Sun Valley Showcases Cross-Country Ski Destination Prominence With New Signature Event

Sun Valley has a well-deserved reputation for world-class alpine skiing, but is also known as “Nordic Town USA” for having the best nordic ski terrain in the US.  In fact, it’s so good, members of the Norwegian Olympic Nordic Ski Team come to the valley to train.  Sun Valley has plenty to offer Nordic skiers and winter recreationalists of all ages and abilities, from over 200 miles of groomed trails and one of the country’s premier Nordic ski races, the 32K Boulder Mountain Tour,  to plenty of other top-notch yet affordable recreational and cultural diversions.

The new Sun Valley Nordic Festival, Jan 30 – Feb. 7, 2010, will feature 9 days of activities, races, clinics and fun events, along with a $49 9-day valley-wide Nordic ski trail pass, discounts on demos/rentals, lodging and dining, which showcase and celebrate Sun Valley’s well-deserved reputation as “Nordic Town USA”.  www.svnordicfestival.com

The creation of the Sun Valley Nordic Festival was a collaborative efforts from a wide variety of groups, individuals, and businesses, now known as the Sun Valley Nordic Ski Alliance, who are all interested in further promoting Sun Valley as a major Nordic ski destination.  The idea to create a weeklong event that capitalized on the renowned Boulder Mountain Tour ski race and built in new activities that might encourage racers to come a few days earlier, but also to have activities that non-race skiers and families could enjoy.

2010 SUN VALLEY NORDIC FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Saturday, January 30:
“Ski the Rails”: Enjoy a fun, family friendly ‘at your own pace’ ski tour along 12 miles of groomed trails between Ketchum and Hailey.  9am-12noon. FREE. Presented by Blaine County Recreation District

Festival Launch Party:  Celebrate with music, food, and winter games at Quigley Nordic Center in Hailey.  11am-2pm.  FREE.  Presented by Blaine County Recreation District and Hailey Chamber of Commerce

Sunday January 31:
Boulder Mountain Tour Prep:  Pre-ski the BMT route either on your own or with a group.  Get prep tips and instruction to prepare yourself for this famous and challenging 32K ski race at the base of the stunning Boulder Mountains.  9am-3pm, Galena Lodge.  $30, including bus shuttles.  Presented by Galena Lodge

Nordic Night of Champions: Take part in an Olympic Send-Off celebration for local Sun Valley Nordic skiers who will be participating in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.  Reception and cocktail party, 5-7pm, Location TBD.  Hosted by Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation

Monday, February 1:
Free Day:  Ski the Nordic trails, enjoy some downhill fun on Bald or Dollar Mountains, or just kick back and enjoy our wonderful shops, stores, spas and more.

Tuesday, February 2:
Boulder Mountain Tour Tips and Technique from the Experts:  Improve your racing skills through technical clinics led by expert guest instructors including starts, feeds, tapering, nutrition and more.  10am – 2:30am.  Sun Valley Nordic Center.  $40. Presented by the Sun Valley Resort

Avalanche Awareness Program:  Presentation on overview of avalanches and avalanche safety.
7-8pm.  Community Campus in Hailey, Room 903.  FREE.  Presented by Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center

Wednesday, February 3:
Guided Snowshoe Adventure:  On the snowshoe trails at Galena Lodge. 11am – 12:30pm, FREE.  Presented by Galena Lodge

Sun Valley Nordic Sprint Races:  Featuring 1.5K course, cash prizes.  9am-4pm, Sun Valley Nordic Center.  $20 entry fee.

Sun Valley Snowshoe Challenge:  Featuring 5K course, great prizes.  12noon. Sun Valley Nordic Center.  $15 entry fee.

Author/Olympic Skier John Morton: Talk, slideshow, Q&A, book signing, hot chocolate w/peppermint schnapps.  6pm. The Community Library, 415 Spruce Avenue. 208-726-3493, ext. 120. FREE EVENT. Presented by the Community Library

Thursday, February 4:
Snowshoe with a Ranger : On the trails around Galena Lodge.  11am-12:30pm.  FREE.  Presented by Galena Lodge

Evening Event (TBD):  Races, fun and music in downtown Ketchum.  5-7pm.  FREE
Presented by Blaine County Recreation District, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, and Sun Valley Center for the Arts

Thursday, February 4th continued:
10th Annual ‘Best of Banff’ Mountain Film Festival:  Enjoy award-winning films on mountain sport, culture and environment; featuring new films each night. Fundraiser for Friends of the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center with raffle for great prizes – outdoor trips, clothing, gear, etc.  nexStage Theatre in Ketchum.  7:00pm, $15  www.banffcentre.ca/mountainculture/tour/

Avalanche Rescue Beacon Clinic:  Learn how to use an avalanche beacon to quickly find a buried partner.  1-3pm.  Avalanche Rescue Training Park in Ketchum.  FREE. Presented by Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center

Friday, February 5:
Boulder Mountain Tour Expo:  Wood River YMCA, Ketchum.  10am-8pm, Pre-Race Headquarters for bib pickup and last minute information.

10th Annual ‘Best of Banff’ Mountain Film Festival:  Enjoy award-winning films on mountain sport, culture and environment; featuring new films each night. Fundraiser for Friends of the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center with raffle for great prizes – outdoor trips, clothing, gear, etc.  nexStage Theatre in Ketchum.  7:00pm, $15  www.banffcentre.ca/mountainculture/tour/

Saturday, February 6:
35th Annual Boulder Mountain Tour Race:  Join over 800 racers of all levels on this challenging but beautiful 32K course on the North Valley Trails in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.  10am-2pm.  $ 75 entry fee; Youth (under 17), $42.  Presented by the Boulder Mountain Tour

1ST Annual Half Boulder Race:  For racers who want a little less challenge, the new 15K Half Boulder (same course, different start) could be just the ticket.  11am-2pm.  $45 entry fee; Youth $30; Special Parent / Child Combo, $46.  Presented by the Boulder Mountain Tour

Avalanche Rescue Beacon Clinic:  Learn how to use an avalanche beacon to quickly find a buried partner.  1-3pm.  Avalanche Rescue Training Park in Ketchum.  FREE.  Presented by Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center

Boulder Mountain Tour Awards Dinner:  Age Class Awards, Special Categories and a Raffle. 6:00PM  Location TBD.  Presented by the Boulder Mountain Tour

10th Annual ‘Best of Banff’ Mountain Film Festival:  Enjoy award-winning films on mountain sport, culture and environment; featuring new films each night. Fundraiser for Friends of the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center with raffle for great prizes – outdoor trips, clothing, gear, etc.  nexStage Theatre in Ketchum.  7:00pm, $15  www.banffcentre.ca/mountainculture/tour/

Sunday, February 7:
Nordic Demo Days:  Check out the latest equipment by top companies on the amazing Sun Valley Nordic Center trails. Sun Valley 10am-3pm. Sun Valley Nordic Center.  FREE.  Presented by the Sun Valley Resort

COOL DEALS:
•$49 All-Access Sun Valley Nordic Trails pass (includes all 200k of BCRD + SV Nordic Trails throughout the Wood River Valley, good for all 9 days.  (Normal price is $33/day or $297, a $248 savings!)
•Special rate lodging packages in hotels, condos and homes starting at $129 per night* with purchase of $49 Sun Valley Nordic Trails pass
•Dining deals at area restaurants
•Great rates on rental and demo gear at local Nordic shops
•(Backwoods Mountain Sports and Elephant’s Perch in Ketchum and Sturtevant’s in Hailey)

 

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