Brundage: The snow's already falling

Brundage doesn't have Sun Valley's glamour, Tamarack's new-resort buzz or Bogus' proximity to the TreasureValley. So why does it attract so many skiers from throughout Idaho? Simple. It's the snow.

Brundage has a well-earned reputation for long ski seasons on natural snow and prime powder, and the resort is off to a good start this season thanks to some hearty storms earlier this month.

"We love to see any snow in November and hope to be open by Thanksgiving," Brundage spokeswoman April Russell said.

Brundage averages more than 300 inches a year - and after a storm, it is common to cut fresh tracks from the first chair to the last run and not feel an icy edge for days afterward.

If you really want a heaping helping of Brundage's powder, check out its cat ski program on 19,000 acres of Forest Service terrain.

The resort's modest statistics - 46 runs on 1,500 skiable acres and 1,800 vertical feet - belie its real offerings. You can ski nearly the entire mountain thanks to skiable glades and drainages that almost always lead you back to a chairlift.

The resort has been upgrading its fleet of groomers, and this year added a winch cat to the mix that will allow grooming in some steeper terrain. It will also allow crews to cut brush to provide clearer slopes and earlier off-trail skiing.

Brundage is entering its 47th season and is poised for a major growth spurt after a land trade with the Forest Service in 2006 that put 388 acres near the base area in private ownership.

Last year it added two chairlifts, and this year Brundage added the Bear's Den, a log cabin-style yurt at mid-mountain that sells food and beverages.

Brundage still has the laid-back attitude of a local, family resort and a retro feel with its cafeteria-style dining and glitz-free lodge.

RESORT STATS

Getting there: Take Idaho 55 north 102 miles to McCall, go west about 4 miles to the Brundage turnoff. In good weather, it's about 2 hours from Boise.

Runs: 46

Lifts: One quad, four triples

Skiable acres: 1,500

Vertical: 1,800 feet

Slope difficulty: 20 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, 30 percent expert

Top elevation: 7,640 feet

Longest run: More than 2 miles.

Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily

Daily lift ticket prices: Adult $52, juniors (12-18) and seniors (65 and older) $36, youth (7 to 11) $22, children 6 and younger free. Easy Street and Bear Chair ticket is $31 for all ages.

Cat skiing: Yes

Terrain park: Yes

General info: (800) 888-7544 or 634-4151, snow report (888) ALL-SNOW, www.brundage.com.

Ski scoop: Brundage is offering a special deal this year to Bogus Basin season-pass holders. If you have a Bogus season pass and have never bought a Brundage season pass, you can get one for $199. It is a one-time deal, but a great way to add to your skiing options this winter.