Photo by Hillary Maybery 

Priceless
fun abounds

Free family activities in Sun Valley

By Jody Zarkos

The first rule for winter recreation with kids is whatever you do it has to include hot chocolate.
Preferably with whipped cream, but if you are packing it along, marshmallows will surely do the trick.

Winter activities abound in Sun Valley and most won’t put a crimp in your wallet or fun factor. All it takes is warm clothes, a sense of adventure and, of course, hot chocolate.

Sledding is popular throughout the valley, but the most popular spot to slide for visitors and locals alike is Penny Hill at the intersection of Sun Valley and Saddle roads. Park on the north side of Sun Valley Road and enjoy all day sun and fun. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Not only will the kids have a great time, parents will get a great workout towing them up the hill.

The Wood River Valley Trail System offers 20 miles of free cross country skiing that is groomed on a regular basis for both skating and classic skiing. You can also snowshoe on the trails. The bike path trails are part of the larger North Valley Trail System, which encompasses 125 kilometers throughout the Wood River Valley, north to Galena. A small fee is required for the North Valley Trails and can be tendered by honor system at most of the trailheads.
 

Photo by David R. Stoecklein

Sun Valley Company gives younger kids the opportunity to alpine ski or snowboard for free on both Dollar and Bald mountains. Dollar Mountain features the Accelerator, a conveyor belt that transports children up Cabin Slope for an exciting ski down. At the base of River Run at Baldy you will find the Kinderspielplatz handle tow rope, and you can kick back on the lodge’s expansive deck and watch as your children transport themselves to the top of the run and back down again and again and again.

Free ice skating can be found in both Ketchum and Hailey. Atkinson Park in Ketchum turns its soccer field into an ice rink every winter and free skates and helmets are available. When little legs get tired you can head inside the park’s recreation room for a rousing game of ping pong or air hockey. Roberta McKercher Park in Hailey has a similar setup, but boasts two rinks—one for skating and another for hockey—complete with boards for a pickup game of shinny.

Looking for something a little less complicated? Head to any open patch of snow and build a snowman or fling yourself down and create snow angels. Don’t forget a camera, because your little angels won’t be little for long. •