Happy Holidays

POWDER!! That's what we got for Christmas 17 inches yesterday.....today is blue bird and another storm is taking aim for tonight into the weekend. Yeah......get ready, its going to be an outstanding winter....Stay tuned for more info Baldy has Seattle Ridge open and Roundhouse...more terrain will open with more control work this morning....stay tuned for pictures from ski patrol...right now they are busy but photos coming soon. Get out and ski..

Its Snowing Get Going!!!

YEAH, mother nature finally came through.....We received 10 inches on Friday and 9 last night. Seattle Ridge opens this morning....and more terrain and lifts to follow... this snow will make it great this morning and the weather man is forecasting snow all week long. Galena received 8 inches also and they are grooming the skating areas and setting the tracks.....Christmas activities start this week so check out the web site for more information.

Santa Paws Is Comming To Town

Santa Paws came last weekend for pictures with our furry friends. He had lots of treats to keep these two sitting pretty. Special lift ticket pricing valid until December 19th for Baldy and more terrain opened today....should see more snow in the next few days. Bundle up as its cold out there....Also lots of Christmas events taking place in Sun Valley the next couple of weeks so check out our events page....see you on the slopes

Sun Valley Ski Season OPENS TODAY!

After waiting for two weeks Sun Valley finally opens. It was awesome to see the lifts working this morning. The River Run parking lot was full of vehicles with skiers getting their gear and heading to the lifts. Here are a few pictures take this morning at 9:30 AM, just 30 minutes after the mountain opened.

Bald Mountain OPENS!

Sun Valley will open its 73rd winter season at 9 am, Wednesday, December 10, 2008.

The following runs will be open on Bald Mountain: Upper College, Flying Squirrel, Lower Picabo Street, Lower Warm Springs, Roundhouse Lane from Upper College to Mid River Run, Mid River Run and Lower River Run. Lifts servicing this terrain will be Challenger, Lower River Run, and Lookout Express.

The Following runs will be open on Dollar Mountain: Quarter Dollar Bowl and Poverty Flats. The Quarter Dollar Lift and Accelerator Carpet will be operating.

Reduced day rates for Baldy will be $45 for adults and $20 for children. Dollar daily rate for adults will be $20 and for children $10. The Early/Late Season Pass will be honored through December 19, 2008. All Pete Lane's stores will offer 50 percent off kid's, novice and sport rental packages through December 19.

Call us today at 800-521-2515 to get your next vacation rental and get 30% off*. Choose from our selection of Homes for the Holidays to reserve your ideal Sun Valley Rental.

*Only on select properties. Visit www.resortquestsunvalley.com for details and restrictions.

View our report for current snow conditions.

Well Mother Nature has been not so nice for skiers, but for hiking and biking it has been awesome. This shot was taken yesterday December 1st at the top of Galena Summit. Also went boating on Red Fish Lake yesterday, awesome.... We need snow so pray to the snow Gods... Our weather pattern is going to change so be ready!!! Book your stay now and enjoy 20%-30% savings on a home or condo. These specials are valid for the Holidays so check it out, as inventory will not last long. Also discount tickets in January with lodging so call and ask for the Winter White Sale!! More to come later this week..

Bald Mountain Opening Update

We were expecting to have the mountain open this weekend, but due to the warm temperatures the November 29th ski opening has been delayed.

The opening day for the Mountain is To-Be-Decided.
According to Sun Valley they have a date of December 6th.

Will post more updates once we have further information.

Turkey Turns in Sun Valley

You can run but you can't hide....these turkeys better watch out. Thanksgiving is just around the corner here in Sun Valley. We will be opening Thanksgiving Day...hope to have River Run open for sure with at least 1 or 2 runs. Mother nature has been too nice lately with warm temps, but that will be over starting this weekend with snow in the forecast. Winter is just around the bend and we are ready. Dont forget Door to Door Rentals for owner and guest discounts...they will have a small rental area in the ResortQuest offices. If you are in town Turkey Trot in Hailey on Thanksgiving Day for runners and walkers. More when the snow flys...

Sun Valley Announces Opening for 73rd Ski Season

The weather is starting to get colder and everyone is gearing up for Sun Valley's 73rd season. According to the weather forecast, we expect to see snow this weekend. This morning we heard the roar of snow making guns running at the River Run lifts; even if Mother Nature fails to yeild snow, Sun Valley will make it happen. Sun Valley Ski Resort has announced the opening for the mountain will be on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th.

SNOW!!! -- SNOW!!!

Its Snowing....Its Snowing!! :)

This is why many like to live up in Sun Valley....the weather is a bit unpridictable. Today this morning felt like Christmas morning when your about to receive a present and surprise!!!.....WE GOT SNOW. Its about one inch on the ground but its still falling....According to the weather report it will also snow tomorrow, but during the week it will melt and go away. At least we got a little preview of how winters going to be....great.

