STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

An Apres Snowmaker Fundraiser designed to bring the cross-country skiing community together will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Sage School Barn in Hailey.

The inaugural event sponsored by the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Cross Country Program is designed to raise support for SVSEF XC programs which serves 220-plus athletes, and the community-wide operations that support the Lake Creek Trail System just north of Hulen Meadows.

“SVSEF XC touches just about every aspect of our local cross country skiing culture,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF XC program director. “For more than 50 years, the SVSEF cross country program has been committed to elevating cross-country skiing in our valley. We are a team of teams that celebrates the unique culture and traditions of the sport, we believe in mentorship across the generations, and we hold a strong sense of responsibility to give back to our community in ways that lend value, fun, and inspiration for those around us.”

SVSEF XC is set apart by the way it supports and engages the community through a variety of ways, said Heather Foster, director of Strategic Communications & Development for SVSEF. This includes:

Hosting special events, including FIS-sanctioned races that bring racers from around the world to Sun Valley and celebratory gatherings that celebrate the sport, its history and its traditions.

Grooming and maintaining the Lake Creek XC Trail system, in cooperation with Blaine County Recreation District.

Presenting lectures and instruction that are open to the broader community, as well as SVSEF athletes.

Providing logistical and volunteer support for such events as the Boulder Mountain Tour.

Inspiring the valley’s youth to participate in cross-country skiing and the active lifestyle it promotes.

Tickets to the Apres Snowmaker Fundraiser cost $150 and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine. Ticketholders will also get free entry in the Snowmaker Classic Cross County Ski Race hosted by SVSEF XC earlier that day at Lake Creek.

Raffle tickets are available for $100 online through midnight Friday, Jan. 10. The winners will be drawn during the Apres Snowmaker Fundraiser. Prizes include a Salomon skis/boots/poles package, a Bjorn Daehlie jacket, a month membership to Zenergy Health Club & Spa and an 80-minute spa treatment. Winners need not be present to win.

The prizes are contributed by Salomon, Bjorn Daehlie, Zenergy, Idaho Mud and Elephant’s Perch.

Tickets are available at https://2025svsefxc.afrogs.org/

SKATE THROUGH WINTER AND SKI LIKE THE GODS

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation XC program is offering two lectures for Nordic enthusiasts in January.

Skating through Winter will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the SVSEF Lake Creek Hut.

Classic Ski Like the Gods will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at the SVSEF Lake Creek Hut.

Both cost $25, which includes pizza and refreshments.