Sun Valley Blog

Photo courtesy of Marrit Wolfrom

By BlogSunValley staff

Sun Valley and its surrounds have long been known for world-class hiking. To help get hikers of any age on the right path, we’ll spend the warm weather months highlighting local and regional trails of all kinds.

Here, we offer up some great hikes for little feet.

Three Easy Hikes (for kids up to 5)

Sunnyside Trail/ Adams Gulch

Close proximity to Ketchum and numerous trail options make the Adams Gulch trail system a local fave. Wee walkers will love chasing grasshoppers down the gently rolling Sunnyside Trail, which winds through sage fields and aspen groves. (2 miles; modest vertical gain). Getting there: From Ketchum, drive north on Highway 75 for 1.6 miles. Turn left onto Adams Gulch Road and continue 0.9 miles to the trailhead. (Open to hikers, bikers and  horses.)

Waterfall Trail to Fall Creek Falls

A short, easy stroll along a gravel path takes you to a wooden platform overlooking a spectacular 25-foot waterfall. Bring binoculars to look for mountain goats, frequently spotted on mountains to the north. (1.2 miles; 280 ft. vertical gain). Getting there: From Ketchum, head east on Sun Valley/Trail Creek Road for 22.5 miles. Turn right at the Wildhorse/Copper Basin turnoff. Go 2.2 miles and turn left at the T-junction for Wildhorse Canyon. Go 3.4 miles to the Left Fork Junction. Turn left and continue 0.4 miles to the trailhead. (Open to hikers, bikers, horses and motocross.)

Prairie Creek 

This relatively flat out-and-back weaves through shady forest and sprawling meadows. After 1.6 miles, you’ll hit a small gravel beach that’s a fun destination (and perfect turn-around spot) for fledgling hikers. Warning: Toddlers may need to be carried part way and over stream crossings. (3.2 miles; modest vertical gain). Getting there: From Ketchum, drive north on Highway 75 for 18.6 miles. Turn left on Prairie Creek Road and continue 2.6 miles to the trailhead. (Open to hikers, bikers, horses and motocross.)

[For more information on these and a dozen other family friendly hikes please check out SVM 360o magazine’s “Take A Hike”section.]

Top 10 local activities for families

By Mike McKenna

Sun Valley isn’t considered a world-class ski resort just because the skiing and boarding is so good. The real reason Sun Valley has long been considered one of the best ski resorts on the planet is because the resort, and it’s surrounding community, offers so much else to do.

With Spring Break in full swing and Sun Valley teeming with families, here’s a rundown of the Top 10 Fun Things for Families to do in Sun Valley during the winter.

1) Go Tubing!

Snow tubing is quickly growing in popularity nationwide, and spending a mere hour on Sun Valley’s Tubing Hill at Dollar Mountain will show you why. It’s fun and easy to do for anyone ages from 4 to 84. To read more about it, check out, Snow Tubing Sun Valley.

2) Give Cross Country Skiing a Shot!

If you’ve never tried cross country, or Nordic, skiing it’s a lot easier and much more fun than you think. Officially known as “Nordic Town USA,” there’s no better place to pick up the sport than here. There are all kinds of Learn to Ski classes and rental package option available at the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center located in the Sun Valley Club or  or at Galena Lodge , 23 miles to the north of Ketchum.

3) Go Bowling!

The Sun Valley Bowling and Game Room at Sun Valley Lodge is a step back in time and fun for the whole family.  Open daily from 4 to 10 pm, heck here  for more details.

4) Take Ski Lesson!

Whether you’ve been skiing for decades or have never hit the slopes before, the world renowned ski school at Baldy and Dollar Mountains can help you have more fun on the slopes. And having the kids spend a day or two in lessons not only increases their confidence and fun factor levels, it gives parents a chance to make some runs on their own. Check here for more info or here  for a fun story and tips about introducing kids to alpine sports.

5) Go Ice Skating!

Sun Valley has long been famous for its year-round ice shows. Spend some time skating on the same ice that hosted countless Olympians. For more info check here.

