2nd-Annual race at Lake Creek sees strong attendance and fun atmosphere

The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s (SVSEF) Cross Country (XC) program hosted the 2026 Snowmaker Classic race to celebrate the start of the Nordic ski season with a community-wide race in support of SVSEF’s cross-country program.

The Snowmaker Classic is a fun and inclusive race for all ages and abilities and, alongside the Après Snowmaker Fundraiser, is dedicated to raising critical funds for the SVSEF XC program and the facilities that support it. Funds raised through the event directly sustain essential resources supporting more than 220 SVSEF XC athletes.

The classic technique race welcomed 74 competitors ranging in age from 6 to 78, who competed across four distances: 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, and 10 km. Athletes of all ages enjoyed ideal racing conditions on the recently opened Lake Creek Trails, making for a memorable early-season event.

“It was a gorgeous day and the perfect way for our community to kick off the XC ski season,” said SVSEF XC Assistant Program Director Kelley Yeates. “Events like the Snowmaker Classic highlight the strength of our local Nordic community and the shared excitement for another winter on snow.”

SVSEF extends its sincere thanks to all competitors, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors who made the event possible, with special appreciation to the Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) for exceptional trail grooming.

Looking ahead, the SVSEF XC Team will travel to Utah for its first Junior National Qualifier of the season Jan. 21–24. The next SVSEF community Nordic event, the Town Sprints, will take place Feb. 4 in Ketchum.

For complete race results, click on the link: https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=417716