South of Bellevue lies a beautiful, sprawling property, home to Swiftsure Ranch, a nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to help those with physical, mental, and emotional needs through equine-assisted activities. The ranch helps many individuals, including veterans, children, the elderly, and others, throughout the Wood River Valley through its many programs. Currently, the organization employees eight staff (six full time, two part time), is assisted by roughly 150 volunteers, and helps about 385 clients a year with its 21 horses. Using these unique therapeutic equine connections, Swiftsure helps empower individuals of all abilities to gain strength and freedom. The Ranch Swiftsure Ranch moved to its current location on 191 acres just south of Bellevue in 2011, allowing for more facilities and more expansive grounds. The ranch is joined on the west by BLM lands and mountain and water views; one mile of the Big Wood River passes through the property. The centerpiece of the equine programs is the 32,000-square-foot, indoor, heated arena, which allows the organization to operate year-round. A 20-stall barn accommodates up to 40 horses, and there’s also outdoor paddocks, pastures, and a smaller 12-stall barn. Inside the main arena is a tack room, complete with adaptive saddles, …
What You Need to Know Before Skiing in the Mountains
Skiing in the mountains is an exciting experience, but proper preparation is essential to ensure both safety and enjoyment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, understanding the essentials can make a big difference in your trip. From having the right gear to maintaining physical fitness, every detail matters. Additionally, a ski vacation is more than just hitting the slopes—it’s about embracing the entire experience, from the journey through winding mountain highways to relaxing after a long day in the snow. Essential Gear You Need for Skiing in the Mountains Having the right ski gear is crucial for both safety and performance. The most important piece of equipment is your skis, which should be suited to your skill level and the type of terrain you’ll be skiing on. Beginners should opt for shorter, more flexible skis that are easier to control, while advanced skiers may prefer longer, stiffer skis for better speed and stability. Ski boots should fit well and provide strong ankle support to prevent injuries. Proper bindings are also important, as they ensure your boots are securely attached to the skis while allowing for a quick release in case of a fall. Other essential gear includes ski …
Not to Miss Arts & Culture Events This Summer
When we travel, we all have our tried-and-true activities, but why not spice things up with a one-of-a-kind experience? Get ready for a Sun Valley summer like no other because we’ve got a whole lineup of arts & culture events that you won’t find anywhere else! From our signature summer extravaganzas to offbeat and extraordinary experiences, it’s time to create your ultimate Sun Valley summer bucket list. So, throw caution to the wind, embrace the unexpected, and let the adventure begin. Don’t miss out on the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime – start planning your Sun Valley summer today! Sun Valley Wine Auction The 44th Sun Valley begins Tuesday, June 24th and concludes on Thursday the 26th. This event includes gastronomic adventures, Magnum Pig Roast, Vintner Dinners, River Ranch Wine Walk, and the Gala and Live Auction. Learn more at Sunvalleywineauction.org Ballet Sun Valley Saturday June 28th and Sunday June 29th will have The National Ballet of Canada debut in the valley at the Sun Valley Pavilion. Don’t miss this chance to catch a magical night of world-class dance, visit balletsunvalley.org. Sawtooth Valley Gathering The 10th annual Sawtooth Valley Gathering comes to Stanley June 19–22 for a weekend …
24 Hours with a Local: Idarado’s Cory Smith
Though originally from Silverton, Colorado, Cory Smith has been living in the Wood River Valley for more than two decades, since he relocated to the area to work for Smith Optics. Prior to that, he was a sponsored snowboarder for K2 and working on Mt. Hood’s skate and snowboard camp Windell’s, which he helped start back in the early ’90s. After blowing out his knee and dashing any hopes of continuing a pro career, he moved to Ketchum, where the scene at the time was “full of skiers, and I was a punk rock snowboarder.” Luckily, he learned to love the town and its people, and when Smith (the company) packed up to move to Portland in 2015, he decided to stay behind and start his digital marketing company, Idarado. Now almost ten years in, Idarado has five full-time employees and works with clients like Traeger, First Lite, Decked, Dickies, and more. Cory lives in Ketchum in a live/work setup with his two teenage daughters and their dog. When he’s not on the clock, he’s a man of many hobbies, including snowboarding (obviously), mountain biking, running, dirt biking, yoga, skiing (which he dabbles in now), going up to his cabin …