6) Catch a Movie!

Built in 1937, the Sun Valley Opera House offers first run movies and free daily showing of the classic film, “Sun Valley Serenade,” at 4:30 pm. For a list of current films and show times check here. The Magic Lantern Cinema, at 100 East 2nd Avenue in Ketchum, also offers first run movies daily.

7) Go for a Swim!

The Sun Valley Resort offers three pools for swimming, including the infamous, heated Lodge Pool, which offers après ski cocktail service. The Wood River YMCA also has two large pools.

Hit a Museum!

The history of the Wood River Valley is as long and deep as powder day on Baldy. The Ketchum–Sun Valley Ski & Heritage Museum at 180 East 1^st Street offers fascinating exhibits on everything from the local mining and sheepherding history to Ernest Hemingway’s time in Idaho to the story of America’s original ski resort. For more info on exhibits and schedules, check out http://ksvhs.com/. Or check out the Ore Wagon Museum at 200 10th Street in Ketchum.

9) Go Fly Fishing!

Despite the snowy conditions, March is actually one of the best months to fly fish on the Big Wood River—and not just because guided rates are cheaper in winter. The Big Wood is great river for first-time fly fishers and there are no better guides on the planet than at Silver Creek Outfitters , offering shops in both the Sun Valley Village or downtown Ketchum. To read more about it, check out Winter on the Big Wood.

10) Do Nothing!

Lounge around at a ski lodge or your hotel room or a local coffee shop or at one of the area’s world-class restaurants and enjoy the views and ambience of life in the heart of Idaho.

Sun Valley ski instructor Brook "Trout" Leiphart.

Brook “Trout” Leiphart

By Mike McKenna

Since the very beginning, some 75 years now and counting, Sun Valley has been heralded for having one of the best ski school programs in the world. It’s one of the big reasons the ski area has been so well respected and much beloved for so long. That’s because the school at Sun Valley not only teaches people of all ages to ski, they somehow teach folks to love the sport.

My oldest son, Jack, who’s soon to turn four, has been participating in the Little Spuds Sessions. After just a few sessions with a member of the “Redcoats,” as Jack calls the instructors, his progress has been amazing. He can now ski Quarter Dollar from top to bottom without any help of any kind. Heck, he’s even carrying his skis to and from the truck—at least most of the way! And now, I not only look upon my young shredder with pride, but also with a serious sense of relief. No more getting dragged down the hill by a giggling kid!

Brook “Trout” Leiphart has been my son’s instructor and Jack likes to tell us how “ my Redcoat Brook” taught him how to “make pizza,”  “turn like a plane” and “fly like Superman”

As his nickname implies, Brook “Trout” is very active in the local fly fishing community, regularly volunteering for the Hemingway chapter of Trout Unlimited, and has been a ski instructor at Sun Valley for 11 years. He spends the summers teaching trap and skeet shooting for Sun Valley Company.

Brook carved turns through a handful of fun questions about life as an instructor in Sun Valley.

Where did you learn to ski?

At Ostego  in Michigan when I was around three or four.

 What’s your favorite part of being a ski instructor?

I was in the real world working a real job, but I wasn’t happy. So I decided that I wanted to do something worthwhile with my life. I don’t have any kids or any debt so I could afford to do something like this and I really enjoy it. Teaching kids to ski is very rewarding and worthwhile. Plus this job helps me reach my goal of skiing 1/3^rd of the year, 122 days.

Another Little Spud has been taught how to ski--and to love the sport--at Dollar Mountain.

What is your favorite ski run?

On Baldy it’s Can-Can because it only has natural snow and on Dollar it’s Otto’s Run.

 What’s your favorite thing to eat for lunch?

Good old PB & Js from home.

 What’s the best part of life in Sun Valley?

Being able to ski here and taking advantage of everything else this place offers. This truly is a “no lift line” mountain. I’ve spent seasons in Park City and Lake Placid and no place beats Sun Valley. We’re really spoiled here.

