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

Online registration is now open for the 46th Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28. For the past 45 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) cross country programming. 

“The Baldy Hill Climb holds a special place in the heart of our cross country teams,” said Kelley Yeates, SVSEF’s Cross Country Assistant Program Director. “It’s all hands on deck with our coaches, families, and athletes of all ages—many volunteering their time to help with the event and others conquering the hill climb to test their summer training in anticipation of the ski season ahead. ”

Organized by the SVSEF Cross Country Ski Teams, the course challenges participants to a grueling 1.86 miles and 3,140 vertical feet—straight up from the bottom of Warm Springs to the summit of Bald Mountain at 9,020 feet. All participants receive a collectible 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 Challenger Lift after they finish. 

“The Baldy Hill Climb marks the beginning of a new season for our cross country athletes,” said Becky Flynn, SVSEF’s Cross Country Program Director. “It’s so inspiring to see our community come together to enjoy an awesome hike, run, or race up Baldy in support of our programming from our youngest XC Striders to our athletes on the XC Gold Team competing on the world stage.” 

“We are so grateful for our partnership with Sun Valley Company and all they do for SVSEF—we wouldn’t be where we are today without their belief in and commitment to our programs,” added Flynn. ”We also owe a special thank you to Olin Glenne and Sturtevant’s for their title sponsorship—they are so incredibly generous across our entire community and we couldn’t be more appreciative for their support.” 

A $100 bonus is on the line in the race division for those who set a new course record. Morgan Arritola is the only woman to have beat the forty-minute mark in the history of the Baldy Hill Climb—she holds the women’s record set in 2010 at 39:51. Miles Havlick holds the men’s record with a time of 35:04, set in 2014.

IMPORTANT PARKING/SHUTTLE INFORMATION:
The Warm Springs and Upper Greyhawk lots will be closed due to construction. 

Participants are encouraged to please carpool or utilize Mountain Rides from the YMCA. The Mountain Rides Blue Line departs every 30 minutes from the YMCA, with the first bus departing at 7:53 a.m. and arriving at the base of Warm Springs at 7:58 a.m. Please visit Mountain Rides Blue Line Schedule for any updates.

There is limited parking along the adjacent neighborhood streets. Please do not park in any areas marked with “No Parking” signs. 

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Friday, September 27th
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Packet Pick-Up at Sturtevants, 340 N. Main Street, Ketchum

Saturday, September 28th
8:00 – 8:45 a.m. Check-In/Packet Pick-Up at base of Warm Springs

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

12:00 p.m. Awards at the summit

Online registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 11:59 p.m. There is no race day registration. Uphill lift service will NOT be available.

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