December 18, 2015 (Sun Valley, ID) – Sun Valley announced today that the Nordic Center will have their official opening on Saturday for classic cross-country and skate skiing, along with fat biking, snowshoeing and new this year – daytime sleigh rides. Private and group ski lessons will also be available for those wishing to brush up on their skills.

“We are very excited to be offering a wide range of activities for our guests – excellent skiing, expanded fat biking, family-friendly daytime sleigh rides and snowshoeing on our unique and beautiful trails, we have something for everyone,” stated Tony Parkhill, Sun Valley’s director of snowsports and guest services.

All of the Nordic trails will be open starting at 9:00 am on Saturday and the Dog Loop, Boundary Loop and Hemingway Trail will be open for fat biking. The first sleigh ride will leave the Nordic Center at 11:00 am for an hour-long loop out to Trail Creek Cabin and past such landmarks as Hemingway Memorial, then back to the Nordic Center. Sleighs will leave every 30-minutes, with the last sleigh departing the Nordic Center at 2:00 pm.

A notable addition for the season is fat biking, a sport that is quickly gaining momentum locally and within the broader cycling community. Sun Valley will also be hosting the Snowball Special Fat Bike Race for the second year in a row. The inaugural event was held last year and attracted over 60 participants, with more anticipated this year. The 2016 event will be held on January 30. Race registration and information may be found here.

Over on the alpine side of the resort, Bald Mountain continues the trend of opening more lifts and runs. Lifts that will be running on Saturday are Cold Springs (#4), Greyhawk (#7) and Frenchman’s (#8). Dollar Mountain will be adding Half Dollar to its operations on Saturday, giving skiers and boarders even more options as they hit the slopes this weekend.

Live bands will be playing at both the River Run and Warm Springs Lodges. The Barking Owls will be playing from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm on Friday at River Run and Sunday at Warm Springs. Shakewell River will be playing from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm on Saturday at River Run.

Plenty of holiday activities will be happening this weekend, including the annual Sun Valley Tree Lighting Ceremony, starting at 5:30 pm on Saturday. There will be an appearance by Santa, the traditional Sun Valley Carolers will be strolling, live holiday music will be playing, along with an ice carving demo and free cookies and hot cocoa.

The festivities continue on Sunday with the 8th Annual Classic Christmas Concert in the Limelight Room at the Sun Valley Inn. Hosted by R.L. Rowsey and special guest, Jana Arnold, this concert will feature the “Sun Valley All-Stars” of Bruce Innis, Larry Harshbarger and Brooks Hartell. There will be singing, playing, storytelling and possibly an unexpected visit from special guests. Tickets are $22 for regular admission or $50 for VIP, which includes table seating, cookies and a drink ticket and may be purchased at the Sun Valley Recreation Center.

www.sunvalley.com