Hike, Run, or Race Up Baldy in Support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation

Online registration is now open for the 48th Annual Baldy Hill Climb presented by Zenergy Sun Valley, taking place Saturday, Sept. 26 on Bald Mountain. For nearly five decades, runners and hikers have taken on one of the Wood River Valley’s most iconic challenges, climbing from the base of Warm Springs to the summit of Baldy in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Cross Country programming.

“The Baldy Hill Climb is such a special tradition for our Cross Country program and the entire community,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “It brings our athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, and community members together for one big challenge at the end of summer. Whether you’re racing for a fast time or hiking to the top with friends, there’s an incredible sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit.”

Organized by the SVSEF Cross Country Teams, the Baldy Hill Climb packs 3,140 vertical feet of climbing into just 1.86 miles, taking participants from the base of Warm Springs to the summit of Bald Mountain. Participants can choose between the timed, competitive Race Class or the timed, non-competitive Hike Class. Following their climb, participants receive a well-earned ride down on the Challenger lift, courtesy of Sun Valley Company.

New for 2026, the Baldy Hill Climb Community Cup adds a little friendly competition for local businesses. Businesses can rally teams of three to 10 employees to compete for bragging rights and the inaugural Community Cup trophy. The three fastest Race Class times from each business team will be combined, with the fastest cumulative time crowning the 2026 Baldy Hill Climb Community Cup Champion.

“We’re really excited to add the Community Cup this year and give local businesses another way to be part of the fun,” said Kelley Yeates, SVSEF Cross Country Assistant Program Director and Prep Team Head Coach. “The Baldy Hill Climb has always been about challenging yourself while coming together as a community. A little friendly competition makes it even more fun, and every person who signs up is directly supporting opportunities for our Cross Country athletes.”

Young climbers can get in on the action, too. The free KinderClimb is open to kids ages 11 and younger and begins at 9:15 a.m. on race morning. No advance registration is required for the approximately 200-yard course up Bald Mountain, and cookies at the finish of the KinderClimb always provide a strong incentive!

The Baldy Hill Climb has a long history of attracting some of the region’s fastest mountain athletes. In 2025, John Steel Hagenbuch set a new men’s course record, charging up the Warm Springs course in 34:42. Morgan Arritola holds the women’s record of 39:51, set in 2010.

Proceeds from the Baldy Hill Climb support SVSEF Cross Country programming and help provide training, coaching, competition, and development opportunities for athletes across the program.

“Events like the Baldy Hill Climb are a great reminder of how much community support surrounds our athletes,” added Flynn. “We’re incredibly grateful to Sun Valley Company, Zenergy Sun Valley, our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who signs up to take on Baldy. That support has a meaningful impact on our program and the opportunities we’re able to provide our athletes.”

EVENT SCHEDULE — SATURDAY, SEPT. 26

8:00 a.m. — Vendor Village opens at the base of Warm Springs

8:00–9:45 a.m. — Mandatory Packet Pick-Up in Vendor Village

9:00 a.m. — Hike Start

9:15 a.m. — KinderClimb Start

10:00 a.m. — Race Start

12:00 p.m. — Estimated Awards Start at Lookout Lodge

Registration is $40 for participants ages 17 and under and $50 for participants ages 18 and over. Online registration closes Thursday, Sept. 24 at 11:59 p.m. There is no race-day registration. All participants must also complete the online Sun Valley waiver.

For registration, event details, volunteer opportunities, and race information, visit svsef.org/baldy-hill-climb.

Thank you to presenting sponsor Zenergy Sun Valley, partner Sun Valley Company, along with our supporting sponsors Sturtevants, Atkinson’s Market, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Bigwood Golf, Boulder Mountain Clayworks, Chums, Clear Creek Disposal, Elephant’s Perch, Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee, Rocky Talkie, Rossignol, and Salomon.

About Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation

Since its inception in 1966, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation has been a longstanding pillar in the community, providing snowsport programs and offering academic assistance to support student-athletes in reaching their highest potential. SVSEF offers an array of programs for athletes ages five and up, from learn-to-ski and ride through FIS and other national and international-level competition. The organization offers financial assistance to families, so that anyone who wishes to may participate. For more information, please visit svsef.org.

###