Each winter, BCRD offers Nordic and snowshoe trails free to the community. Includes Quigley, Galena & Wood River Trail. 2025/26 Dates December 13 January 11 February 21 Free Ski Day December 13 On December 13, join us for a Free Ski Day, courtesy of the Blaine County Recreation District. This is your chance to experience the joy of Nordic skiing on our beautifully groomed trails, as conditions allow, at no cost. In addition, Elephant’s Perch and Backwoods are hosting an Equipment Demo Day at Galena Lodge. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or new to the sport, this is a perfect opportunity to try out the latest skiing gear for free. With expert advice available, you can find the equipment that best suits your style and needs. In addition, Galena Lodge will be offering free 30 minute beginner skate or classic ski lessons at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm. No registration required. Mark your calendars for this fun event. For more details, keep an eye on bcrd.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
14th Annual Empty Bowls
Blaine County Charitable Fund, Boulder Mountain Clayworks and the Church of the Big Wood are presenting the annual Empty Bowls event February 1 from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm at the Church of the Big Wood. The event benefits Blaine County Charitable Fund’s Emergency Assistance Programs. The event is sponsored by Blaine County Title, Mclaughlin Architects, Windermere Real Estate, Wood River Inclusive Catholic Community, and Blaine County Democrats. During the event, guests can browse the handmade bowls and choose their favorite, then fill the bowl with soups, salads, chili, bread, and dessert donated by local chefs and caterers. Thanks to Boulder Mountain Clayworks, there will be more than 300 hand-crafted and hand-painted bowls from local artisans to select from this year. Boulder Mountain Clayworks’ staff and volunteers work hard in engaging the community to create bowls and Blaine County Charitable recruits restaurants and donors. The Church of the Big Wood provides the venue and helps to recruit volunteers from their congregation. Local restaurants and chefs offer their culinary skills to fill the bowls with a satisfying meal. The bonus – the bowl is for attendees to keep! This event raises critical funds that go directly back into our community, helping …
Environmental Resource Center + Sun Valley Trekking Huts
written by Hayden Seder In downtown Ketchum, next to Java and across from Rickshaw, there’s a small white building that houses the Environmental Resource Center (ERC). While this unassuming building may not look like much, the nonprofit organization it houses has been operating in the Wood River Valley for over 30 years, connecting people to nature through education and action. In addition to their current initiatives and programs, the ERC is now the new stewards of the Sun Valley Mountain Huts as well, opening up further possibilities of connecting locals and visitors with the area’s natural surroundings. History of the ERC The ERC got its start 32 years ago as just a handful of passionate locals who believed that environmental action and education were imperative to sustain the beauty of our area. What that looked like has changed greatly over the years, from leading beaver dam tours back in the day to starting some of the earliest conversations around recycling the Wood River Valley and ride-sharing, which then ultimately transformed into the start of Mountain Rides. While the forms it’s taken have varied over the years, the mission of the ERC to provide education and inspire action to cultivate a …
Nordic Ski Pass Preseason Sale
Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) Nordic trail system 2025/2026 season passes go on sale Monday, October 13. During the pre-season sale, which runs through November 23, adult passes are $275 plus tax and BCRD/Sun Valley Nordic Combo adult season passes are $604 plus tax. Snowshoe-only and fatbike-only season passes are available for $75 plus tax. Season passes for dogs to use on approved Nordic trails are available for $60 plus tax. Children 17 and under ski, snowshoe, and fatbike free with a complimentary season pass, available for order at bcrd.org. BCRD maintains over 200 kilometers of Nordic ski and snowshoe trails. The Nordic trail system, which stretches from Galena Lodge to Bellevue, is one of the largest in the United States, and offers a grooming season that typically operates from Thanksgiving to mid-April.
Fall Flights
Easily book flights to Sun Valley and kick off your summer getaway. Find direct routes, top airlines, and travel tips with Visit Sun Valley.
SVSEF XC Winterstart Race
Skate Cross-Country Event at BCRD Galena Ski Trails. (Backup venue at Lake Creek Ski Trails if necessary). Courses TBD as snow allows, ideally starting at Senate Meadows Distance options: Little Tyke, 1km, 3km, 5m and 10km 8:30-9:30am: Bib pickup in Galena Lodge 10:00am : Little Tyke race starts, then longer distances follow. Race is 15 second interval starts. Registration: www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=399508 $20 for non SVSEF skiers; $10 for SVSEF team members Preregistration only. NO DAY OF REGISTRATION.
Sun Valley, Idaho: Your Next Mountain Biking Bucket List Destination
Bucket list — it’s a term often used to describe mountain biking in Sun Valley. What makes this place deserving of such a lofty moniker? First, there’s literally hundreds of miles of prime Idaho singletrack, and because the valley flies under the radar of mainstream mountain bike enthusiasts, there’s not a ton of folks competing for real estate. Heard of the movie Private Idaho? It’s pretty common to feel like you’ve got the place pretty much to yourself. With so many options, where do you start? Well, it’s helpful to size up what kind of riding you’re looking for. Are you the meadow-skipping sort who’s in it for stunning scenery more than white-knuckle descending, or are you rip ready for a rugged, sub-alpine adventure that will leave your legs and arms feeling like a raw tartare you might find on a French menu? Never fear, because we’ve got it all here and can steer you in the right direction.
Guide to Hiking Sun Valley Part I – Hiking in Sun Valley, Idaho: A Summer Guide
Every spring, the Sun Valley, Idaho area transforms from a skiing and snowboarding Mecca into a lush, wildflower-filled valley with miles of hiking and biking trails in the surrounding five mountain ranges. From mellow loops skirting lakes and rivers, to 12,000-foot rocky mountain peaks, there are plenty of hiking trails to please all levels of hikers throughout Hailey, Ketchum, Sun Valley and beyond.
Nordic Skiing
It’s not tacky, dated sweater fashion that’s being celebrated when Sun Valley is hailed as “Nordic Town USA.” This is some of the best and definitely most immaculately groomed Nordic ski terrain in the US.
Dog Friendly
Dogs love Sun Valley and Sun Valley loves dogs! The majority of our local residents own dogs…they are almost a mountain-town necessity.