2025, let’s take a quick look back at 2024. The statistics below apply to our entire area – Cascade, Donnelly, Tamarack, Lake Fork, McCall, and Meadows Valley. Across the board, we are seeing slow but steady growth in sales, median price, and days on the market. So what’s ahead for 2025?

Top 5 Real Estate Predictions for 2025

#1) Sustained Demand for Mountain Living 🏔️

With remote and hybrid work continuing to thrive, people will continue to seek serene mountain towns like McCall for their primary or secondary homes, valuing outdoor access and a slower pace of life.

#2) Energy Efficiency Takes Center Stage 🌱

Buyers will prioritize homes with energy-efficient features like smart thermostats, upgraded insulation, and even solar panels, both for environmental impact and cost savings.

#3) Inventory Challenges Persist 🏡

Low housing inventory will remain an issue in high-demand areas, driving competition and keeping prices steady or rising, especially in desirable mountain and lakefront communities like ours.

#4) Vacation Rentals Remain Popular 🌟

Short-term rental properties will continue to be a hot commodity as travelers choose unique getaways over traditional lodging, especially in recreational areas like McCall.

#5) Technology-Driven Transactions 📱

Virtual home tours, online closings, and AI tools for real estate searches will become even more common, making buying and selling easier and more accessible than ever.

Don’t forget, local knowledge and TRUST are always on-trend, so if you’re looking to buy or sell in the coming months, let’s chat!

Holiday Happenings 2024

Snow is piling up, our ski areas are all open, and holiday cheer is spreading around our community. There’s a ton of stuff to do this time of year. We’ve put together some highlights of the holiday season in this special addition of our High Mountain Happenings:

Continue reading

November Market Insights

I primarily work in the West Central Mountains, but I do sell a few homes each year in the Treasure Valley, so I make it a point to keep an eye on that market, too. I thought it would be fun to compare sales from Ada / Canyon Counties to Valley County. The most surprising statistic is the number of months of inventory we have versus the Treasure Valley.

Continue reading

November High Mountain Happenings

Friday, November 15

Mile High Power Sports Winter Open House

The Winter Open House at Mile High Power Sports is more than just a gathering of gearheads. Come get to know the local sledding community and get stoked for the season! Learn more

Saturday, November 16

2nd Annual RiseUp2Thrive Hoedown in Cascade

Kick up your heels for a GREAT cause at the 2nd Annual HOEDOWN. The event includes dinner, music, dancing, a fashion show, costume contest and more. Learn more

Saturday, November 16
Bourbon Tasting & Appetizers at Meadowcreek Clubhouse

If you love bourbon or simply want to learn more about it, this event is for you. The bourbon tasting consists of high quality and unique bourbons, each paired with a special appetizer. “How to” cocktail demonstrations will teach you how to enjoy these libations at home, too. Learn more

Wednesday, November 20

Bingo at Foresters

Grab a group of fun loving friends and get your daubing hand in shape because Bingo at Foresters is always a great time! Learn more

Thursday, November 21

Fall Membership Breakfast – McCall Chamber

You don’t need to stay up late to feel a sense of community this month. Come to the McCall Chamber’s Fall Membership Breakfast to connect with local business leaders and get updates on your local Chamber’s latest activities. (Also, the breakfast spread is not to be missed!) Learn more

Saturday, November 23

Friends of PAC (Payette Avalanche Center) Pint Night at SRB

Yes, drinking beer can make our community safer. That is, if it’s at an event that supports the fine avalanche forecasters at PAC and the affordable education they provide locally! Learn more

Thanksgiving Day…Your Way

Winter holidays tend to be heavy on traditions, but you don’t have to spend the whole day cooking if that’s not your style! You can mix things up by starting the day with a refreshing run – or – by relaxing and leaving the cooking to someone else.

McCall Turkey Trot:

Thursday, Nov. 28 – 9:00 am

The Club at Aspen Village

Learn more

Cascade Turkey Trot: Thursday, Nov. 28 – 8:30 am

Cascade Aquatic and Rec Center

Learn more

Thanksgiving Buffet at Shore Lodge

Shore Lodge is offering two ways to simplify your turkey day…a Thanksgiving Buffet in the Upper Pavilion…or…Thanksgiving To Go from the Cutwater.

Learn more

Thanksgiving Dinner at Tamarack

The Reserve at Tamarack is hosting a prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner made up of Chef Topple’s favorites. You choose the appetizer, entree, and dessert, and share a selection of family-style side dishes.

Learn more

October Market Insights

For those of us in the real estate industry, August and September seemed quite slow. But it’s a different kind of slow than a year ago. Last year was slow, with low inventory. This year, properties are slow to move, but there are a lot of them.

Continue reading

October 2024 High Mountain Happenings

Ski Season Stoke

Payette Lakes Ski Club Ski Swap

Friday, Oct 18 – Sunday, Oct 20

Now is the time to try on and sort through your ski and snowboard gear because the PLSC Ski Swap is just around the corner. This is a great place to gear up kids of all ages, AND clean up your quiver by parting ways with your extra gear.

Friday, October 18th | 5pm -9pm | Gear Drop

Saturday, October 19th | 10am – 4pm | Shop

Sunday, October 20th | 10am – 2pm | Shop

Admission is $10 for early birds (Saturday 10 – 2) and $5 2 pm and later.

