November 17, 20087 (Sun Valley, Idaho) – The Sun Valley area is not just about world class alpine skiing. It is also home to some of the nation’s most fantastic and varied Nordic ski trails and amenities anywhere in the United States. This system is provided by a unique collaboration of both private and public entities. In addition to its world-renown Baldy and Dollar mountain alpine skiing destinations, The Sun Valley Resort offers more than 40 kilometers of expertly groomed Nordic trails around a new 58,000 square foot Nordic lodge. The Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) also offers more than 130 km of groomed Nordic trails highlighted by the rustic Galena Lodge in the beautiful Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

The entire system begins with the BCRD Nordic trails and amenities north of Ketchum/Sun Valley. First on this list, visitors can experience Galena Lodge, a rustic day lodge dating back to the 1880’s and nestled in the Boulder Mountains just below Galena summit. Avid Nordic skiers and families alike (kids 12 & under ski free) will love the friendly atmosphere, great food, snowshoe and sledding opportunities, yurt lodging, and ski rentals as well. Enjoy the trails around Galena Lodge or, just to the south, take a glide on the magical Harriman Trail while enjoying breathtaking views of the Boulder Mountains. Then escape into the many adjoining wilderness trails. Home of the world famous Boulder Mountain Ski Race, this entire trail system boasts more than 130 km of trails managed by the BCRD in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

The whole system continues at the Sun Valley Resort. This winter, the plush new Sun Valley Club will become home to the Sun Valley Nordic Center. The spectacular 58,000 sq. ft. facility promises to rival any in the West. Located just one mile east of the Sun Valley Resort, the Sun Valley Club will provide Nordic skiers of all abilities luxurious amenities including a restaurant, lounges, bar, locker rooms, equipment rental and ski storage. Cross country skiers here also have access to Sun Valley Resort’s myriad recreational, dining, shopping opportunities and village ambiance. The cross-country skiing experience is unique and the daily grooming of the 40 Km is meticulous. A wide diversity of terrain is offered for both skaters and classic striders. Gliding over meadows and through forests at an elevation of 6,000 feet, the Sun Valley Nordic trails offer outstanding views of the surrounding mountains in the Sawtooth National Forest. Our talented PSIA certified instructors provide a positive learning environment for students to gain confidence and
progress to the next level.

The entire system concludes at Quigley Canyon just 12 miles south of Sun Valley, Ketchum and bordering Hailey, Idaho. Visitors and families can enjoy 13 kilometers of beautiful trails and active winter fun for families groomed by the BCRD only minutes away from the center of town.

With 300 days of annual sunshine and situated in the beautiful Wood River Valley, the Sun Valley area is the perfect backdrop for Nordic skiers and all types of winter fun of all levels and interests. With the partnership between Sun Valley Resort, the BCRD, and the U.S. Forest Service, Nordic enthusiasts will discover a diverse and extensive Nordic destination like no other, all for a great value.

To make this unique experience attractive and affordable, especially for families, Sun Valley Resort is partnering with the BCRD to offer passes that enable visitors to access both the Sun Valley and BCRD trail systems. The first pass is a 2-day pass, good for one day of skiing in both systems and is priced at $28.00. The second pass is a 3-day pass, good for one day on the BCRD trail system and two days on the Sun Valley Nordic trails, and is priced at $40.00. Third, users can also access both trail systems during the year through a combined season pass priced at $420.00. All three of these combination passes can be purchased now by calling the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center at (208) 622-2250. Season passes are available starting in October 2008 and day passes will be available in December 2008.

Also this year, the Sun Valley Company is offering special, extended Nordic packages beginning January 4, 2009 and continuing through March 29, 2009. The one night package will include lodging, ski rental, trail fee and one Nordic ski lesson. The package will cost only $132.00 per person double occupancy and can be booked for multiple days. A two-night package also is available and includes lodging, three days of Nordic skiing on both the Sun Valley and BCRD trails, three days of ski equipment rental and one Nordic ski lesson. Also available for booking multiple, this package is available for only $242.00 per person double occupancy. For booking either package you may call 800-786-8259 or visit reservations@sunvalley.com. Call 208-788-2117 or visit bcrd.org for more detailed information about the BCRD Nordic Trail system or call Galena Lodge at 208-726-4010 for more information on rentals, lessons, and their fantastic dining experience.