Some of the best cross-country skiing in the McCall area is at Bear Basin Nordic Center run by Payette Lakes Ski Club (which also runs Little Ski Hill). The 30 kilometers of trails are beautifully groomed almost every morning and offer a great variety of difficulties, with trails climbing up wooded hills and crossing large meadows.
Less than a half-mile off of Highway 55 on North Club Hill Boulevard, the parking lot for Bear Basin has pit toilets and a cozy warming hut. There is also a pay station where you can pay the day fee. It costs $5 per person per day and $2 per dog per day; children are free. Check out the trail map next to the hut to plan your route. All major trail intersections have a sign with the trail map as well as a number showing you where on the map you are. Minor intersections have the trail names posted. This makes navigation easy even if you are new to the trails and helps you plan your route.
Polar Express has great views with a long easy descent and climb back up. For a harder trail, try Mack's Loop with views up toward Brundage Mountain Resort. The Meadow Trails are especially nice when the sun is out and Moon Ridge rolls and winds along a small ridge.
Bear Basin allows dogs on all of the trails and a lot of times there are a few pups playing around the parking lot while their people get ready to ski. Dogs can be off-leash, but if you are a skijorer or interested in trying, this is a fantastic trail system to practice. Please clean up after your pets!
On Saturdays, there are drop-in ski lessons for both classic and skate skiing. Check the Payette Lakes Ski Club for more information.
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