Sun Valley Blog

In disciplines that range from moguls to Cross Country skiing to Halfpipe to SkiCross, Sun Valley natives and Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) athletes are busy this winter. With the Olympics less that a month away, several local skiers and snowboarders are currently competing around the world on the World Cup circuit and anticipating the announcement of the Olympic rosters.

Graham Wantanabe, already an Olympic athlete, stands a chance of again competing in BoarderCross. Langely McNeal and Biche Rudigoz are currently vying for spots on the newest Olympic sport’s team, SkiCross. Also competing around the world, Bellevue native, SVSEF athlete, and US Snowboard team member, Kaitlyn Farrington.

The Olympic fate of Cross Country powerhouse, US Ski Team Member (A Team), and longtime SVSEF athlete Morgan Arritola will be announced on Tuesday, January 19th. Also on the Cross Country front, two other SVSEF athletes, Simi Hamilton and Adele Espy were recently named to the World Junior Cross Country team.

And as we speak, mogul-virtuoso and son of storied mogul-expert Joey Cordeau, Shane Cordeau is competing in one of his first World Cups in Deer Valley, with qualifications runs set to take place Saturday night at 5:30. Shane has had an incredibly successful 2009/2010 season thus far, after winning two Nor-Am Mogul Championships in the 2008/2009 season, as a new member to the SVSEF’s Olympic Development Team (ODT), and as a recent addition to the US Freestyle Team, this season Shane is competing in his first World Cup events and has a shot at one of three remaining spots for the Olympics.

Watch out for these skiers and boarders who ski, train, and live on Sun Valley snow as the Olympics draw nearer and check back here for results and announcements. Also look at www.svsef.org, www.ussnowboarding.com, and www.usskiteam.com for more information. Good luck to all of them!

SUN VALLEY TO CELEBRATE NSAA “NATIONAL SAFETY WEEK”
Week-long On-Mountain Event January 16-22, 2010

What is Smartstyle? Do you know “Your Responsibility Code?”
What is the most important “Get Smart” tip for Freestyle Terrain Park riders?
Skiers and riders will all be challenged by these questions and rewarded with answers and free prizes January 16-22, 2010 when Sun Valley celebrates the National Ski Area’s Association “National Safety Week.”
A heads-up, fun approach will be taken to heighten the awareness of slope safety in Sun Valley – on Baldy, at the new Super Pipe, in Dollar Mountain’s new Terrain Park and throughout both mountains.
And, the Smartstyle message will go off-mountain and into the classroom when the Sun Valley Ski Patrol, avalanche dogs and Terrain Park personnel meet students at Hemingway and Hailey Elementary schools. Third, fourth and fifth graders at Hemingway will be visited Tuesday, January 19 and the same grades at Hailey Elementary School will host the Sun Valley Mountain Dept. staff Wednesday, January 20, 2010.
Because Sun Valley Resort takes the safety and well being of its guests very seriously, skiers and riders on Dollar and Baldy will be invited to participate in a variety of safety oriented activities throughout “National Safety Week.”
This will include:
1. Free Mountain Ski Tours with a special emphasis on safety (meets 10:30 am, top of Baldy every day except Tuesday and Thursday).
2. Mountain Trivial Pursuit (check lift towers for questions at the bottom and answers up top).
3. Free prizes for correctly answered questions on safety.
4. The Hot Packet: Jan. 16 through Jan. 22 take a tour through Dollar Mt. Terrain Park with local pros, terrain park staff and special guest. Sign up at Dollar from 10 am to 11 am for the 11-12 tour or sign up at noon to 1 pm for the 1 to 2 pm tour. Then talk about what you’ve learned with complimentary hot chocolate.
5. In celebration of “National Safety Week” Pete Lane’s Sports will offer 20 percent off helmets at all locations.
For more information please call 208-622-6136 or visit www.sunvalley.com
*Answer to Get Smart Tip:
ALWAYS stay clear of all landings.

YOUR SKIER RESPONSIBILITY CODE
1. Always stay in control.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way.
3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.
5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.
7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

Night Skier and Hiker Safety

Stand-up comedian Jay Davis performs March 12 & 13

January 15 & 16 – Eddie Ifft & Dax Jordan
January 22 & 23 – Jason Resler & Leif Skyving
January 29 & 30 – Tig Notaro & David Huntsberger
February 5 & 6 – Dan Gabriel & Gary Cannon
February 12 & 13 – Jackie Kashian & Steve Mazan
February 19 & 20 – Mike Pace & Heath Harmison
February 26 & 27- Harry Basil & Jim Summers
March 5 & 6 – Jimmy Shubert & Ryan Wingfield
March 12 & 13 – Jay Davis & Tracy Smith
Final Show! March 19 & 20 – Michael Loftus & John Moyer