STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Online registration is now open for the 43rd Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which will be held on Saturday Sept. 25.
The race will be held in sun, rain or even snow in support of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation.
The Baldy Hill Climb is organized by the Ski Education Foundation’s Nordic Ski Team challenges participants to a grueling 1.86-mile, 3,140 vertical feet straight up from the bottom of Warm Springs to the summit of Bald Mountain.
“The Baldy Hill Climb holds a special place in the heart of SVSEF, and our Nordic athletes and coaches love to host this challenge to help support our programming,” said Rick Kapala, Cross-Country Program Director for SVSEF. “As one of only a few fundraisers during the year, we are so grateful for our key partners like Sun Valley Company and Sturtevants, who really help make this event viable and fun for the community to participate.”
Participants will get a T-shirt and a refuel at the summit aid station. And, provided the weather cooperates, they will also get a ride down the Challenger Lift after finishing, courtesy of Sun Valley Company.
Anyone who sets a new course record will get a $100 bonus. Morgan Arritola holds the women’s record set in 2010 at 39 minutes and 51 seconds. Miles Havlick set the men’s record with a time of 35 minutes and 4 seconds in 2014.
The Swedish sport tech company Coxa Carry will be the lead prize sponsor for the first time this year through their partnership with the Ketchum-based Durance Cycleworks, a new U.S. distributor for the brand. The Coxa backpack has a unique ergonomic carrying system, and the brand also carries an assortment of backpacks and waist bags with a range of accessories.
Other sponsors include Perry’s Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.
“The Baldy Hill Climb is an iconic local event, and we're happy to support it with prizes we think everyone will enjoy!” said Katie Feldman, a Coxa brand ambassador, professional cross-country skier, SVSEF alum and long-time participant in the Baldy Hill Climb.
IF YOU GO…
7:30 a.m. Check-in
8:30 a.m. Kinder Climb Start for kids 11 and under. Free. No pre-registration.
9 a.m. Hike Start
10 a.m. Race Start
11:30 a.m. Awards at the summit
There is no bike race this year.
To register go to: https://www.imathlete.com/#/legacy?url=%2Fevents%2FEventDetails.aspx%3FfEID%3D74507&z=1628199844628