STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Season passes good for one of the largest Nordic trail systems in the United States go on sale today—Monday, Oct. 5.
Those who purchase passes online through Nov. 29 will receive a $50 discount for BCRD passes and a $144 discount on BCRD/Sun Valley Combo passes.
Donations above and beyond the price of the pass are especially encouraged this year because the Galena & the Trails Winter Benefit has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. If all season pass purchasers buy at least a $100 bronze pin, the BCRD will reach its yearly fundraising goal for the benefit.
The Blaine County Recreation District extended a lifeline to many in the community in mid-March, when COVID forced the valley to shelter in place, by continuing to groom trails through the first of May. The BCRD even made use of its trails through the end of the season free of charge to encourage people to get out of their houses and maintain their fitness in a socially distanced way.
Other recreation districts, such as that in Crested Butte, Colo., instead spent their time figuring out how to make the purchase of Nordic trail passes contactless.
It’s expected that the Nordic trails will again provide a much-needed outlet this winter as the pandemic remains.
This year’s adult passes cost $222—up from $215 in 2019--through Nov. 29. A BCRD/Sun Valley Nordic Combo adult season pass is also available during the pre-season sale for $415. Passes increase to $272 and $559 on Nov. 30.
Children 17 and under may ski and snowshoe free with a complimentary season pass available at www.bcrd.org.
Snowshoe-only season passes are available for $65 and season passes for dogs for use on approved dog trails are $49.
Day passes will cost $18 for North Valley Trails and $10 for Quigley Nordic. Snowshoe day passes will cost $5.
Mountain Rides will again offer the Ride ‘n Glide bus, which starts in Ketchum and makes a few stops at North Valley trailheads enroute to Galena Lodge. A season pass costs $19, available at www.bcrd.org.
The 160-kilometer BCRD Nordic trail system, which extends from Galena Lodge to Bellevue, relies on the sale of season passes, day passes and donations to provide daily grooming during winter. Those who make a tax-deductible donation of $1,000 will receive a complimentary Diamond pin. Those who donate $500 get a Platinum pin; $250, a Gold pin, and $100, a Bronze pin.
To purchase a pass, visit www.bcrd.org. Questions? Call 208-578-2273.