Looking for something fun to do for the whole family, or for a different take on après skiing? Snow tubing at Dollar Mountain is it! Read all about the growing sport for kids of all ages here. (Photos courtesy of Mike McKenna.)
Nicky Biddle Elsbree
Mom (of two), Sun Valley SnowSports School Ski Instructor, DIVAS Program Co-Founder
As part of an ongoing Winter Profile series featuring real mountain divas—who are living and working and loving life in the mountains—we caught up with former collegiate ski racer, wife, mother of two, DIVAS Program co-founder (along with Danielle Crist Carruth) and Sun Valley SnowSports School ski instructor extraordinaire Nicky Biddle Elsbree last week. Here is what she had to say about life in the mountains.
Sun Valley SnowSports instructor and DIVAS co-founder Nicky Biddle Elsbree
First Run in the A.M.? On a Powder Day…Upper River, the road less traveled. On any other day it would be Graduate for a groomer, as it’s so sweetly falls away…
Last Run of the Day? Plaza… Picabo’s Street…whatever you want to call it. It’s a nice little secret—if your legs can handle “one more.”
Favorite Run on a Sunny Day? Maybe a groomer..and I don’t know exactly why, but there’s something about skiing Squirrel with the sun on your back and your shadow stretching slightly ahead. Also any Bowl on a sunny day.
Best Run on Baldy? Exhibition and Lefty’s are my favs when they are ripe for the taking. They are interesting and challenging: right, left or straight down the middle.
Favorite Lunch Spot? I’m not big on combining lunch with skiing. I just don’t have time to get bogged down and prefer to just snarf down a snack. Although my body somehow requires a Bowl of Soul for Apres, no matter what the time.
First Memory on Skis? I have two (hundred). The first real memory was going down a patch of parental packed snow on a hill in our neighborhood. We’d get lugged up (again by the parents) and ski down…or at least try. The packed snow hill (involving shovels) represented a huge effort on the part of my folks and there are some fun pictures to prove it.
The second is letting the rope tow at Nashoba Valley (MA) whirr through my mitts as I tried to get brave enough to really grab on and go. That thing was fast and furious. And scary. But it had the advantage of making the ski down seem easy.
When did you learn to ski? I learned when I was 2 years old. The between-the-legs, work-my-parents-back method was our only option. Lucky for them we figured it out pretty fast. Unlucky for us, my big brother and I both broke our legs at 5 and 3 years old (at Stowe and Nashoba the same winter). After that, we figured it out a little better, so it was easier on everybody.
Favorite Memory on Skis? That’s tough as there are memories galore. Eastern skiing, western skiing, dabbling in Europe, good days and GREAT. My fondest memory of skiing (as recently as two hours ago) remains the FREEING feeling that magically happens while on the slopes. There is nothing on earth that compares.
Favorite Off-Mountain Activity? Let’s see…with kids, I’d have to say sledding, tubing and hockey. Without kids, I gotta give nordic skiing the nod, even though it doesn’t happen very much. It is great for the dogs and good to clear the head and inhale that mountain air while getting exercise!
Do you have a skiing or mountain obsession (something you couldn’t live without)? Hats. I pretty much love hats and could not live without them. I do wear a helmet as it’s the right thing to do, but oh how I love my hats. Oh, and ski apparel too (jackets, pants, outerwear)…but I’ve really gotten a grip on that. Really.
Why Sun Valley—what do you love about it? I love Stoecklein’s Baldy poster from way back. It evokes what Sun Valley is to me: magnetic, peaceful, wondrous, alluring, changing, quiet, western. And after one year (tops): HOME. And now, 23 years later, it’s still home.
What is Your Passion? I’m passionate about coaching. It seems I’ve found my niche in ski coaching and instructing, adults and kids alike. I like to empower people to become better and it lights me up when they do.
What is your job on the mountain? I am in the midst of year seven with the Sun Valley SnowSports School, and count my blessings every day, as I’m a ski instructor and there are a lot of times when it doesn’t feel like a job. It hardly feels like work on an early-up powder morning with clients (most of whom become, or have become, friends) or while skiing, and laughing, with “my” Thursday Smith kids. So guess I am a living example of the philosophy that you should do what you love and it usually works out.
