Sun Valley Magazine | Winter 2025 -2026 by Sun Valley Magazine

AVALANCHE RESCUE | SOUND BATHS | ROWING THE ATLANTIC | PROFILES | DORA SOMOSI

Winter 2025/2026

EXPLORING NEW LINES IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

CHASE BLISS.

The calm before the story.

Sturtevants at the Limelight Hotel located at 151 South Main Street Powder hounds don’t wait. Tommy Flitton lights up the night // Chloe Jimenez

WINTER TWENTYSIX

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contents // features 80 POWER TRIP Skiers and Snowboarders Take to Snowmobiles to Explore New Terrain BY MARK DEE

88 FROM THE SAWTOOTHS TO THE ATLANTIC Taryn Smith Takes on the World’s Toughest Row

PHOTO: TAL ROBERTS

BY HAYDEN SEDER

profiles TOBY RAFFORD B Y J O N AT H A N M E N T Z E R

CHRIS TEMPLETON BY MARK DEE

JOHN STEEL HAGENBUCH B Y J O N AT H A N M E N T Z E R

100

AFTER HOURS Sometimes the Fun Is on the Way Up BY SARAH LINVILLE ON THE COVER Chase Josey rides through the pristine backcountry powder. P H O T O B Y TA L R O B E R T S

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contents // departments

34 108

34 localbuzz A NEW STEWARD FOR A COMMUNITY TREASURE Environmental Resource Center Takes Over Sun Valley Mountain Huts

COZY UP WITH A GOOD BOOK

156

62 getoutthere BEYOND THE AVALANCHE

FONDUE

Valley Agencies Join Forces for Backcountry Winter Rescue

A Holiday Tradition Bringing Family and Friends Together

SANTA’S REINDEER

Winter Reading Ideas

Sawtooth Reindeer Brings a Magical Experience to the Valley

STRIKING BLACK GOLD

CELEBRATE THE SNOW

Hailey’s Community Compost Program Thrives

Chill and Thrill of Idaho’s Winter Festival

PERFORMANCE, STYLE, AND VALUES The Rise of Independent Outdoor Brands

108 inthearts SOMETHING BLUE The Art of Dora Somosi

46 body&soul BUILDING STRENGTH FOR THE SEASON AHEAD

EXPLORING THE ARTS Charlotte Hemmings’ Talent Shines Across Film, Television, and the Visual Arts

Staying Strong and Injury Free This Winter

TAKING A CREATIVE LEAP

SOUND BATHS

Shirley Yang Crutchfield Celebrates Women with Gilded Artistry

Riding Sound Waves to Inner Peace

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

134 food&drink

also in this issue 28 FROM THE PUBLISHER 30 CONTRIBUTORS 54 GIFT GUIDE 74 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 122 GALLERY BUZZ 130 WEDDINGS 138 DINING GUIDE 144 WHY WE LIVE HERE

SKIIER: COURTESY WILD RYE; WEDDING SKIIERS; COURTESY THE CL ARKS; CHARLOT TE HEMMINGS: COURTESY CHARLOT TE HEMMINGS; HELICOPTER CREW: COURTESY ICMRG

130

CHARLOT TE HEMMINGS; HELICOPTER CREW: COURTESY ICMRG

online // sunvalleymag.com PAST ISSUES SKIJORING | ROTARUN HISTORY | FAT TIRE BIKING | REFLEX POLES | BOB + K ATE ROSSO

Winter 2022/2023

CLOUD SEEDING WILL SCIENCE B E T H E A N SW E R TO OUR S N OW PR AY E R S?

PAUL NEWMAN | SANDHILL CRANES | WILD RYE | KELLY WARDELL | IDAHO WHITEWATER

Summer 2023

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get the same award-winning content on phones, tablets or desktop computers. On our site you will find all of our print stories, as well as a wealth of additional online content, including resource guides, videos and online features. Look for the best of Sun Valley life in our Arts, Food & Drink, Community, Health, Adventure, Home & Design, and Wedding sections.

To explore our magazine archives, dating all

You can also enjoy

the way back to the Winter 1973/1974, visit

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sunvalleymag.com/magazine. On our digital

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fromthepublisher // insight

here’s a moment each year

Transitions can feel uncertain. They

in Sun Valley when the light

can be chaotic, uncomfortable, even

shifts slightly, beginning in

disorienting. But they also offer clarity.

the fall and turning slowly like the gold

They invite us to pause and ask: What do

and bronze fragments of aspen trees and

we want to build next? Where should we

the lengthening of shadows cast across

be placing our focus? What do we value

the mountains. It is a gradual change, a

now and who deserves our attention? After a decade as the director of

token of the seasons turning quietly.

photography at GQ and in response to

I’ve always loved this reminder that

her daughter’s health issues, artist Doro

even though our lives are constantly in motion, life rarely changes all at once. Those of us here

Somosi embarked upon a new career in visual art, transforming

in the Wood River Valley tend to live more closely tied with

abstract photos of nature into large-scale handprinted

the seasons. We measure our calendars not in months, but in

cyanotypes drenched in captivating shades of blue (“Something

markers: the first dusting of snow on Baldy, the return of the

Blue” on page 108). These stories are important reminders that

wildflowers, the week when bikes outnumber skis in the garage,

change and transitions are inevitable.

fishing season opens again, and sandals replace winter boots.

Yet, within every transition lies an invitation: to reimagine,

This issue is dedicated to that spirit of transition. To the

to rebuild, and to rediscover what is possible when we choose

idea that our lives, just like our landscape, are always shifting—

to embrace change together. Collaboration in the face of change

sometimes dramatically, sometimes imperceptibly. These pages

can revolutionize and transform, and nowhere is this more

explore the beauty and complexity of transitions—personal and

evident than in the multi-agency avalanche rescue training

collective—and the strength that emerges when individuals

and protocols being spearheaded by the recently founded

welcome change with both courage and curiosity. Read about

Idaho Central Mountain Rescue Group (ICMRG). ICMRG is

Taryn Smith and her willingness to learn new skills through her

an interagency collaboration between many county and valley

quest for adventure as she participates in the World’s Toughest

agencies, guide services and first responders with the goal of

Row this December, a solo, unsupported row across 3,000 miles

allowing for rapid-response avalanche rescue for both land- and

of the Atlantic Ocean that will test her mental focus ad physical

air-based avalanche and medical emergency rescues in Blaine

stamina (“From the Sawtooths to the Atlantic” on page 94).

County. Designed to ensure the safety of all outdoor enthusiasts,

Learn about the passing of the torch of a cherished community icon as the Environmental Resource Center takes

ICMRG demonstrates the power in working together (“Beyond the Avalanche” on page 62).

over the backcountry hut network, a series of mountain huts

As we lean into the season ahead, I hope the stories in

serving over 2,000 people each year (“A New Steward for a

this issue invite you to pause, take a breath, and notice the

Community Treasure” on page 34). Or read about the rise of

brilliance of your own transitions—however small, however

independent outdoor brands in the Intermountain West, as

quiet, however vibrant they may be. Because in Sun Valley,

companies like STIO, Wild Rye, Iksplor, and others, take risks

we know that change isn’t something to fear. It’s something to

and push innovation in service to their customer base (“Having

anticipate and celebrate.

it All: Performance, Style and Values” on page 42). The rise and success of these independent companies represent shifts in

Here’s to the season ahead—and to all the ways we continue to collaborate and evolve with courage and curiosity.

buying that leans more towards supporting local ski brands—a trend strongest in mountain towns with ski heritage history like

Enjoy the journey.

Sun Valley.

Laurie Sammis publisher / editor-in-chief

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

THE BEST KIND OF WINTER ICE 511 Sun Valley Road, Ketchum, Idaho 83340 | 208-726-5276 | barrypeterson.com

featuredcontributors // writers & photographers

JONATHAN MENTZER

HAYDEN SEDER

TAL ROBERTS

KATE HULL

Jonathan Mentzer is an award-

Hayden Seder is a full-time

In a time when technology has

A Texas native, Kate Hull

winning journalist and editor

freelance writer and copy editor

empowered the untrained to be

moved to Teton Valley, Idaho,

with over 15 years of experience

based out of her hometown of

classified as a photographer,

in 2012. She is the co-publisher

in journalism, digital publishing,

Ketchum, Idaho. She enjoys

Tal Roberts reminds the world

and editor-in-chief at Powder

and content strategy. His work

writing about the intersection of

that photography is about so

Mountain Press, publishers

has appeared in Sun Valley

women and the outdoors, a topic

much more than capturing a

of the award-winning Teton

Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and

she is passionate about. She

moment—it is about creation.

Valley Magazine and a freelance

Teton Gravity Research. Jonathan

has been publishing her work for

Tal does not simply take

writer for Texas Monthly Custom

also served as the Sports Editor

15 years and has been featured

photos, he makes them. His

Publishing, Sun Valley Magazine,

at the Idaho Mountain Express

in publications like Backpacker,

work is so recognizable it

Taste of Sun Valley, the Official

and the Wood River Journal,

Climbing, BUST, Bitch, and more.

can be picked out from the

Idaho Travel Guide, and many

earning recognition from the

When not putting pen to paper,

sea of online nonsense. His

more. She enjoys biking, hiking,

Idaho Press Club for his writing

Seder loves rock climbing,

distinguished style plays

baking (bonus if rhubarb from

and photography. Whether

mountain biking, reading, cooking

heavily with light, shadow,

her garden is an ingredient), and

camping and fishing in Idaho’s

vegan food, playing with her

time of day as well as year, all

sharing the wonderful world of

backcountry or carving turns on

rescue pitbull Otis, and teaching

in order to best compliment

mountain town living with her

Baldy, Jonathan approaches life

women’s climbing clinics.

his subject. Typical action and

husband, young son, and new

sport photography comes

baby girl.

with curiosity and gratitude. He now resides in Sun Valley with his wife, GiGi, where they operate

alive with mood and mystique,

Stories by Hayden Seder:

a small business.

”From the Sawtooths to the Atlantic” page 88

Stories by Jonathan Mentzer:

“ERC adopts SV Mountain Huts”

“Building Strength for the Season Ahead” page 46 “Toby Rafford” page 94

page 34 “Santa’s Reindeer” page 99

“John Steel Hagenbuch” page 98

in this issue

writers - Mark Dee, Emma Drucker, Kate Hull, Sarah Linville, Jonathan Mentzer, Patti Murphy, Hayden Seder, and Cristy Sellas

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

rendering his images unique to say the very least.

