STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Ski the Rails is back after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The popular community Nordic event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, along the bike path, aka Wood River Trail, between Serenade Lane at Ketchum’s south end and Hailey.

It will start at 10 a.m. at Serenade Lane. Or, skiers can start their ski anywhere along the trail. It will end at Myrtle Street in Hailey with an option for skiers to hop on a shuttle bus to go to the Sun Valley Brewery for no-host apres-ski food and beverages.

Free shuttle buses will depart from the Sun Valley Brewery, taking skiers north to Serenade Lane, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The last bus north will depart at 2:45 p.m. taking Ketchum skiers back north. Dogs will be allowed on the buses, provided they are friendly and on a leash.

Both classical and skate skiers may ski down the bike path at their own pace. Historical signs along the way will inform participants about the history of the area. Aid stations along the way will provide snacks and beverages.

Snacks and hot drinks will great skiers at the start. There also will be aid stations at Broadway Run, East Fork, the north end of Buttercup Road and Myrtle Street. Those stepping up to provide goodies include Galena Lodge, Higher Ground and Backwoods Mountain Sports.

Additional aid stations may be added.

“I’m very excited that it’s back,” said Blaine County Recreation District Director Mark Davidson. “It’s my favorite event—something we’ve done every year since moving here. I’ve done the Boulder Mountain Tour, too, but you can work up a case of the nerves over that. This—everyone’s just out there having fun and enjoying one another’s company.”

The Wood River Trail, which extends from Hulen Meadows near Ketchum to Bellevue, is the one trail in the BCRD’s list of Nordic trails that is groomed with taxpayer dollars. It is open to walkers, snowshoers, skiers, fat bikes and dogs all winter. Other North Valley trails are groomed with donations and revenues from ski pass sales.