Parting Thoughts… When my parents come out to visit, I always say thank you (for taking the time to teach us how to ski and introducing us to the industry and the mountain and the lifestyle). Thank you.
The happy couple at Dollar Mountain. All photos courtesy of Dev Khalsa.
There is arguably no a better place on the planet to hold a dream wedding than Sun Valley, Idaho, especially if you’d like your nuptials take place in a winter wonderland. Jessica and Tyler Budzianowski are just such a couple. Here they share their thoughts on getting married in Sun Valley on a crisp winter evening, early last December.
Thanks to Dev Khalsa for the terrific photographs and SunValleyMag.com’s Hitched wedding blog for sharing the Budzianowski’s magical wedding with us.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE SUN VALLEY?
Jessica grew up in the Wood River Valley and has since shared all that the Valley has to offer with Tyler. We couldn’t imagine a winter wedding anywhere else! We wanted our wedding to have an Idaho feel to it, and incorporated many characteristic Sun Valley and Idaho aspects. Jessica has worked at both The Pioneer and The Kneadery for many years and we wanted to share these special places with our family and friends.
HOW DID YOU MEET?
We met through mutual friends. Jessica’s sorority sister married a gentleman that worked with Tyler, and the two had been trying to set us up for years! Finally, we met at a summer picnic and never left each other’s side.
HOW DID YOU GET ENGAGED?
In 2008, Jessica introduced Tyler to the outstanding Sun Valley Christmas Eve celebration of the ice show, torch light parade and firework show. Every year we continue to go to the Valley to enjoy the epic Christmas Eve celebration. On December 24th, 2010, we took the Gondola to The Roundhouse for an early afternoon drink prior to the ice show. Neither one of us had been to the Roundhouse before, and wanted to experience the iconic building. As we were both enjoying a blue bird day and looking out over the beautiful view of the Valley from the Roundhouse, Tyler got down on one knee and proposed!
NUMBER OF GUESTS?
90
WHAT WAS YOUR WEDDING THEME?
Classic, Idaho, vintage, rustic winter and black tie.
COLOR PALETTE?
Pewter / silver, black and off-white.
ANY CULTURAL TRADITIONS?
We created a few unique traditions of our own for the wedding. We got married at 8:00 PM, outside, in 14-degree weather and offered a dessert reception after our wedding. For the “first dance,” Jessica danced with all of the special men in her life – uncles, cousins and a close friend. We love good wine so we also had a Wine Ceremony during the wedding ceremony, sharing a glass of wine. We had also prepared letters declaring our love for one another and packaged them up with a special bottle of wine that we will enjoy on our first anniversary.
WHERE WAS YOUR HONEYMOON?
We spent a few extra days in Sun Valley at the Lodge and in Stanley at the Sawtooth Hotel and hope to take a real honeymoon in 2012.
WHAT WAS THE BRIDE’S FAVORITE MOMENT?
At the first sight, when I was walking up to Tyler sitting on a chair lift at Dollar Mountain. The sun was brilliant, the snow machines were blowing and it was just us, sharing a precious moment of love. Even though it was 14 degrees out, I would have never known!
THE GROOM’S FAVORITE MOMENT?
Walking down the aisle together after we got married to Van Halen’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You” with my beautiful bride by my side. For our first Christmas together, Jessica surprised Tyler with a trip to Las Vegas to see Van Halen, his favorite band. How else would we walk out??
BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Like any out of town wedding, it’s important to keep in communication with your vendors and trust who you’re working with. We didn’t encounter any challenges, as our incredible planner, Amanda Seaward, was always a step ahead of us and worked with all of our vendors with ease!
TIPS FOR SOMEONE PLANNING A SUN VALLEY WEDDING?
1. Use a wedding planner, at least for the day of the event! Your planner can help you navigate through your visions and help you prioritize. And of course, manage the day of the wedding. You want to enjoy, not worry about details!
2. Go Local! There are a lot of great resources and vendors in the Valley, all with a variety of pricing.
3. Spend quality time with your photographer prior to your wedding. I highly recommend having the same photographer take your engagement photos. This is a time that you can get to know each other and learn one another’s styles and needs.
4. Come a week early and enjoy the Valley while finishing up last minute details!
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.
