BY HEATHER FOSTER

Rotarun Ski Area, affectionately known as “The Little Mountain with a Big Heart,” is  installing a new 60-meter Magic Carpet surface lift, marking a transformational milestone for the community and for generations of young skiers and riders to come.

The lift is currently being installed and is expected to be fully operational by opening day on Friday, Dec. 26, conditions permitting.

This project represents the culmination of a true community-wide effort, made possible through the leadership and energy of Deida and Duane Runswick of Hailey, whose vision and generosity helped inspire the project into motion.

A grant from the SPUR Community Foundation’s Community Grant Program also played a pivotal role. Cynthia Carroll and Woody Marshall offered steadfast passion and support, and the expertise of Rixon Excavation, Merrick Construction and Conrad Brothers Construction helped turn design into reality.

“The Magic Carpet is a gift to the community,” said Scott McGrew, executive director of Rotarun Ski Area. “It will be transformational for families who live up and down the Valley—a space to live, love, laugh, and learn with their kids the beauty of sliding on snow.

“Rotarun is such a phenomenal place for this installation, and we are so excited to offer this new 60-meter lift for our afterschool Rota-Rippers program, as well as during our public operating hours.”

 The Magic Carpet will be free to use during public hours and integrated into the Rota-Rippers learn-to-ski program, which provides local children with safe, supportive, and affordable access to snow sports. Riding the platter lift will continue to require Rotarun’s famously affordable lift tickets and family passes, keeping the hill accessible for all.

“From an operational standpoint, we hope the community experiences the benefits of this investment in our shared social and well-being fabric, and continues to support Rotarun in whatever way they can, whether through the generosity of donations or the purchase of passes,” said McGrew. “It really takes a village, and we are incredibly excited for what this installation will create for our families, our children, and the future of winter sport in the Wood River Valley.”

 Julian Tyo, Rotarun’s Mountain Manager, said the carpet will unlock new levels of programming and draw a variety of local and regional users who might not otherwise have visited Rotarun in recent years.

“Thank you to everyone who keeps our lights on and the dream alive at Rotarun,” he added. “The very existence of Rotarun today reflects decades of community effort by literally generations of passionate local skiers and boarders. I’m honored and humbled to help steward the operation and am incredibly grateful for everyone who contributes to our little slice of snowsports culture.”

 Rotarun Ski Area is located three miles west of Hailey in Croy Canyon. It is a nonprofit community ski hill that has provided affordable and accessible winter recreation opportunities since 1948.

Rotarun serves hundreds of local youth each year through its Rota-Rippers and Freddy’s Pass programs, along with free and low-cost community skiing opportunities for families of the Wood River Valley.