STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Ski the Rails should prove a winter wonderland this year, thanks to the many inches of snow that have fallen the past few days.
The free cross country ski tour from Ketchum to Hailey will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9, along the groomed Wood River Trail bike path, which is the site of the former Union Pacific Railroad tracks. This week’s snow ensures that groomers will be able to pack snow in the tunnels.
The tour officially starts at 10 a.m. at Serenade Lane in Ketchum, but skiers can start later if they like. And they can start anywhere along the Wood River Trail, as well.
Representatives of Galena Lodge, Higher Ground, the VAMPS and DONS and Blaine County Recreation District staff will host refreshments along the way. Participants will also find treats and swag from Perry’s Restaurant, Clif Bar, Turtle Fur and Backwoods Mountain Sports.
Aid stations will be at Serenade Lane, Broadway Run, East Fork Road, the north end of Buttercup Road and Myrtle Street.
There will be live music at the Brewery, along with free lip balm and Turtle Fur neck warmers to participants. Lunch and beer will be available for purchase.
Historical signs will be placed along the trail, providing an excuse to take a breather while learning about the history of the area.
Free shuttle buses will ferry skiers and their dogs from Sun Valley Brewery in Hailey starting at 9:30 a.m. They will continue running throughout the event with the last bus north departing the Brewery to take Ketchum skiers back north at 2:45 p.m.
In addition, a bus will shuttle skiers from the event finish line at Myrtle Street in Hailey to the Sun Valley Brewery beginning at 11 a.m.
Friendly dogs are welcome on the bus, provided they’re on a leash.
Buses leave the Brewery at 9:30, 9:40, 10:30 and 11:40 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Buses head south from Serenade at 10, 10:15 and 11:05 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Buses will stop at East Fork on the highway and at the north end of Buttercup for drop off and pick up, as well.
Questions? Call the BCRD at 578-5453 or visit www.bcrd.org.