Come And Celebrate The Tour
BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL
There is always something exciting to do in Sun Valley and this time of year, especially after the storms, the snowpack is doing its darndest to deliver the goods for skiers and backcountry recreationalists who love that solid white water. “It’s like, you know, the ocean, but sitting on top of mountains, right?”
Ready to ski? Ready to watch skiing? The Zions Bank Boulder Mountain Tour (BMT) is on its job – and here in February. As per tradition, the BMT takes place the first Saturday in February and has done so for over a half century. This year, 2024, the BMT is slated for Saturday, February 3rd, so you’ve got around a week to get geared up, warmed up and hyped to cheer on the festivities. If you want the scoop on trivia from past races, head over to https://bouldermountaintour.com/results/ and load up on BMT history so you arrive chock full of cool facts to impress your group and maybe that special someone. For starters, a true finisher, Hailey’s very own Peter Wolter, won in 2023 to become the 14th men’s hometown champion, coming in solo at 1:17.55. “I carried my own feeds to avoid a mishap at an aid station, but it was also a tactical maneuver so I could take my feed before Prairie and then gap the field who decided to take a feed there,” Wolter said. (fasterskier.com)
While registration has been filled, you can still enjoy hobnobbing with local enthusiasts and watching the races — perhaps place a few bets in Bitcoin? Hey, it’s digital money so if the power isn’t working, you can’t pay – you didn’t really welsh!
Spectacular Snow Spotlight
Zions Bank strives to put on a good show with the BMT. If you’re participating and registered, then chances are on Friday, February 2, you’ve got a hat, a bag full of swag, free shuttles and raffle tickets to win prizes from a bevy of tiered sponsors, many from Sun Valley itself: Limelight Hotel, Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, Atkinsons’ Market and Sun Valley Ketamine Clinic, to name a few.
As with many events in the Valley, there will be attendees from across the globe featuring world-class skiers of all stripes. “Annually, the BMT recognizes its fastest, oldest and youngest racers, on-course preem champions, wave winners, and Jon Engen Perpetual Awards for most significant time improvement (male/female) from one year to the next in the Full Boulder.” (bouldermountaintour.com)
These races are about more than speed, so strategy is everything, with a crucial key being deep determination as the BMT is a cross-country race. This means conserving your heat, energy and mindset in adverse conditions. If you now know who Averell Harriman is, see the Wood River Weekly article “Sun Valley Resort, Hollywood and WWII” for more on him. The race takes place on the Harriman Trail just north of Ketchum. Skol!
Swish
At 10 a.m. on February 3, the 34-kilometer race begins as 800 skiers slap the snow and measure their breath. The course winds through the magnificent Sawtooth National Forest alongside the Big Wood River — sheer natural beauty to keep the motivation high! The 15k Charley Course Half-Boulder will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Be ready to see, or ski, at Baker Creek and dodge a charlie horse while you’re at it.
If you’re skiing, you’re likely still training and getting your mindset steeled for the annual athletic spectacle. If you’re showing up to see the ski, not to worry; in addition to sheer spectacle, you’ve got a whole lot of celebrating to do. After the races, from 5-7 p.m., the entire Ketchum Town Square will condense into the BMT Block Party and Awards Bash. There’ll be food, drink, and glitzy gabbing. Awards will be splashed and prizes presented, so rafflers, it’s time to get raffling! If you bought raffle tickets you must be in person to receive a prize should your ticket get drawn, but there’s enough incentive to show up — maybe more, just for the socials and glory. But of course, party people! – the after-party takes place at the newly remodeled Whiskey’s on Main so throw on your sun-shades and a cashmere sweater and remember it’s OK to wear sunglasses at night, not only for fashion, but to hide the after-after party!
Aid Stations
As always for the security minded, EMTs will be on hand during the entire race.
“Aid stations are hosted and manned by the good people at Sun Valley Community School, Sun Valley Suns Hockey Team, Wood River Pickleball, and Galena Lodge.” (bouldermountaintour.com)
Here’s a handy list in case you know someone finishing a race or want to throw in your two cents:
Aid Station Locations, Distance From The Start In Full/Half Boulder, Cut-Off Time
#1 Prairie Creek 12k/NA, 12 p.m.
#2 Cathedral Pines 23k/3k, 1:30 p.m.
#3 Frostbite Flats 28k/8k, 2:30 p.m.
#4 SNRA 34k/15k, 3 p.m.
Blaine County is the gift that keeps on giving.