What are your favorite non-skiing activities?

Fly fishing and I love hiking above timberline. I’m trying to hike all nine 12,000-foot peaks in Idaho. I’ve already hiked the highest points in all 50 states. I’m #111 on the Highpointers’ list.

Who is your hero?

Sir Edmund Hilary. I was born on the day he summated Mount Everest.

What’s your motto?

Enjoy life.

Sesame Street Knitwits make kids (and the kids in all of us) happy.

By Mike McKenna

One of the best parts of being a kid is that you get to wear fun and funky stuff that you wouldn’t be caught dead in as adult—unless, that is, you’re going to a Halloween party or it’s a flashback day on the mountain like an ode to the ‘80s.

With that in mind, the SV Shred crew checked in with the staff at Pete Lane’s Mountain Sports at Dollar Mountain to find out what kind of fun kid’s stuff has been flying off the shelves this season. So here are a few of the top cool kids’ items this year:

Sesame Street Knitwits

These one-size-fits-all, New Zealand wool and fleece-lined hats and gloves that resemble Sesame Street favorites like Grover and the Cookie Monster or wild animals like owls, pigs and even wookiees have been a huge hit. Knitwits not only keep kids (and some adventurous adults) warm, they make the wearer easy to spot in a crowd and put smiles on the faces of the rest of us. “They’re so cute. They’ve been flying out of here,” says Stephanie Cook, a cashier at Pete Lane’s.

Neck Gaitors

Sometimes called “buffs,” micro-fleece neck gaitors come in a variety of colors and designs and can be used to keep a lot more than just necks warm. A lot less bulky but no less warm than most scarves, they also can be used to cover faces and be twisted into make-shift hats as well. And Pete Lane’s at Dollar is even offering a sale on buffs with Sun Valley’s 75^thAnniversary design on them for a mere $4.95, while supplies last.

Helmet covers are a great way to add some warmth and style.

Colorful Skis and Helmet Covers

Atomic has a line of unique and colorful skis designed specifically for kids that not only help youngsters shred the mountain, but do so in style.  Helmet covers not only help kids keep warm on cold and windy days, they also make spotting a child in the sea of young shredders much easier. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

“The fun part of this job is seeing the kids get so excited about skiing,” Stephanie explains with a big smile.

[And don’t forget to check in with Pete Lane’s for some great deals. This week they’re offering 25% off on all RED helmets and Anon goggles in both kids and adult sizes.]

The Sun Valley Snow Tubing Park

By: Mike McKenna

If you’ve never been snow tubing, well then I’m sorry to report that you’ve lived an unfulfilled life. Sure, most folks who’ve never tried snow tubing might not think they’re missing much. But whoever said, “Ignorance is bliss,” obviously has a serious misunderstanding about the word “bliss.”

Bliss actually means “a perfect untroubled happiness,” which pretty much sums up how you feel while spending an hour or two snow tubing. And the best part of the blissful act of snow tubing is that it can be done by anyone from four to 84. Basically, if you can sit and giggle at the same time, you can enjoy snow tubing.

“This is soooo much fun,” squealed four-year-old Athena Sterios, between hoots and giggles as she and her cousin, Jack, took a break from skiing to spend some time at Sun Valley’s Snow Tubing Park at Dollar Mountain recently.

“This really is pretty fun,” Athena’s grandmother, Patti Anderson, said as they got ready to swoosh down another run.

Jack and Athena take a break from the slopes for some fun snow tubing.

Not to be confused with its watery, warm weather cousins of boat or water-ski tubing, snow tubing is basically sledding in style. Participants ride a large “Magic Carpet” up to the top of the snow covered hill, pick a run, then hop on the glorified inner tube and with a shove from a friendly attendant it’s time to slide on down the hill. There’s something about the sensation of sledding down a snowy slope that just makes you smile—and makes youngsters laugh unabashedly. Snow tubing sort of makes you feel like you’re riding a frozen water slide.

