Nordictown USA event brings together youth, elite athletes, and the XC community ahead of Boulder Mountain Tour weekend

The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Cross Country (XC) program kicked off an exciting week of racing in the Wood River Valley with the annual Town Sprints, held Wednesday evening in downtown Ketchum. The event brought together athletes, families, and spectators for a fast-paced, short circuit sprint format that showcased the strength and spirit of the local cross-country community.

Participants ranged from 2nd graders (Devo) just beginning to find their stride to the elite SVSEF Gold Team athletes for whom the Town Sprints served as a warm up for the Boulder Mountain Tour (BMT) race on Saturday, February 7. Regardless of age, the annual Town Sprints has a distinct emphasis on building community and having fun with an energetic presence in the heart of downtown Ketchum. 

The evening concluded with exciting elite team racing on the short sprint course with strong local representation, all except Annika Landis (EnjoyWinter) and Quincy Donley (APU) are members of the SVSEF XC Gold Team. 

• 1st Place: Will Koch & Annika Landis
• 2nd Place: Peter Wolter & Quincy Donley
• 3rd Place: Elijah Weenig & Mia Case

SVSEF XC extends sincere thanks to Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD) for grooming and preparing an awesome course despite the challenging conditions. Appreciation also goes to the Boulder Mountain Tour for providing the prize purse for elite category winners, helping elevate the level of competition and excitement. The event would not have been possible without the many volunteers who supported course set-up, take-down, and event operations, nor without the local community who turned out to cheer, support, and celebrate Nordic skiing.

“The Town Sprints are a special event because they bring our entire Cross Country community together, from young skiers just starting out to elite athletes competing at the highest level,” said SVSEF XC Program Director Becky Flynn. “It’s an incredible way to kick off a big week of racing with the Boulder Mountain Tour and share our sport with the broader community.”

With strong momentum heading into Saturday’s Boulder Mountain Tour, the Town Sprints once again proved to be a cornerstone event that highlights the energy, engagement, and excitement of cross country skiing in the Wood River Valley.

Photo: From left to right Peter Wolter and Quincy Donley (2nd place), champions Will Koch and Annika Landis, Elijah Weenig and Mia Case (3rd place). 

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HANK DART – Thank You, Hank!