Global Adventure - Nordic Ski in Idaho's Iconic Sun Valley

The trip starts on February 10, 2024, at the Sam Friedman Airport (SUN) in Hailey, ID.  You have the option of driving yourself (or creating a carpool with other participants) OR flying into the Sun Valley Airport (SUN).  If you choose to fly, you must depart SEATAC on Alaska Airline flight 2092 on February 10 at 8:05 am (arrival at 10:44 am), in order to get the provided ground transportation.  Your departure flight must be Alaska Air flight 2345 on February 17 at 11:25 am (12:17 arrival).  Note that either mode of travel (car or plane) can be challenging in the winter.

Itinerary Highlights:   Join two leaders in skiing across some of the best-groomed, sunlit ski trails the West has to offer. Ski between 12-25 km (between 8- 15 mi) a day with 300-1100 ft. in elevation gains.  We will choose the best trails each day based on weather conditions and grooming reports. There are over 100 miles of expertly groomed ski trails between Ketchum and Alturas Lake from which to choose.  We will classic ski on a variety of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging; skiing will be led at a moderate pace.  For some town time, we will have the option to explore the delightful small ski town of Ketchum, ID on foot.  

Prior to the trip you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to hot wax your skis, and we will be using the waxing station at our rental house, with tools and waxes provided.

The maximum party size is 8, though that could increase if a couple registers (sharing a bed).

Time of Year:  Winter

Lodging:  Our spacious rental house is ideally located 6 miles north of Ketchum and near the trailheads. This 4-bedroom house has 3 bathrooms and a hot tub. Some of the bedrooms have bunk beds, and all will be shared by 2-3 skiers.

Food:  Three group meals will be provided at our rental – two dinners and one breakfast. Participants will need to pay for and prepare, most of their own breakfasts and pack their own lunches, as well as five of the dinners. We encourage group dinners where teams participants team up to purchase and prepare a meal for the entire group at our rental.  Ketchum is nearby and provides many restaurant options should we decide to dine out one night. 

Leader’s Experience:  Cheri Solien and co-leader Cindy Hoover have co-led 3 other recent classic ski Global Adventures together: Sun Valley, Yellowstone, and Norway. This will be their second trip bringing mountaineer skiers to Sun Valley. Cheri and Cindy have each skied for over 40 years. Cheri is a ski leader from Tacoma, and Cindy is a longtime Mountaineer and a GA Ski Leader who has led seven Global Ski Adventures. 

Participant Requirements:   Participants need to have strong intermediate cross-country skills, with the ability to control speed on relatively steep and long descents, and have the endurance to ski for a full day for several days in a row.  Classic track skis are required.   There will be an opportunity for a skier rest day if needed (hanging out at the house).  

Participants are required to be fully vaccinated & boosted for COVID (contact the leader for possible alternatives).

Medical care and emergency evacuation insurance is required.

Trip Price Detail:  The trip cost is $1,600.  Note that if the trip fills to the maximum size (or a couple registers) the price may be lowered slightly.   NOTE that the Member Fee posted is the initial deposit only.

Included in the price of the trip: shared housing, ground transportation to and from the Sun Valley airport and trailheads, six trail passes, three meals (two dinners, one breakfast), and hot wax supplies. 

Not Included in the price: Flights to and from the Sun Valley airport ($350), required Medical and Evacuation insurance ($150), Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, $100), some food (all lunches, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners; $200).  (All are estimates.)

Registration Instructions:  After receiving the leader’s permission, an $800 deposit is required to secure a place on the trip.  The second and final payment of $800 is due November 22, 2023.

Cancellation Policy:  

•  If you cancel because of an emergency, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and a $100 administrative fee if your spot is refilled.   

• The above cancellation penalties may be waived if someone takes your place on the adventure, but the agreed refund would only be paid after the new person is fully registered.  

• If you cancel 7 days or less in advance of our trip departure you will not be eligible for a refund.     

Application     Trip Agreement     Release

Supplemental Information

Cancellation Policy:  If you cancel because of an emergency, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and a $100 administrative fee.