Adams County Gives Final Approval to Next Phase of Construction at Brundage Mountain
Residential development continues to gain momentum at Brundage Mountain Resort, with Adams County granting approval of the final plat for Norhaven, the second slopeside neighborhood to be approved at the independently owned mountain resort.
Adams County approved the Final Plat for the Norhaven neighborhood on June 23, 2025. Norhaven will be located just downslope from the existing Northwoods neighborhood, next to the Lower Rodeo ski run.
The newly-approved Norhaven plat includes up to 39 planned units, which are expected to be constructed over the course of several years. The design calls for a mix of single-family Villas, Twin Gable duplexes, and multi-story Lofts built using natural materials in a mountain modern style. One-, two- and three-bedroom options will be available.
Norhaven is the second residential project to move forward under Brundage Mountain’s 10-Year Improvement Plan, which was announced in 2021. The Northwoods neighborhood, which consists of 32 single family homesites and cottage sites, is currently under construction. Infrastructure was installed last summer and Northwoods now has two finished homes and 10 more custom builds underway this construction season.
“These first phases of residential construction have a nice mix of home types to appeal to a wide variety of buyers,” says Bob Looper, Brundage Mountain President. “Residential development at Brundage is important because it creates an important income stream that will fund the next round of improvements to trails, lifts, terrain and lodge facilities.”
Background
In 2009, Adams County approved a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on 388 acres of private land at the base of Brundage Mountain, allowing for development of ski-in/ski-out lodging and expanded base area facilities.
The preliminary plat for Norhaven was approved in 2022, with final plat approval in late June 2025. Ownership of the 9.5 acres containing the Norhaven parcels has been transferred to MTN Origins, an Idaho-based development firm that focuses on mountain environments.
Lengthy Courtship with Developer
MTN Origins chose this project because their team was drawn to Brundage Mountain’s long-term vision and commitment to authenticity. “Mountain First, Mountain Always” is the guiding principle behind Brundage Mountain’s strategy: a philosophy that prioritizes preserving the natural mountain experience while ensuring the resort can continue to invest in critical infrastructure and guest amenities.
“The Norhaven project reflects our dedication to thoughtful, mountain-oriented development,” said Brundage Mountain President Bob Looper.
“Building in steep mountain environments has its challenges, and we went through an incredibly detailed process with MTN Origins to make sure the Norhaven project will stay true to our values and allow the mountain’s natural beauty to shine.”
The MTN Origins team, which has passed up other large projects in the McCall area, jumped at the chance to talk to Brundage about their vision. The founders of MTN Origins grew up in ski towns and they specialize in what they call “mountain town authentic” projects.
“From day one this relationship has been built on mutual respect and understanding,” says MTN origins partner, Travis Jones. “We’ve all skied at Brundage over the years and appreciate that it’s an independently owned resort, not Epic or Icon, it’s owned by a group of families who grew up skiing here, who love skiing here, who all have that passion in their hearts.”
“Brundage provides a really high-quality experience but still has a genuine feel that we love,” says Jones. “It’s a privilege to work with the Brundage team to create a neighborhood, a village, a community on a mostly blank slate.”
Getting involved this early in the process allows MTN Origins to design around the natural landscape rather than existing buildings, incorporating granite, stone, and wood cladding—natural materials chosen to blend seamlessly with the environment. Landscaping will be minimal to highlight the existing beauty of the forest.
“Our development philosophy centers on providing long-term value through high-quality construction, rather than prioritizing short-term returns,” says Jones.
“Brundage shares that mindset, reinvesting all development profits back into the mountain—something rare in the ski industry.”
Brundage Mountain Has Invested $35 Million Since 2021
Proceeds from residential development projects are reinvested directly into ski area improvements. Since Brundage Mountain resort changed ownership in 2020, the Idaho-based ownership group has invested $35 Million in resort improvements and infrastructure.
Recent and ongoing investments include the new Mountain Adventure Center (MAC), which opened in winter 2024-25 as a modern base area hub for rentals, retail, and guest services, and the high-speed Centennial Express chairlift, which opened in winter 2023-24, offering better access to the mountain’s south side.
The ownership group that acquired Brundage Mountain in 2020 has also invested in a 2,800 square foot Ski Patrol/Admin Building, purchased and restored an historic schoolhouse in New Meadows for employee housing, created and equipped an independent Fire protection agency and EMS transport agency, and launched the Brundage Mountain Community Fund, among other projects.
Additional phases of the resort’s 10-Year Improvement Plan include new lodging, dining, and expanded terrain options, all designed to enhance access and maintain Brundage’s reputation for uncrowded powder and laid-back charm.
Construction timelines for Norhaven will be announced soon. More information: www.norhavenbrundage.com