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.