Stories by Kate Hull: “Performance, Style, and Values” page 42 “Something Blue” page 108

Stories by Tal Roberts: “Power Trip” page 80 “After Hours” page 100

“Exploring the Arts” page 112 “Taking a Creative Leap” page 118

photographers & illustrators - Jon Conti, Ray J. Gadd, Hailey Hagerty, Riccardo Musacchio, Tal Roberts, Bryan Rupp, Melissa Shelby

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WINTER

2025 | 2026

publisher/editor in chief

Laurie C. Sammis

managing editor Adam Tanous associate editor

Cristy Sellas

guest art directors Lillie Cooper senior designer Liz Parmalee sales & marketing director Sara Adamiec marketing coordinator

Grace Ostolozaga-O’Brien

copy editor

Patty Healey

controller

Brenda Carrillo

circulation director

Nancy Whitehead

Sun Valley Magazine Online: sunvalleymag.com email: info@sunvalleymag.com Sun Valley Magazine Awards 2024 OZZIE AWARDS Gold Winner, Best Cover Design - Summer 2023 Gold Winner, Best Feature Design - “Men of Steel” Gold Winner, Best Use of Photography in a Feature - “Kings of Rodeo” 2024 EDDIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Feature Article, “Men of Steel” 2018 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Feature Article - “Primal Necessity” 2017 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Feature Article - “The Long Journey Back” Finalist, Best Profile - “A Life in the Sky” 2016 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Feature Article - “The Great Migration” 2015 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Annuals & One-Time Custom Publication/Consumer Finalist, Best Cover/Consumer 2014 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Annuals & One-Time Custom Publication/Consumer 2013 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer Finalist, Best Special Theme Issue/Consumer 2012 MAGGIE AWARDS Winner, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer 2011 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer Finalist, Best Special Theme Issue/Consumer 2010 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer Finalist, Best Special Theme Issue/Consumer 2010 OZZIE AWARDS Gold Winner, publication fewer than 6 times per year 2010 EDDIE AWARDS Gold Winner, publication fewer than 6 times per year 2010 MAGGIE AWARDS Finalist, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer 2009 MAGGIE AWARDS Winner, Best Semi-Annual & Three-Time/Trade & Consumer Sun Valley Magazine® (BIPAD # 074470772330) is published three times a year by Mandala Media LLC. Editorial, advertising and administrative offices are located at 313 N. Main St., Hailey, Idaho 83333. Telephone: 208.788.0770; Fax: 208.788.3881. Mailing address: 313 N. Main St., Hailey, Idaho 83333. Copyright ©2025/2026 by Mandala Media, LLC. Subscriptions: $24 per year, single copies $7.95. The opinions expressed by authors and contributors to Sun Valley Magazine are not necessarily those of the editor and publisher. Mandala Media LLC sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This issue was printed on recycled fibers containing 10% post consumer waste, with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified member of the Forestry Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards. When you are finished with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. Postmaster — Please send address changes to: Sun Valley Magazine, 313 N. Main St., Hailey, ID 83333

Printed in the U.S.A.

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

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localbuzz

A New Steward for a Community Treasure Environmental Resource Center Takes Over Sun Valley Mountain Huts B Y H AY D E N S E D E R

or over 50 years, the six backcountry huts that comprise the Sun Valley Mountain Huts system have served our area, housing countless outdoor enthusiasts over the years. The hut network, which includes the Bench, Boulder, Pioneer, Coyote, Fishhook, and Tornak huts, has long been a local resource for adventurers seeking powder turns, solitude, and alpine beauty. 34

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Ownership of the system has switched hands many times over its history. Now, the huts are entering a new era, as the Environmental Resource Center (ERC) takes on ownership of this local legacy, ensuring and expanding access while supporting the ERC’s environmental programming. The huts have been operated for the past 25 years by Joe and Francie St. Onge, who

have always seen themselves more as “stewards” of these huts than owners, and have long envisioned transferring ownership of the huts to the community. “We’ve had a lot of people express interest in taking over,” said Joe, “but all along, our North Star has been that this should go to community ownership. The huts are a piece of us, a piece of our family, and it’s extremely

TIME

MATTERS

PHOTO: COURTESY JOE ST. ONGE, SUN VALLE Y TREKKING

The Sun Valley Hut System comprises six huts: Bench, Boulder, Pioneer, Coyote, Fishhook, and Tornak sprinkled about the Sawtooth, Smoky, and Pioneer Mountains.

important to us moving forward to see the huts succeed and to provide the amazing resource to the community that they do.” The St. Onges found what they’d been looking for in the ERC, whose mission of addressing environmental issues affecting our community through education and community initiatives seemed to align with the ethos of these backcountry huts. “It felt like kind of a natural handshake to be able to deliver on the historical vision of the huts, the vision Joe and Francie have for the huts going forward, and also the ERC’s vision,” explained ERC Executive Director Ashton Wilson. “It felt like a good fit.” The ERC will maintain current public access to the huts (which serve over 2,000 people each year), utilizing its nonprofit status to maintain sustainable pricing for a broader user base without sacrificing quality or sustainability. But, with this new resource, the ERC will also have a new home for a significant part of its programming, namely its summer EcoCamps, the longest running, nonreligiously affiliated overnight camps in the region. Using the huts in the summer during the ERC’s peak programming season and during the “off season”—previously only two of the huts operated in the summer—illustrates just one of the ways that the new ownership is a good fit. The ERC’s longstanding relationship WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

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localbuzz // mountain huts

‘‘

We’ve had a lot of people express interest in taking over, but all along, our North Star has been that this should go to community ownership.” —JOE ST. ONGE , SUN VALLE Y TREKKING

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

with the Forest Service also makes managing the huts a natural extension of this affiliation that aligns with the shared goals of sustainable access and education. The St. Onges will remain involved with hut operations, but John Preuss, a steward of the huts for over 15 years, will be the new hut director. Day-to-day operations of the huts will continue as always, with staff providing porter service to the huts, hut orientations, snowmobile services, hut maintenance, and wood cuts. Though the ERC took over ownership in fall 2025, the organization is still actively fundraising to both ensure the existing sustainability and quality of the huts, but also

to help fund future changes, from developing new huts and opening existing huts for summer use to creating hut-to-hut biking and hiking routes. “The shared values of the ERC and Sun Valley Trekking ensures that these special huts will continue to serve the community as they have for over four decades, providing extraordinary experiences in wild places and will also provide the potential to develop in exciting new and meaningful ways,” noted Francie St. Onge. “We have every confidence that the huts we know and love will be maintained with dedication and care, ensuring unique access to these beautiful mountains for generations to come.” ï

PHOTOS: RAY J GADD

The hut system serves more than 2,000 people each year. Now, under ERC stewardship, the yurts will also provide a home for the ERC’s summer EcoCamps.

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localbuzz // book recommendations

• “Midwinter Murder - Fireside Tales” by Agatha Christie • “Anna Karenina” by Leo Tolstoy • “ Winter” by Ali Smith

CHAPTER ONE BOOKS & GIFTS RECOMMENDATIONS:

Cozy Up With a Good Book Winter Reading Ideas BY CRISTY SELLAS

ne of the simplest joys of winter can be a warm fire. Add to that a sleeping dog, some hot tea and a great book, and now you have a real escape. The cold weather can be tough and tiring after a few months, but it can also force a degree of hibernation that can be a time of reflection and rest. The natural white noise of a cold snowy day allows for a mental and emotional escape and far fewer distractions. You don’t even need an excuse to stay inside on a subzero day and lose yourself in a great story. There are many book and reading websites that not only have a constant stream of book recommendations and conversations, but many of them offer specific winter reading lists that include “snowy” reads for all ages.

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

“SNOWY” READS • “ The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway • “ The Call of the Wild” by Jack London • “Dr. Zhivago” by Boris Pasternak • “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens • “ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis • “ The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey • “Ethan Frome” by Edith Wharton • “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Guterson

• “ The Emperor of Gladness” by Ocean Yuong • “ The Reading List” by Sara Nisha Adams • “How the Penguins Saved Veronica” by Hazel Prior • “North Woods” by Daniel Mason • “ The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune • “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” by Helen Simonson • “ The Garden of Small Beginnings” by Abbi Waxman • “Happy Wife” by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores • “ The Bookish Life of Nina Hill” by Abbi Waxman • “Ask Again, Yes” by Mary Beth Keane • “The Shell Seekers” by Rosamunde Pilcher • “ The Arctic Fury” by Greer Macallister • “Orbital” by Samantha Harvey • “She Didn’t See It Coming” by Shari Lapena • “Party of Liars” by Kelsey Cox • “ The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion” by Beth Brower

ICONOCLAST BOOKSTORE RECOMMENDATIONS: FICTION • “ The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny” by Kiran Desai • “ Wreck” by Catherine Newman • “ Heart the Lover” by Lily King • “ The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans • “ The Wayfinder” by Adam Johnson

• “ Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy NONFICTION • “Everything is Tuberculosis” by John Green • “ The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins • “ We The People” by Jill Lepore • “Strong Ground” by Brene Brown • “History Matters” by David McCullough • “ The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by John U. Bacon

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THIS AUTHOR: FICTION • “Culpability” by Bruce Holsinger • “Show Don’t Tell” (short stories) by Curtis Sittenfeld (Sun Valley Writers’ Conference) • “ Three Days in June” by Anne Tyler • “ What We Can Know” by Ian McEwan • “ Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett NONFICTION • “All the Way to the River“ by Elizabeth Gilbert • “The Book of Alchemy” by Suleika Jaouad • “ The Friday Afternoon Club” by Griffin Dunne (Sun Valley Writers’ Conference) • “Anointed” by Toby Stuart • “Sociopath - A Memoir” by Patric Gagne • “Nobody’s Girl” by Virginia Roberts Giuffre

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localbuzz // compost

Striking Black Gold Hailey’s Community Compost Program Thrives BY EMMA DRUCKER

he city of Hailey’s Community Compost Project, with its, eyecatching collection of bins is turning waste into nutrient-dense, living humus that enriches the soil of the Wood River Valley. At six locations throughout the city, anybody can drop food scraps, plant matter, and soiled paper into a bin. The bins are emptied twice a week by Clear Creek Disposal and trucked to Winn’s Compost, where the organic waste is composted and then redistributed to farms, gardens, and yards across the Valley and the Snake River Plain. Emily Williams, sustainability and grants coordinator for Hailey, explained that Hailey’s residents had long expressed interest in a public, shared composting solution. The city applied for funding through an Idaho

