News Paper Articles

Nardagani: A Local Solution to a National Literacy Crisis - February 13th, 2026

Each year, Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research and Stanford University’s Educational Opportunity Project work together to release the Education Recovery Scorecard: an annual report on district-level student growth in math and reading. In February 0f 2025, Idaho was ranked 38th nationally in reading between 2019 and 2024. The release went on to state that over 60% of students in Idaho are a grade level, or levels, behind in reading. It is safe to say that students are not where they need to be in terms of literacy.

           Idaho’s ranking is a cause for concern, but it is not the only state suffering from literacy issues—low literacy is a nationwide epidemic. According to the National Literacy Institute, 21% of adults in the U.S. were reported to be illiterate in 2024, and 54% have literacy below a 6th-grade level, with 20% below a 5th-grade level. While statistics show that this low level of literacy is a direct result of inequalities in the education system, high poverty rates, and the high volume of non-native English speakers in the U.S, there is one seemingly obvious aspect that often gets overlooked: Learning to read is hard—especially when it comes to the English language.

           English spelling and grammar have so many rules, with just as many exceptions, which can be incredibly confusing and difficult to remember for young readers and non-native speakers. Luckily, strides are being made to help improve the confusion that often accompanies learning to read in English. One of these strides is coming from our very own Wood River Valley, with a program called Read Nardagani.

           Narda Pitkethly, a longtime Sun Valley local, was inspired to create Nardagani after watching her own daughter struggle with learning to read. In her TEDx Sun Valley talk in 2017, Narda explained that her daughter was labeled a “challenged reader” in first grade. “At that time, I didn’t know about challenged readers. I thought, Everyone can read, right?”

           Pitkethly traveled to Japan in her 20’s to teach English and needed to learn Japanese first. She was instructed to learn the language first through a system called hiragana: 46 “bubbly” shaped characters, each representing a vowel or consonant-vowel combination. She found it so easy that she learned to read Japanese in a week; with hiragana, Narda didn’t know the meaning behind the characters in a week, but she was able to correctly sound out and pronounce Japanese words.

10 years later, when her daughter was struggling with learning to read, Narda knew she needed to take matters into her own hands. Alongside a reading specialist, Pitkethly analyzed the English alphabet and wrote down all the different sounds we use in English. Her biggest finding? Of our 26 letters, 14 of them make multiple sounds depending on the word they are in. The letter ‘O’ makes 8 different sounds alone! This is another aspect that makes learning English so difficult. After her alphabetical analysis, Narda decided to put the knowledge she acquired in Japan to good use.

Much like the Japanese hiragana system, Pitkethly’s program, Nardagani, uses 12 easy-to-remember symbols that help readers connect letters to their proper sounds. Nardagani provides challenged readers, of all ages and backgrounds, with the tools to decode words and read them quickly and with more confidence. While this program may have started in our little valley, pilot versions have since been tested in schools, detention centers, and international settings and have shown participants improving their reading skills by two grade levels in as little as 2 months! Nardagani works; that much is clear.

Nardagani was published on Kickstarter, a global funding platform for creative projects, which funds projects if they reach their funding goal by a certain deadline. The support for this program has been abundant; it has surpassed its funding goals in less than a week. According to Nardagani’s recent press release, “Funds raised beyond the initial goal will expand outreach and access, allowing more families and educators to benefit from the program.” The program’s Kickstarter campaign will be live until March 5th, 2026, so there is still time to support it; follow the QR code below to do so. If you have any questions or simply want to reach out to Narda directly, you can email her at narda@nardagani.com.

If you know someone who you think would benefit from this reading program, make sure to check out the website www.nardagani.com or download the Read Nardagani app, which provides you with free access to early reading levels, or you can continue learning with a full subscription for $9.99 a month.

53 Years Strong; The Boulder Mountain Tour Only Gets Better with Age - January 30th, 2026

One of Sun Valley’s most beloved traditions, the Boulder Mountain Tour, celebrates its 53rd birthday this year. The idea for the BMT, as it is more commonly referred to, was pitched by a skier and coach named Rob Keisel. When Keisel began helping to develop one of America’s first cross-country ski races back in 1973, he had no idea just how monumental an event it would be. Alongside Bob Rosso, founder of The Elephant’s Perch—a Sun Valley staple—Keisel established a Nordic race that takes place on the Harriman Trail just north of Ketchum.

