For the second week of Women’s History Month, we are honoring four women who have shaped the history and heritage of Sun Valley. These ladies have all had an impact on the Wood River Valley, dating back to before the establishment of the ski resort and through its early years. Two of these women were integral in establishing the Community Library in 1955. They, along with 14 other trailblazing women, “founded the Community Library Association, a privately-funded, privately-governed public library to encourage intellectual and creative adventures in the remote mountains of central Idaho,” (ComLib). All four women contributed to the pioneer spirit of the Valley, fostering a momentum for woman-led innovation that is alive to this day. Marge Brass Heiss 1910-2007 Marge Brass Heiss, daughter of Ernest Brass, was born in Caldwell, Idaho in 1910. She moved to Ketchum two years later when her father bought what became known as the Brass Ranch until the family sold the land to the Union Pacific in 1936. He traded 3,888 acres for $39,000, and Sun Valley was born. In fact, Marge, along with her sister Roberta, gave a tour of their ranch property to Count Felix Schaffgatsch. Within a few months of …
Locals Guide to Sun Valley’s Trails
With over 400 miles of trails spread across the Wood River Valley, from Bellevue all the way up north to Galena Lodge, it’s hard to know where to start. The area’s extensive, multi-use trails are fit for all kinds of recreation—biking, hiking, trail running, and horseback riding. Whether you’re new to the area or just new to the trails, there are some great starter trails in Hailey, mid-valley, and Ketchum. We talked to Sara Gress, the Executive Director of the Wood River Trails Coalition which works to create, maintain, and sustain the Valley’s network of trails to get her take on the best spots to try first. Hailey Sara: You have to ride Croy because it’s super fun for biking. The Two Dog Loop [6.7 miles] is fun and flowy, and you get some good views of the Pios, but it’s not butt-puckering. And it’s still enjoyable enough that if you’re an advanced rider, it’s still a really good ride. It’s a good place to hone your skills. I ride out there because it’s enjoyable and it’s not scary. People hike and trail run the trails out Croy and even ride horses sometimes too. Also try: Quigley Trails Park which …
Oh, Kale Yeah! It’s Time for the Wood River Farmers Markets
Life rolls at a more relaxed pace in the mountains, and those minutes between when an event is supposed to start, and when it actually starts, is what we like to call “Ketchum-time.” There’s always some wiggle room…which means a little extra time on the trail, or for a lingering lunch with friends. Or, at least, so I thought. Turns out that “Ketchum-time” doesn’t apply at the Wood River Farmers Markets. “You should have been here earlier,” one farmer told me when I looked sadly at an empty bin labeled ‘broccoli.’ “Those sold within the first thirty minutes.” When it comes to supporting local producers—and eating the freshest, tastiest fruits, meats, and vegetables—the people of this Valley don’t mess around. It’s ‘be there or be square,’ and I’ve learned my lesson. Ketchum Farmers Market The Wood River Farmers Markets hold two markets each week through the summer. The first, on Tuesdays from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, is hosted at the River Run Parking Lot on Serenade Lane in Ketchum. Dozens of local vendors set up for four hours and offer locals and visitors the change to purchase locally-grown produce, meats, and dairy products alongside artisan crafts and flowers. Food …
9 Epic Trail Runs in Sun Valley, Idaho
The hundreds of miles of trails in and around Sun Valley are a well known to hikers and mountain bikers. Sun Valley has an embarrassing wealth of buttery singletrack, incredible views, and uncrowded trailheads. If you’re inclined to hit the trail in running shoes instead of hiking boots, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re after a scenic cruise or a high elevation training run to punish your lungs and legs, look no further than these nine epic trail runs in Sun Valley.
