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

Online registration is open for the 44th Annual Baldy Hill Climb, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24. For the past 43 years, come rain, sun, or even snow, runners and hikers have made their way up the north side of Bald Mountain in support of Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) programming.

“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.”

Organized by the SVSEF Cross-Country Ski Team, 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 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 Challenger Lift after they finish.

“The Baldy Hill Climb signifies the start of a new season,” said Becky Woods, SVSEF’s new Cross Country Program Director. “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. 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—they give so much to this town and we couldn’t be more grateful 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.

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

Online registration closes on Thursday, Sept. 22 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.

Photo of Johnny Hagenbuch, SVSEF Alum, U.S. Cross Country Ski Team
Photo by: Julia Seyfirth