A Sunny Day in Sun Valley

This picture was taken above the water dam in Sun Valley. I didn't know you weren't allowed to be on it, but it makes sense the boards were a bit weak and it felt you were going to fall through and hit the ground. Luckily I was okay, but won't be doing that anytime soon. Anyway, we wanted to take a picture of the area and I believe it came out well. This is mostly how it's been the last couple of days, before the leaves on the trees start changing color. There were a lot of people riding bikes or simply walking in the path. It's a great day to be outdoors.

Howard Preserve BBQ

This picture is from the Howard Preserve BBQ last weekend. Mike Howard a homeowner in the Christophe Complex, hosts a BBQ in Bellevue at the Howard Preserve. Mikes family donated several acres of open space to the Wood River Land Trust for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to Mike and his family....

Fishing was good on the Big Wood over the weekend, cool evenings and warm days are helping.

Road bike riding is perfect temps are 65-75 and so you can get a sweat going and be comfortable. If your looking to mountain bike ride Fisher Creek is great and the trees are just beginning to turn.

The new golf course is open and so is the restaurant and the views are outstanding...call as they have special t-times with special rates.

September and October still have plenty of events and activities so check out the web site here and a couple to look at Trailing of the Sheep and Jazz Jamboree.....

Music from the last event in River Run for the summer. Fall is just around the corner.......Wagon Days this Labor Day weekend.....lots of things to do and see. Arts and Crafts, parades on Sat and Sunday, car show, music...the list goes on and on.

The fishing is also great, low water and cooler temps are making it good..

Biking and Hiking also great, not too warm, and cool evenings and mornings make it wonderful..

You can still take the chair through Labor Day to the top of Baldy, the new golf course in Sun Valley is also open and the views are outstanding...

Winter is just around the corner, so book your Christmas reservation now to lock in that special property for you and your family....gotta run and see you on the bike bath...

Baldy Hike or Bike

Shot from the top of Lookout on Saturday....nice day for a hike or a ride down. There is a BBQ at the top so you can take the chair up and get lunch and ride your bike down or just take the chair back down. Awsome views from the top. You can see the new 9 hole golf course in SunValley and check out the Gondola line which is now visable to the Roundhouse area. The towers will be set in September and the lift goes up next summer operatinal for 2009/2010.

Heading into the last few weeks of summer. The weather is in the mid 80's and cool evenings, so its the perfect outdoor activity weather......

Check out the deals for lodging specials and get ready for Fall its just around the corner....

Biking through the Flowers

The flowers North of Ketchum are going off......Fisher Creek and all the other trails are beautiful.

Be sure to get off the bike path as there is more to see...... If your riding the bike turn off to Green Horn Gulch or ride up to Triumph. Both are uphill on the way in and a great downhill coming home.... Also remember the Ketchum Alive on Tuesday nights and Soul Stew Revival and the Neville Brothers are coming soon... See the event site for more information on activities..

Sheep Herding in Sun Valley

Every spring Sheep herders take their sheep up north and then move them down south during fall. It took them a while to pass through Ketchum since our Spring was a bit chilly...but we still had the oppurtunity to see them this summer.

Castle Rock

Come and see for yourself !

Back country

Took a drive Sunday evening past Castle Rock up to the summit. While the burn area was very much in evidence, there was an abundance of wild flowers and lots of wildlife. These young mule deer were near the summit, the road in background is one of the switch backs. Am looking forward to seeing the changes as the burn area sees growth continue for the next few years. Come visit and get off the beaten track. Biking, hiking, jeeping, trail biking--we have it all.

Triumph at elevation 9863'

The snows aren't melting fast enough for me, but they are melting. The south-facing slopes below 9000' are generally clear. If you go for a hike, expect to see snow still on the north-facing slopes, in the trees, or above 8500'. The photo above was taken on Herd Peak, just north of Sun Valley on the East Fork of the Big Lost River.

Idaho wildflowers

Here are two pretty teens enjoying the wildflowers en route from Boise to Sun Valley yesterday. Come visit. Enjoy the ride. Stop and smell the flowers. It's a perfect time to hike and bike in the Wood River Valley.

Summer is HERE

Summer is here....it took some time but summer is in full swing here in Sun Valley. The weather is warm and lots of events taking place every weekend. Flowers are blooming so be sure to check out the flowers while you are hiking or biking.... Speaking of hiking and biking its awsome....

Botanical Garden in Gimlet

During the past week we were able to view the often overlooked wildlife at the Botanical Garden. We took a few pictures, but here our best one. See if you can spot the creature?

