About
When vacationing in McCall during the snowy months, be sure to spend a day (or two!) at The McCall Activity Barn.
Snow tubing is the star attraction here, and it lives up to the hype. Riders glide down well-maintained slopes on smooth, groomed lanes that keep the fun coming lap after lap. It's easy to see why this activity remains a family favorite year after year.
But snow tubing is only part of the fun. The McCall Activity Barn welcomes Nordic skiers and snowshoers to enjoy the surrounding trails. Whether you explore on cross-country skis or snowshoes, the trails add another layer of discovery.
Packing gear isn't a worry, either. The McCall Activity Barn rents snowshoes, snow tubes, and fat bikes, letting you choose what you’d like to tackle on the mountain.
Located just outside downtown McCall, the barn sits near Payette Lake and the surrounding Ponderosa State Park. Such convenience makes it easy to plan an action-packed day of outdoor fun!
During the warmer months, the McCall Activity Barn is a working cattle ranch, but when the temperatures drop, the area averages heavy snowfall. This means the tubing lanes stay fast well into spring, and the trails keep Nordic skiers and snowshoers happy.
So bundle up the kiddos and get ready to zoom down the slopes at this winter landmark!
The McCall Activity Barn: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The Magic Carpet ride turns the tedious uphill trudge into part of the fun. This oversized conveyor belt whisks you straight up the snow-capped hill, so you don't have to drag your tube to the top before each run. The belt ride takes about seven minutes, giving you time to catch your breath before gliding back down.
Beyond sliding down a slope on a tube, the groomed 5-kilometer Nordic loop is perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. It connects to the North Valley Rail Trail, extending the winter trail experience for several additional miles toward Heinrich Lane. Valley County Pathways manages and grooms the trails and has worked with the Activity Barn to connect the two trail systems. The combined network offers a gentle, scenic route through meadows and wooded areas, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced Nordic users.
Fat biking turns a snowy trail into a two-wheeled winter adventure. The bikes’ oversized tires are designed to run at low pressure, spreading the rider’s weight across the snow rather than cutting into it. On a groomed trail, such tires grip the packed surface and roll smoothly through the winter landscape. Riders can pedal at a relaxed pace, steer through gentle curves, and climb gradual hills while enjoying the quiet scenery. It feels familiar enough for anyone who knows how to ride a bicycle, yet the snow adds a little extra challenge and a whole new character to the ride.
With tubing, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and fat biking, the McCall Activity Barn makes it easy for you to make the most of your Idaho winter vacation.
Local Tips
- Book online early to secure a spot.
- After a day on the slope, head to Crusty’s Pizza to celebrate.
- Check its website for night tubing hours.
- Kids must be at least 36 inches tall, and you cannot have anyone riding on your lap.