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Department of Environmental Quality sustainable materials management grant, and the Community Compost Project was born. In September 2024, the project launched with the installation of four bins offering free food scrap disposal throughout Hailey. The initial plan was to empty the bins weekly, but the public response was immediate and enthusiastic. The bins filled up in days, and the city added a second weekly pickup. Community members continued to contribute so much organic waste that the city decided to use the remaining grant money (initially slated for outreach) to purchase three more bins, which were installed in March 2025, just six months after the Community Compost Project began. “I’ve been thrilled by the popularity of this project. People want to be part of it, they are

HAILEY COMPOST BIN LOCATIONS: Albertsons

Keefer Park

Atkinsons’ Market

Hailey City Hall

Community Campus Hailey Post Office

WHAT CAN YOU COMPOST? Fruit and vegetable scraps, peelings, pits, and seeds

Eggshells and nutshells Rice, pasta, cereal Bread, pastries, cookies Coffee grounds and coffee filters Paper napkins, paper towels, paper plates

Meat, fish, bones

AEROBIC COMPOST USES OXYGEN FASTER PRODUCES HEAT AND CARBON DIOXIDE ODOR FREE FULLY DECOMPOSED COMPOST

Dairy products

ANAEROBIC COMPOST

Teabags, cut or dried flowers

WITHOUT OXYGEN

Wooden coffee stirrers

SLOWER VERY LITTLE HEAT STRONGER ODORS AND METHANE GAS

paying attention, and they really care about composting correctly,” said Williams. Approximately 1,200 pounds of organic waste is diverted from the landfill each week through this program. The collection bins have been mostly free of contamination and are not attracting pests, two primary concerns that the city had before installation. Williams noted that Hailey is fortunate to have a commercial composting operation just a few miles away and to have a waste management company that embraces composting as well. “I am so grateful for our project partners at Clear Creek Disposal and Winn’s Compost. They have made this program possible,” she said. A true collaborative effort among city government, residents, and local companies, this composting initiative is an elegant example of how communities can turn the problem of organic waste into a solution for soil amendment. Approximately half of all municipal waste is organic matter. When that organic waste is trucked to a

landfill, it decomposes in an oxygen-deprived environment, releasing methane, a greenhouse gas with up to 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year timescale. In contrast, composting food and other organic matter allows the waste to decompose in an oxygen-rich environment, where fungi, worms, and other beneficial microorganisms transform it into “black gold,” or compost. This rich soil food replenishes the ground beneath our feet and promotes plant growth. After the first successful year of the Community Compost Project, Blaine County launched a commercial food waste disposal program for 10 Ketchum restaurants in October. Williams is encouraged by the fact that a neighboring community is pioneering composting for businesses, while Hailey is leading the way on collective, household composting. Hopefully, one day there will be both residential and commercial composting available throughout the Wood River Valley. Everyone can participate in the Community Compost Project, regardless of

‘‘

I’ve been thrilled by the popularity of this project.People want to be part of it, they are paying attention, and they really care about composting correctly. — E MILY WILLIAMS, HAILE Y SUSTAINABILIT Y AND GRANTS COORDINATOR

where they live. To begin, collect food scraps, soiled paper, and plant waste in a container at home. Bring the full container—free of contaminants such as fruit stickers or other plastic—to any of the six bin locations, including an ADA-accessible bin at Hailey City Hall. Unlock the bin through an app or punch in a combination, then empty the waste, completing the natural cycle of growth, death, decomposition, and renewal. ï WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

localbuzz // performance style

Performance, Style, and Values The Rise of Independent Outdoor Brands W O R D S B Y K AT E H U L L

PHOTOS COURTESY CASSIE ABEL, WILD RYE FOUNDER

he winter sports industry is entrenched with mammoths in the outdoor performance wear industry. Patagonia, The North Face, Arc’teryx … the list is long. And while these brands are toptiered when it comes to keeping outdoor enthusiasts moving, warm, and dry in their snow sport of choice, independent brands are claiming a growing share of the market, too. Powder Magazine named “wearing outerwear from small or upstart brands” as a top ski fashion trend for the 2025-2026 season.

All clothing in these photographs by Wild Rye-Cassie Abel, founder and CEO, featured far right.

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Some, like direct-to-consumer and Jackson Hole-based brand, Stio, have found growing acclaim beyond the Intermountain West, a success story rooted in shoppers’ desire to support outdoor brands that both look sharp and hold up, and meet the needs of folks looking to get outside in whatever form or fashion. Founder Stephen Sullivan told Forbes

that the key to Stio’s success has been listening to customers without the pressure to meet retailer needs.

The movement, it seems, is also not really a trend at all, but a shift in buying that leans more toward supporting local brands that are hyper-focused on their customer base and offer a unique look not typically found in the industry. This entails both small-batch lines of après wear and slope-to-lodge attire, as well as backcountry kits geared toward the most hardcore of powder seekers. And Sun Valley is no stranger to these nextlevel outfitters. Cassie Abel, the founder and CEO behind Sun Valley-based women’s outdoor apparel brand Wild Rye, spent years in the ski industry, from marketing gigs at ski resorts to working for gear brands like Smith Optics. Her jobs took her to industry trade shows across the country, and Abel says she felt the constant nag of the “pink it and shrink it” trend in gear meant for women.

“I took that as an opportunity to build the change I wanted to see,” Cassie says. “A lot of women’s products were stripped of their performance version.” She decided to build Wild Rye as a technical apparel brand that doesn’t skimp on style or function. “We create high-performance apparel for women that fits well and looks good, and I didn’t think either of those areas needed to suffer,” she says. Think pants meant to have curves, pockets in the right spot, and base layers that keep you warm and hold up wear after wear. “We wanted to have products that performed at the highest level and still felt feminine and on par with what we wanted,” she says. “It is meant for women who move in the mountains. You don’t have to be the most badass skier, but we want the product to hold up if you choose to play outside.”

In 2016, Abel and her team of 10 women introduced a mountain bike-focused collection to immediate fans, then grew by adding a robust active lifestyle collection, including base layers. This past fall, Wild Rye launched their inaugural ski and snowboard collection to the anchoring mountain bike collection. Abel says her favorite is the Heyburn Kid with a high-performance and lightweight, 3-layer (3L) shell and bib with waterproof and breathable PFAS-free material. “It is hands down the best backcountry kit I have ever worn,” she says. “The fabric is breathable, waterproof, and really lightweight and durable.” Abel has noticed that today’s shopper seeking out their brand is looking for performance as much as values. “People are looking for values alignment,” she says. “Everything is super charged right now, and value alignment is super important for

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

PHOTO: COURTESY IKSPLOR

localbuzz // performance style

IKSPLOR MORE The hidden benefit of a local brand might just be the “local.” Yes, it’s amazing to find a topnotch company that’s made by community members you see on the slopes or on the trailhead. But what’s extra special is the know-how and attention to what a good piece of outdoor clothing needs to hold up in the elements. For instance, a powder day on Bald Mountain or, over in Wyoming, a frigid day cross-country skiing with the family in Grand Teton National Park. Cue Iksplor. Founded by sisters and mothers Karissa Tuthill and Kailey Tuthill, Iksplor (the name is the phonetic spelling of “explore”) offers sustainably sourced cozy merino wool layers for families and has found a growing fanbase in the Tetons and beyond. Think newborn onesies perfect for keeping your littlest adventurer cozy in the baby carrier to wool breastfeeding-friendly tops for moms. The super material is the ideal moisturewicking fabric to stay cool on warm mountain days while also keeping you toasty warm when the snow falls. And sometimes those two things can happen on one day! Devin Dwyer, a Teton-based mom to three young girls and avid outdoorswoman, tries to spend as much time in the outdoors with her family as possible, and knows that the right gear makes it all the more fun and easier—on both mom and kiddos. Iksplor is her go-to for wool base layers. “Whether it’s 80 degrees or -14°, our family lives in Iksplor layers—keeping us protected from the sun and warm through winter,” Dwyer says. “I truly love every item they make and have been a loyal customer for years. The quality is topnotch, and as a mom, I especially appreciate that the merino can be washed and dried.” For Dwyer, it’s extra special to know she is supporting women raising young girls in the mountains like her. “I’m proud to support this sister team who are inspiring the next generation of outdoor adventurers.”

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

consumers.” At Wild Rye, Abel explains that their values are intrinsic to their DNA: donating to causes that impact women’s healthcare, starting Women-Led Wednesday to support women-owned brands, and employing women. “They wouldn’t choose us if our product wasn’t exceptional, but they keep coming back because the values alignment is there.” And Sun Valley women and visitors to the area show up for community-conscious spending in spades. “In Sun Valley, I notice so often that labels don’t matter,” says Camilla Bradley, founder and designer behind CK Bradley. Her customers lean into finding something that both represents their style and needs and isn’t a cookie cutter look. Bradley launched women’s apparel company CK Bradley in 1999. The company has rebranded and relaunched over the years, and now is home to CK Bradley Boutique in both Sun Valley and Newport, Rhode Island, with a variety of lines and collections that run the gamut from casual wear to dresses and sleek tops. While her bread and butter is women’s everyday apparel, Bradley also created Après by CK Bradley, a retro ski apparel line for women featuring bold colors and designs, as well as the ski line: Neve by CK Bradley. “My tag line is ‘Turn heads at après.’ How do you do that? You wear things no one else

is wearing. You combine things no one else is doing,” she says. “The reason we chose to open in Sun Valley is because it was the perfect place to combine my dress line and ski line.” Bradley’s Neve by CK Bradley line combines outdoor activewear with CK’s signature bold and fun aesthetic. “It is very vintage with classic and beautiful heavy knit wool sweaters you can even sometimes wear without a puffer,” she says. “They are durable, beautiful, curated pieces and sort of harken back to the times when it was really fashion on the slopes.” Looking at what’s to come for CK Bradley, Bradley says she always finds inspiration from the Sun Valley lifestyle. She calls her inspiration “East meets West,” a ski town and East Coast look that was just meant for the Wood River Valley. Sun Valley allows Bradley to play with inspiration and land on fashion lines that speak to not just what is in style, but what feels perfectly Sun Valley, from gingham shirts with Western flare to color-blocked ski bibs. Whether meant to move in the mountains like Wild Rye or go from the slopes to the lodge with CK Bradley, independent apparel brands are as distinctive as the individuals who wear them. ï

body&soul

Building Strength for the Season Ahead Staying Strong and Injury Free This Winter B Y J O N AT H A N M E N T Z E R

he first snowflakes haven’t even

Hikers naturally train stabilizers on

However, for injury prevention and

touched the Wood River Valley,

uneven terrain and downhill descents—

performance, Jesse Foster, a physical

but the race for winter readiness

movements nearly identical to skiing. For

therapist at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical

has already begun. In gyms, garages and

those not staying active, ramping up with

Center in Ketchum, points to one standout

living rooms across ski country, athletes and

weights too fast and too hard is a big mistake.

move: the single-leg stand-to-sit.

weekend warriors are lunging, planking and

The key is to build gradually: focus on

This exercise involves standing on one

squatting with visions of powder turns and

balance and control, let the neuromuscular

leg and slowly lowering yourself into a chair,

bluebird days. Yet, for many, the true test

system catch up before chasing heavy loads.

which challenges balance, hip stability and

of the season won’t be speed or style on the

Mastering one leg today can protect both

quad strength, while teaching proper knee

slopes—it will be staying strong, balanced and

knees tomorrow.

alignment. “You can watch the knee,” Foster

injury-free long after that first chairlift ride.

