STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Registration is now open for the 46th Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which returns to the Warm Springs side of Bald Mountain this year.
The prestigious challenge, which took place on River Run last year due to the construction of the new Challenger Lift, will be held Saturday, Sept. 28.
The course challenges runners and hikers of all ages to a grueling 1.86 miles covering 3,140 vertical feet from the bottom of Warm Springs straight up to the summit of Bald Mountain.
All participants get an event T-shirt and a refuel at the summit aid station. And participants get a ride down the Challenger Lift after they finish, thanks to a partnership between Sun Valley Company and the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Cross Country Ski Teams, which organize the hill climb.
A $100 bonus is on the line for those who set a new course record. Morgan Arritola set the women’s record in 2010 when she became the only woman to beat the 40-minute mark with a time of 39 minutes and 51 seconds. Miles Havlick set the men’s record in 2014 with a time of 35:04.
“The Baldy Hill Climb holds a special place in the heart of our cross-country teams,” said Kelley Yeates, SVSEF’s Cross Country assistant program director. “It’s all hands-on-deck with our coaches, families, and athletes of all ages—many volunteering their time to help with the event and others conquering the hill climb to test their summer training in anticipation of the ski season ahead.”
Becky Flynn, SVSEF’s Cross Country program director, praised Olin Glenne and Sturtevant’s for their title sponsorship. Other sponsors include Durance Cycleworks, Salomon, Coxa Carry, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.
“We are so grateful for our partnership with Sun Valley Company and all they do for SVSEF—we wouldn't be where we are today without their belief in and commitment to our programs,” said Flynn. “The Baldy Hill Climb marks the beginning of a new season for our cross-country athletes. It’s so inspiring to see our community come together to enjoy an awesome hike, run, or race up Baldy in support of our programming from our youngest XC Striders to our athletes on the XC Gold Team competing on the world stage.”
The Warm Springs and Upper Greyhawk lots will be closed due to construction during the event. Participants are encouraged to carpool, as there is limited parking along adjacent neighborhood streets. Or, utilize Mountain Rides from the YMCA. The Blue Line departs every 30 minutes from the YMCA with the first bus departing at 7:53 a.m. and arriving at the base of Warm Springs at 7:58 a.m.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
8:00 a.m. Check-In Opens
8:30 a.m. Kinder Climb Start: Free for kids 11 years and under. No pre-registration.
9:00 a.m. Hike Start
10:00 a.m. Race Start
12:00 p.m. Awards at the summit
Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. There is no race day registration. Uphill lift service will not be available.