Did you find it?

The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is located just about five miles south of Ketchum. This small group was able to purchase a five-acre site, build a community building with a solar greenhouse, and begin their dream of establishing a Public Garden. During the summer you can enjoy the unique beauty and diverse plant life of our region. You can visit the Sawtooth Botanical Garden's website to view their special events and other information.

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Fishing on the Snake

South Fork of the Snake this last weekend was pretty good fishing. The water is coming up so may not be as good later this week. Remember this river is within 3 hours of Sun Valley.....so we have lots of opportunity for fishing now even though the Big Wood is closed until the 24th......

Weather has been great for biking and lots more hiking trails opening up. Fishing opens up the 24th Saturday, Silver Creek should be good, Big Wood is running high so fishing will be only marginal but there are other small and large lake options. The half-marathon is also this weekend if your a runner and mountain biking is good down south, Townsand Gulch is a nice ride big hill and a great downhill...Golf course is open also and tennis courts are available....lots to do here

for Memorial Day Weekend. Come on up....

Flying Trees

Sun Valley Company is cutting the Gondola line today and tomorrow....check out the chopper with the trees attached......they are getting ready then will fly the towers and cross arms in September. Still lots of snow on the hill, no hiking yet. Tonight is the Livestrong bike ride...more photos on that tomorrow....weather is still cool so runoff is still to come...it even snowed yesterday..yikes.. Weekend warm up is on the way...make your plans to visit..

Stay tuned for more photos of the bike event tomorrow.

If you have photos send them or post them with a comment.

Food & Wine event and Sawtooth Relay are coming up...so is the Sun Valley 1/2 Marathon........

Spring is here...a bit late...but it's here!

Finally the snow is....gone!!!!! We have been getting sunny days and I see everybody on the bike path. I guess this means its time to WALK to work!....yeah right! :-) I'm also starting to see more criters running around. Here's a picture of a beaver. My friend at work brought in some pictures she took during the weekend and she let me use it. They took several pictures of the beaver but this was the best one. Hope you like...



She also has a video of the little guy swimming around. I forgot to save it on my computer, but I'll try and post it tomorrow!!!

Anyway....time to enjoy the Sun!!!

May

May is here.....its hike and bike time. Get your bike tuned up and get out your camping gear ready. Summer is just around the corner. You can't fish yet but you can take your canoe out on Silver Creek and see all kinds of wildlife. There are lots of birds, ducks and the moose hangs out down there also. Go later in the day when the weather is warm....be sure to check in at the center ....that's all there is to it. Bike bath is clear, Livestrong ride on May 13th at 5:30 leaving Ketchum....its for fun and a great cause so get out and ride. More updates and photos to come...this was from last June along the Big Wood.....

Bring on Spring

Baldy is now closed for skiing.......soon the mountain trails will be ready for hiking & biking.
The bike path is open for most of the way from Bellevue to the East Fork light, watch out for wet spots which freeze in early morning and late afternoon. Craters of the Moon is open for biking, you can take your bike around the loop roughly 5 miles, nice ride, and you can stop to hike some of the trails along the way. The flowers and grasses should be greening up sometime the first week in May.

More news to come on hikes and rides. Bike swaps also upcoming....more to come!!!

4 DAYS LEFT AND THEN THE FOXES TAKE OVER

Only 4 days left until Baldy closes....as you can see from this photo the foxes will be taking over when ski patrol hangs up their winter gear....I wonder if they adhere to the SLOW sign.......

Lots of partying going on this weekend so check out Apples and all the other watering holes for live music....and lots of other entertainment I am sure.. The bike bath is melting out and you can get in at least 7-8 miles one way from Bellevue....check it out...once we close this Snow Blog will become Bike/Hike Blog so be ready to leave me your photos and comments. Thanks again to Barry SV Ski Patrol for the shot.

April Fools

Yeah... you thought it was April Fools, but yes Baldy is going to stay open until April 20th.......

The snow is great and we are going to get more this month, like it or not, so might as well get out on the mountain one last time.

You can ski then get on the bike path and ride all in the same day......lots of special events and activities to enjoy so check out the events on the web site.....

Summer is just around the corner with the Wellness Festival in May and Food & Wine Festival in June.

Easter Sunrise

March and April skiing....the best....Get those last turns in for the winter season Baldy is open until April 13th. The sun is out and the skiing is amazing. Easter Egg Hunt this Sunday at Galena Lodge..and the Big SnowshoeClimb is on Saturday up Baldy, 3000 feet of vertical, thought you were in shape??? Test your skill level out.

Spring is just around the corner, I will let you know when they plow the bike path, soon I hope. Stay tuned for fishing updates and summer events and photos.

