A Long Weekend In Donnelly: Ski, Soak, And Explore

Craving a quick mountain reset where you can ski in the morning, soak by evening, and wake up to lake views? Donnelly gives you a compact, easy-to-navigate base with big scenery and year-round recreation. In this guide, you’ll find simple 3-day itineraries for winter and summer, where to book, what to bring, and how to add nearby hot springs. You’ll also get practical tips if you are exploring a second home in the Tamarack and Lake Cascade area. Let’s dive in.

Why Donnelly works for a long weekend

Donnelly sits in Valley County on the southeast side of Lake Cascade, just minutes from Tamarack Resort. The vibe is low-key and outdoorsy, with limited in-town services and a focus on seasonal fun. From Boise, the drive is typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on weather. From McCall, plan on 20 to 40 minutes. In winter, always check state and county road updates, and carry traction gear when storms roll in.

Winter brings Tamarack skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy cabins from December through March or April, depending on snowfall. Summer shifts to boating, paddleboarding, and fishing on Lake Cascade, plus lift-accessed hiking and biking at Tamarack. Spring and fall are quieter and beautiful, though some services scale back. If you are traveling with specific plans, verify current operations before you go.

Winter itinerary: ski and soak

Day 1: Arrive and ease in

• Check into a cabin or a condo near the village. Keep your first afternoon light with a short snowshoe or an easy warm-up on beginner slopes if you arrive before sunset.
• Settle in for dinner at a resort restaurant or a casual local spot. Early nights pay off when you plan a full ski day next.

Day 2: Full ski day at Tamarack

• Start with rentals or a lesson if needed, then explore terrain as the day opens up. Lift tickets, lessons, and rentals can sell out on peak weekends, so book ahead on the official Tamarack Resort site.
• Après your way back to the village, then consider an evening soak at a nearby hot spring. Check current conditions and hours first, and drive carefully if roads are snowy.

Day 3: Trails and a lake-view sendoff

• Stretch your legs with a short Nordic ski or snowshoe loop on nearby public lands, or take a scenic drive along the Lake Cascade shoreline.
• Browse local shops or join a guided snowmobile outing. Head home in the late afternoon, aiming to beat any incoming weather.

Summer itinerary: lake and mountain combo

Day 1: Arrive and paddle at sunset

• Check into lakeside lodging or Tamarack lodging, then hit the water for an afternoon paddle on Lake Cascade. Finish with a shore picnic to catch the evening light.
• Keep dinner simple and early, and plan your mountain day gear before lights out.

Day 2: Tamarack views and village time

• Ride the lift or hike up for alpine views, then explore lift-accessed or cross-country bike trails. Confirm summer operations and events with Tamarack Resort.
• Spend the afternoon at a lakeside beach or unwind with a relaxing meal in the village. If there is a concert or community event, it is a great way to cap the day.

Day 3: Fish, hike, and explore

• Try a short morning hike or book a guided fishing session targeting trout, kokanee, or bass. Licenses and seasonal rules apply, which you can review through Idaho Fish and Game fishing regulations and licenses.
• Cruise Donnelly’s small-town center or explore nearby forest roads before you roll out.

Essentials: tickets, permits, and reservations

• Tamarack passes and gear: Reserve lift tickets, lessons, and equipment early for holiday weekends on the official Tamarack Resort site.
• Lake access: Review day-use areas, boat launches, and campgrounds at Lake Cascade State Park access units. Boat registration and required safety gear rules apply.
• Fishing: Anglers need a valid license and should check seasonal limits. Start with Idaho Fish and Game fishing regulations and licenses.
• Trails and public lands: Check maps, seasonal closures, and current conditions with the Payette National Forest trail conditions.
• Lodging: Reserve well ahead for summer, powder weekends, and holiday breaks. Inventory is limited and demand spikes during events.

Hot springs 101

The Donnelly region has several hot springs within driving distance, including a mix of developed facilities and primitive pools. Access can change with seasons, private ownership, and road conditions. Confirm hours, parking, and fees before you go, and keep a backup plan if access is limited. Pack water shoes, a quick-dry towel, and a trash bag, and follow Leave No Trace to protect fragile thermal areas.

For primitive springs, be cautious with river levels and winter ice, and obey posted signs. If roads are snowy or muddy, consider postponing your visit and choose a maintained facility. Morning soaks are typically quieter than evenings. Always plan your return drive with weather and daylight in mind.

Where to eat and stock up

Plan on a blend of resort dining at Tamarack and small-town cafés around Donnelly. Hours shift by season, so confirm daily schedules. For a wider selection, McCall offers more restaurants and markets a short drive north.

Grocery and supply options in Donnelly are limited. If you need specialty items or a large shop, consider stocking up before you arrive or in McCall. Grab snacks, a thermos, and ready-to-go breakfasts to extend your time on the mountain and the lake.

Practical tips for easy travel

• Pack layers, even in summer. Mountain weather turns fast, and evenings can be cool.
• In winter, carry traction devices and a shovel, and check weather and road updates before you drive.
• Cell coverage varies outside town centers. Download offline maps and let someone know your route if you head into the backcountry.
• Respect seasonal fire restrictions, and pack out all trash. Help keep trails and shorelines clean for everyone.
• Bring a small dry bag for lake days and a headlamp for early starts or late returns.

Thinking about a second home near Donnelly

If a long weekend has you dreaming about an address near the lifts or the lake, you have several property types to consider. Resort condos and village units offer lower maintenance and easy access to Tamarack amenities. Cabins and single-family homes range from rustic to modern and often sit on larger lots for added privacy. Lakefront homes and lots are premium for direct water access and views, while rural acreage works well for privacy or a future custom build.

Before you buy, factor in the realities of mountain ownership. Many properties outside town run on private wells and septic systems, so routine water tests and septic pumping are part of smart ownership. Winter requires a plan for driveway plowing, roof snow shedding, and pipe winterization. Internet and cell service can vary, with better options near town centers and the resort, and slower or satellite-based options in remote areas.

If you plan to rent, make sure you understand HOA covenants and county rules that affect short-term rentals. Start with the county’s site for permits and current ordinances through Valley County Planning and Zoning. Rental demand is strongest near the lifts and the lake, and income is seasonal, so be conservative with projections and budget for shoulder-season vacancies and management costs.

Ready to explore properties that fit your lifestyle and weekend rhythm? Connect with the local team that lives and works these markets every day. Request a personalized tour or market game plan with the Sadie Noah Real Estate Group.

FAQs

What is the best season for a Donnelly long weekend?

• Winter brings Tamarack skiing and snow fun, summer delivers lake time and mountain biking, and shoulder seasons are quieter with fewer services.

How far is Donnelly from Boise and McCall?

• Plan on about 1.5 to 2.5 hours from Boise and 20 to 40 minutes from McCall, and always check weather and road conditions before driving.

Where do you buy Tamarack lift tickets and rentals?

• Reserve lift tickets, lessons, and gear in advance through the official Tamarack Resort site for peak weekends.

Do you need a fishing license for Lake Cascade?

• Yes, anglers need a valid license and must follow seasonal limits, which you can review at Idaho Fish and Game fishing regulations and licenses.

Are short-term rentals allowed near Donnelly and Tamarack?

• Rules vary by property and HOA and are subject to county regulations, so verify details with Valley County Planning and Zoning before you buy.

What property types work well as second homes in Donnelly?

• Resort condos for convenience, cabins and single-family homes for space and privacy, lakefront for direct water access, and rural acreage for future builds or retreat living.