The first BMT began at Galena Lodge and ended at the SNRA; it was 30 kilometers long, crossed Highway 75 around 5 times, and included 48 participants. The first-ever BMT winners were Brent Hansen (2:53:15) and Julie Gorton (3:09:30). Over the last 52 years, the tour has seen a few changes: the race was upped to 34 kilometers, participation increased 16-fold, with this year’s cap being 800 skiers, and winners have gone on to cut the original race times from 1973 in half, like Joe Davies (1:28:33) and Erica Laven (1:44:01) in 2025.

This tour has withstood the tests of time, and this year, it’s going to have to withstand the tests of weather (or lack thereof). As we all witnessed, winter took its sweet time to arrive this year. Although conditions aren’t quite what they were in previous years, we have some snow—and that is what counts. Conditions this year are looking fast and firm, compared to last year, which had very heavy, slow snow. Regardless, winter is finally here, and, as Boulder Mountain Tour Board President Paddy McIlvoy puts it, “having to wait for something you love makes you appreciate it all the more when it comes.” It is safe to say that BMT participants are more than ready to show their appreciation.

This appreciation runs so deep that the festivities begin three days before the actual tour. The Nordic Town USA Sprints, or the Town Sprints as lovingly known by locals, is the debut event of the BMT. The sprints take place at Simplot Lot, at 2nd Avenue and Fourth Street in Ketchum—directly across from the post office. Come February 4th, this lot will be transformed into a 400-meter oval course, where teams of two will compete in a cross-country freestyle relay. The teams are comprised of top junior skiers from the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF), Para skiers, and even elite racers from the cross-country field. While many participants partake in the Town Sprints in hopes of garnering local acclaim, small-town fame isn’t the only reward; the top teams will win $600 in cash prizes. If you, or someone you know, wants to tackle the Sprints, you still have the chance to register—in fact, they only accept ‘day of race’ signups, so make sure to be there right at 3:30 p.m. to register and pick up your bib. Welcome and instructions will follow at 4:15 p.m., with the youth groups (1 lap and 2 laps) starting at 4:30 and 4:45 p.m., respectively, the open/adaptive group (4 laps) starting at 5:00 p.m., the elite group (6 laps) starting at 5:15 p.m., and the relays will be followed by the Sprint Awards. If you won’t be joining in for the skiing portion, still make sure to come spectate, cheer, and enjoy hot drinks and cookies—courtesy of Sun Valley Community School. For more information about the Nordic Town USA Sprints, reach out to Kelley Yeates at (208) 726-3899.

In contrast to the casualty that accompanies the Town Sprints sign-up, the BMT sign-up is already closed. Additionally, all racers must pick up their race bag and packet at the BMT Expo, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Argyros on Main Street in Ketchum; late arrivals can pick up their bag and bib on Saturday between 8 and 9:30 a.m. at Galenda Lodge.

The highly anticipated Zion’s Bank 53rd annual Boulder Mountain Tour will take place on February 7th. The Full Boulder will begin at 10 a.m. at Senate Meadows, which is near Galena Lodge and 23 miles north of Sun Valley. This year, 800 racers will venture down the Harriman Trail in seven waves, finishing across from the Sawtooth National Recreation Area headquarters. Those participating in the Full Boulder will conquer 34 kilometers with a total climb of 1,239 feet and a vertical drop of 2,231 feet. Alternatively, the Charley Course Half Boulder will take place at Baker Creek and start at p.m. Charley Course racers will tackle 15 kilometers, beginning at 6,700 feet and gradually descending to 450 feet.

Given that much of the race takes place along Highway 75, it can be difficult to find transportation and parking. Luckily, BMT will be offering shuttle buses to racers and spectators alike. Buses will be transporting racers from Hemingway Elementary Steam School, 111 8th Street East, to Galena Lodge beginning at 7:15 a.m. and continuing until 9:30 a.m. for those partaking in the Full Boulder. So long as space allows, spectators may begin boarding buses between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Additionally, there will be two buses at 10:30 and 11 a.m. to bring spectators from Galena Lodge to the finish. If you plan to drive your own vehicle up north, parking will be available on Barlow Road, about a quarter-mile south of the finish. If you choose to park on Barlow Road, a shuttle will run continuously from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or this would be your first time witnessing Nordic skiing, we highly encourage you to attend the 2026 Boulder Mountain Tour; it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience. So, get ready to put on your coat and hat, head up north into the beautiful, snow-capped Sawtooths, and cheer on some of the best cross-country athletes in the country!