For obvious reasons, the sport has been growing in popularity nationwide and it’s now tough to find a ski area from little mom-and-pop places in New Hampshire to the largest resorts in California that don’t have a snow tubing park. The ski industry is now calling snow tubing, “ the rising star of the slopes.”

“It’s a great alternative for people who don’t ski or snowboard but still want to have a fun winter experience. It’s also a fun thing to do if you just want to take a break from skiing or as a fun thing to do après skiing,” said Jon Golden, who’s worked at Sun Valley’s Tubing Park for a couple years. “People from all ages and all walks off life have fun when they come here.”

No wonder snow tubing is growing in popularity. It’s the type of simple outdoor activity that can put a smile on anyone’s face. It also offers kids (and the kids in all of us) an opportunity for a few gloriously blissful moments. The type of boundless joy that kids remember their whole lives.

“Can we go again? Can we go again?” Athena and Jack asked after each run, before bounding back up to the top to giggle and squeal in delight as they zipped down the hill again. The sound of kids laughing is good for the soul, so snow tubing must be pretty good for it, too.

[The Sun Valley Snow Tube Park is open daily from 11am to 5pm. Warm hats and gloves are recommended, but there are no other clothing requirements. Check here for ticket information.]

Snow tubing is good clean fun for the whole family.

The wintry views from atop the Snow Tube Park are pretty impressive.

Happy kids wear lids!

Sun Valley celebrates safety!

By Mike McKenna

Adhering to the general philosophy that it’s a lot more fun to play it safe and be smart than it is to wind up in the Emergency Room, each winter the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) celebrates “Ski Safety Week.”

Sun Valley is once again taking part in the national party to promote safe and responsible skiing and boarding. And the great news—besides the fact that ski patrollers are giving out coupons for free cocoa!—is that these annual reminders are working.

According to Mike Lloyd, Sun Valley’s Ski Patrol Director, Baldy is one of the safest ski areas in the country, boasting a mere 1.7% accident rate (per thousand skiers); almost a full point below the national average.

“We definitely see a positive impact from this program,” Lloyd says.

To help keep Baldy and Dollar Mountains safe, fun places to shred, here are some of the highlights from this year’s National Ski Safety Week (January 14-22).

Know the Code!

It’s the responsibility of every skier and snowboarder to know and adhere to the Responsibility Code. It’s what you agree to when you buy a ski pass at just about every resort on the globe. In case you need a refresher, or a member of the Ski Patrol asks you (every day this week they’re giving out 100 coupons for free hot cocoa to kids who know the Code), here’s a refresher:

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.

Lids on Kids

Since wearing a “Brain Bucket” is no-brainer when you’re skiing or snowboarding, Sun Valley is supporting the Lids of Kids. The program reminds shredders of a few basic guidelines:

-Wearing a helmet when participating in snow sports is a smart idea. Besides the overwhelming safety benefits of wearing a helmet, they tend to be warmer than simply wearing a hat.

-One size does not fit all. Make sure to follow some fitting guidelines before hitting the hill in headgear.

-Heads Up, Set an Example: Skiing and riding in a responsible and safe manner isn’t just important for your own sake. It’s sets a good example for kids of all ages (and sometimes it’s the adults who need to be reminded how to follow the Responsibility Code the most).

Sign On

Besides plastering both Baldy and Dollar Mountains with posters promoting the Responsibility Code, Sun Valley is also holding a Kid’s Poster Contest. Entries can be picked up at Dollar Mountains’ Children’s Center. Good luck and be safe!

Tips for sharing your love for the slopes with your kids

By Mike McKenna

A local three-year-old is ready to shred Dollar.

Learning to ski can be a lot of fun for kids, but it can also be a frustrating and mildly painful experience—especially for the parents. To help prevent any meltdowns or hissy fits (from either children or parents), here are some tips for sharing the slopes with young shredders.