Trailing of the Sheep Receives Top Endorsement
Country Living Magazine just gave us a nod for hosting one of their top Fall Festivals of 2015! Paying hommage to the sheep herding heritage in the Wood River Valley, The Trailing of the Sheep Festival offers up an inspiring look in to the culture behind this long standing tradition. What: celebrate the annual pasture change for these furry friends, enjoy delicious lamb dishes and marvel in the discipline exhibited by the incredibly smart sheep herding dogs. When: October 7-11, 2015 Where: Ketchum & Hailey More Info: http://visitsunvalley.com/things-to-do/trailing-sheep-festival http://www.trailingofthesheep.org
Habitat on Trail Creek
Rent a Week or Own a Week! If you are looking for a place to rent short term, give us a call and check into availablity for a spacious 2 or 3 bedroom unit. If you are already hooked on Sun Valley and long to come every year at an affordable price, buy your own week! Own For Less Than You Can Rent! Habitat On Trail Creek is absolutely the best way to own a piece of Sun Valley! Habitat On Trail Creek Condominiums has a limited number of weekly ownership condos located near downtown Ketchum and a half mile from the Baldy ski hill. Buy your own deeded week for the low price of $3000 and then low annual dues after that. Do your homework, and you won’t find a better value in the Wood River Valley market place. Make Sun Valley a family tradition and come year after year. Ownership benefits include: Floating time – book any week that is available Deeded ownership – all weeks are deeded as real property Split week – split your week into multiple stays Large units – 2 or 3 bdrm units, 1150-1350 square feet Updated – Units are well maintained and continually updated Full kitchens – Each …
Habitat on Trail Creek
Habitat on Trail Creek is an affordable timeshare condominium complex located three blocks from downtown Ketchum, Idaho, and its friendly small-town atmosphere. The River Run Lodge and new gondola are just a mile away. In the other direction are the outstanding facilities at the Wood River Community YMCA where Habitat guests enjoy a free family pass to its many activities. Habitat offers spacious two and three bedroom condominiums featuring two full bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. HD cable TVs and free WiFi. Private laundry facilities, a heated single-car garage, hot tubs with a scenic overlook of Trail Creek, and a barbecue entertainment area all add to the enjoyment of a stay at Habitat.
Trailing of the Sheep Festival
The Trailing of the Sheep Festival was started in 1996 in response to the rapid loss of farms and ranches and the rapid growth in the Wood River Valley. The Festival preserves the stories and colorful history of sheep ranchers and herders, celebrates the rich cultures of the past and present and entertains and educates children, adults and families about the production of local food and fiber that sustain local economies and generations of hard-working families. Our mission is: To gather, present and preserve the history and culture of the families and individual men and women involved in Idaho sheep ranching and to honor their contributions to the development of Idaho and the West. 2018’s festival will be held on October 10-14! Trailing of the Sheep has been named in the Top Ten Fall Festivals in the World, Top 200 Best U.S. Festivals and the Top 100 Festivals in N. America. In 2013, USA Today named it One of the Top Ten Fall Festivals in America. It is also the recipient of the Governor’s Award for Cultural Heritage.
BCRD Ski the Rails **Cancelled**
The BCRD regrets to announce the cancelation of Ski the Rails, scheduled for Saturday, February 10, due to unseasonably warm weather conditions. Unfortunately, spots along the Wood River Trail have melted and the weather forecast does not support the conditions necessary for the event. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to hosting future fun and engaging community events on the Wood River Trail. Although the entire Wood River Trail is not skiable, we still encourage you to participate on skis, bike, and/or foot in the Wood River Trail Challenge. Ski the Rails is a free Nordic ski tour along the Wood River Trail. Start at Serenade Lane in Ketchum or anywhere on the Wood River Trail System. Finish at Myrtle Street in Hailey.
Halloween Hoopla with WRTC & BCRD
It was a cold spring, a wild summer, and a gorgeous fall and we want to celebrate the end of the season with you! The Wood River Trails Coalition is teaming up with the @bcrd for a little Halloween Hoopla! Meet us at the Pump Track Trailhead between 12 -2 PM on Tuesday, October 31 (Halloween) for snacks, drinks, and costumed high fives for all. If it’s dry enough, you can choose to run, ride, or walk on the awesome trails heading out of the parking lot. If the forecast is right, it’ll be sunny and brisk – perfect for a quick lunch adventure in your spookiest finery So don your best Halloween trail-fit, plan for a 45 minute adventure, and stick around to swap stories from your season – we can’t wait to close out this season in spooky style! – Ha sido una primavera fría, un verano salvaje y un otoño precioso, ¡y queremos celebrar el final de la temporada contigo! Nos hemos asociado con la @bcrd para celebrar Halloween. Nos vemos en el Pump Track Trailhead entre 12 -2 PM el martes, 31 de octubre (Halloween) para aperitivos, bebidas, y disfrazados choca esos cinco para todos. Si …
