Hike, Run or Race River Run to Roundhouse in Support of SVSEF!

Online registration is open for the 45th Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30. For the past 44 years, come rain, sun, or even snow, runners and hikers have made their way up Bald Mountain in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) programming. New in 2023, the course will move from Warm Springs to the River Run side of Bald Mountain due to the ongoing new chairlift construction.

“The Baldy Hill Climb is one of the longest running athletic traditions in our Valley,” said Rick Kapala, SVSEF’s Director of Sport Development. “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.”

“This year will be the second time in forty-five years that we’ve had to move the event to the River Run side of the mountain, and we are just grateful for Sun Valley’s partnership and collaboration to host the event in a year when they have such large-scale priorities on Baldy,” said Kapala.

Organized by the SVSEF Cross-Country Ski Team, this year’s course will challenge participants to a grueling 1.8 miles and 2,045 vertical feet—from the bottom of River Run, straight up Lower River Run through mid-River Run, and across Roundhouse Lane to the Roundhouse, which sits at 7,700 feet. All participants receive an iconic event t-shirt and a refuel at the summit aid station. In addition, and in partnership with Sun Valley Company, participants receive a much-deserved ride down on the gondola after they finish. 

“The Baldy Hill Climb welcomes the fall season and gets everyone excited for what’s to come this winter,” said Becky Woods, SVSEF’s Cross Country Program Director. “Our teams and coaches love to put on this challenging event that helps support our programming and brings the ski community together to enjoy an invigorating run or hike up the mountain. A huge thank you Sun Valley Company for their continued support of SVSEF—we wouldn’t be where we are today without their commitment to our programs. And a special thank you to Olin Glenne and Sturtevant’s for their title sponsorship, as well as all of our supporting sponsors—they give so much to this town and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.” 

The traditional Warm Springs Baldy Hill Climb course is 1.86 miles and 3,140 vertical feet, topping out at 9,020 feet at the top of the former Challenger chairlift. 

Online registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 11:59 p.m. There is no race day registration. Uphill lift service will not be available.

Event Schedule:

Thursday, September 28

11:59 p.m. REGISTRATION CLOSES – NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION

Friday, September 29

3 – 6 p.m. Optional race bib pick-up at Sturtevants, 340 N. Main St., Ketchum

Saturday, September 30

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

Thank you to title sponsor Sturtevants and lead partner Sun Valley Company, along with our supporting sponsors Atkinsons’ Market, Proctor Mountain Group, Durance Cycleworks, Salomon, Coxa Carry, Backwoods Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, and Boulder Mountain Clayworks.