Hot Chocolate

Snow conditions, sunshine, a proper night’s sleep, world peace, even the entire cast of The Muppets showing up aren’t nearly as important to a successful ski day with a youngster than a simple cup of hot cocoa is—topped with whipped cream, of course. As luck and the Ski Gods (Thanks, Ullr!) would have it, most bars at ski areas serve hot chocolate, as well as the much appreciated adult beverages.

So it’s usually a good move to locate the closest hot chocolate spout and/or bar to the slopes as soon as possible. There’s a good reason why the tap beer selection at Dollar Mountain is located right behind the hot chocolate dispensers. It’s because Sun Valley didn’t become a world famous resort just for the skiing alone!

French fries.

Pizza and French Fries

While pizza and French fries earn culinary silver and bronze medals, respectively, to hot chocolate’s gold in the Olympic podium of happy little skiers, they’re also the two key moves for shredders-in-training.

Lessons are, of course, highly recommended for any young skier over the age of four. But if the children are too young or a parent is feeling brave, pizza (wedging ski tips together like a slice of pizza to slow down or stop) and French fries (pointing skis straight like a pair of fries) makes sense to kids and comes in handy. As do ski harnesses usually referred to as “racer chasers.”

These devices are carried by the young skier like a backpack and include a handle and a leash of some sort. It really is a great product, but was obviously invented by chiropractors looking for more business. For there’s nothing like getting dragged down the slopes by a giggling three-year-old.

The Magic Carpet is a great place to start, too, as being dragged around is more prevalent there so people don’t laugh as loudly at you. It’s also free and an easy way to introduce future shredders to the sport.

Holding on for dear life!

Crash Test Dummies

Naturally, falling is a part of skiing. Every skier and snowboarder has fallen more times than they can count. Heck, it’s easy to mistake half the athletes at the annual Winter X Games for crash test dummies. So falling is nothing to be embarrassed about or too afraid of—it’s what helmets are for. After all, the sooner a child understands that skiing or snowboarding is all about having fun in the great outdoors during the cold winter months, the better off everyone is going to be.

Hops and Barley

Parenthood inherently forces its participants to deal in the art of handling small frustrations. Little things that add up, nonetheless, and can occasionally make even the mellowest parent nearly blow out a binding. A day on the slopes with some little ones is bound to provide such moments now and again: things like lost mittens or little shredders melting down while struggling to walk in ski boots or tired toddlers refusing to do anything other than turn left and crash.

To help avoid such moments, the experts suggest that it’s important to take regular breaks, especially on cold days. One of the big keys to helping young shredders develop a life-long love for alpine sports is that they enjoy their first few encounters with it. So stopping for hot cocoa before a child gets cranky or a pint before pop gets too POed is highly recommended.

Jack's favorite parts of skiing are "going fast, crashing and hot chocolate with whipped cream."

And always remember the old shredders’ saying, “If it isn’t fun, you’re probably not doing it right.”

[For more tips about introducing kids to skiing or enrolling them in ski school, please check SV Shred’s Ski School 101.]

Fun stuff to do for the whole family

By Mike McKenna

It’s tough to find a better place in this big, beautiful world of ours to enjoy the holidays than Sun Valley, Idaho. From fantastic skiing and snowshoeing to bowling, ice skating  and snow tubing, there are lots of fun ways to fill up a day around here.

To help you make the most out of it, here’s a rundown of some of the fun stuff the whole family can enjoy during the holidays in Sun Valley.

 Bowling & Game Room

One of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest bowling alleys, the Sun Valley Lodge Bowling Alley and Game Room offers a 1950′s atmosphere and features six lanes, video games, a Juke Box, pool table and snack bar. Open nightly from 4pm to 10pm daily, the Bowling Alley and Game Room can be reserved for private parties. For more info, check bowling alley hours and details here.

Cross Country Skiing or Snowshoeing

The Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center is located at the 58,000 square-foot Sun Valley Club in the backyard of the world famous Sun Valley Lodge. They’ve got all the gear to supply the whole family for some fun frolicking in the snow. For a round up of other local snowshoe trails, from easy to insane, check out Sun Valley Magazine’s “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.”

