Between Boise and New Meadows, the towns along the Payette River Scenic Byway in Idaho become major wintertime adventure destinations. Several ski resorts near the byway provide access to pristine powder and well-groomed runs. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers get plenty of terrain all to themselves, and winter activities abound in the area.
The Cascade Area boasts 800 miles of snowmobile trails. Take a snowmobile on 250 miles worth of groomed trails at Smith's Ferry, for example. The Winter Wonderland Trail takes you through Smith's Ferry, past Cascade and Donnelly and finishes up at McCall for some well-deserved resort-town relaxation and a soak in the hot springs.
Another 44 miles of trails are groomed for cross-country skiing in the Cascade Area, but with the Payette National Forest and other public lands surrounding the byway, alpine ski opportunities are close to endless. Hundreds of thousands of pristine acres beckon for turning and touring miles from the sounds of civilization.
The town of McCall comes to life during the winter months, hosting a Winter Carnival each January/February that has become progressively larger in the three decades since it began. Elaborate snow sculptures line the streets and participants out-do each other with costumes and floats in the Mardi Gras Parade. So don't let cold weather stop you from enjoying Payette River Scenic Byway, or you'll miss out on some of its best features.
