October 28, 2008 (Sun Valley, Idaho) – New trails, new lodge, new yurts all part of Ketchum/Sun Valley 2008/09 Nordic experience. Blaine County Recreation District, the U.S. Forest Service and Sun Valley Company are gearing up in a big way for the 2008-2009 Nordic skiing season, with some new goodies and more than 260km/160 miles of groomed trails for all abilities.

The unique private-public partnership in the Wood River Valley gives skiers a wonderful array of Nordic skiing experiences, including immaculately groomed fast skating lanes and traditional set track, forested mountain trails and open meadow trails bordered by quaking aspen, and beautiful indoor facilities with food and beverage at Galena Lodge and Sun Valley Nordic Center .

So many Ks, so little time. Between all three entities, the Wood River Valley has a ton of great trails to explore. Here’s how it breaks down:
– Galena Lodge Trails – 56 km
– North Valley Trails – 120 km
– Sun Valley Resort Trails – 40 km
– Quigley Family Park – 10 km
– Wood River Trail – 37 km
In total: 263 km

New this year is the Quigley Family Park directly east of Hailey, a separate 10km trail system geared toward families and kids. There are snowshoe and dog trails available.

New kid policy: Kids 12 and under can ski free on all North Valley trails managed by the Blaine County Recreation District.

Save the date: The 34th running of the popular Boulder Mountain Tour will occur on February 7.
Sun Valley’s Nordic Center has a new home. A brand new 58,000-square-foot stately lodge has replaced the old warming hut. Locker rooms are now available for Nordic skiers, plus a huge dining area, a lounge, rental shop and an indoor driving range for golf fanatics. The lodge is quite impressive. Here’s a small picture.

Book early to reserve one of three yurts at Galena Lodge: Galena added the Star’s Perch Yurt to its lineup this year. There is the more intimate Honeymoon Yurt, tucked into the trees for privacy, which sleeps up to four people, and the Star’s Perch Yurt and Senate View Yurt sleep 8 apiece. At $145 a night for the larger yurts, it works out to $18 per person. Now that’s a deal. You can cook for yourself, or the Galena staff will cook for you and deliver! Contact Galena Lodge by email > or phone, 726-4010.