Skating in front of the Lodge at Sun Valley's famous Outdoor Ice Rink

Ice Skating

There’s no doubt where the coolest place is in Sun Valley, it’s the Ice Rink. Open to the public and home to the legendary Sun Valley Ice Shows, the Ice Rink is a great time for the whole family. The ice rink is open daily at 10 am has a full range of rental sizes.

Fly Fishing

Even on the coldest days, fisherman of all ages can be found casting the day away on the Big Wood River. Check out the reduced winter guide rates, which include all the gear, for day of fly fishing with the world-renown guides at Silver Creek Outfitters or read about the basics here.

Micro-Stock Car Racing

Sun Valley’s Limelight Room will host the Micro-Reality Stock Car Racing Thursday, December 29 & Saturday December 31, from 6 to 10 pm. $25 per person at the door. Youngsters and those young at heart are welcome to join in the fun, which will include: Video Games, Fast Track Auto Racing, Guitar Hero, Hose Hockey, Giant Twister, Speed Pitch, Calf Roping Lessons, Electronic Putting Challenge, Music & Prizes! For more information or to make reservations call 208.622.2135.

Learning to ski under Sun Valley's blue skies

Ski Lessons

From daylong kids classes to private lessons for the whole family, taking or having the kids take a ski or snowboard lesson is always a good idea. Sun Valley Snowsports Ski School is well known and highly respected for helping shredders of any age improve their skills and have more fun on the slopes. Follow this link for Ski School basics. 

Forever Plaid

Celebrating their final season, Forever Plaid offers “Heavenly Musical Hits” the whole family can enjoy. Kids under 12 are admitted for free. For their full schedule, check out the Sun Valley Calendar of Events.

Movies

Situated in the heart of Sun Valley Village, the Opera House was built in 1937 and serves as Sun Valley’s charming 340-seat theatre. Call 208.622.2244 for check here for films and times.  The Opera House also plays the classic film, “Sun Valley Serenade” each afternoon at 4:30 and admittance is always free. Ketchum’s Magic Lantern Cinema also offers current films nightly and as matinees most days.

Music

The two base lodges at Sun Valley, River Run and Warm Springs, offer live music most weekends and holidays weekdays. Check out the Calendar of Events for times and listings.

Sleigh ride to Trail Creek Cabin with Bald Mountain as backdrop

Sleigh Rides

A sleigh ride to Trail Creek Cabin for dinner has traditionally been one of the most memorable and fun Sun Valley winter experiences for the whole family. Round trip scenic rides are available Tuesday through Saturday and nightly during the Christmas holidays and President’s Week. Private bookings are also available. For dinner at Trail Creek Cabin, the half-hour long horse-drawn sleigh rides leave the Sun Valley Inn at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm for a family style dinner. For more info or reservations call 208.622. 2135 or check here.

Swimming

Sun Valley Lodge offers two year-round swimming pools. The Lodge Pool is heated to a soothing 100-102° and cocktail service is available for après skiers. The Inn Pool offers breathtaking views of Baldy. The Lodge also offers a state-of-the-art fitness room. Check here for more info. The Wood River YMCA also has a pool and lots of other activities for the whole family, from a climbing wall to large fitness facility.

Tubing at Dollar Mountain is fun for the whole family

Tubing

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.

New Year’s Eve Party

Kids of all ages are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve Sun Valley-style at the Inn’s Continental Room. Food & beverages are included. The family-friendly party runs from 7:30pm to 1:00am, $75 per person on New Year’s Eve. For reservations please call 208. 622.2135.

Some tips for shredders in training

Sharing the love of skiing with little shredders.

By Mike McKenna

One of the smartest things any ski or snowboard loving parent can do is to have your children take ski lessons. And it’s not just because it then frees parents up for some fresh tracks in the Bowls, or a couple rounds of beer at Apple’s, or fondue at Averell’s—these are just the fringe benefits.

