The Boulder Mountain Tour Only Gets Better with Age
BY Sophia Sturgeon
One of Sun Valley’s most beloved traditions, the Boulder Mountain Tour, celebrates its 53rd birthday this year. The idea for the BMT, as it is more commonly referred to, was pitched by a skier and coach named Rob Keisel. When Keisel began helping to develop one of America’s first cross-country ski races back in 1973, he had no idea just how monumental an event it would be. Alongside Bob Rosso, founder of The Elephant’s Perch—a Sun Valley staple—Keisel established a Nordic race that takes place on the Harriman Trail just north of Ketchum.
The first BMT began at Galena Lodge and ended at the SNRA; it was 30 kilometers long, crossed Highway 75 around 5 times, and included 48 participants. The first-ever BMT winners were Brent Hansen (2:53:15) and Julie Gorton (3:09:30). Over the last 52 years, the tour has seen a few changes: the race was upped to 34 kilometers, participation increased 16-fold, with this year’s cap being 800 skiers, and winners have gone on to cut the original race times from 1973 in half, like Joe Davies (1:28:33) and Erica Laven (1:44:01) in 2025.
This tour has withstood the tests of time, and this year, it’s going to have to withstand the tests of weather (or lack thereof). As we all witnessed, winter took its sweet time to arrive this year. Although conditions aren’t quite what they were in previous years, we have some snow—and that is what counts. Conditions this year are looking fast and firm, compared to last year, which had very heavy, slow snow. Regardless, winter is finally here, and, as Boulder Mountain Tour Board President Paddy McIlvoy puts it, “having to wait for something you love makes you appreciate it all the more when it comes.” It is safe to say that BMT participants are more than ready to show their appreciation.
This appreciation runs so deep that the festivities begin three days before the actual tour. The Nordic Town USA Sprints, or the Town Sprints as lovingly known by locals, is the debut event of the BMT. The sprints take place at Simplot Lot, at 2nd Avenue and Fourth Street in Ketchum—directly across from the post office. Come February 4th, this lot will be transformed into a 400-meter oval course, where teams of two will compete in a cross-country freestyle relay. The teams are comprised of top junior skiers from the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF), Para skiers, and even elite racers from the cross-country field. While many participants partake in the Town Sprints in hopes of garnering local acclaim, small-town fame isn’t the only reward; the top teams will win $600 in cash prizes. If you, or someone you know, wants to tackle the Sprints, you still have the chance to register—in fact, they only accept ‘day of race’ signups, so make sure to be there right at 3:30 p.m. to register and pick up your bib. Welcome and instructions will follow at 4:15 p.m., with the youth groups (1 lap and 2 laps) starting at 4:30 and 4:45 p.m., respectively, the open/adaptive group (4 laps) starting at 5:00 p.m., the elite group (6 laps) starting at 5:15 p.m., and the relays will be followed by the Sprint Awards. If you won’t be joining in for the skiing portion, still make sure to come spectate, cheer, and enjoy hot drinks and cookies—courtesy of Sun Valley Community School. For more information about the Nordic Town USA Sprints, reach out to Kelley Yeates at (208) 726-3899.
Town Sprints sign-up, the BMT sign-up is already closed. Additionally, all racers must pick up their race bag and packet at the BMT Expo, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The Argyros on Main Street in Ketchum; late arrivals can pick up their bag and bib on Saturday between 8 and 9:30 a.m. at Galena Lodge.
The highly anticipated Zion’s Bank 53rd annual Boulder Mountain Tour will take place on February 7th. The Full Boulder will begin at 10 a.m. at Senate Meadows, which is near Galena Lodge and 23 miles north of Sun Valley. This year, 800 racers will venture down the Harriman Trail in seven waves, finishing across from the Sawtooth National Recreation Area headquarters. Those participating in the Full Boulder will conquer 34 kilometers with a total climb of 1,239 feet and a vertical drop of 2,231 feet. Alternatively, the Charley Course Half Boulder will take place at Baker Creek.Charley Course racers will tackle 15 kilometers, beginning at 6,700 feet and gradually descending to 450 feet.
Given that much of the race takes place along Highway 75, it can be difficult to find transportation and parking. Luckily, BMT will be offering shuttle buses to racers and spectators alike. Buses will be transporting racers from Hemingway Elementary Steam School, 111 8th Street East, to Galena Lodge beginning at 7:15 a.m. and continuing until 9:30 a.m. for those partaking in the Full Boulder. So long as space allows, spectators may begin boarding buses between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Additionally, there will be two buses at 10:30 and 11 a.m. to bring spectators from Galena Lodge to the finish. If you plan to drive your own vehicle up north, parking will be available on Barlow Road, about a quarter-mile south of the finish. If you choose to park on Barlow Road, a shuttle will run continuously from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or this would be your first time witnessing Nordic skiing, we highly encourage you to attend the 2026 Boulder Mountain Tour; it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience. So, get ready to put on your coat and hat, head up north into the beautiful, snow-capped Sawtooths, and cheer on some of the best cross-country athletes in the country!