Guardians Without Protection: The Truth Behind Idaho’s Sheep Dogs - January 16th, 2026

Each year, several ranchers from our region lead their sheep north into the mountains for the summer months, and back south for the fall. Over 1,000 sheep shuffle through the streets, trails, and canyons of Blaine County. While these sheep are impressive in their own right, there is a group of underdogs—literally—that are often overlooked.

Five to ten livestock guardian dogs (LGD) accompany ranchers over the summer months, as they guide the sheep through the many canyons of Blaine County: Galena, Lake Creek, Hyndman, and Corral Creek. Unlike herding dogs, which gather, control, and move the livestock, LGD are used to protect the sheep; they are born and bred to patrol the perimeter and sound the alarm when the livestock is in danger of a predator. As puppies, guardian dogs are immersed with livestock 24/7, and trained not to chase, harass, or play with them. It is widely believed that the most efficient guardian dogs are bonded with their stock; that way, they aren’t just guarding property, they are true livestock guardian dogs.

You might think that dogs that provide this kind of protection would be considered irreplaceable or held in high esteem, but the treatment they receive does not align with these beliefs. What many people may not know is that these dogs are not frequently mistreated by their ranchers.

In fact, it is during the period in October, when the sheep are led back down south, that these dogs receive the worst treatment. When all the sheep bands leave the canyons and head south towards their respective ranches, many of the dogs, who have worked tirelessly all summer, are emaciated and exhausted; thus, they are unable to continue. Instead of receiving care, they are simply left behind. Not only are the LGD abandoned, but this period also witnesses many litters of puppies left in the dust. Many females are not spayed, resulting in pregnancy; when they eventually go off to give birth, the band of sheep keeps on trekking, leaving the females and their puppies alone to die.

In Idaho Code Title 25-3504A, livestock guardian dogs are slyly excluded from protection against animal cruelty. The chapter begins by laying out definitions, one of which is “Companion Animal,” defined as “those animals solely kept as pets and not used as production animals, as defined in this section, including, but not limited to, domestic dogs, domestic cats, rabbits, companion birds, and other animals.” Title 25-3504A describes the repercussions associated with “Torturing Companion Animals,” stating, “A person is guilty of the offense of torturing a companion animal if he tortures a companion animal as defined in this chapter.”

As defined in this chapter, tells us everything we need to know; companion animals are “defined in this chapter” as domesticated animals that are “not used as production animals.” Livestock guardian dogs are production animals, which means they are not exempt from mistreatment.

The mistreatment they’re referring to? “The intentional and malicious infliction of pain, physical suffering, injury, or death upon an animal, maliciously maiming, wounding, tormenting, depriving of necessary sustenance, drink, or shelter, cruelly beating, or mutilating an animal, and knowingly abandoning an animal.” Under Idaho law, all of these forms of mistreatment are fair game for livestock guardian dogs.

So, what can we do about this horrific reality?

Enter Tiffany Larson and her team at Unega Mountain Dog Rescue. Larson and her team have been rescuing large livestock guardian dogs for 10 years; her “pack” is made up primarily of Great Pyrenees and Akbash. Her crew is dedicated to collecting LGD across south-central Idaho that are hurt, left behind, or simply lost from their bands. Unega provides these dogs with medical care, socialization, and eventually helps them find loving homes. Their mission is not only rescuing abandoned pups but also to work alongside sheep companies to advocate for better treatment of LGD.

When asked to provide a basic overview of what her team is trying to accomplish regarding the Idaho Livestock Guardian Dog Law, Larson explained that since the early 1960s, the Idaho Legislature has listed LGD as “protection animals”, which is just a fancy way of saying they list them as livestock; meaning that, in the state of Idaho, these dogs have no rights. By this logic, ranchers can do whatever they want to them; they have every right to shoot them at will, abandon them, and leave them for dead. And these aren’t just hypotheticals; these dogs, who accompany and protect their bands of sheep for miles, who perform a thankless job, who receive no love for their efforts, do get left behind. As Tiffany puts it, “The [dogs] we find are going to be the lucky ones, and the [dogs] we don’t find, sadly, are going to die alone.”

Tiffany tried to work alongside ranchers at first. She came up with several solutions and presented them directly. She offered to spay and neuter the dogs to prevent unwanted puppies from being left for dead in the middle of nowhere. She offered to vaccinate and even deworm the dogs so they’re not skinny and full of parasites while working. She offered to provide ranchers with Garmin inReach handheld satellite communicators so they can call Tiffany or drop a pin of their location; that way, if a dog is injured and being left behind, Tiffany and her team can go find the dog.

Additionally, all of the solutions Tiffany provided were offered at no cost to the ranchers; everything would be handled by Unega. While many of the ranchers she spoke to greeted her ideas with open arms, and even a certain level of enthusiasm, none of them ever followed up; this lack of communication on the ranchers’ end showed Tiffany everything she needed to know: they did not want her help, they wanted her to stay out of their business—if a better life was what Tiffany wanted for these dogs, she was going to make it happen on her own.

Tiffany’s proposals to the ranchers made some headway, but nothing significant. She followed this route for about two years, bearing witness to many devastating cases. However, it took a certain dog, a certain case, for Tiffany to realize that enough was enough. Phoenix, a Great Pyrenees that Unega rescued, was the catalyst in Tiffany deciding she was “done playing nice.” Tiffany didn’t dive too deeply into Phoenix’s condition when she found him, but she didn’t need to—her reserve spoke volumes. The dog’s condition was so severe that it necessitated a change. This is why Tiffany began drafting a bill to address Idaho’s current legislative approach to animal cruelty. The bill will be called The Working Livestock Guardian Dog Protection Act, AKA Phoenix’s Law.

Larson explained that her goal with the bill is to hold ranchers accountable. “If these dogs protect [ranchers] livelihood, then [ranchers] need to protect theirs.” Larson isn’t trying to take these dogs away from their jobs; she recognizes that guarding is what they were bred to do. However, an issue arises with her when these dogs are abandoned, mistreated, or left to die alone. To Larson, accountability looks like ranchers reaching out to her if they are leaving a dog behind; it also looks like vaccinating their dogs and spaying their females, unless they have intentional plans to breed and care for the puppies.

Tiffany’s hard work and dedication to these dogs is monumental; however, her team can’t do everything. It is up to ordinary people, like you and me, to support their cause and keep the mission alive. All of Unega’s rescues transpire through word of mouth, so when you’re out biking, hiking, or driving through back roads, please keep them in mind if you spot any dogs who could use rescuing. You can also visit their website, www.unegamountaindogrescue.org, to reach out to Tiffany directly by phone or email, foster any of the rescue pups, or donate to the cause. You can also donate via PayPal or Venmo to @unega-mountain-dog-rescue.

What would you do for the animals you love; why are these dogs any different?

Ringing in the New Year, Sun Valley Style - January 2nd, 2026

The holidays in Sun Valley looked a little bit different this year. A period of unseasonably warm weather—and lots of rain—led to the cancellation of the annual Christmas Eve torchlight parade, a tradition that locals and tourists look forward to all year. The disappointment was heard around the valley. Sun Valley may have missed out on one of its most beloved traditions; however, this meant that all the holiday spirit typically reserved for Christmas Eve was delegated to New Year’s Eve. Luckily, this ‘Eve’ arrived with a much more fitting winter welcome. Not only did snow begin to lightly fall the evening of December 31st, but the town woke to a fresh layer of snow on New Year’s Day. Additionally, New Year’s celebrations took place across the valley, calling crowds of all ages and interests. Whether you were looking for family-friendly fun, late-night dancing, or something a little more glamorous, Sun Valley delivered. So, let’s break it down!

Starting at 9 p.m. on the 31st, Sun Valley Resort rang out the old and rang in the new with a special fireworks show. The New Year’s celebration took place above Dollar Mountain and could be seen from the Resort and the surrounding area. The fireworks followed Dollar Mountain’s New Year’s Eve night skiing: a night of fun for the whole family! Skiers and snowboarders took to the slopes to shred under the stars, dance to music, and of course, witness the fireworks display. It’s safe to say that Dollar and the fireworks were a hit!

If you wanted a New Year’s celebration that took place closer to midnight, and with fewer children around, you likely attended the Snowball, hosted at River Run Lodge. Patrons dressed to the nines: furs, feathers, glitter—you name it! The lodge was transformed into party central with a DJ booth, strobe light, smoke machine, dance floor, and even a photobooth. The Snowball was for adults 21+, and complimentary champagne was served upon entry. The dance floor was hit, bubbles were sipped, and lots of fun was had.