Don’t miss all the high flying action at this weekend’s Sun Valley Freestyle Spectacular! Friday’s events include the Slopestyle Competition, with Saturday and Sunday featuring some of the nation’s best in mogul and double mogul competitions. For more info call 208.726.4129. Conor Davis photo courtesy of SVSEF.
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!
Form Over Function … or Safety First?
A Guide to fitting and buying helmets.
If we are really honest with ourselves…we have to admit that for many Mountain Diva’s form comes before function. You know the drill and you’ve seen them on the hill (perhaps even secretly admiring them from afar). It’s the perfectly pulled together Diva with the color-coordinated outfit and somehow matching accessories. The fact that she has the latest in ski technology and can shred the mountain like a pro just adds to the awe factor.
But, when it comes to helmets, every Diva (especially mountain mamas) knows the mantra: SAFETY FIRST.
Why safety first? Well, we need to set a good example for our kids, as well as our sisters and peers. And since we are often the ones purchasing helmets for our kids, it is even more important that we know the essentials—and the DOs and DON’Ts of proper helmet fitting.
The good news is that helmet design has come a long way since the classic Bell downhill ski helmets first hit the slopes. They are now lightweight, aerodynamic and well padded (some even have extra soft ear flap choices). They also come in lots of shapes and sizes (to fit every head shape) and are offered in a dazzling array of colors, designs and finishes (Mountain Divas rejoice…you can still feel like you are choosing form over function, even if it is safety first)!!
To help you make the right choice, hear are a few tips on getting the perfect fit, followed by a quick rundown on some of the more popular helmets you’ll see on the slopes this winter:
Getting The Right Fit
1. Measure Your Head. Ski helmets are generally sized based upon your head circumference (usually measured in centimeters). Even the ones that use a Small, Medium, Large scale are based on head circumference, so measure your head and compare to the manufacturer’s size chart. Measure one inch above the eyebrows all the way around. Measure kids’ head circumference in the same manner. (Jump to the end of this blog for a conversion chart of centimeters to inches.)
2. Try On Several Brands. Be sure you try BEFORE you buy. Remember that ski and boarder helmets, just like heads, come in lots of different shapes and sizes, and there is one that will be the best fit for your head. The wrong shape will feel too tight (and may even pinch or have “hot spots” in certain areas) or will be too loose at the top or on the sides. Keep trying. Just like Godilocks, there will be one that will fit “just right.”
3. Check the Fit. This is really important for fitting kids helmets. A helmet should fit securely, but not so tight you have pain. “The helmet should feel snug around the crown and shouldn’t move around too much,” says Greg Bearce, supervisor at Pete Lane’s Warm Springs. If it feels like a good fit, try the following test: gently hold the helmet in place and try to turn your head from side to side, then up and down. The helmet should feel snug and should have very little room for movement (less than an inch), and should not obscure your vision.
4. Bring Your Goggles. Be sure to bring your goggles to make sure they fit your helmet. Otherwise, you may find yourself at the top of the mountain on a powder day without proper visibility, because your goggles are too big or too small to fit your helmet.
5. Ski Helmets for Children. Whatever you do, don’t buy a helmet that is too big or it will be useless. This is especially important when buying for kids or trying to recycle helmets for younger siblings. Resist the temptation to buy a helmet for a child to “grow into” because the fit will be wrong and the helmet won’t be able do its job of absorbing the impact and preventing concussions.
6. Don’t Wear a Beanie or Hat Under Your Helmet. “This is one of the biggest fashion misconceptions out there,” says Greg Bearce, supervisor at Pete Lanes Warm Springs. “A beanie is var far the worst thing you can wear under a helmet because it prevents the helmet from doing its job,” adds Bearce, “it just allows for too much movement, doesn’t let the helmet do what it was designed to do and can lead to the compression injuries that cause concussions.” Bearce notes that some of the really thin skull caps can work under helmets because they conform exactly to the head. But when in doubt, just avoid any thicker under layers—having the room to fit a hat or beanie probably means that the helmet is too big and is not a proper fit anyway.
Helmet Style, Accessories & Options
Now onto the more creative part of helmet buying. Once you have the proper fit, you can get down to the details of style, color and accessories. Remember that different age groups have different priorities when choosing helmets—some are attracted to aerodynamics or accessories (wireless audio system ear flaps or full cell phone and in-line components) while others (especially younger kids) are drawn to the more immediate visuals of cool colors, metallic finishes or unique designs. And if you can’t find the perfect combo, you can always consider decals or stickers to add a design of your own.