LEARN MORE

 

Broken Horn Brewing Brings the Stoke with Warren Miller’s Latest “75”

Warren Miller’s newest film “75” is debuting in McCall with three showings to choose from

Friday, October 25 | 6:00 PM

Saturday, October 26 | 3:00 PM

Saturday, October 26 | 6:00 PM

Grab a craft brew from Broken Horn, dinner with River Grill food trailer onsite, sit back and enjoy amazing footage!

LEARN MORE

Frights & Delights

Halloween Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Haunted Casino Night
Friday, October 25

McCall’s Northfork Lodge will be transformed into a haunted casino for this fun new event. Enjoy a live DJ and favorite casino games like Poker, Black Jack, Roulette and Craps. There will be a prize for best costume, but un-costumed guests are welcome, too!

LEARN MORE

Hilloween at Tamarack Resort

Saturday, October 26

 A fun and active way to get into the Halloween spirit! Race up and down Discovery Hill to earn raffle tickets for a chance to win big prizes. Each lap earns a ticket, and wearing a Halloween costume doubles the tickets per lap. Random prize basket drawings will occur, and the participant with the most vertical for the day will win the grand prize, regardless of raffle tickets.

LEARN MORE

Witches, Wizards and Warlocks on the Water

Saturday, October 26

Halloween spirit meets outdoor adventure in this fun tradition that is open to all ages.

Anyone who can paddle their own non-motorized watercraft from Legacy to Rotary Park is welcome to don their witchiest gear (on top of sensible layers) and join this playful parade.

LEARN MORE

Donnelly Harvest Party
Sunday, October 27

Music, dancing, games and a $100 prize for best costume are just some of the reasons to head to the Donnelly Library from 5pm – 8 pm on Sunday, October 27. There’s also a prize for best family costume. Admission is $10/person or $50/family.

LEARN MORE

McCall Trunk or Treat

Thursday, October 31

It’s all about the kids at McCall’s Annual Truck or Treat celebration at Alpine Village from 4 pm – 6 pm.

Hosted by McCall Parks and Rec and the Police Department, this is a safe and fun way for kids to experience Halloween. (Insider tip: It’s also super fun to host a trunk if you’re too old for trick or treating).

LEARN MORE

Halloween Trick or Treating in Cascade

Thursday, October 31

The whole community gets in on the Halloween action in Cascade, from “lick or treat” at Valley Pet Resort to “fishing for candy” at Tackle Toms, kids are invited to stop by local businesses for special treats before the main event, the 5 pm Trunk or Treat in the D9 parking lot.

LEARN MORE

 

September Market Insights

The big news in the real estate world is that it looks like the Federal Reserve is getting ready to lower interest rates soon. Right now, mortgage rates are hovering around 6.5% to nearly 7%, which has been keeping some buyers on the sidelines. But with the anticipated rate cuts, things could start to shift. Even a small drop in rates might make monthly payments more affordable, which could encourage more people to jump into the market​.

In McCall, where homes are staying on the market longer (about 116 days on average), the lower rates could help get things moving again. Buyers will have more choices, which could give them a little more negotiating power.

The combination of more available homes and better mortgage rates could bring more activity this fall. Just keep in mind that prices might tick up as competition heats up.

In a changing market like this, having a realtor with deep local knowledge can help buyers find the best value available and help sellers price their homes for quick and profitable sales. Feel free to give me a call!

September 2024 High Mountain Happenings

Fishing & Hunting Outlook

Whether your goal is to hook into a perfect rainbow, land a steelhead or just wet a line and enjoy some quiet time outdoors, there’s no end to the fishing opportunities in our area this time of year.

For those who prefer catching over fishing, here are some handy links from Idaho Fish & Game:

Chinook & Coho Salmon Outlook

Steelhead Outlook

Rainbow Trout Stocking Schedule

For hunters, rifle season is right around the corner, and archery season is already open. After a rough 2022, IDFG says deer and elk hunters have reasons to be optimistic this year. Learn More

Don’t Let Wildfires Ruin Your Wild Adventures!

Our local area is in the thick of the 2024 fire season, with several fires putting up smoke plumes that can be seen from Valley County and Meadows Valley.

We’ve put together a few links to help you check conditions before you head into the woods.

Idaho Wildfire Overview: Inciweb

Use the interactive map on this site to zoom in to a specific area. Click on an icon for quick stats on each fire and scroll down on the page for a more detailed description.

West Mountain Complex: Facebook Page

USFS Fire managers have created a Facebook page specifically for the four largest fires burning in our area. You can find multiple updates per day on the Boulder Fire (immediately SW of Cascade) and the Snag, Dollar and Goat fires, which are burning east of Cascade.

Valley County Sheriffs Office Facebook Page

This page is a great place to find all the latest info on any road closures and evacuations that are underway in Valley County.

Mark Your Calendar

Signature Fall Events:

McCall Chamber Business Expo

Thursday, September 19

4 PM – 7 PM

Learn More

Top of Tamarack | Bike, Run, Hike for Mental Health

Saturday, September 28

8 AM

Learn More

McPaws Oktoberfest at Brundage Mountain

Saturday, October 5

Noon – 6 PM

Learn More

August Market Insights

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 reading