For the gym rats looking to get into

Pre-season training should start sooner

slope shape, bodyweight squats and wall

ligament (ACL) injuries—which occur when

than most athletes think. The Wood River

sits are always great introductions to build

the ligament inside the knee is torn—is when

Valley is full of summer activities to keep

endurance and base strength.

the knee collapses inward. This drill trains

in ski and snowboard shape. For mountain

For power, try single-leg Romanian

bikers and gravel riders, cardiovascular

deadlifts, lateral skater hops, goblet squats or

fitness is rarely the problem, but neglecting

plank with shoulder taps.

said. “The top cause of anterior cruciate

you to keep it tracking straight.” This simple, no-equipment exercise is essential for athletes returning from knee

single-leg balance and hip stabilizers can

Landing prep exercises for balance are

be. Even fit riders benefit from two to three

also great. Box jumps, Bulgarian split squats,

precision. Single-leg exercises, Foster

months of additional balance and strength

medicine ball slams and single-leg hops can

emphasized, are critical for coordination

work before ski season.

do the trick.

and stability.

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

injuries or anyone seeking better movement

‘‘

The danger comes when you’re in conditions or speeds that overwhelm you—when you’re exhausted, hungover, or it’s the last run of the day, that’s when injuries happen.” —JESSE FOSTER , PHYSICAL THERAPIST AT ST. LUKE’S WOOD RIVER MEDICAL CENTER

Foster’s second go-to for those with

“With lighter weights and higher reps, you

healthy shoulders: a side plank with hip

build muscular endurance,” Foster explained.

abduction, which fires up hips, core and

He recommends starting with sets that

shoulders for full-body engagement. Hip

feel manageable, focusing on finishing strong

abduction means lifting the leg sideways away

without pushing to exhaustion. Once those

from the body. “Your main balance muscles

loads feel easy, reduce the reps to around 12

stay active, but now you’re adding control,”

and increase resistance to build power.

Foster said. Any unilateral (single-sided) work

“That’s when you shift from muscle

challenges stabilizers and keeps spinal load

endurance to muscle strength,” he said.

lighter—an advantage for real-world sports

“Before the season, push into power—lower

and adventure, where balance can make the

reps, heavier loads, faster movements.”

difference between setback and success.

• • • •

That progression, from endurance to power, bridges the gap to the next essential:

Rebuilding Strength Foster recommends rebuilding endurance before chasing strength: start with lighter weights and higher reps to avoid exhaustion, then increase resistance for power as loads feel easier.

injury prevention through technique. Strength alone doesn’t prevent injury— technique does. “When you land and the knee collapses inward, the shin slides forward and rotates as the thigh shifts sideways,” Foster said. “That tears the ACL.”

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

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body&soul // healthy + safe skiing

Another frequent culprit is landing off

when you’re exhausted, hungover, or it’s the

balance or sitting back on impact, sending the

last run of the day,” Foster said. “That’s when

lower leg shooting forward. Both movements

injuries happen.”

strain the knee ligaments. Throughout the season, Foster advises athletes to train landing balance: keep both

Even beyond the slopes, awareness matters. The parking lot, he noted, is one of the most significant fall hazards.

legs active, keep the knees aligned over the feet, and keep the hips stacked over the tibia.

Gear and Technique

“That’s how you protect the ligament,” he said.

Equipment matters. Modern skis and boots

Know Your Limits

have changed how people move on snow.

Self-awareness, Foster added, is an overlooked part of staying healthy. Before every day on the mountain, he tells skiers to check in with their bodies and conditions. “Know your strength levels and balance points—then reassess on the day,” he said. “If you don’t have enough strength yet, pick your conditions wisely.” That might mean skipping heavy, wet

Foster suggests working with an instructor or technician for the right fit, especially for those with arthritis. Even minor setup issues—like bindings too far forward or dull base bevels— can affect knee stress and control. For skiers with arthritis, equipment choice becomes even more critical. “You need to be physically ready to hit your daily goal,” he said. “You need to be mentally sharp to tackle what’s ahead. And

snow days or avoiding hard, icy runs if

don’t forget hydration and fuel—running out

knee pain or arthritis is a factor. Adjusting

of energy will shut you down.”

for fatigue, terrain, or visibility can be the difference between a great run and an injury. “The danger comes when you’re in conditions or speeds that overwhelm you—

Because when skiing feels natural, it’s not about learning a new turn—it’s about showing up ready. ï

BALANCE AND STRENGTH EXERCISES Single-Leg Stand-to-Sit Stand on one leg and slowly lower yourself into a chair, keeping your knee aligned over your foot.

Side Plank with Hip Abduction Hold a side plank and lift your top leg upward, keeping hips stacked and ore engaged.

Bodyweight Squat With feet set at shoulder width, bend at the hips and knees keeping your back straight. Lower yourself until thighs are parallel to the ground. Push through heels to return to starting position.

Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift Stand on one leg, hinge at the hips, and reach your torso forward while extending the other leg behind you.

Lateral Skater Hop Hop sideways from one foot to the other, landing softly and keeping balance with each jump.

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Goblet Squat Hold a weight at your chest and squat down, keeping elbows close and your spine neutral.

Plank with Shoulder Taps Hold a plank and tap each shoulder with the opposite hand while keeping hips steady.

Box Jump Jump onto a sturdy box or platform, landing softly with knees bent and chest lifted.

Bulgarian Split Squat Place one foot behind you on a bench and lower into a single-leg squat on the front leg.

Medicine Ball Slam Lift a medicine ball overhead and slam it to the ground with force, using your core and legs.

Single-Leg Hop / Landing Practice Hop forward or sideways on one leg and focus on landing with your knee aligned and hips stable.

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body&soul // sound baths

Sound Baths Riding Sound Waves to Inner Peace BY CRISTY SELLAS

visit the Attune Healing Collective on a

There are six or eight of us there—all

Saturday morning after a stormy Friday

women. Everyone is quiet and stretching

night the weekend of the Trailing of the

out their silky pods now to accommodate

Sheep. The space is quiet and dimly lit. Shoes

their bodies.

are lined up by the door, so I leave mine as well.

It’s shockingly comfortable, womblike.

Purses and jackets are left trustfully on chairs.

Each of us in our own little capsule or cocoon.

Brittney, our “sound healing practitioner,”

She begins by greeting us, reminding us

is welcoming, beautiful and calming, and she

to breathe, to be grateful and to hold space.

directs us to the Sound Healing Room. This

And then come the sounds … Brittney uses

room is smaller and even dimmer—the lights

crystal singing bowls to create a wide range of

are reflected on the ceiling and rotating—

sounds that hum and vibrate and resonate.

almost in a celestial pattern. Woven pendant orb lamps hang from the ceiling, and one

It is deeply relaxing. It feels like water to me—the sounds feel

wall is decorated with oversized bright green

like they are all around us and that we are

leaves. There are silken hammocks hanging

suspended in the sounds. Maybe this feeling

over fur rugs, and Brittney tells us to choose

comes from knowing this is a sound bath?

a hammock and hands out blankets to those

Power of suggestion?

who want them.

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Electro Acupuncture Energy Healing Facials Head Spa Treatments

Experience what clients describe as ‘medicine for the soul’ at AHC. Ketchum’s hidden gem for whole body holistic healing.

Immersive Suspended Sound Baths Intimate Private Events Therapeutic Massage Spinal Energetics

We meet you exactly where you are on your health journey - listening to intuition, science, and energy to guide each experience 660 Second Ave South, Ketchum, ID | Mon-Fri 9am-6pm & Sat-Sun 11am-5pm attunehealingcollective.com | (208) 358-2965 | hello@attunehealingcollective.com

body&soul // sound baths

It is deeply meditative. My body does feel

Ask any Taylor Swift fan what happens

from its normal beta state into a theta state,

tingly and warm. My mind isn’t focused but

to their body when they hear the 10-minute

which is a state of relaxation, and a place to

sort-of wildly free range but not in a negative

version of “All too Well” or maybe someone

begin a healing or recovery journey.

way. I’m having clear images of places from

a bit older (aka me) how they feel when they

Bridgette Aldrich has been thriving in the

my past, my children when they were young,

hear Bowie’s “Heroes.” There’s a resonance, a

healing space for many years and hosts sound

and I don’t feel aware of purposefully evoking

recognition that tugs at your heart strings and

baths at Bridgette’s Place in Hailey twice a

these thoughts. The hour seems to pass very

gives you shivers and chills and maybe even

month: on the new moon and the full moon.

quickly.

makes you cry. That’s the power of sound.

She uses her gifts to help her clients release

The wellness community is harnessing

old patterns and untangle themselves from a

climb out of our hammocks and leave the

She ends the session with a gong, and we

that power through sound baths—waves of

toxic past. “Sound is healing,” Aldrich noted.

calm and warmth of the sound bath returning

soothing, echoing sound from traditional

“It allows your essence to return to harmony.”

to our lives recharged and less anxious,

wind and percussion instruments, chimes,

She uses the same crystal bowls that

hopefully.

drums and Tibetan or crystal singing bowls

her sister, Brittney, used in the sound bath

played by a “sound practitioner” or sound

I experienced at Attune. I learn from her

sound. Take John Williams for example—his

therapist. This sonic experience can lead to a

that these are different from the traditional

scores have turned countless classic films

sense of well-being by alleviating stress and

Tibetan bowls, which are made of a metal

into works of utter genius. With musical

improving clarity and focus.

alloy and have a very different sound that is

Any true music fan knows the power of

notes, he has the ability to turn emotion into

Sound baths seem to offer an accessible

sometimes described as “warm and complex.”

sound and then back again—”Harry Potter,”

pathway to peace and relaxation that many

The crystal bowls are considered to be more

“Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Jaws”—none of

of us lack the discipline to achieve through

difficult to play.

these films have even a tenth of the impact

traditional meditation. The frequency of the

without the sound.

sounds themselves helps to shift the brain

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Aldrich takes her role as a centered spiritual guide very seriously and knows how

The Community Library & Wood River Museum

where ideas

take flight

important it is for her to stay centered so that

And listen to your body—if you are in the

she can help others. She has regulars who

middle of a sound bath and feel in any way

attend all her group classes as well as remote

uncomfortable, it’s okay to just get up and

clients as far away as Denmark. “It’s a big

walk out.

responsibility when people are reaching new

You can also “test it out” at home as many

heights of awareness for them to feel safe,

practitioners have recorded their sound baths

held and secure.”

and posted those recordings online.