The real benefit of enrolling your children in ski school is that it helps give young shredders the skills and confidence to enjoy a sport you love for more reasons that just après skiing.

To help assure the any child’s day in ski school goes well, we consulted with an expert, Weylin Barrett, the Children’s Supervisor for the Sun Valley SnowSports School at Dollar Mountain.

Dress for Success

Since skiing is an outdoor winter sport, appropriate apparel is imperative. “Whether your child has skied once or a thousand times, it’s always a good idea to get all the kids’ stuff out ahead of time so you can see how everything fits and make to sure it’s comfortable,” says Weylin, who’s been working for Sun Valley since 1998 and is a father of two youngsters himself.

It’s always important for parents to be aware of the weather forecast for the day and to make sure their children are properly and comfortably dressed. “Taking a little time before hand to check and plan helps assure success and prevent and problems or bumps along the path,” says Weylin (See the Clothing Check List below).

Planning to Plan

Having a plan for how the day will go is always a good idea as well, which is why most ski schools like Sun Valley recommend you sign up in advance. Walk in students are always welcome, but it still helps to have a plan for how the day will go, including a good breakfast and plenty of water (Sun Valley’s high desert elevation increases dehydration).

Sun Valley offers a variety of ski school lesson and package options, which can even be combined with lift ticket and passes for Dollar’s tubing park (Click here for package and lesson information). But the lessons generally run from 10 am to 3pm, so  parents need to have drop off and pick up plans. Weylin recommends parents schedule a little time to meet instructors before hand and some time to ski with the kids afterwards. Parents are also welcome to hang out at Dollar Lodge, which offers a restaurant, great views of all action on the slopes and an outdoor deck with a fire pit and heaters.

The goal of our instructors is to meet the goals of the family. If you want your child to work on something as basic as wedge turns or to just have fun and fall in love with skiing, that’s what we’re going to do,” Weylin explains from the friendly confines of Carol’s Dollar Lodge, adding that many families like to end the day with a few runs so the kids can “show off what they’ve learned.”

Reasons Lessons are Recommended

Tubing at Dollar Mountain is fun for the whole family.

While even the most seasoned skiers and boarders could use a lesson or two at some point in their lives, it’s really a no-brainer to get your kids to take a lesson. Unless, that is, you’re afraid your kids will become better skiers or snowboarders than you, which is really just a fruitless worry anyway — they will.

One of the biggest reasons most folks in the industry recommend children take ski lessons is because, quite simply, there are some thing parents could use a little help teaching their kids, and skiing is definitely one of them.

“Even with my own (oldest) son, my ski and ride pros reach him much better than I do, which is fine. They can teach him so I can just go out and have fun with him,” Weylin happily explains.

“Ultimately, the goal of the Ski School staff is we’re trying to build lifelong skiers and riders, so we see skiing as a family sport,” Weylin says, “and we really believe it’s about families having fun.”

Clothing Check List

__Head: Warm winter hats are a must and the Ski School does provide helmets at no extra charge. Still, hats are needed for before and after the slopes.

­­__Eyes: Ski goggles are the best way to protect eyes from cold the cold air, glaring sun and occasional inevitable fall. As Weylin points out, most professional skier and riders always wear goggles.

__Neck: The Ski School highly recommends neck gators or at least jackets that effectively cover the neck.

__Hands: Water-proof gloves are essential. It’s also important to make sure the gloves fit properly so that the young shredders can easily grab poles or chair lifts.

__Feet: Thick socks aren’t recommended, as they tend to cut off circulation to the feet. Instead, Ski School recommends thin ski-specific socks.

__Coat: A comfortable, warm, waterproof/resistant jacket is a must.

__Pants: As with the jacket, warm, waterproof/resistant pants are crucial, especially for snowboarders.

__Layers: Layers are the way to go in colder climates like Central Idaho and so wearing long underwear is always a good idea. The key is to avoid cotton-based materials when layering because they hold moisture. Moisture wicking long underwear is the best.