STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Billy Goat Loppet, which takes place Jan. 18 at Sun Valley Nordic Center, will hold a new challenge for hardcore racers.

Hardcore racers can choose to ski the Sidewinder trail off the Proctor Loop, provided they declare that they plan to ski it at registration so timing can be adjusted.

The popular citizen’s race will start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Sun Valley Nordic Center.

Registration will take place between 9 and 10 a.m. Entry fee is $10. And members of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation who are under 18 may ski the race for free.

The 10-km. freestyle, or skate, race encompasses the Proctor and Trail Creek loops.

Co-organizer Jenny Busdon said the race is a perfect way to fine tune one’s racing skills for the Boulder Mountain Tour, which will take place on Feb. 1.

“It can also be just a fun and low-key event for those wanting to test their racing skills,” she added. “Backwoods Mountain Sports is always generous in giving wonderful prizes. These are given as raffle prizes at the conclusion of the event so everyone has a chance to win. And there will be delicious chocolate chip cookies form Perry’s at the finish line.”

The Billy Goal Loppet was originally staged at Billy’s Bridge 17 miles north of Ketchum and that’s where it got its name. The event was moved to the Sun Valley Nordic Center following a few years of low snowpack on those trails.

The new venue mitigates the parking congestion that took place at Billy’s Bridge, as well.

“Skiing at the Sun Valley Nordic Center has been great with good snow conditions and excellent grooming,” said Busdon. “The Sun Valley Ski Club is excited about staging this race so much closer to town.”

Questions? Call Jenny Busdon at 208-720-2540 or Ted Angle at 208-788-9458.