Sound healing is nothing new. Shamans,

Just as music can bring about all the big

healers and priests across the world have

emotions and truly transform and restore

always used chanting and instrumentation,

us—the sound bath has the potential

including the crystal and Tibetan singing

to unlock deeper self-awareness and

bowls used today, to bring their followers

understanding and help encourage relaxation

into altered states of awareness and

and balance in a complicated world. ï

consciousness and to treat physical pain as well as anxiety and depression.

Books History Programs FREE

The “yoga of sound” is meant to balance and harmonize the chakras—each bowl correlating to a specific energy within the body. The thinking is that an individual is not just “hearing” sound but absorbing it through every pore and allowing the sound to permeate the system. Should anyone avoid sound healing? Yes. People with acute unresolved trauma may have difficulty processing the potentially intense experience. Individuals with preexisting heart conditions or epilepsy or any electronic implants like pacemakers should avoid sound healing. If an individual is unsure about whether sound healing is right for him

LOCAL SOUND HEALING Attune Healing Collective 660 2nd Ave. S, Ste. 24, Ketchum

Bridgette’s Place 15 W. Carbonate St., Hailey

Gather Yoga 471 Leadville Ave., Ketchum

Crystal Healing Room Shaman Tammy Adams 571 4th St. E., Ketchum

or her, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor.

4th and Walnut in Ketchum WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

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SU N VA LLE Y MAG A Z I N E ’S

favorite finds...

and unforgettable gifts!

VELVET STAG 621 Sun Valley Road E., Ketchum 208.726.8818

1. T he Men’s Sheepskin Coat is rugged warmth, refined style 2. Ladies’ Reversible Leopard Sheepskin for bold, luxe, coziness 3. T he men’s sheepskin hat is winter’s MVP. 4. H Bar C Ranchwear makes western cool for all. 5. Sheepskin Slippers for him and her are the gift everyone wants and the gloves are soft, warm, timeless. 6. Rug is istant cozy, instant chic 7. Fieldbar Cooler. A champagne-ready and walletfriendly gem.

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APRÉS BABE

310 Walnut Avenue, Ketchum | apresbabe.com

1. A pres Ski Pillow with Snoop Dog 2. Ski themed trucker hats 3. C ozy alpaca blankets 4. Ski themed trucker hats 5. 100% Cashmere Jogger Set. Effortless comfort, elevated.

6. S uper Soft Hand Bag (cross body with removable strap) 7. Cozy Cloud Vest 8. Mink Beanies with Pom. Winter looks better in mink.

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

SU N VA LLE Y MAG A Z I N E ’S

favorite finds... and unforgettable gifts!

ANNIE FL ATS By Private Appointment | annieflats@gmail.com 1. Annie Flats Baloo Jacket 2. Annie Flats Mondo Full Length Vest 3. & 4. Annie Flats Orley Silk Jumpsuit & Toula Silk Topper

ELEPHANT’S PERCH 280 N East Avenue, Ketchum | elephantsperch.com

5. Krimson Klover Turtleneck for Women

7. Fischer Speedmax 9

6. Daehlie Comfy sweater for Women

8. Daehlie Comfy sweater for Men

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

2 6 4

NAIFEH Sun Valley Village | naifehfinejewelry.com

1. Shy Creation Diamond & Pearl Huggie Earrings

5. Sloane Street Diamond Lacey Chain with Lavender Jade Drop

2. Sloane Street Lavender Chalcedony Briolette Earrings with Diamond Detail

6. Valerie Naifeh Sun Valley Sun Necklace in Yellow Gold with Diamonds

3. Atelier Zobel Mabé Pearl Cuff Bracelet

7. L’Epee Winchester Silver Macassar Taschi Timepiece

4. Valerie Naifeh Mini Priscilla Three Strand Pearl Necklace

8. Sloane Street Enamel, Strie, and Diamond Ring Assortment

CINDY KIRK cindykirkdesigns.com he perfect handbag, one that has a T beautiful balance of shape, detail, leather, texture, and utility. Unique and practical, each Cindy Kirk bag reflects that. Every piece is handmade in Sun Valley, Idaho.

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

SU N VA LLE Y MAG A Z I N E ’S

favorite finds...

and unforgettable gifts!

1 5

PANACHE Sun Valley Village | panachesunvalley.com 1. Soft tones, strong style 2. Dark grey, all-day cozy 3. Elevate your downtime with the perfect pair of shearling slippers

4. Crafted for elegance and warmth, this sweater is winter’s ultimate indulgence 5. Jeans: timeless denim for your go-to look

BARRY PETERSON 511 Sun Valley Road, Ketchum | barrypeterson.com 6. One of a kind radiance that will shine for a lifetime. These brilliant rings offer timeless beauty 7. Timeless elegence for every taste, these bracelets make a statemen 8. The perfect gifts with artisan details and flawless design. A gift that will last for generations

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

ARMSTRONG ROOT 649 E Sun Vly Rd E, Ketchum | armstrongroot.com Armstrong Root Opticians is Ketchum’s boutique destination for exceptional eyewear, attentive service, and cutting-edge diagnostics.

WOOD L AB 1786 E. State Street, Eagle | woodlab.co Handcrafted solid wood & epoxy furniture. High-quality, unique furniture and art from local urban rescued wood. Bespoke pieces that have stories and legacy and can be lovingly passed down through generations

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SWAY 511 Sun Valley Rd E, Ketchum | theswayboutique.com 1. Gorjana and Melinda Maria 18kt gold plated necklaces. 2. Billini sunglasses, sweet talker in chocolate peony. 3. Rails sweater with girl downhill skier. 4. Cami NYC 100% brushed cashmere sweater. 5. Billini woven bag with gold detail closure.

6. Mumu silk red wine PJ set. 7. Billini chocolate suede boots. WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

SU N VA LLE Y MAG A Z I N E ’S

gearing up... for your next adventure!

2 1

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

8 9

Backwoods Mountain Sports is a shop for people who are passionate about the outdoors, ID!, people passionate about the outdoors. Every single employee at Backwoods is an enthusiastic user of the things we sell. Idaho’s mountains are one of the world’s greatest outdoor playgrounds, and we have the gear, clothing, footwear and rentals for every sport here - hiking, backpacking, backcountry and Nordic skiing, climbing, whitewater and a fullservice bike shop. We’re excited to chat about one of our local hikes, rides or skis, because we’re out there all the time, in the backcountry, playing hard. Backwoods likes to be on the cutting edge of trying new gear (we’re high-level gear junkies), so it’s a safe bet we have the latest, lightest ski binding, the most breathable (and fashionable) jacket, and the coolest camping gadgets. More importantly, we’re stoked to hear about your stories, your outdoor passions, and what gear, clothing and footwear is working for you.

BACK WOODS MOUNTAIN SPORTS 711 N Main Street, Ketchum | backwoodsmtnsports.com 1. E xtended grip backcountry poles keep your fingers warmer while you ski 2. Show your love for local, stay warm, dry, and looking good with Wild Rye Outerwear 3. Skate skiing never felt better with heat moldable boots 4. Layerup or down with fun colors and functional design 5. Skin up easily and ski down with power in the Tecnica Zero G 6. T ransition from adventure to happy hour in the Roark Button Down

We enjoy sharing our enthusiasm for our wild Idaho playground with everyone, from beginners to pros. We have the gear, clothing and footwear to be safe, comfortable and confident in the outdoors no matter your background, experience or skill level. We believe the outdoors are for everyone, and we’re psyched to share. Come on in, let’s have a chat about a passionate life, lived outside.

7. Avalanche Transceivers are the perfect gift for backcountry lovers 8. Mammut Avalanche Shovels are an essential for avi kit. 9. Loon’r Boots are your new winter statement piece WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

getoutthere

Beyond the Avalanche Valley Agencies Join Forces for Backcountry Winter Rescue WORDS BY SARAH LINVILLE PHOTOS BY HAILE Y HAGERT Y

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

ow-probability, high-consequence

Genswein’s urging, O’Donnell for KFD, Daly

about the value of training together across

incidents. How do rescue operations

for SVHS, and Adam Tanous, former chief

agencies. When it comes to avalanche rescue,

in the Wood River Valley prepare for

training officer for SVSP, began meeting

it’s all about safety and time efficiency. Joint

a backcountry rescue like a large multi-burial

regularly to plan joint training exercises,

exercises make that possible.”

avalanche? It’s complex, high-stakes, and no

the first being in January 2022. A number of

The ICMRG is spearheaded by KFD,

single agency could handle it alone.

other groups and agencies soon joined the

which provides the ambulance service for

mix, including Wood River Fire, Sun Valley

northern Blaine County. Under the direction

(KFD) hosted a pre-winter meeting for the

Guides, Sawtooth Mountain Guides, Sun

of O’Donnell, the group shares knowledge,

valley’s avalanche response teams to evaluate

Valley Fire Department, the Blaine County

equipment, and expertise to ensure a rapid,

plans for multi-agency rescues. These

Sheriff’s Office, Air St. Luke’s, and Blaine

coordinated and practiced rescue response.

meetings, however, remained informal and

Avalanche and Rescue K9s. The collaboration

did not include joint training.

led to the creation of the Idaho Central

honed their skills through three annual

Mountain Rescue Group (ICMRG).

trainings: a tabletop communications

For many years, the Ketchum Fire District

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, backcountry recreation in Blaine County