Staying in town was another option this New Year’s Eve, with many of the local bars hosting celebrations. One of the most notable was Whiskey’s on Main, which hosted an 80s-themed party. Whiskey-goers sported neon, tulle, and sheen, all while adopting their best 80s mindset. Whiskeys encapsulated the Neon 80s through their live music performances from Casio Dreams and DJ sets by Daws & Harley. Champagne toasts were made, photobooth pictures were snapped, late-night bites were munched, and one of the most exciting decades was honored!

Another 21+ option that was slightly more exclusive was Fiamma’s Black Tie Masquerade. This new-ish, flourishing Italian-inspired restaurant invited 50 guests to a black-tie masquerade dinner, with 5% of the evening's proceeds benefiting the Corry Hard Clayville Scholarship Fund. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests arrived in chic, masquerade attire to indulge in an open bar, an oyster & champagne pairing station, hors d’oeurves, a four-course menu, a professional photographer, and live music.

While Christmas Eve may have arrived without snow, Sun Valley still found its winter magic, albeit a little bit later than expected. From fireworks over Dollar Mountain to dance floors and candlelit charity dinners, New Year’s Eve proved that our valley knows how to rally and celebrate when it really matters. With fresh snow on the horizon, regardless of the amount, and spirits high, 2026 began exactly as it should: sparkling, festive, and Sun-Valley-style!

Let It Snow: Winter Makes Its Grand Entrance in Blaine County - December 19th, 2025

Blaine County has got its ultimate holiday wish: snow, and lots of it! Bald Mountain opened on December 3rd, with limited runs available to the public. However, since yesterday afternoon, Baldy has seen 6” of fresh snow; so, skiers can now ski top-to-bottom on Upper and Lower College, Roundhouse Lane to Mid River Run, Sunset Strip, and Lower River Run. So head on up and hit the slopes, and make sure to stop into Roundhouse, as it is now open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you can’t make lunch, drop in for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The best news is that this onset of snow is just the beginning. It is predicted to snow every day from today until next Friday, with temperatures getting as low as 11°. Which means our town is on its way to looking like a winter wonderland, just the way we like it! And while the snow has been welcomed by our community with open arms (and freshly waxed skis), it is important that we keep in mind how this change in conditions affects the roads and our safety. Cold temperatures may mean fresh powder, but they also mean icy roads and slick sidewalks, which makes getting around town a bit more dangerous.

Since snow started falling on Thursday afternoon, Morgan Ballis, Blaine County’s Sheriff, reported that there have been seven vehicle accidents and several slide-offs. The Sheriff recommends drivers to “keep their lights on during the day, reduce speeds, and increase following distances.” We must take the road conditions into account when driving around town, or from Hailey to Ketchum; make sure you are driving with reason this holiday season.

Additionally, the National Weather Service has issued an urgent winter storm warning across the Sun Valley Region, Lost Highlands/Copper Basin, Frank Church Wilderness, and Sawtooth/Stanley Basin. The warning will remain in effect until Saturday, December 20th, at 5 a.m. The service predicts 6” of snow, winds gusting as high as 55 mph, and incredibly slippery road conditions. They warn that hazardous conditions could affect commutes and that strong winds could cause tree damage, and recommend keeping an extra flashlight and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The roads from Hailey to Ketchum are not the only ones falling victim to the treacherous, snowy conditions. The Sawtooth Avalanche Center has also issued a warning for Galena Summit, Eastern, Sawtooth, and Western Smoky Mountains, where avalanche danger is rated at a 4, or ‘High’. Driving or traveling within these areas is not recommended; the Avalanche Center advises people to stay off steep slopes (slopes steeper than 30°). The center believes that avalanches could be triggered from above, below, and to the sides of steep slopes, and that any smaller triggered slab could potentially break deeper into weaker snow, so it is best to keep your distance for now.

Our little town is showing its true colors, and it is time to celebrate the snowy change in weather. However, while we prepare for this upcoming week, and all the snow it has to offer, let’s remember to keep our and others’ safety in mind while getting around town, hitting the slopes, or heading up north. So, get out on the mountain, do your best snow dance, and reap all that this place has to offer, just make sure you’re doing it safely!

