Sun Valley Blog

The Nordic Festival’s main event.

The Boulder Mountain Tour will be crowning new champs this weekend.

by Alec Barfield

Originally an alpine destination, Ketchum has developed a nordic reputation. With an extensive network of trails running through unmatched scenery and more than enough sunshine to merit the name, Sun Valley and its surrounidng area has become the ideal haven for both the casual and competitive cross-country skier. Yet our moniker of “Nordic Town USA” stems from more than just sunshine and backdrops not uncommon in the West. We’ve merited the title because of passionate individuals, like Boulder Mountain Tour founder Rob Kiesel, who are responsible for the races and programs that ignited this community’s love of the sport.

This year’s Boulder Mountain Tour (BMT) is dedicated to Kiesel, who passed away in October. As the founder of both the BMT and the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation cross-country program, Kiesel was a major force for nordic skiing in this valley and he will be missed by many. Fortunately, his legacy shall continue strongly: over 800 people are registered for the 37th edition of a race on Saturday, February 4th. Launched in 1973, it is one of the country’s longest running nordic events, well-respected for its longevity, speed and extremely high level of competition.

Beginning at Senate Meadows, just east of Galena Lodge, and finishing at the Sawtooth National Recreation Headquarters, the Tour is a 32-kilometer long (19.8-miles) “jaunt” along the base of the Smoky and Boulder mountain ranges. The course crosses six different creeks, while following the larger Big Wood River down the valley. And with the recent snowfall, the setting and the course couldn’t be more breathtaking.

 For the non-elite, there are a couple of ways to enjoy Saturday. Obviously, spectating is welcome and expected. For those hoping to watch the Tour, buses will be traveling from Hemingway Elementary in Ketchum to both the start (from 7-9 am) and the finish (from 9-11 am), as there will be no public parking anywhere near Galena Lodge. In addition, registration is still open for the Half Boulder, which is an informal 15k (9.3 mile) race starting at Baker Creek that coincides with the BMT course and begins shortly after the pros cross the finish line. As of now, there are already 110 skiers signed up for the latter. Although limited parking will be available at Baker Creek, more buses will be running from Hemingway between 9 and 11 am.

So if you missed the excitement of Sun Valley Nordic Festival, be sure to check out its culminating event this Saturday, the Boulder Mountain Tour, as well as the Boulder Mountain demo day at the Sun Valley Nordic Center on Sunday. Because as much as I love skiing Baldy, this week belongs to “Nordic Town USA,” a celebration of cross-country skiing and the people who brought it to Ketchum.

Official Schedule

Friday: Boulder Mountain Tour Expo (10 am – 8 pm) at the Ketchum YMCA for registration, souvenirs and sponsor booths.

Saturday: Boulder Mountain Tour (10 am) and Half Boulder (11:30 am) races and awards ceremony (6 pm) at a location TBD.

Sunday: Boulder Mountain Tour Demo (10 am), featuring equipment testing from sponsors.

NordicTown USA is in its glory with this weekend's Boulder Mountain Tour.

Th Sun Valley Nordic Fest kicks off this weekend!

The Sun Valley Nordic Festival kicks off this weekend!

By Katie Matteson

And we’re off!

We all know the great alpine skiing around here, the numerous skiing prodigies raised around here and the world-renown competitions hosted here. But for those not so, well, gravity-inclined, there’s a pretty big Nordic skiing scene around here as well … But really, who are we kidding?? The Olympic Norwegian Nordic Teamtrained here, we host one of the biggest Nordic events of the season, the Boulder Mountain Tour  and our local racers are some of the best in the world. So the Nordic scene here isn’t just big, it’s HUGE! So massive and impressive, in fact, that Sun Valley has recently earned the official title of “NordicTown USA!”

And one of the biggest highlights in NordicTown USA is the annual Sun Valley Nordic Festival. Starting this weekend here in Sun Valley, the event features a plethora of events like the Blaine County Recreation District’s (BCRD) Ski the Rails Day, a randonee race, training clinics with Fischer athlete Nicole DeYong, Alturas Lake Ski Day and après dinners, lectures, clinics, the downtown jam and Sprint Races. All culminating in the epic Boulder Mountain Tour. (A complete schedule is available here: www.svnordicfestival.com.)

