STORY BY LIZ CHAMBERLAIN

PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Arkoosh Cup will take place on Monday, Feb. 17, at Rotarun Ski Hill in Hailey. The event is open to skiers and snowboarders under the age of 12.

The Cup is named for the Arkoosh family from Gooding, who in 1957 gave Rotarun a 99-year lease for $1 per year. In 1993, the property was deeded over to Blaine County, with the underlying lease from the Arkoosh family intact.

Since the mid-1960's, the Arkoosh Cup has seen winners like Picabo Street, who won the Cup in 1983 and eventually went on to become an Olympic and World Champion. Many have gone on to race at the FIS elite level, including SVSEF alumni Paige DeHart (2017), and Jessica Blackburn (2016). DeHart was named to the U.S. Ski Team’s Development Team for the 2024/25 season.

Haley Cutler, who won the Arkoosh Cup in 2009, went on to coach under Adele Savaria for the SVSEF Alpine U12 North Series Team. She is currently racing on the World Cup Speed circuit and leading the 2025 NorAm Series Downhill standings. Others have also gone on to become SVSEF Alpine coaches, including KJ Savaria (2008), Charlotte Gourlay (1999), Amanda Stelling (2006 & 2007) and Connor Farrow (2007). 

“The Arkoosh Cup is a special piece of Rotarun history,” said Scott McGrew, Rotarun’s Executive Director. “It’s a race in which we remember and celebrate the incredible family who made everything we do at Rotarun possible. It is a medium for our young skiers and snowboards to foster a love of racing amongst their peers. There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement and healthy competitive spirit come together at the Arkoosh Cup.”

Nearly 200 racers participate in the dual giant slalom race staged on the main face of the ski hill. In 2024, the overall fastest times for boys and girls in the U10 category and winners of the 2024 Arkoosh Cup were, Walker Gove, crossing the line in 23.75 and Alta Questad 23.70. 

“The competitive spirit and camaraderie between the kids is just a wonderful thing to watch,” said Rotarun Board President, Wally Limburg. “It’s a great platform for families to connect around something their kids enjoy, whether they are new to the sport or seasoned veterans.” 

The Arkoosh Cup will be awarded to the winning female and male of the U10 category. Award categories for the event are U14, U12, U10, U8, U6 and Snowboard. Spectators are welcome to cheer on the competitors from the base of Rotarun, and the La Parrilla food truck will be onsite selling their tacos along with hot and cold beverages.

Online registration is open at Rotarun.org. The registration fee is $20 and includes the racer’s lift ticket. THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. Results will be posted at Rotarun.org following the conclusion of the event.

EVENT SCHEDULE for Monday, Feb. 17

U14, U12 & U10 SCHEDULE

8:00 a.m. Lift open to Coaches and Staff

8:00 a.m. Check-in / Bib & Lift Ticket pick-up

8:30 a.m. Lift open to U14, U12 & U10 Racers only

8:40 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. Inspection

9:30 a.m. 1st Run

10:15 a.m. 2nd Run

11:00 a.m. Awards

U6, U8 & SNOWBOARD SCHEDULE

11:30 a.m Registration

11:30 a.m. Lift open to U6, U8 and Snowboard Racers only

11:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. Inspection

12:30 p.m. 1st Run

1:15 p.m. 2nd Run

2:00 p.m. Awards