How have the alps and alp culture have influenced skiing and Sun Valley?

The history of Sun Valley, the resort and ski area, is inextricably linked to the alps and mountains of Europe as it was envisioned by Averell Harriman and presented to the world by the Union Pacific’s PR mastermind, Steve Hannagan. Kristine Bretall has taken a deep dive into alp culture, ski history and present-day family run cheese operations through multiple trips to Switzerland. In anticipation of this fall’s Community Library field trip to Switzerland itself, we are offering a way for everyone to access the magic of the alps, from the comfort of the John A. and Carole O. Moran Lecture Hall, no flights required.

During this talk, Kristine will talk about what exactly is meant by a Swiss alp, what happens there, and how the alps have influenced skiing, food and culture. Why are there cowbells at ski races? Have cows really influenced skiing? Cheese is a key component of the Swiss alp culture and in addition to learning about cheese making, there will be samples of alp cheese at the end of the talk.

Kristine is the Wood River Museum of History + Culture’s Community Engagement Manager.