Smith Intrigue
Smooth, flowing lines and elegant finishing details complement the Intrigue’s low profile Hybrid Shell construction. Combining AirEvac 2 ventilation and a soft, fleeced tricot lining beneath a refined collection of designs, the Intrigueis the ideal helmet for women of discriminating tastes. It also has the option for the Skullcandy™ Audio System (an added bonus for Divas who like to carry their tunes with them down the mountain). And it comes a wide range of fantastic colors, including Black Pearl, White Pearl, Shadow Green, Antique/Coral, Bronze Fallen, Petal Blue Briston, Shadow Purple Baroque, White Fallen.
Smith Voyage
Revolutionary new technology discreetly concealed behind a bevy of stylish accents, the all-new Voyage will take you on a trip you never thought possible. Using revolutionary Hybrid In-Mold technology to minimize mass and maximize ventilation, the Voyage offers up the ultimate in performance without sacrificing one ounce of style. This patented technology weighs in a little less (at 450 grams/16 ounces) than the Smith Intrigue and currently comes in White, Black, Ivory Bristol, Ultramarine Night Out, Frost Gray Stereo or Paris Pink Baroque.
GIRO Seam
Giro’s Seam is the perfect all mountain helmet. An improved Thermostat™ vent system, Giro’s Stack Vent, and a feather light weight will keep your temp under control, your goggles clear and your comfort level at an all time high. Finish it off with the best fit system ever made (with an adjustable wheel in the back to help dial in the perfect fit) for a snow helmet and you are ready for a full day on the mountain. Lots of Giro accessories (like stereo ear flaps and other adjustments) and a wide range of colors make this a popular and functional helmet for both kids AND adults. Available in Matte Brown, Matte White, Matte Pewter, Cyan Tiles, Matte Black, Matte Red, Black Towers, Matte Blue Sunset, Matte Grey Stripes.
POC Skull Comp — Bode or Julia
The ultimate race helmet, upgraded. The Skull Comp is now updated to version 2.0, adding a new unique safety feature. After finding that today’s race skiers repeatedly hit gates hard and risk to deform the liner, we shifted the core material to multi impact EPP. On top of the liner, we use a thin outer shell in combination with our patented Aramid membrane penetration barrier, APB. To optimize the energy absorption properties, pneumatic honeycomb pads made of polyurethane are inserted into the multi impact EPP liner. Great fit, performance and protection over and overagain!
There are two editions of the POC Skull Comp, one designed by Bode Miller and one by Julia Mancuso—both extraordinary athletes at the top of their sport. Bode Miller rides with his POC Skull Comp Pro Model helmet in green and white. There is also a Poc Skull Comp Pro – Julia that is blue and white in honor of pro racer Julia Mancuso. And, as if the extreme protection and functionality weren’t enough, the Julia edition Skull Comp comes with a kit of Swarowski Crystals to make your own Julia style tiara.
A pro race helmet with Wwarowski Crystals…Mountain Divas REJOICE!!
Finally, form plus function.
Giro Seam, Mtn Blue Sunset
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Helmet Size Conversion Chart Centimeters to Inches 52 cm = 20-½ inches 53 cm = 20-7/8 inches 54 cm = 21 ¼ inches 55 cm = 21 5/8 inches 56 cm = 22 inches 57 cm = 22 3/8 inches 58 cm = 22 ¾ inches 59 cm = 23 ¼ inches 60 cm = 23 5/8 inches==============================
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.
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.
Tom Wallisch Fantasy Rail Jam
Dollar Mountain Saturday, January 14th
The Winner of the Rail Jam will receive a full head-toe (pants, coat, goggle, helmet) SCOTT get-up!
Registration starts: 9-11am
Poster Signing: 10-11am
Rail Jam: 1-3pm
visit SCOTT USA for more information
Skin It To Win It!
January 28th, 2012
10am – 3pm
Dollar Mountain
Fund raiser for the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center. Skiers hike up to the top of Dollar circumnavigating Forbidden Fruit and skiing down Otto’s.
There will be Solo, 2 & 4 person teams. Each lap will be recorded, athlete sponsors pledge money for each lap completed.
Contacts:
