Author: Sun Valley

Despite a below average snowpack in the Wood River Valley the Swix Boulder Mountain Tour course has only a slight change to ensure adequate safety and enjoyment for all.  The Organizing Committee announced today that the 32-kilometer course will begin as usual with 25 lanes in Senate Meadows at Galena Ski Trails, do a loop around the Senate Meadows area then cross Highway 75 at the bottom of the meadow at the chain-up area just to the South of Galena Lodge.  This will take racers to the upper Harriman Trail where they will remain until they end at the Sawtooth National Recreation Headquarters north of Ketchum , Idaho . The course is gently rolling and has an elevation drop of 1100 feet over its 20-mile length. The race is designated as an open skate race however there is a single track at the side of the course for those who prefer to use classic technique. The start area has tracks set for the first 100 meters (no skating in the tracked area).

The 15 kilometer non-competitive Half-Boulder will begin at Baker Creek. After a very short start area heading north, the race will turn south and merge with the BMT course finishing at the SNRA Headquarters. The Half-Boulder Course remains exactly the same.
There will be inspection of the course allowed on Friday, January 31st at no charge until 4:00 p.m. when the racecourse will be closed. Use of the trail before Friday and any time after the race will require a North Valley Trails trail fee.

For more information about the Swix Boulder Mountain Tour or any other Sun Valley Nordic Festival events visit nordictownusa.com or visit our facebook page: Sun Valley Nordic Festival.

NordicTown USA thanks all those who raced, toured, volunteered, partied, and celebrated on our over 200km of perfectly groomed trails.

The 4^th Annual Sun Valley Nordic Festival brought an estimated 5500+ participants to Sun Valley area to celebrate all things Nordic over a festive 9 day period. A variety of over 20 events kept skiers of all ages busy from dawn to dusk celebrating the over 200km of impeccable trail, mountain culture and high caliber competition. The familiar events such as the BCRD Ski the Rails, the Galena & the Trails Winter Benefit, the Twilight Ski & Dinner at Galena Lodge, the Downtown Jam/NordicTown USA Sprints and the Banff Film Festival were surrounded by some new events such as the Sawtooth Outdoor Bonspiel, wine and coffee tastings, American Cross-Country Skiing National Masters Championship races, and Reggae in the Mountains. The finale of the festival centered around the 38^th Annual Swix Boulder Mountain Tour- complete with an expo, 32km and 15km race, awards ceremony and demo day.

Also a cause for celebration is the United States Nordic Olympic and Paralympic Training Site designation. Elite athletes were en force throughout the festival, including around 20 adaptive athletes who have gave it their all throughout. But to see athletes of all ages and abilities from at least 30 states and Canada here is spectacular.  As one festival-goer posted on Facebook, “Sun Valley sunshine + sparkling diamond snow = BLISS!”

Sun Valley Nordic Festival would like to thank the hosts for all the events: BCRD, Boise Curling Club, Frenchman’s Gulch Winery, Sun Valley Nordic, Friends of Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche Center, Galena Lodge, Boulder Mountain Tour, Ketchum/Sun Valley Historical Society, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Cross Country Ski Team, Elephant’s Perch, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Smiley Creek Lodge, Wood River Bike Coalition, Wood River Ability Program, Perry’s Restaurant, Mountain Niceness Productions, Clear Creek Rubbish, Sun Valley Garden Center, and Mobile Fidelity.

Sun Valley Nordic Festival would also like to recognize the amazing and tireless volunteers who make the festival possible.  Go NordicTown USA!

Put the 5^th Annual Sun Valley Nordic Festival on your calendar now: