STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The Baldy Hill Climb is one of Sun Valley’s iconic challenges, having tested locals’ stamina for 43 years.
Registrations are now being taken for the 44th Annual Baldy Hill Climb.
The event will be held rain, sun or snow on Saturday, Sept. 24. And all you have to do is climb 1.86 miles or 3,140 vertical feet straight up from the bottom of Warm Springs to the summit of Bald Mountain.
Your sweat will be rewarded with a handsome T-shirt and a chance to refuel on top. And Sun Valley Company will provide a ride down on the Challenger Lift.
“The Baldy hill climb is one of the longest running athletic traditions in our valley,” said Rick Kapala, the director of Sport Development for Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. “It’s simple, and that is what makes it great! Climb up Baldy as fast as you can. It is just you, your shoes, and your sheer determination; and at the end it’s a chance for you to get together with friends and family and celebrate our community and the wonderful place that we live.”
A $100 bonus is on the line for anyone who sets a new course record. Miles Havlick holds the men’s record with 35:04 minutes set in 2014. Morgan Arritola holds the women’s record of 39:51 minutes set in 2010.
Becky Woods, SVSEF’s new Cross Country program director, is new to the Baldy Hill Climb. But she’s fully ready to jump in feet first since its her SVSEF Cross-country Ski Team that organizes it.
“The Baldy Hill Climb signifies the start of a new season, and the coaches and athletes are excited to put on this challenging event that helps support our programming and brings the ski community together to enjoy an awesome race on the mountain,” she said.
The title sponsor is Sturtevants with lead partner Sun Valley Company. Other sponsors are Durance Cycleworks, Salomon, Coxa Carry, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.
Online registration is available at https://runsignup.com/Race/ID/Ketchum/BaldyHillClimb. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22. There is no race day registration, and uphill lift service will not be available.
Event Schedule:
8:00 a.m. Check-In Opens
8:30 a.m. Kinder Climb Start: Free for kids 11 years and under. No pre-registration.
9:00 a.m. Hike Start
10:00 a.m. Race Start
12 p.m. Awards at the summit