After several years of working for Fitzgerald’s Bicycles in Victor, Jackson, and Idaho Falls, friends and business owners Kyle Wies and Andy Solomon—and Andy’s wife, Erin—decided to open their own bike shop in Hailey after seeing a hole in the market for a year-round bike shop. The two met at Fitzgerald’s in 2015 when Andy bought a fat bike from Kyle—two years later, Andy was working there too. They opened Trailhead Bicycles in April 2022 and have been busy ever since. Andy and Kyle live fairly opposite lives: Andy and Erin are parents to their 6-year-old daughter, Finley, and shop dog 11-year-old Elliott (if you’ve been in the shop, you’ve likely seen this huge, loveable guy) who all live in Woodside. When not on the bike, Andy and the family can be found outdoors doing it all—lake days, paddle boarding, hiking, and biking, of course. Kyle lives by himself in Ketchum, commuting daily to Hailey by biking on the bike path or reading on the bus. Kyle’s a big runner and reader when he’s not biking, and the two friends also like to get together to watch soccer. Assuming the trails are dry and ready for biking (a bit of …
28th Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival
The 29th annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival will be held October, 8-12, 2025! Sheep have been trailing through the Wood River Valley of Idaho for well over a century and are an integral part of Idaho’s heritage. Each fall the iconic Trailing of the Sheep Festival honors the 150+ year annual tradition of moving sheep (‘trailing’) from high mountain summer pastures down through the Valley to traditional winter grazing and lambing areas in the south. This annual migration is living history and the focus of a unique and authentic Festival that celebrates the sheep, herders, history, food, arts, cultures, and traditions of Idaho’s sheep ranching families, highlighting the principal contributors – the Basques, Scottish and Peruvians. Festival Highlights include: Big Sheep Parade with 1,500 sheep trailing down Main Street in Ketchum, Idaho. National Qualifying Sheepdog Trials featuring 80 of the county’s most talented border collies and their handlers competing for top awards. Sheep Folklife Fair featuring Basque, Scottish, Polish, and Peruvian dancers and musicians, sheep shearing demonstrations, 80+ sheep and wool product vendors, children’s activities and more. Sheep Tales Gathering will feature “The Future of Conservation In A Crowded West,” a conversation and panel focusing on the importance of both private and public lands, the critical …
Women’s History Month: Early Women of the Wood River Valley
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: https://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 …
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. 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.
Super Duper D Downhill Race
TO ENTER THE RACE www.superduperd2025.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=16815 (They are capping the entries at 100 racers this year so make sure you sign up now to secure your spot and chance at glory.) ABOUT THE RACE The Super Duper D is back! After two years of on-mountain improvements, we finally have the green light to race down Baldy to Apple’s Bar and Grill. This year, the event is a fundraiser for The Wood River Trails Coalition and we want to give a special shoutout to Sturtevant’s for helping make it happen. Starting from the top of the Mayday Chair, racers will descend 3250′ over 10 miles to Apple’s Bar and Grill where cold beverages and a street party await. Morning chairlift access to the top of Baldy will lead to a 12pm start time July 26, 2025 Special time bonuses available! Successfully (without spilling) drink a beer in less than 20 seconds at the finish line to receive a 60 second bonus! Six different Categories. Age 18-20 men and women (no time bonus available for this age group) age 21-49 men and women age 50+ men and women Prizes from Dakine, Maxxis tires and Highlander Beer for top 3 finishers in each category. …