It’s bound to be a busy week of Nordic skiing and celebrating around the Valley, so here is write-up of the five events we won’t be missing during this year’s Sun Valley Nordic Festival!

 1. Skin It 2 Win It Randonee Race!

Saturday, January 28^th, 10:00 AM

Dollar Mountain

This premiere Randonee Race will have teams of 1, 2 & 4 persons skinning from the base of Dollar Mountain to the summit where they will remove their skins and ski back to the start to hand off their baton to the next teammate. Racers will complete as many laps as possible in 5 hours. The distance is approx. 1.3 miles and 600 vertical feet.

This is a fund raising event for the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center. Entry fee is $50/person and must be entered in advance. No registration day of race! Racers are encouraged to secure sponsors to cover entry fee and beyond. Hot drinks & food will be provided for racers. Awards will be same day at Dollar Lodge @ 4:30. Prizes will be awarded for fastest lap, most laps completed, best costume and most money sponsored.

Costumes are required!

Galena Lodge.

2.  Galena and the Trails Winter Benefit

Saturday, January 28^th, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Limelight Room, Sun Valley Inn, Sun Valley

Don’t miss the annual Galena & The Trails Winter Benefit this year on January 28th, the first day of the Sun Valley Nordic Festival. The Benefit is the annual celebration of our community trails and lodge supported by the BCRD. All support from the Benefit goes to the annual costs of maintaining the trails and lodge facilities. For a full list of live action packages for this year’s benefit, click here.

Don’t forget to buy your tickets now, they’re going fast!  Purchase tickets online at bcrd.org!

Highly-acclaimed Nordic ski coach Rick Kapala.

3. Nordic Lecture: Building a Bigger Engine

Monday, January 30^th, 7:00 PM

The Community Library, Ketchum

Join Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Head Nordic Coach Rick Kapala for a presentation on how to improve your physical capacities for cross country skiing. They’ll cover training physiology, workout design and training monitoring as key elements in managing your training plan.

4. NordicTown USA Downtown Jam and Sprints

Thursday, February 2^nd, 4:00 PM

Downtown Ketchum, at the intersection of 4^th and 2^nd.

Quickly becoming the “can’t miss” event of the Sun Valley Nordic Festival! World-class sprints with Olympic caliber athletes, kids races and accompanying music all in one! Get some dinner with Galena Lodge onsite, grab a warm drink and enjoy the bonfire and on site winter artwork after checking out the amazing sprint races!

Tim Snider and Sound Society are going to rock the Ketchum Downtown Jam and Nordic Town USA Sprint races! Tim has traveled to Europe, Cuba, Morocco, Spain, Indonesia, and much of Central America in his ongoing journey to study the world’s different styles of music. Blending American roots, world beat and Latin rhythms into an inspired sound that has been dubbed “World Rock,” the group creates a high-energy performance that gives its audiences an irresistible desire to dance. Some say it is just foot-stomping soul-stirring goodness!

Grab the kids, bundle up and get ready to watch the races, dance and then compete in the legendary World Snowshoe Dance Competition. Refreshments will be available for purchase and the bonfire will be going!

5.  2012 SWIX Boulder Mountain Tour

Saturday, February 4^th, 10:00 AM

Senate Meadows (Start area)

One of America’s longest running and most respected cross-country ski races, the Boulder Mountain Tour (BMT) is the Wood River Valley’s winter treasure. Drawing a field from across the country, and across the spectrum of abilities, the BMT welcomes all. The race traverses the spectacular Boulder Mountains for 32 kilometers of breath-taking beauty and world-class competition. Some of the finest skiing to be found anywhere on the planet combined with warm hospitality and first-rate race organization.

What to do when the moon lights up SunValley

By Mike McKenna

Each month, a full moon reigns over the sky, lighting up Sun Valley in a whole new way. To make the most of out these bright nights—including the nearly as bright waxing and waning days surrounding the full moon—here’s a rundown of some fun stuff to do in Sun Valley when the moonlight is aglow.

Full Moon Nordic & Moonlight Dinner 

Departing from the Sun Valley Club & Nordic Center and offering spectacular views of Sun Valley and the surrounding mountains, these cross country ski tours and moonlight dinners beginning at 6 pm. For more information about the skiing or the dinners, please call 208.622.2135.