“These types of rescues, with helicopters,

Since 2022, ICMRG participants have

exercise using the Incident Management

increased significantly. With that increase

multiple victims, and multiple rescuers in

System (NIMS); a ground-based scenario in

came a greater risk of multi-victim avalanche

avalanche terrain are difficult and fairly

“no-fly conditions”; and a helicopter training

incidents. Then, in the winter of 2022,

complex,” Tanous noted. “In that first

that incorporates the transportation of

the Sawtooth Avalanche Center invited

exercise, we learned a tremendous amount

rescuers to a rescue site and multi-patient

avalanche rescue expert Manuel Genswein to PHOTOS: COURTESY ICMRG/HAILEY HAGERTY

serve as an advisor for the season. Genswein, a Swiss researcher and developer of rescue equipment and techniques used worldwide, urged local responders to create a formalized rescue group modeled after Europe’s highly trained mountain rescue teams. KFD’s Captain David O’Donnell, backcountry rescue coordinator, explained, “The standard for helicopter-based rescue in Europe is very high. Manuel was basically telling us it’s time to step it up.” Another key catalyst was Dr. Terry O’Connor, a respected Ketchum physician, medical director and avid mountain recreationist who tragically died in an avalanche on Donaldson Peak in May 2024. “Terry always had a really grand vision of what backcountry rescue could be like in our valley,” added Drew Daly, ski patroller, guide and operations manager for Sun Valley Heli Ski (SVHS). “He encouraged us to get all the entities together and enlisted Manuel to roll it out.” Initially, KFD, SVHS, and the Sun Valley Ski Patrol (SVSP) joined forces, as they each brought special abilities to the endeavor: KFD had experience with command and control structures, SVHS quite often had a helicopter, pilot, and experienced guides in the area, and the patrol offered a large number of ready rescuers who were in skis and boots, at altitude (9,200 feet), and trained

During an avalanche training scenario in 2024, rescuers practiced deploying a Lucas device, which provides automatic chest compressions to a patient.

in avalanche terrain travel and rescue. At WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

getoutthere // beyond the avalanche

Avalanche rescue dog Ripley goes to work searching a simulated avalanche path.

extrications from a remote location.

patients. SVFD, Blaine County South,

from local agencies and guiding operations,

During the ground scenario, responders

Sawtooth Mountain Guides, and Sun Valley

and cutting down on response time. In

travel by snowmobile or skis to a designated

Guides sent personnel into the field. Teams

the meantime, to sustain the mission and

site carrying full rescue gear. The simulated

in the field relayed medical information to

ensure ongoing preparedness, ICMRG has

avalanche tests participants’ skills in locating

the operations post and assigned priorities

established a charitable fund with the SPUR

multiple “victims” using avalanche dogs,

to each patient. Multiple agencies attacking

transceivers, RECCO detectors, and probe

the same problem. That doesn’t happen

lines. Each “victim” has injuries, forcing quick

unless you practice together. That’s the

decisions on triage, treatment and extrication.

purpose of ICMRG.” These operations require significant

‘‘

ground exercise, adding air coordination

resources, particularly helicopter time.

and patient transport to the challenge. Units

Blaine County lacks a dedicated helicopter

assemble under an Incident Command

rescue program like Teton County Search

System (ICS), establish communications,

and Rescue, relying instead on a contract

and conduct systematic searches. Once

with SVHS to partner with local EMS

victims are located, rescuers practice patient

agencies to assist in rapid response and

packaging and airlifting procedures. These

transport. There is, however, new this year

drills refine interagency coordination and

a 24-7 helicopter presence in the Wood

Multiple agencies attacking the same problem. That doesn’t happen unless you practice together. That’s the purpose of ICMRG.”

communication under real-time pressure.

River Valley by both Air St. Luke’s and St.

—DAVID O’DONNELL , CAP TAIN AND

In the 2025 air exercise, the “on-scene”

Alphonsus Life Flight Network.

BACKCOUNTRY RESCUE COORDINATOR

time was just 38 minutes according to

“There has always been a connection

O’Donnell, who described the exercise:

between guiding and the rescue community,”

“KFD dispatched the SVHS helicopter to

said Daly, “Over the years, SVHS has put in

pick up five rescue-ready ski patrollers and a

so much flight time and guides’ time into

Community Foundation, a trusted 501(c)(3)

dog from Baldy and fly them directly to the

rescues and trainings.”

organization committed to assisting positive

FOR KE TCHUM FIRE DISTRICT

scene. All agencies were already briefed on

If enough funding were to be secured, it

the comms plan at the tabletop exercise. Air

is possible ICMRG could realize its dream of

Ultimately, the group aims to establish

St. Luke’s dispatched a transport helicopter

providing the county with a special rescue

ICMRG as a nonprofit itself with IRS 501(c)

to help insert more rescuers and extract

helicopter and team, relieving some pressure

(3) tax-exempt status. But as Daly points

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

endeavors in the Wood River Valley.

PHOTOS: COURTESY ICMRG/HAILEY HAGERTY

The helicopter scenario mirrors the

Your Local Acrisure Agency That Serves You First.

Our Specialty Is You!

In a recent training exercise, ICMRG members form a probe line to locate potential victims who are likely not wearing transceiver devices or RECCO chips.

out, running a nonprofit is time consuming: “Organizing this training is a community effort. No one has the time and resources to be the full-time director.” Perhaps one day the group will be able to hire a full-time executive director. Until then, the focus remains on training as much as possible to provide a professional response to avalanche accidents. “Unfortunately, we’ve assisted in a couple of avalanche recoveries after time ran out,” said O’Donnell. “That highlights the importance of the early SOS activation. Partner rescue is critical but so is calling early. We are training hard to respond efficiently, but the clock only starts when we’re notified.” In the chaos of a real rescue, hesitation or confusion can cost lives. That’s why repeated training is so crucial. People don’t fall to the level of their training; they rise to it. Each responder bears a personal responsibility to know his or her role, stay calm, and behave with confidence. It is this sense of responsibility, paired with preparation, that

TERMINOLOGY Transceivers Electronic devices used to help locate buried avalanche victims. They work by emitting radio signals that other transceivers nearby can detect. Rescuers turn on their transceivers to search for the exact location of the buried person. Transceivers greatly increase the chance of a successful rescue.

RECCO A technology used in search and rescue operations involving a small reflector that is attached to clothing or equipment. When RECCO detectors are used, the small reflectors bounce back the signals emitted by the detector.

Probe Lines Exactly what it sounds like. Rescuers use long flexible and collapsible rods to systematically plunge into the snow to feel for a person below the surface. When organized with a line of people, probe lines can cover large sections of an avalanche path.

anchors everything ICMRG does and aims to do for the community. ï

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

208.726.0726

getoutthere // sawtooth reindeer

Sawtooth Reindeer Brings a Magical Experience to the Valley W O R D S B Y H AY D E N S E D E R

anta’s reindeer don’t have to travel very far for all the good girls and boys of the Wood River Valley. Located in

Carey is Sawtooth Reindeer, Shaylin and Eric Heywood’s ranch where they raise reindeer year-round and provide unique reindeerrelated experiences for people of all ages. While many associate reindeer with Santa Claus and Christmas time, reindeer, which are the same as caribou, are native to parts of Northern Europe, Siberia, and North America, where there are large wild populations but also domesticated herds as well. For certain populations in these areas, reindeer play an important role in

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

PHOTO: COURTESY SAWTOOTH REINDEER

Sawtooth Reindeer

515 River Street Hailey, ID 83333 • 208.578.2184 info@fireplaceoutfitters.com • fireplaceoutfitters.com

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

getoutthere // sawtooth reindeer

REINDEER FACTS Reindeer antlers are the fastestgrowing bone in the animal kingdom, growing one to three inches a day during spring and summer.

Reindeer are a unique species of deer in that both the males and females grow antlers.

Reindeer hair is hollow, helping keep them warm in freezing temperatures but also making them naturally buoyant, which is why they are excellent swimmers.

Reindeer make a clicking sound when they walk (“up on the housetop, click, click, click”) because of a tendon in their feet, which helps members of the herd stay together in foggy or snowy conditions that make it hard to see.

providing food, clothing, and shelter through

most gorgeous animals,” said Shaylin. “It kind

use of their meat, antlers, hides, and milk.

of stemmed from there. We just dove in and

Some nomadic peoples also ride reindeer for

fell in love with them.”

transportation, but primarily they are used

Though Shaylin grew up on dairy farms,

for pulling goods and individuals on sleds.

prior to moving to Carey she worked a variety of jobs, including as a real estate agent and paramedic. Eric still works full time as head

“A Visit from St. Nicholas,” which mentions

equipment manager for The Valley Club.

Santa’s sleigh being pulled by eight flying

The Heywoods have nine reindeer—

reindeer; the addition of Rudolph as one of

five cows and two bulls—that guests are

Santa’s team came in 1939 in a Christmas

allowed to visit on the ranch for reindeer

coloring book created for a department store.

experiences, either in groups or in private.

Since then, reindeer have inspired a sense

These visits include a guided tour of the

of awe and wonder for many of us come the

ranch and entering the reindeer pens to feed,

holiday season, including for the Heywoods,

pet, interact, and take pictures with the

who moved to Carey from the Wood River

deer. The ranch also provides educational

Valley in 2020 and started Sawtooth Reindeer

experiences, including field trips, and

in 2021 with the intent of sharing the magic

photography sessions, such as for Christmas

of these creatures with others. Both Shaylin

cards or senior photos. And of course, there

and Eric had ranching in their backgrounds:

are the popular reindeer appearances at

she comes from a ranching family, and he

which the Heywoods bring reindeer to all

worked for local ranchers growing up. They

manner of location—a popular experience

both aspired to get back to these ranching

come holiday time.

roots, and for Shaylin, the freedom of being an entrepreneur was appealing as well.

“We go all over Idaho—everything from parades to big stores to city events, weddings,

“I started seeing pictures of people with

private events,” explained Shaylin. “We have

reindeer, and I’ve thought caribou were the

the absolute best job in the world, because

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026 2025

not only do we get to spend time with these guys all the time, but everybody is so happy when they see the reindeer. They bring out the joy in people.” Catch the Heywoods and their herd at the annual tree lighting ceremonies both in Carey and at Ketchum Town Square this holiday season. ï

PHOTOS: COURTESY SAWTOOTH REINDEER

The depiction of reindeer with Santa Claus is typically attributed to the 1823 poem

BACKWOODS MTN. SPORTS

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Clockwise from top: Co-owner Eric Heywood with one of his charges; Sawtooth Reindeer is a family affair with the Heywoods; Shaylin Heywood with a newly born reindeer.

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

711 N. Main, Ketchum (208)-726-8818 69

www. backwoodsmountains ports.com

getoutthere // winter carnival in idaho

Downhill snow rafting is one of the highlights of the Stanley Winterfest.

