Idaho’s mountains are blanketed in snow, and communities across the state are embracing winter traditions that have spanned generations. One of the most beloved is the McCall Winter Carnival, returning February 21-23, 2025, to celebrate the magic of Idaho winters. While today’s Carnival is known for its snow sculptures, parades, and festive spirit, its roots stretch back to a historic hill and a pioneering event: Blackwell’s Jump.
In 1924, McCall hosted its first Winter Carnival, marking the occasion with Idaho’s first recorded ski jump. Built on logged land owned by Clem Blackwell, a local rancher and saloon keeper, the jump became a focal point for ski jumping until 1937. It was an early symbol of Idaho’s emerging winter sports culture and a glimpse of what would become a statewide love affair with skiing.
The history of Blackwell’s Jump is documented in Ski the Great Potato: Idaho Ski Areas Past and Present. Kenneth Johnson, whose father helped organize the original carnival, remembered its creation. “My dad persuaded other businessmen to hold the first carnival,” he said, even bringing ski jumper Oly Olson from Cascade to teach locals the art of ski jumping.
The event drew hundreds of spectators who traveled by train from Boise, staying overnight to witness the spectacle. Draft horses pulled them on sleds to the jump site, where skiers climbed the hill carrying their heavy wooden skis. Kenneth’s younger brother, Loyd, won his age group at just seven years old. Nervous but determined, Loyd famously recalled, “When a big Norwegian tells you to yump, you yump!”
Fast-forward to today, and the McCall Winter Carnival continues to honor this vibrant legacy. Now approaching its 59th year, the Carnival transforms McCall into a winter wonderland, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. Highlights include the Mardi Gras Parade, live music, and the famed snow sculpture competition, where local artists craft towering works of art from snow and ice.
This celebration of winter also reminds us how far Idaho skiing has come. The state now boasts 19 alpine ski areas, including Lookout Pass, celebrating its 90th season this winter, and Sun Valley, America’s first destination ski resort. Together, these ski areas offer thousands of acres of powder and trails for all skill levels.
“Skiing has transformed many Idaho communities into world-class tourism destinations,” says Jeff Colburn, Idaho Ski Areas Association Board President. Tourism is Idaho’s third-largest industry, with winter sports accounting for nearly 10% of that impact.
For those wanting a deeper dive into Idaho’s skiing heritage, Ski the Great Potato offers a fascinating look at 93 ski areas, both past and present. The book, available for $22.95 at mountain-press.com, preserves stories like Blackwell’s Jump for future generations.
As McCall prepares for its 2025 Winter Carnival, it’s more than a festival—it’s a tribute to Idaho’s winter spirit. Whether watching the snow sculptures, enjoying live music, or hitting the nearby slopes, visitors are invited to celebrate the magic of winter in a place that helped launch Idaho’s skiing legacy.
Photos from The Idaho Ski Areas Association (aka Ski Idaho), the Central Idaho Historical Museum, and the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce.
McCall Winter Carnival: Need-to-Know
The McCall Winter Carnival returns February 21-23, 2025, for its 59th year of snowy celebrations. Enjoy favorites like the Mardi Gras Parade, live music, food vendors, and the legendary snow sculpture competition, where teams create stunning art from snow and ice.
Tips for Visitors:
- Parking: Shuttle services are available throughout town for easy access.
- Lodging: Book early, as accommodations fill quickly.
- Weather: Dress in layers; McCall temperatures are chilly in February.
- Events Map & Details: Find schedules and guides at visitmccall.org.
Make memories at this beloved Idaho winter tradition!