STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Sun Valley Resort’s snowmakers are fastidiously covering Lower River Run—the entryway onto Bald Mountain--with snow, despite this week’s record-breaking temperatures eclipsing 60 degrees.
But they could use a boost as they prepare the mountain for their annual ski racing camp ahead of the Thanksgiving Day opener.
That’s where you come in.
The resort is throwing a Pray for Snow Party on Saturday, Nov. 15, to pump the stoke—and the snow—for the resort’s 90th winter season.
All you have to do is break out your vintage ski wear and dance the powder into existence. Best Dressed King and Queen awards will even earn winners $50 resort gift cards and some Mammut and Cabourn gear.
The party will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at River Run Lodge. You can fill up on a special Pray for Snow menu and beverages there, and Glozed Over Donut Truck will be there with specialty donuts and sweet treats.
Snow prayer warriors are asked to bring cans of food for The Hunger Coalition. A raffle ticket will be handed out for every five cans. Raffle tickets will also be for purchase for $5 each with the money going to the Hunger Coalition.
Raffle prizes include a 2025-26 Challenger Season Pass, 20 single-day lift tickets, 90th season swag bags and Sun Valley branded gear, skis from Pete Lane’s Mountain Sports, Reflect poles from Brass Ranch at River Run and Mammut gear, including Prolight 280 avalanche safety packages that include a beacon, shovel and probe; Nirvana 22L and 18L backpacks and Stoney gloves.
Partygoers are also encouraged to bring lightly use jackets for The Shoshone Project, which is collecting warm clothing and food for the holidays for residents of Shoshone, Richfield and Dietrich in Lincoln County.
Stampee, Mammut’s blow-up mascot representing Sun Valley Resort’s official resort partner, will be on hand. And Mammut will share discount codes and raffle prizes.
“AFTER THE SNOWFALL”
Stoke your enthusiasm for the Pray for Snow Party with Matchstick Productions’ new film, “After the Snowfall,” on Friday, Nov. 14.
The high-octane celebration of skiing will be shown at 5:30 and 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Sun Valley Opera House.
It was filmed around the world from the Lyngen Alps of Norway to Skull island, British Columbia. Segments showcase the everyday ski bum, the weekend warrior and the mountain town lifer who share what skiing means to them, why they put limbs at risk and how they build their lives around snow. Among the stars: Sun Valley’s own Karl Fostvedt.