PHOTO CREDIT: BRYAN RUPP

Celebrate the Snow The Chill and Thrill of Idaho’s Winter Festivals B Y PAT T I M U R P H Y

uring Idaho’s chilliest months,

the Mountain Village Kickoff Beach Party

McCall Winter Carnival

there is no better antidote to cabin

with a DJ and dancing. Over the weekend,

fever than a good old-fashioned

there will be adult Big Wheel Racing, the

The inspiration for the McCall Winter

winter carnival.

popular Outhouse races, where home-built

Across the state, numerous winter

outhouses are put on skis and then pushed

festivals, each with its own unique theme,

down the icy streets, Drag (Queen) Races

transform the snowy landscape into a vibrant

with participants running through ice-

jamboree of community, creativity, and cheer.

covered streets dressed in drag and wearing

Some of these celebrations date back decades

snowshoes; three-legged races, downhill

and were created to combat the winter blues

snow rafting, live music, and street dances.

and boost business and tourism in these small Idaho towns.

Stanley Winterfest “Let’s Get Weird!” is the motto of Stanley, Idaho’s 17th annual Winterfest, so you know it is going to be a crazy-fun time for the whole family. Known as one of the coldest places in the Continental United States, Stanley doesn’t let that stop the annual festivities, as locals turn the frigid backdrop into a playground for two days of games, music, and fun, beginning with

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Carnival dates back to 1924, when the city created the Payette Lakes Sports Carnival as a way to attract tourists. The inaugural festival featured dog and snowshoe races, ski jumping, horse skijoring, and a tug-ofwar, where the prize was a box of oranges. Since lodging was scarce, many visitors were housed by residents who opened their homes to the overflow.

WHEN Feb. 13-14. 2026

Almost 100 years later, the 2026 McCall Winter Carnival continues to celebrate the

WHERE TO STAY stanleycc.org/lodging/

area’s winter wonderland in a 10-day event

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY stanleycc.org/eat/

and primary draw for visitors each year is

MORE INFORMATION Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce (208) 774-3411 stanleycc.org/ stanleywinterfest.com/

sculptures created by local artists around

with activities for all. Its signature event the impressive, large-scale snow and ice town. In addition, there will be fireworks over Payette Lake, live music, a Mardi Gras parade, a Children’s Torchlight parade, a dog sled pull, ice skating, and a variety of vendors.

getoutthere // winter carnival in idaho

The ice sculpture competition is a highlight of the McCall Winter Carnival.

The theme this year is “Where in the World is

racing down a snowy course with the

activities including a beer garden, wine

Sharlie?”a reference to the legend of Sharlie,

canines pulling empty beer kegs for the time

tasting, and more. The Polar Bear Float and

McCall’s resident mythical lake monster.

and prizes. This is a favorite event and a

Costume Contest features contestants in

fundraiser for a local animal shelter.

costumes and inner tubes floating down the

WHEN Jan. 30 - Feb. 8, 2026 WHERE TO STAY visitmccall.org/stay/lodging/ WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY visitmccall.org/eat/dining/

Sandpoint Winter Carnival With Schweitzer Mountain Resort just a

frigid Portneuf River vying for the fastest

by mid-January at sandpointwintercarnival.

time and the most original costume. There

com/events.

is also the “Running of the Bulls” race, where participants run down Main Street

WHEN Starting Feb. 13, 2026,

in their swimming suits in the winter cold,

WHERE TO STAY sandpoint-idaho-hotels-lodging.com/

famous Lava Hot Springs. The two-day fun-

WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY www.sandpointonline.com/dining/restaurant_ search.phtml

display visible throughout the city.

MORE INFORMATION Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce (208) 263-2161 sandpointwintercarnival.com/events Email: info@sandpointchamber.com

few minutes away, Sandpoint is the perfect area for the festive annual Winter Carnival sponsored by the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. Visitors can expect dozens of

Lava Hot Springs Fire and Ice Winterfest

fun outdoor and indoor activities during the

It’s been described as zany, quirky, a blast, and

53rd presentation of this 10-day carnival.

a few years ago, even USA Today named it one

The annual Parade of Lights through

of the best Winter Festivals in the country.

downtown Sandpoint kicks off the activities

It’s the Lava Hot Springs Fire and Ice

on Friday, February 1. Some of the highlights

Winterfest held annually during the first full

to follow include live music, fireworks, sleigh

weekend of February in this quaint resort town

and wagon rides, and the Let It Glow Kid’s

famous for its natural spring-fed hot pools.

Parade. There will be plenty of great food and drink from local vendors. To close out the festivities, the popular

The festival features events for the whole family, such as the Parade of Lights, fire dancers, a torch ski parade down the

K9 Keg Pull will feature hometown dogs

mountain, karaoke, an indoor swimming

of all shapes and breeds and their owners,

pool, carnival games for the kids, and adult

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

then warm up with a soak in Idaho’s worldfest concludes with a spectacular fireworks

WHEN Feb. 6-7, 2026 WHERE TO STAY lavahotsprings.org/cat/lodging/ WHERE TO EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY lavahotsprings.org/cat/dining-nightlife/ ADDITIONAL INFO Full schedule and details available January 2026 lavahotsprings.org/event/fire-ice/

No matter where you are in Idaho during the winter, you are likely to be in proximity to one of the many winter carnivals and festivals throughout the state. For more statewide listings, Visitidaho. org has a large listing of festivals around the state. ï

ICE SCULPTURE PHOTO: MELISSA SHELBY/DOG PHOTO: JON CONTI

MORE INFORMATION McCall Chamber of Commerce (208) 634-7631 info@mccallchamber.org visitmccall.org/

The full schedule of events will be posted

shelter, and support last year

1,948 Helpline calls met with real help from real people

Th e

1,391 survivors received safety,

hat Hold T e s l c U ir s C

8,799 hours of Advocacy

provided face to face

69 adults and children found

stability in safe housing

82 survivors received

free legal support

239 people gained confidence

through Empowerment Programs

651 students learned skills to build safe and respectful relationships

100 percent of Transitional Housing participants report improved well being

Keep the Circle Strong Make Your Gift Today The Advocates promotes healthy relationships by providing safety, healing and resources to people impacted by abuse.

MAKE A DONATION TO THE

ADVOCATES TODAY! 208-788-4191 • theadvocatesorg.org PO Box 3216, Hailey, ID 83340

Our very own CEO, Tricia Swartling, is the Idaho Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Leader of the Year.

getoutthere // calendar

2025/26 WINTER EVENTS

PHOTO: COURTESY SUN VALLEY RESORT

An evening skate at the iconic Sun Valley Ice Rink.

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Sun Valley Film Festival Dec. 3 – Dec. 7 Immerse yourself in powerful storytelling, discover emerging voices in film, enjoy awardseason contenders and inspiring conversations with industry icons. Premiere film screenings, Coffee Talks, industry panels. The Argyros and Sun Valley Opera House.

Winter Wonderland Kickoff Dec. 6 Join the fun with cookie decorating, photos with Santa, and holiday cheer. Sun Valley Village. 12 – 4 p.m.

Adrienne Haan’s White Christmas Dec. 10 A Celebration of the Life and Music of Irving Berlin. Experience this magic up close in the Bailey Family Studio, a uniquely intimate setting with fewer than 50 cabaret seats. This is your chance to see Adrienne Haan in a truly personal performance. The Argyros, Ketchum.

Stand-Up Comedy Series: Jeff Shaw Dec. 12 Jeff Shaw is a stand-up comic whose writing blends idealism, humanity, and stimulating satire with a singular poetic beauty. More important, he looks like Rod Stewart. Sun Valley Opera House, Sun Valley Village.

Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 13 Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Sun Valley Village. Festivities include an appearance by Santa, live holiday music by Faculty Lounge, ice carvings, free cookies and cocoa, and an outdoor bar. Festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. sharp! A live ice carving demonstration will take place near The Ram restaurant starting at 4 p.m.

Holiday Market

A Country Christmas Concert Dec. 14 A holiday concert and celebration featuring The Hurdy Gurdy Girls. The Argyros, Ketchum. 3 – 5 p.m.

Trail Creek Sleigh Ride Dinners Dec. 19 – Jan. 3 Enjoy an enchanting horse-drawn sleigh ride followed by a four-course dinner at Trail Creek Cabin. Sun Valley.

Christmas Eve Ice Show Dec. 24

The Sun Valley Carolers will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. with some Christmas favorites, followed by a Christmas-themed ice show. As always, complimentary cookies and cocoa will be served on the Lodge Terrace for all to enjoy! Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink, Sun Valley Village.

Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Dec. 24 Skiers descend Dollar Mountain with torches, followed by a fireworks spectacular. Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley.

Stand-Up Comedy Series: Robert Mac Dec. 27 Robert Mac is an award-winning comedy veteran with over two decades of experience performing in clubs, casinos, cruise ships, and festivals across the country. His clean, cerebral, and delightfully silly act walks the line between brilliant and absurd—he’s either a smart guy who comes off as very stupid or a stupid guy who thinks he’s very smart. Sun Valley Opera House, Sun Valley Village.

Dec. 13 – 14 European-style market featuring local artisan goods and gifts. Sun Valley Village.

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

getoutthere // calendar

Kashus Cullpepper with Tylor & The Trainrobbers Dec. 27 Alabama-born country crooner Kashus Culpepper encompasses the sound of the South. A student and reverent purveyor of Southern music – country, soul, blues, folk, and rock – Culpepper’s husky, sandpaper growl bellows like a freight train over self-penned stories that are as raw and real as they are haunting. The Argyros, Ketchum.

New Year’s Eve Snow Ball Dec. 31 Dance into the New Year with a touch of glamor at the dazzling “Snow Ball” Party! Enjoy an evening of glitz, glitter, bubbles, and bites as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new. River Run Lodge, (at the base of Bald Mountain), Ketchum.

New Year’s Eve Night Skiing & Fireworks Dec. 31 This family-friendly event welcomes everyone to hit the slopes and enjoy some nighttime turns, music under the stars, and fireworks! Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley.

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Stand-Up Comedy Series: Karen Rontowski Jan. 17 Karen Rontowski’s fast-paced, quirky comedy uniquely blends stand-up with her work as a paranormal investigator, tarot reader, and reiki master. Sun Valley Opera House, Sun Valley Village.

Boulder Mountain Tour Feb. 7

The 53rd annual Zions Bank Boulder Mountain Tour will take place in Ketchum, Idaho, on its traditional day, the first Saturday in February. The premier cross-country race in the Western United States, the Tour is staged on the historic Harriman Trail located in the pristine Sawtooth National Forest Area. Race distances are 34 kilometers for the Full Boulder, and 15 kilometers for the Charley Course Half Boulder. Harriman Trail, north of Ketchum.

Stand-Up Comedy Series: Greg Hahn Feb. 14 Greg Hahn brings absurdly energetic physical comedy, rapid-fire one-liners, and razor-sharp crowd work to stages across the country and Canada. Developmentally arrested since birth, Greg grew up in South Florida entertaining Catholic nuns, played college basketball from the bench, and served as a Captain in the Marine Corps. Sun Valley Opera House, Sun Valley Village.