Thanks again to Barry Irwin on SV Ski Patrol for the sunrise shot.....

March...Yeah...Spring Skiing...

March is here and its spring skiing here on Baldy! No lines, lots of sun, no problem.....Make sure to get your last turns in for the year...skiing and boarding is great. 48 STRAIGHT next weekend..big air..big music...big discounts on lodging. Now is also the time to purchase any winter gear...lots of sales on skis, jackets you name it....come check it out.

Looks like this group is enjoying the sun!

Snow Today through the Weekend

Well more snow in the forecast today through the weekend......Skiing is great. Don't forget the Ski Tour event in March, boarding, skiing and lots of entertainment in the evening...Also SPECIAL $29 lift ticket for college students show your ID at the ticket window......gotta run...get out and ski..... (photo thx Barry Irwin SV Ski Patrol)

The sun is out now after lots of powder last week and the skiing is great!! Make sure if your here you get out to Galena and skate-ski or snowshoe its amazing and warm during the day....

Forecast is mostly sunny this week with a bit of snow possible.......Street party Saturday night...don't miss the fun, downtown Ketchum, see you there... (photo again thanks Barry Irwin SV Ski Patrol) Gosh don't you wish you could ride the chair early and catch this sunrise....dream on!!

Ripping it up in the POWDER!!!

Yeah......lots of powder and more on the way tonight....another winter storm warning. This shot is again thanks to Barry Irwin SV Ski Patrol. My legs, my arms, my back....more powder on the way so rest up for another day tomrrow.....ya gotta love it.

THANKS MOTHER NATURE!!!

Mother Nature has dropped over 3 feet of snow on Baldy in the last week...Skiing and Riding is awsome...what can I say...Photo of sunrise on Baldy (thanks Barry Irwin/SV Ski Patrol) this mountain is amazing....powder and beautiful mornings. Get out and ski or ride....its doesn't get any better!!

Thanks MOM!!!!!! We are in line for seconds..more snow in the forecast this week, we always have room for more!!

POWDER SKIING ON BALDY!!!

Another WINTER STORM WARNING!!

We are getting ready for another snow attack!!! Another winter storm warning for tonight through Sunday. If your driving, get here.....before the storm tonight if your flying you will get here, it just might take a bit longer,the skiing is great and with another 6-10 inches its going to be amazing.....everything is open......Posting a shot of Ski Patrol (another photo thanks to Sean Glaccum) testing out the powder......BRING ON MORE POWDER!!!!

Great Moose Pic !!

Snowfox, that picture is great !

Just was outside and it's STILL SNOWING! Leaving work early to go play in it......................

MORE SNOW MORE POWDER!!!!

OK, MORE SNOW ON THE WAY TODAY!! What a difference a day makes, sunrise top of Baldy with Ski Patrol photo (thanks Sean Glaccum), today its dumping can't get a clear shot on the web cam. Forecast is snow today , snow tonight, snow tomrrow, snow through the weekend, well you know just snow, snow, snow.....Get out ski, snowshoe, cross-country......its great!!!

POWDER SKIING AND WILDLIFE ALERT

WOW!!! Skiing is unbelieveable......lots of new snow with more storms stacked up off the WEST

coast...This shot was taken today at the bottom of River Run and the other shot of the MOOSE is at River Run Bridge....even the moose want to ski...

Stay tuned for more photos of early morning shots and video!!!!!!

If you have photos send them and we will post them.

Sun in Sun Valley

Burrrrrrr.....its cold but the skiing is great. X-country skiing up North is wonderful and the skiing on Baldy is fun and FAST!!!! Be sure to wear your warm ski garb as its a bit cool out there right now. We may get more snow this weekend, so get you skis and get out of the house......

Sun and Powder Janaury 9th

Stopped on my way to work to take a photo.....the Elk were out but they were behind the trees at Greenhorn Gulch. One shot is of the Sawtooths north towards Stanley, the other is the backside of Baldy shot from Limekiln Road...you can see the top if you look on the right... Anyway lots of fresh powder, no storm last night...thats the way it goes...sun today maybe snow for tonight....anyway its great skiing or just being outside.....

SUN VALLEY POWDER!!!!

POWDER!!! Get out to your secret stash!!!! We have received over 21 inches of the best powder...... Winter Storm watch tonight with 10-20 more...really...we are hoping!! No mountain skis better when there is powder and all the lifts are runnning. I will try to get in another photo tomrrow, here is yesterday with a small break in the storm. If you can't reach us were skiing or shoveling or digging our cars out....

January lodging and ticket specials, call for details...

Ski Tour is in March book now to make sure you are here for the finals!!