Adrianna Pierce in "Hot Blooded" — Idaho Dance Theatre
photo by John Kelly, courtesy Boise State University

sv essentials

nordic skiing

Also referred to as cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing encompasses the increasingly popular skate skiing and telemark skiing. The North Valley Trail system offers some of the best trails for all levels of Nordic skiers.

Galena Lodge, just 22 miles north of Ketchum, has long been a dynamic Nordic center, offering groomed trails, snowshoeing terrain and an excellent restaurant for either a hot bowl of soup on a cold day or a full course meal.

During the season look for special Nordic events like the Boulder Mountain Ski Tour and the Gourmet Ski Tour. Dates and times of both events are listed in the Calendar.

alpine skiing
and snowboarding

Sun Valley has always had the reputation in the skiing world as being host to a true skier’s mountain. People come here for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to “get some vertical.” With eight detachable high-speed quad lifts and five fixed grips and rarely a lift line to be found, Bald Mountain offers skiers and boarders more actual time on the slopes than just about any resort in America. It is the rare skier or boarder on Baldy that is still standing after a full day of lift service, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For those with less experience on the slopes there is Dollar Mountain, a three-minute drive from the Sun Valley Lodge. Dollar offers beginner skiing and boarding on beautifully groomed slopes.

apres-ski

If a full day on a board or skis doesn’t take it out of you, step out of the boots into something softer and enjoy the fun of the après ski scene. Often during the peak holiday season or during the warmer spring weather, bands play at the base areas of Bald Mountain, River Run and Warm Springs.

For a laugh or two, take in a time honored Sun Valley tradition: Mike Murphy’s comedy act in the Boiler Room in Sun Valley Village. In Ketchum there are a number of bars and restaurants offering live music and drink and hors d’oeuvres specials that serve to take the edge off that last fall on Baldy.

Check the Arts and Events section of the Idaho Mountain Express for times, dates and places of daily happenings.

cultural happenings

This is not your average ski town for a number of reasons. Not the least of these reasons is the rich, cultural landscape in which all of this winter recreation takes place.

There are over 30 art galleries in Ketchum, a town that in the 2000 census had an official population of 3,003. The galleries are diverse in genre and mediums offered, everything from contemporary paintings to linoleum cuts by Picasso.

Those more interested in the performing arts will discover a dynamic theater and dance community. This winter season promises productions of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” “Death and the Maiden,” “The Gift of the Magi,” and “The Vagina Monologues.”

Also on tap will be opera presented by Sun Valley Opera, vocal concerts by the esteemed Caritas Chorale, and a number of dance performances.

Check the Winter Calendar and the weekly calendar of the Idaho Mountain Express newspaper for times and dates of the events.

Bill Janss Memorial Pro Am

This benefit ski event is named in honor of Bill Janss, a previous and longtime owner of the Sun Valley Resort. Past and present ski-racing stars descend on Sun Valley for a weekend of fun-laced competition. The pros are teamed with amateur skiers of the valley to race on a dual, giant slalom course on the Warm Springs run. This year’s race takes place March 25-27.

Skiers and boarders can easily get up close to the action and see the pros in action. As always, there will be a cocktail party, auction and gala dinner to accompany the action on the slopes.

the backcountry

Those seeking a more remote mountain experience will find an enormous playground just outside the Sun Valley area.

If you’re looking for powder, catch a lift from the Sun Valley Helicopter Ski Guides. They take clients out to ski and board the vast Idaho backcountry. Come springtime, the “Heli-guides” seek out the best corn skiing central Idaho has to offer.

For a more rustic experience, you might check into the many backcountry yurts for rent in the area. These Mongolian huts, complete with wood stoves, floors and simple beds, offer a peaceful and unique skiing experience. Some can be reached by sleigh, others by skis. Whether you organize a trip for yourself or seek out guides, an adventure is awaiting you. See the Outfitters and Guides listings on services offered.