Your Guide to the Holidays in Sun Valley - December 5th, 2025

Sun Valley is the embodiment of a Winter Wonderland, which means the holidays feel extra special when they’re spent here. Despite this year’s lack of snow—don’t stop praying for it—there are dozens of activities going on in the valley that are sure to lift your holiday spirits! So, without further ado, here is your guide to the holidays in Sun Valley.

Starting strong: the Sun Valley Community Gingerbread Contest. This year, beginning December 4th, the Boiler Room in the Sun Valley village will be filled with elaborate gingerbread houses, all constructed in support of local nonprofits. Though it is too late to enter your own work, entries needed to be delivered in completed form by December 4th, it is not too late to cast a vote for your favorite house! Gather up your friends and family, and head over to the Boiler Room to check out some exquisite, and edible, pieces of art. The gingerbread houses will be on display throughout the holiday season, and viewers must provide a cell phone number and email address to cast their vote. Not only is voting fun, but it also supports wonderful causes throughout the Wood River Valley; the nonprofits listed in the top three winners’ entries will receive donations from the Sun Valley Company. Nothing says ‘Holiday Spirit’ more than gingerbread houses and supporting local nonprofits!

Speaking of nonprofits, make sure to check out the Papoose Club’s Annual Holiday Bazaar. This holiday arts and crafts market will be held on December 6th from 9 AM to 5 PM and on December 7th from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Hemingway Elementary School in Ketchum. A beloved local tradition, the holiday bazaar features hand-made gifts from 70+ artists’ booths, artists from across the Intermountain West, a famous cookie sale, and a seriously stacked raffle! Raffle tickets are $10 a piece, or you can purchase a pack of 6 for $50, which is a great deal considering the wonderful raffle prizes available: a Sun Valley ski pass and ski demo, $100 or higher to seven different restaurants in town, a gym membership, guided fishing, a quarterly wine order plus a tasting party, the list goes on! Stop by Hemingway the first week of December to support the Papoose Club and check out sweets, ceramics, handblown glass, clothing, birdhouses, cards, art, wool products, home decor, ornaments, textiles, and so much more.

One of the most magical pieces of the holidays, for children at least, is Santa. Spark your kids’ Christmas spirit by stopping by the Boiler Room in the Sun Valley Village on December 6th from 12 PM to 4 PM for cookie decorating and photos with Santa! No prior registration is required, but individual cookies can be purchased for $13.50 a piece; children will be given a space and materials to decorate. To top off the Christmas feel, Colla Voce, Wood River High School’s select vocal ensemble, will be caroling from 12 PM to 3 PM.

December 12th through the 14th has no shortage of holiday activities, just take your pick! On December 12th, the Sun Valley Opera House’s Holiday Movie Series begins at 2 PM with a showing of the holiday classic, Elf. Tickets are $5 for adults, children 3 and under get in for free, and can be purchased at the door. Later that same day, from 6 PM to 8 PM, Elaine Kim will be hosting a Winter Wonderland Fashion Show at the Senior Connection in Hailey. Tickets are $50, and all proceeds benefit Senior Connection’s delivery of essential services. The fashion show will feature delicious food and drinks, a DJ, a photo booth, and even raffle prizes!

The Sun Valley Village Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place the following day, December 13th. The festivities kick off at 5:30 PM, with live holiday music by Faculty Lounge, ice carvings, free cookies and cocoa, an outdoor bar, a European-style market, and even an appearance from Santa. The tree lighting begins at 6 PM sharp, and you don’t want to miss it—it is an unforgettable way to start the holiday season! The Christmas fun does not stop there… The Sun Valley Opera House’s Holiday Movie Series continues that same evening with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at 6:30 PM. If tree lightings and Christmas movies aren’t your cup of tea, the Wood River High School (WRHS) Performing Arts Theater will be hosting a holiday dance on December 13th as well, from 7 PM to 8 PM at the Community Campus in Hailey. This free event will feature a collaborative performance by Footlight Dance and Sun Valley Music Festival Music Institute students!

If you miss the Footlight Dance Company on December 13th, don’t fret. On the 15th, from 3 PM to 4 PM, Ballet Sun Valley will be hosting a free community film screening of Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker, performed by the artists of Boston Ballet. The best part? The show will end with a special live performance from the Footlight Dance Company. Head on over to the Sun Valley Opera House and experience the beauty and wonder of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker!

