STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Sun Valley had to forego its Labor Day ice show in 2022 as the ice cooling system that had been in place for decades finally gave out.

That wasn’t the case this year as the resort refurbished both its indoor and outdoor ice rinks over the winter. Sun Valley on Ice ensemble took one final spin on the ice for the season Saturday night accompanied by headliner and Olympic medalist Jason Brown, who performed plenty of athletic maneuvers that won the applause of spectators.

A near full house watched from the bleachers while others watched from the Lodge Terrace, where the resort revived its ice show buffet featuring prime rib and an array of mouth-watering desserts this summer after a hiatus due to the COVID pandemic.

Rain that was in the forecast held off just long enough Saturday evening to let Craig Heath, Sunshine and other members of the Sun Valley on Ice cast perform the final show of the 2023 summer season.

Some of those who attended this year’s Sun Valley on Ice Shows called the show one of the best in recent memory. And that could well be the case, thanks to strong familiar songs, a fun James Bond routine, breathtaking flips and headbangers and the comic routine of Jason Graetz, who seems to have rubber legs.

Then there was the enchanting performance by Sun Valley’s little cowpokes who did a cute number to a song about Idaho. It seemed like the perfect anthem for a resort so bound to sense of place. And couple of the tiny ones could very well be looking at Olympic berths years from now, given the adeptness with which they performed spins and other tricks.

Now, it’s on to the winter season. After all, hockey players are itching to get back on the ice in Sun Valley’s indoor rink after a winter off it.