STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Nordic skiers can avail themselves of discounted prices on Nordic season passes through Nov. 24 for skiing on trails groom by the Blaine County Recreation District through Nov. 24.

Adult season passes cost $265 plus tax at the preseason rate. Combo passes good for BCRD trails and the trails at Sun Valley Nordic Center cost $584 plus tax.

Snowshoe-only season passes are available for $75 plus tax, and season passes for dogs to use on dog-friendly Nordic trails are available for $60 plus tax. Children 17 and under can ski and snowshoe free with a complimentary season pass available at https://bcrd.org.

The Blaine County Recreation District maintains more than 200 kilometers of Nordic ski and snowshoe trails stretching from Galena Lodge to Bellevue. The trail system is one of the largest in the United States with a groom season that typically extends from Thanksgiving to mid-April.

Tax dollars are used to groom only the Wood River Trail, also known as the bike path, and usage of that path is free. Pass sales and donations are used to groom the remainder of the trails.

Those who wish to kick a little extra into the grooming pot—and the upkeep of Galena Lodge--can do so by making a tax-deductible donation. Those who donate $1,000 will receive a complimentary Diamond pin; $500, platinum; $250, gold, and $100, bronze.

Galena Lodge, a rustic Nordic lodge 24 miles north of Ketchum, plans on opening its doors for the winter season on Friday, Nov. 22.

Meanwhile, the 34K Boulder Mountain Tour race to be held in early February 2025 has already reached its quota of a thousand racers.