With 10 inches of new snow, the trails at Sun Valley Nordic are as good as it gets. Fast, smooth, and fun. The entire trail system will be opening this week as our world class groomers “work” the snow for optimal skiing conditions. Because of the variety of terrain at the Nordic Center and the accessibility to Ketchum and Hailey, there is no better place to prepare for the Boulder Mountain Tour. Throw in a Boulder Prep Clinic featuring an Olympian (Tessa Westbrook) and a BMT Champion (Brooke Hovey), and you’ve got a match made in heaven. Get faster, ski better and have fun this week and next at Sun Valley Nordic. Call to reserve your spot in the Boulder Prep Clinic. Clinics meet at 4pm, and last about an hour and a half. Cost is $40 per session. Expect video analysis, technique work and a great workout. Experienced skiers only please!! See you at the Nordic Center!
Morgan Arritola can now add Olympian to her long list of accomplishments. Arritola, an SVSEF athlete and US Ski Team member, was named to the Olympic Cross Country team today. The announcement came after good early season results for Morgan who is still riding high following an extremely successful 2008/2009 season, finishing 5th at the U23 World Championships and a solid 22nd at the FIS World Championships in the Czech Republic. As one of four American women to compete in the Olympics, keep an eye out for this speed demon in Vancouver.
This local speed demon, who graduated from the Community School in Sun Valley and is currently a member of the SVSEF’s Olympic Development Team, only skied for the first time when she was 16. Introduced to the sport by SVSEF Cross Country Coach/Program Director, Rick Kapala, she certainly has something special. Kapala said, “Obviously this is really exciting for Morgan, as well as for the team and the community. She’s sort of ‘our gal’.” He continues to point out the spectacular nature of her rise as a Nordic skier. “For her to have started where she did, which was basically picking up the sport at the age of 16, and now, only seven years later, she’s on the Olympic team. It’s really awesome.”
We can’t wait to see her compete next month and are proud of all she has accomplished. Keep it up, Morgan!
The Sun Valley Ski Patrol has now opened Seattle Ridge and the Bowls as well as more terrain on the front side. Conditions are excellent with 10″ of new snow in the past 24 hours!!
The front side of Bald Mountain is now open. Seattle Ridge and the Bowls will open as soon as avalanche control work is concluded in these areas. Dollar Mountain is open as well. Don’t forget to be safe, ride with a buddy and HAVE FUN!!!
Bald Mountain will experience a slightly delayed opening today due to avalanche control work. We received 10″ in the last 24 hours and the slopes will be great!! Remember to be safe, ride with a buddy and HAVE FUN!!
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.
SUN VALLEY TO CELEBRATE