STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

There’s just two weeks until Sun Valley Resort launches its 2024-25 winter season. And, while the guns have been pumping snow, Bald Mountain could use a little help from Mother Nature, especially as temperatures approached 60 degrees earlier this week.

That’s where you come in.

The resort will host its free Pray for Snow Party from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the River Run Lodge and Plaza.

Powder hounds are invited to break out their vintage ski wear, channel some good vibes and join others in dancing the snow into existence.

DJ Luke Ross will spin tunes, and a special Pray for Snow food menu will be available.

There's much to celebrate and look forward to, what with the new Seattle Ridge chairlift ready to be unveiled. Sun Valley Resort's lift system was ranked first in SKI Magazine's annual rankings, as the resort placed in the Top 10.

As in years past, attendees are encouraged to participate in the Resort’s annual Food and Coat Drive for The Hunger Coalition and The Shoshone Project.

Participants will receive one raffle ticket for every five cans of food they bring for The Hunger Coalition, up to five raffle tickets per person. Raffle tickets will also be available for purchase, with the proceeds benefitting The Hunger Coalition.

Attendees are asked to bring these highest-need items: canned meat, such as tuna and chicken; healthy cereal; dry beans, rice and lentils; cooking oil; nut butters; dry pasta; Maseca flour; shelf-stable alternative milk; canned beans and canned fruits and vegetables.

The winter coats will go to the Shoshone Project, which supports families in Lincoln and Jerome counties. Many of them make the commute almost daily to Hailey and Ketchum to work in construction, house cleaning, landscaping, grocery and retail operations, restaurants and as electricians and mammography technicians at the hospital.

More than 40 percent of the Blaine County workforce commutes from these communities.

Last year the Shoshone Project served 140 families; this year it hopes to serve 150 families with a holiday food box, warm clothing and Christmas presents for the kids.

Those donating coats will receive a website code for 40 percent off Mammut apparel for every coat donated.