Full Moon Dinners Galena Lodge 


Take a moonlit ride up to Galena Lodge nor of Ketchum for a fabulous and unforgettable five-course meal. The dinners do not include any group excursions on the snow, but visitors are welcome to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing under the moonlight before or after dinner. Reservations are required, so give them a call (208.726.4010) to assure your seat and hear the menu for the month.

Sleigh Rides


For a magical and memorable moonlit dinner for the whole family, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride to Trail Creek Cabin. Sleigh rides begin December 17, and run three times a night, Tuesdays through Saturdays, throughout the season. Bundle up, grab a hot toddy from the bar at the Inn and enjoy the ride. Due to the wild popularity of the sleigh ride dinners, reservations are required.
 PLease call 208.622.2135.

 Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing, Sledding, Ice Skating and Snowmobiling

If scheduling a full moon outing ahead of time is too much work, don’t be afraid to find a moonlit adventure of your own. There are plenty of reasons why USA Today named Sun Valley one of the Top 10 ski resorts in the world for non-alpine skiers.

 The Wood River Trail System offers 30 miles of free, groomed trails for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Snowmobiliers can ride the 500 miles of groomed trails north of Ketchum, or head over Galena Summit to ride some of the 170 miles of trails in the Smiley Creek/Stanley area, or head a little southeast to the 200 miles of trails near Fairfield.

You could skate on the same surface Olympian champions like Sasha Cohen and Brian Boitano do at Sun Valley Lodge’s ice rink. Rentals are available and skating is open until 8 p.m. nightly. There are also “natural” rinks at Atkinson Park in Ketchum or Roberta McKercher Park in Hailey.

Tubing at Dollar Mountain

Rubber meets the snow in three 600-ft. lanes at Dollar Mountain’s Snow Tubing Park. Fun for the whole family, the tubing park is open daily. For more details, check here

Or, you could simply find a well-lit spot just outside your own neighborhood to go snowshoeing or sledding. If you do go on a trip of your own, please make sure you take all the proper safety precautions and always be sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be returning.

Precursor to the 2013 US National Masters Championships. 10 and 5km, 10am mass start. Registration at the SV Nordic Center begins Tuesday, 1/31, and ends Wednesday, 2/1 at 8:30am

Entry Fee: 10km – $15, 5km – $10. Awards at 12:30pm.

Come and enjoy our wonderful trails in a different light… by moonlight. On Saturday, March 19 the Sun Valley Nordic Center hours will be extended until 9pm with guided Nordic and Snowshoe tours beginning at 8pm. Charge is $15 per person for the tour. Please call the Sun Valley Nordic Center for more information and to reserve a spot with the guided tour. (208) 622-2250

The Sun Valley Club restaurant will be open for dinner from 6-9pm on the same nights. For dinner reservations please call (208) 622-2800.

Diamondback’s Revenge Nordic Race. Challenge yourself on one of the most spectacular ski courses at the Sun Valley Nordic Center. Great prizes for the winners. Start training now!

Sunday, February 20 – $15 Adult Entry Fee
-10am start for Men & Women – 9K Course: White Clouds + Diamondback + White Clouds
-Noon start for Juniors & younger – 6K Course: Diamondback Loop only $10 entry fee
-Age 11 and under – 1.5K Course: Whiteclouds Loop only $5 entry fee

For details and to pre-register please visit or call the Sun Valley Nordic Center (208) 622-2250.

Learn to ski on skinny skis, improve your skating and classic skiing skills and/or train for the Boulder Mountain Tour at the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center. The Nordic Center is located at the Sun Valley Club and Golf Course. We offer nearly 42km (25 miles) of groomed trails with a variety of terrain and clinics for beginners to experts.
For more information and trail rates, please call the Nordic Center at (208) 622-2250.

Specialty Nordic Clinics include:
Ski with the Masters

Sun Valley Masters Clinics (coordinated by 3-Time Olympian Jon Engen) http://www.sunvalleymasters.com/
Fast Skating: 8-week course begins January 4 at noon. $320 per person.
Classic Technique: 8-week course begins January 5 at noon. $320 per person.
Skate Technique: 8-week course begins January 6 at noon. $320 per person.

Skate Ski University with Kris Thoreson- Graduate to better skiing with this 6-week work-out. $240 per person

The Sun Valley Nordic Festival begins January 29, culminating with the big race, the Boulder Mountain Tour, on February 5.

The Nordic Center offers Learn to Ski and Intermediate Group Lessons for both skate and classic style Nordic skiing daily. Please call (208)622-2250 for lesson times.
Learn to Ski packages are $40 per person and include equipment rentals.
Intermediate Groups Lessons are only $25 per person (equipment not included).
Private instruction is also available.

Just want to hike? Try snowshoeing. This is a great way to see all the beautiful Sun Valley sites and get a great workout! Rentals available daily.
Every Saturday and Sunday from 1-3pm, sign up for the Historic Snowshoe Group Tour lead by Katherine Pleasants telling her own narration of Sun Valley’s colorful history.

The Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center can also outfit you with top of the line Nordic apparel and equipment. We have a full service tuning, repair and rental center. And we also have locker rooms and showers. For more information please call us at: (208) 622-2250.

Lunch is served at the Sun Valley Club Restaurant daily from 11am-3pm and the Club bar is open from 11am-5pm daily. (208) 622-2919.

*Don’t forget that the Sun Valley Club offers year-round indoor virtual golf and the Sun Valley Golf Pro-Shop is also open all winter. For virtual golf tee-times call (208) 622-2251.

Saturday January 16^th, 2010 in Sun Valley’s Limelight Room.

Great times, great prizes, great cause.

Tickets are still available. Get them while they last! Call the BCRD at 208-788-2117, or call Benefit Chair, Jenny Busdon to reserve your seat at this wonderful and fun community event!  Visit bcrd.org to view the incredible live and silent auction items that will be up for bid at the event!  You can’t believe the wonderful choices!

Historic Galena Lodge and the entire Nordic Trail system is one of our area’s unique features. Cherished by many, Galena Lodge was saved from possible destruction by a community effort in 1994. The Blaine County Recreation District now owns Galena and maintains and grooms the surrounding Nordic Trails. The BCRD and the Galena & the Trails Advisory Council hold the annual Galena Winter Benefit to raise critical funds to support the ongoing maintenance and care of the Lodge and Trails.

No tax dollars are used for Galena, making the funds raised at the benefit crucial to keeping Galena and the Trails open. Individual tickets are $85. Includes dinner and wine.

A sampling of the many fabulous items available at 2010 Galena Benefit include:

• Fantastic Mountain Biking Adventure
• Stays at private homes in Mexico, Napa Valley, San Francisco, and Paris
• Beautiful Original Art
• Combined Sun Valley Alpine/Nordic Ski Pass
• Fine wines
• A once in a lifetime chance to ski with the Norwegian Nordic Ski Team coaches!
• Stunning jewelry

Support Your Nordic Trails and bring home some wonderful treasures at the same time! We will see you there!

Instead of skiing during your lunch hour, come join in the fun of the first annual Sun Valley 5K Snowshoe Challenge!
A noon hour fun run snowshoe event utilizing the varied terrain of the White Cloud Nine golf course. Runners will be confronted with groomed trail,  packed snowshoe single track, and sections of crosscountry travel. Awards will be given to the top male and top female followed by a raffle for all entrants. After the race, enjoy a lunch at the Nordic Center restaurant and cheer on the finalists in the Nordic Sprint Races.

WHEN: February 3, 2010
START TIME: 12 NOON

WHERE: Sun Valley Nordic Center, White Cloud Trails

ENTRY FEE: Early registration: December 1, 2009 – midnight February 2, 2010 – $15.00. Race day registration – $25.00

REGISTRATION: Register at www.active.com December 1, 2009 – midnight February 2, 2010. Race day registration will be available from 9am-11:30am. Prices go up on race day! A snail mail form is available at www.sunvalleyrunning.com

Atlas Snowshoes Available: We will have a limited number of Atlas Snowshoes available for use, free of charge. They will be issued first come – first served during racer check-in. Of course,  you may use your own and any size. We are not placing restrictions on snowshoe dimensions.
Runner check – in: All runners must check-in on race morning, prior to 11:45am to sign a release waiver and pick up your bib.

For updates, go to: www.sunvalleyrunning.com

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