by Judy Bracken, Newsletter Editor
This was not the typical rowdy, party-filled ski week! There were no group activities, other than outdoor ice skating on the last day, and the shared meals were merely pick-up and take back to your room, if you were following the Covid safety rules. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time and fell in love with the Sun Valley Resort.
The FWSA entire group was about 100 people; BAC sent just 16 from the original 60 or so that signed up. As a result, we were upgraded to stay in the Sun Valley Lodge, a five star hotel with views of the ice rink and/or ski resort from every room.
When I booked the trip in July, I figured most of the safety restrictions would be lifted in February. Not so, but still I wanted to go to Sun Valley and I wanted to reintroduce Mark, my partner, to skiing after a long hiatus. We decided that if we strictly followed all the safety protocols regarding masking and social distancing, we drove to Idaho in our own vehicle, and had a separate hotel room, it was as much as we could do to remain Covid-free. And to exercise in the great outdoors is considered essential in my book!
A series of big snowstorms the week we were leaving gave us some trepidation regarding the drive. We were in luck; it cleared up the day we departed, leaving roads dry and snow-free for the entire drive. It was beautiful cruising through the wide open basins and snow covered ranges of Nevada, then north to the sharp peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. When we arrived at Sun Valley resort, it was a magical winter wonderland, with snow on every mountain and rooftop, snow-lined pathways, and frosty trees sparkling with lights every night.
We skied all but one day. There was plenty of snow due to the recent storms, although it wasn’t the light, dry snow typical of Sun Valley. In fact, the first day proved to be quite tiring, as even on the groomed runs were little hillocks of snow all around, requiring an extra push with the skis when turning. The weather was spectacular—cold, but bright blue skies and little wind most days. Crowds were minimal and lift lines were short.
The runs at Sun Valley are challenging and very long. What they label as a green easy run would definitely be an intermediate run at most other resorts. There really are no easy runs on Bald Mountain, except perhaps some of the roads at the bottom. Dollar Mountain is the place to go for easier runs; unfortunately I didn’t know that and Mark, just restarting to ski after twenty years, tweaked his knee on the first day and was out for the week. Being a professional photographer, he managed to entertain himself by taking photos and joining us for lunches.
With my ski friend Karl, we ventured onto a newly opened, ungroomed area to test the powder on a run called “Numbers.” There were nicely spaced trees at the top, but as we continued down the run it got steeper and steeper and the trees became closer and closer. It was a challenge, but we made it to the bottom in one piece. Karl and I will long remember that run.
It’s no wonder the celebrities love Sun Valley; the on-hill ski lodges are luxurious, with high ceilings supported by large pine beams and pillars, and picture windows in the main dining areas. Each bathroom stall has floor to ceiling wooden doors. Seating areas are filled with comfy sofas and huge fireplaces.
The safety rules in Idaho were more relaxed than in California. There was a huge, round, heated outdoor pool for apres ski relaxation. Reservations were required and it was a good place to socialize if you wished, since it was outside. Indoor dining was allowed in Idaho, although we only went out twice. It just didn’t feel right to be indoors with all the windows closed. For lunch breaks at the ski hill, we ate outside near the fire pits and enjoyed the sunny weather.
Our drive home was as enjoyable as the way there, and we now have fond memories of that Sun Valley week. Next year, Far West Ski Association is planning a trip to Snowmass, January 29 to February 5. All of us are members of the FWSA as well as Bay Area Snow Sports Council (BAC), which also offers various ski and sport trips. Check out their websites using the links on the sidebar.