Santa isn’t the only way to make your kids’ holiday season magical. On December 17th and 22nd, the Community Library will host Holiday Storytelling. In partnership with the Sun Valley Resort, the library plans to share festive holiday storybooks with children. The event will take place in the Sun Room at the Sun Valley Lodge from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM and is open to all. Children will even receive a holiday treat bag as they leave. This storytelling is a wonderful way to ignite children’s holiday spirit, while getting them involved in literature.

Not everybody celebrates Christmas, but everyone can celebrate the winter solstice—and Bald Mountain knows the best way to do it! On December 21st, from 1 PM to 6 PM, a Winter Solstice Party will take place in River Run Lodge. Live music will run for all five hours: the Cliftonite Acoustics will perform from 1 PM until 4 PM, and DJ beats from Alex Hegewald will run until 6 PM. Join in on some local fun by sipping seasonal cocktails, enjoying live music, and celebrating the shortest day of the year!

The winter holidays are a special time regardless of location, but in this little town, as you can see, we hold them especially near and dear to our hearts. So, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or none of the above, Sun Valley is sure to have an event for you; get out there and spread your holiday cheer!

Sun Valley’s 90th Ski Season - November 21st, 2025

As Sun Valley enters its 90th ski season, it feels like a good time to reflect on what a special place this town is; whether you are a long-time local or simply stopping through, this fact is undeniable. Perhaps our town’s excellence stems from its unique, timeless charm, or maybe it’s that, in winter, a visit to the Sun Valley village feels more like stepping into a snow globe or a Fachwerk gingerbread village. Although these are well-loved aspects of our town, there is one Sun Valley hallmark that undoubtedly takes the cake: Bald Mountain.

One of the first people to see Sun Valley and Bald Mountain’s potential was Count Felix Schaffgotsch in 1936. Schaffgosch was hired by Averell Harriman, the chairman of the board of the Union-Pacific Railroad, to venture through the West and find the perfect place to develop North America’s first destination ski resort. The Count traveled far and wide until he stumbled upon a little mining town, surrounded by glorious mountain ranges, with a population of only 100 people: Ketchum, Idaho.

It is safe to say that Sun Valley immediately left its mark on Count Felix Schaffgosch; no more than three days into his stay, the Count wired Harriman: “Among the many attractive spots I have visited, this combines the more delightful features of any place I have seen in the United States, Switzerland, or Austria for a winter ski resort." The Count’s words struck a chord with Harriman, and the beloved Sun Valley Resort was completed in less than a year.

Once the resort was built and became a popular year-round destination, Dollar Mountain and Proctor Mountain became the new focus. Construction on the hills began in the summer of 1936. Jim Curran, a Union Pacific engineer, drew on his extensive knowledge of banana conveyor systems to develop a method for transporting skiers uphill; his approach, although unheard of at the time, made Sun Valley the birthplace of the modern chairlift.

Bald Mountain, or Baldy, was one of the last pieces of the Sun Valley puzzle, opening in December of 1939. Averell Harriman was incredibly proud of his ski town’s new 9,150-foot summit, 3,400-foot vertical drop, and 33 trails; thus, he asked a New York publicity agent, Steve Hannagan, to announce the resort and Baldy to the world.

Hannagan introduced Sun Valley as “America’s First Destination Ski Resort.” Additionally, Harriman and Hannagan proposed inviting celebrities to visit the resort to help Sun Valley gain traction. One of the most notable celebrities was Ernest Hemingway, who first visited in 1939 after being invited to stay alongside other VIPs; he loved the town so much that he later bought a home in 1959. Marilyn Monroe was another celebrity invited to visit the resort; in fact, her movie Bus Stop was filmed in Sun Valley. The early days of the lodge also saw such famous faces as Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Sonja Henie.

Today, Baldy has transformed into something bigger than Averell Harriman could’ve imagined. The mountain has 2,533 skiable acres, 12 ski lifts, and over 120 trails. Sun Valley has become so well-known that it hosted one of the biggest ski events in the world: the 2025 Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals. Harriman would also be proud to know that his little ski town was voted the #1 ski resort in North America by SKI Magazine readers from 2021 to 2023.

Baldy is a Sun Valley staple; tourists travel from all around the world to experience the magic it offers. In the past, the mountain opened to the public on Thanksgiving Day; it is many people’s favorite tradition! Come Thanksgiving morning, tourists and locals bundle up, load up their skis and poles, and head to the River Run side of Baldy. Unfortunately, this year, to the dismay of skiers and snowboarders alike, opening day is going to look a little bit different.

Sun Valley Resort planned to open Baldy on Thursday, November 27th at 9 a.m. However, our town has experienced unusually warm, dry weather this fall, which has prevented sufficient snowmaking on Baldy. While this news is far from positive, Sun Valley remains hopeful that a new opening date will be announced soon; colder temperatures and snow are forecast for the upcoming weeks, with lows as low as 16°. In the meantime, all we can do is pray for snow, check updates on Sun Valley’s social media channels and https://www.sunvalley.com/the-mountain/opening-day/, and of course, pray for snow again.

Election Results - November 7th, 2025

Voters across Blaine County took to the polls on Tuesday to elect new mayors and council members and vote on ballot measures. The election results were released on November 5th, 2025, at voteidaho.gov; the results will remain unofficial until certified by the Board of County Commissioners later in November.

In the Bellevue mayoral race, Christina Giordani maintained her mayoral status and was reelected with 60.32% of the vote (377 votes), defeating Suzanne Wrede, who received 39.68% (248 votes).

Voters also approved the Bellevue City Non-Property Tax measure, which raises local non-property taxes, such as a 1% tax on restaurant food, a 2% tax on liquor by the drink, and an increase in lodging tax from 3% to 6%, while extending the tax’s duration to 15 years. The measure passed 57.66% to 42.34% (365–268).

In a landslide style victory, Pete Prekeges won the Ketchum mayoral race with a decisive 81.39% (1,321 votes), defeating John Wigdale, who received 18.61% (302 votes).

Prekeges was initially disqualified from the mayoral race by Blaine County Clerk Stephen Graham back in September of this year; the clerk claimed that Prekeges was ineligible to run for mayor of Ketchum on account of Idaho Code Title 34's residency requirements. Prekeges claims a homeowner exemption for a property in Hailey, making Hailey his legal city of residence under Idaho code. However, the 5th Judicial District Court held an expedited hearing of Prekeges' mayoral eligibility, and Judge R. Cotton determined that Prekeges was qualified, and thus, the race for Ketchum mayor continued.

For Ketchum City Council’s four-year seats, the two electees were Randy Hall (18.10%, 577 votes) and Matthew McGraw (16.72%, 533 votes). Other candidates included Perry Boyle (15.85%), Hannah Harris (14.31%), Ed Simon (10.89%), Tracie Smith (8.79%), Robert Vallee (4.93%), David Page (4.05%), Kendall Kirkpatrick (3.51%), and Biche Rudigoz (2.86%).

Hailey voters selected Sage Sauerbrey to fill City Council Seat 1, giving him a clear lead with 62.53% (1,482 votes). Joel Zellers received 25.70% (609 votes), and Jeff Emerick followed with 11.77% (279 votes).

A separate Special Non-Property Tax Election in Hailey, which increases the city’s local option tax on rental vehicles and hotel/motel occupancy from 4% to 6%, passed overwhelmingly, with 75.3% (1,838 votes) in favor and 24.7% (603 votes) opposed.

In Carey, Clayton Mecham and Tyler Norman won the two open City Council seats, earning 41.97% (149 votes) and 34.65% (123 votes), respectively. Tara Hansen finished third with 23.38% (83 votes).

One of the most highly debated ballot measures this election was the Blaine County School District’s supplemental budget levy. The school district urged voters to support a two-year budget levy that would raise $3.85 million per year, about $1.85 million more than the previous supplementary levy. The funds would be used to finance full-day Kindergarten, preschool, special education, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), School Resource Officers (SROs), and cybersecurity. The levy was approved, with 66.27% (4,791 votes) in favor of authorizing it.

Blaine County’s previous election, which determined the Hailey mayor, Bellevue mayor, and several city council positions, was held on November 7th, 2023. The total number of registered voters in this election was 12,472, with 4,210 ballots cast, for a voter turnout of around 34%.

This year’s voter statistics, albeit unofficial, show an increase in voter turnout compared to 2023. This year’s election had a total of 14,970 registered voters and 7,473 ballots cast, resulting in a voter turnout of around 50%—meaning turnout was 15% higher than in 2023 and roughly half of all registered voters participated. With this rise in voter turnout, Blaine County residents showed greater interest in shaping their local government and policies this election.