Brundage Mountain Resort earned the designation as the second-best ski resort in North America as voted on by skiers and snowboarders in the USA Today reader's choice contest; Sunshine Village in Banff took home the top honor.
For the last month, people have had the opportunity to vote for their favorite ski resort, and Brundage was the only one to finish in the top ten; Grand Targhee and Sun Valley finished outside the top ten.
It's a special honor for Brundage, who is locally owned and doesn't have the glitz or the glam as some of the more famous ski resorts owned by corporations in the country.
"There are two things we are always known for here at Brundage Mountain: One is the best snow in Idaho, and the other is our friendliness," said April Whitney of Brundage Mountain Resort.
"We are truly honored by the support of our ski community. That grassroots effort makes this honor really personal to everyone on the Brundage team."
Brundage plans on opening on the Friday after Thanksgiving if Mother Nature cooperates. They currently have a base of more than a foot and around 18 inches at the summit.
However, skiers and snowboarders also need to be prepared for a different winter experience because of the pandemic.
"Be sure to get a good fitting buff or face covering that works with your ski gear," said Whitney. "Those are 100 percent required indoors, in lift lines, and through the lift loading process."
Whitney told us safety will be their number one priority this winter, and they are asking people to be patient, lift lines might take longer because they are not going to put strangers on a chairlift together, and it would be a good idea for families to choose off-peak times to hit the slopes.
Brundage also advises guests to be prepared for the weather and make their base camp their vehicle because of limited access inside the lodges.
"People also need to plan to be outdoors more. I can't emphasize that enough," said Whitney. "But once everyone gets out on the mountain, there is plenty of space for everyone to space out and enjoy their own personal happy place."
Season ticket holders and four-day pass members will have priority, Brundage doesn't anticipate capping skiers and snowboarders, but we also don't know how bad the coronavirus will get this winter.
For people who want day passes, Brundage recommends ordering those online as far in advance as possible because if they have to limit capacity they will do so online.
For more information about Brundage Mountain Resort and their COVID-19 policies, click here.
