McCall, ID – Brundage Mountain Resort is expanding its guided backcountry services with the addition of guided backcountry snowmobile excursions.
A newly-issued permit allows seasoned guides to offer full- and half-day snowmobile trips on 326,259 acres of backcountry terrain adjacent to Brundage Mountain Resort starting Dec. 15, 2016. This is the first-ever opportunity for visitors to take guided snowmobile trips on the McCall Ranger District.
“We’re very excited to be able to offer this new service to our visitors,” said resort spokesperson, April Whitney. “Snowmobiling is hugely popular in the McCall area, and for good reason. But not everyone is comfortable venturing into the backcountry on their own. The option to use experienced guides is going to make this growing sport accessible to an even wider swath of outdoor adventurers.”
The 326,259 acre “Area 1” includes scenic destinations like Clow Point, Granite Lake, Brundage Reservoir, Hazard Lake, Warren, the Brundage Mountain Lookout, and Burgdorf Hot Springs, among others. Full-day trips even include a hot backcountry lunch or a cozy stop at a wood-fired yurt with Payette Lake views.
View or download map here: http://a123.g.akamai.net/7/123/11558/abc123/forestservic.download.akamai.com/11558/www/nepa/100766_FSPLT3_2551308.pdf
A new fleet of Ski-Doo Renegade and Summit sleds will be used for the guided trips. Brundage Mountain will also rent the sleds for self-guided tours on a space available basis.
“Our rental option will be super convenient. Just park in our private lot at Brundage Mountain and the sleds will be fueled, staged and ready to roll out. No fighting for parking or waiting in line with trailers full of sleds. Just show up, suit up, and get on your way,” added Whitney.
Background: In 2015, the Payette National Forest decided to introduce guided snowmobile tours to the forest to give the public the opportunity to use a licensed outfitter and guide and ensure a quality experience for those individuals who are not familiar with the area or who may lack the necessary skill and/or equipment. “A guided trip provides an opportunity for knowledgeable professionals to educate visitors about the area and snow safety.”
Brundage Mountain’s guides have spent more than 20 years leading excursions into the Payette National Forest backcountry through the ski area’s acclaimed Backcountry Snowcat Adventure program. This same highly-experienced guide corps will be leading the new snowmobile tours. These experienced guides have the knowledge to find the most enjoyable destinations and conditions as well as ensure top safety practices during backcountry travel.
For more information visit www.brundage.com/snowmobile.