Madeleine Peyroux Mar. 8 Much like songbird Edith Piaf, Madeleine Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Just like the “little sparrow,” Madeleine befriended the city’s street musicians and made its Latin quarter her first performing stage. Years later, Peyroux would cite iconic Piaf as an influence on her music and record a rendition of the classic “La Vie En Rose,” soulfully capturing the tune’s romanticism and melancholy. The Argyros, Ketchum.

SKIING PHOTO: COURTESY THE BOULDER MOUNTAIN TOUR, PEYROUX PHOTO: RICCARDO MUSACCHIO, TORCH LIGHTING PHOTO: COURTESY SUN VALLEY RESORT

ABOVE: The Boulder Mountain Tour attracts some of the best Nordic skiers in the nation. TOP Right: Skiers prepare for the annual Christmas Eve torchlight parade down Dollar Mountain. BOTTOM RIGHT: Madeleine Peyroux will be performing March 8 at The Argyros in Ketchum.

Get Your Crew Noticed the Right Way with Branded Outerwear, Hoodies, Beanies, Caps, T-shirts, and Promotional Products. Showroom Open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM 720 North Main in Bellevue – across from Atkinson’s Valley Market Call 208-726-1948 • www.davisembroidery.com

getoutthere // calendar

Stand-Up Comedy Series: Nick Cobb

Mar. 14

Nick Cobb grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where his love of meaningless nonsense led him to Indiana University to study psychology. After graduating, he worked at a comedy club called The Looney Bin. When he won a stand-up competition at a tiny Beale Street bar, the comedy bug bit hard—and Nick packed his bags for New York to chase the dream. Sun Valley Opera House, Sun Valley Village.

Wine, Women, and Wealth April 7

Christmas Eve at Sun Valley always includes watching the torchlight parade down Dollar Mountain and the fireworks show that follows.

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

June 15 – 18 Convening leaders and change-makers across sectors to discuss global strategies for a better future. The Argyros, Ketchum.

Ongoing Live Music at the Duchin Weekly, Dec. – March Classic piano/lounge music in the iconic Sun Valley Lodge setting. Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley Village.

Live Music at The Ram Weekly, Dec. – March Casual, live music in Sun Valley’s original restaurant. Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley Village.

Evening Art Exhibition Tours Selected Evenings (Ongoing) Guided tours and talks focused on current exhibitions. Sun Valley Museum of Art, Ketchum.

Open Studio: Figure Drawing/Printmaking Selected Evenings (Ongoing) Adult classes and creative workshops. Hailey classroom, Sun Valley Museum of Art.

Trivia at the Sawtooth Brewery Tap Room Weekly, Wednesdays Local trivia night and community gathering. Sawtooth Brewery Tap Room, Hailey.

PHOTO: COURTESY SUN VALLEY RESORT

Looking for more than just another networking event? Imagine an evening where you can sip, connect, and learn all while building your confidence around money and creating lasting friendships. Hailey Chamber, 781 South Main St., Hailey.

Sun Valley Forum

M U S I C | D A N C E | T H E AT E R | I D E A S | E V E N T S

Argyros Performing Arts Center

2026 Winter Performances

December 27 | 8:00PM

Kashus Culpepper with Tylor & the Trainrobbers

January 29 | 7:30PM

December 28 | 8:00PM

Kashus Culpepper with Aaron Golay & the Original Sin

Songwriters Series with Tyler Hubbard & Friends

February 27 | 7:30PM

Barcelona Flemenco Ballet

March 13 | 7:30PM

Emmet Cohen

January 16 | 7:30PM

February 14 | 7:30PM

Mat Kearney The Acoustic Trio Tour

February 28 | 7:30PM

Silversun Pickups

April 3 | 7:30PM

January 22 & 23 | 7:30PM

Yellowjackets

Ailey II

February 22 | 7:30PM

Artrageous

March 5 | 7:30PM

March 8 | 7:30PM

Derina Harvey Band

Women of Americana A Celebration of American Music

An Evening with Madeleine Peyroux

April 21 | 7:30PM

Pat Metheny Side-Eye III+

Check out our lineup and buy tickets by visiting our website at www.theargyros.org Argyros Performing Arts Center • 120 S Main St, Ketchum • 208.726.7872

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

POWER

TRIP

Locals Blend Skiing and Snowmobiling to Blaze New Trails in the Backcountry WORDS BY MARK DEE

P H O T O S B Y TA L R O B E R T S

ndrew Edson used to drive through the middle of the Sawtooth

and manpower to move faster, push deeper, and find more wild turns in

Valley and dream of the lines you could ski. For years, they

the mountains around Sun Valley.

were just that—dreams. The problem wasn’t one of skill or

Ask around, and you’ll hear versions of Edson’s story all around the

willingness; Edson, a Sun Valley Ski Patroller who grew up in

valley. What started on a borrowed “beater” sled grew into a winter

Twin Falls, spends all winter in ski boots. It was a problem of scale. It’d

obsession, blending two sports into one outing that’s as much about the

take Olympian legs, and, even then, multiple days to get back into those

drive in as the run down. This winter, there will be days their skis don’t

mountains, which seem to shy back a little farther with each step forward

leave the back of the sled—or even the back of the truck.

you take.

“There are a lot of people who bought sleds to ski and now they just

That was until Edson found a little help.

snowmobile,” Edson said. “They don’t even bring their skis anymore. It’s

These days, if Edson isn’t working on Baldy, he’s probably out explor-

just so fun.”

ing the backcountry from behind the handlebars of a snowmobile,

There’s no typical day sled skiing, but there are a few ways to do it.

finding the next great zone to ski. He is one in a growing cadre of sled

More experienced sledders will shuttle lines, almost like a chairlift. You’ll

skiers—devotees to an ascendent form of ski touring that blends motors

need at least two sleds and four people. First, pack in a route up the slope, WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

and then alternate who skis and who drives down. That said, the differ-

or more generally push farther up the Forest Service roads that splinter

ence between snowmobiling and skinning isn’t the difference between

east and west off state State Highway 75. If a client wants and the snow-

carrying your golf bag or taking a cart. Snowmachines take real skill to

pack cooperates, they’ll hop on to “provide a bit of extra adventure for

pilot, particularly on sidehills and in deep snow. They’re counterintui-

those looking to go deeper into our remote terrain, away from crowds,

tive to steer, heavy and can go very fast, making them easy to drive into

up into higher thermoclines for better snow conditions.”

trouble and hard to get out. Most local sled skiers get into it from the ski side, and say snowmobiles take years to master.

“It’s a massive backyard out there, and we have an abundance of public lands with plenty of motorized (and non-motorized) areas in

With that in mind, the most common version of sled skiing might

mountainous terrain,” said Crist, a former member of the U.S. Ski Team,

be more accurately called “snowmachine-assisted ski touring,” because

X-Games gold medalist and American Mountain Guides Association

you’re still spending more time on the skin track, said Zach Crist, owner

certified guide. “Sometimes we can net some extra vertical with the

of Sun Valley Guides. That’s most of what Crist does with clients, using

use of our machines, but there’s almost always some amount of hiking

snowmobiles or side-by-sides fitted with tracks to haul gear, access huts

involved in a good day out.”

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

That’s how Graham Tyler got into it. On a warm-weather hike, he spotted a promising couloir above Baker Lake north of Ketchum. It looked skiable, and easy to get to—in the summer, when he could drive a smooth gravel road to a convenient trailhead. In the winter, with the road snowed in, the 30-minute drive turns into a 9.5-mile slog to the trailhead before you even start going up for another 3 or 4 miles. Then, you’d have to reverse course to get home. It’d end up close to a literal marathon, maybe a 25-mile day. So, he tried it on a snowmobile. “I’m able to jump on my sled at 8 and be back at my car by 11, which is just incredible,” said Tyler, who is also a member of Sun Valley Ski Patrol. “The first winter I had it I went out there and did that and said, ‘Oh my god, this is awesome.’”

‘‘

You get to see some amazing country on a snowmobile. If you’re just skiing, unless you’re willing to spend a lot of time on approach, you’re limited to places a lot of other people have already been.” — S COT T SAVAGE , DIRECTOR OF THE SAW TOOTH AVAL ANCHE CENTER

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

Now, he’ll cover 15 miles one way before he even clicks into his bindings. Before, that would be as big a day as he’d even consider. “We’ll ride 20 miles up a basin, places where nobody can access,” Edson said. “You don’t see anyone else. If you do see people out there, you probably know them.” Scott Savage, director of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, is a snowmobiler, a backcountry skier and what he calls a “hybrid user”—the formal term for someone mixing both sports. Whether it’s work or play, he loves his sled. “You get to see some amazing country on a snowmobile,” he said. “If you’re just skiing, unless you’re willing to spend a lot of time on approach, you’re limited to places a lot of other people have already been. “It’s a scarcity thing,” he added. On a ski sled, “you can just drive out there and always find untracked snow.” Sled skiers rarely give up their spots to strangers. Many go by pet names anyway. Edson’s partial to Goat Farm, named for a family of mountain goats that winters in the rocks. There’s a perfect 1,000-foot pitch out there, and shuttling sleds—two snowmobiles, four people—he can typically get six runs in an hour. You won’t find anything called Goat Farm on a map. Finding zones “takes some figuring out,” Edson said. “I wouldn’t say it’s guarded, but I’ve always found that Ketchum is a place where, once you’re into the scene, people are willing to share. But if you’re not into the scene, people aren’t willing to share.”

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

THE BARON OF ‘BRAP’ Ask about sled skiing around town, and one name tends to come up. “Crazy” Karl Fostvedt has used snowmobiles to transform his proskiing career. While the Ketchum native cut his teeth in the park, now he lives in the powder, reimagining natural backcountry terrain with freestyle flair. His approach is on full display in his “Brap Ski” series, which premiered in 2021 to acclaim— and envy—in ski towns around the West. Sun Valley Magazine caught up with Fostvedt to learn more about his signature style. SVM: You released Brap Ski 5 this fall. What does “brap ski” mean to you, and how has your view of sled skiing changed since you’ve started making these films? KF: Brap skiing is essentially a team sport where you and your partners use snowmobiles to safely access ski terrain in areas where motorized use is permitted. In Idaho, a lot of the good ski terrain is a long distance away from highways and trailheads. Sleds allow you to cover more ground in a day and save energy for hiking and skiing when you get to the good ski terrain. SVM: Was there a particular moment when you realized that you wanted to make this a big part of your career?

KF: Before I had a sled, I would spend a majority of my energy on the approach getting to the good ski zones and then hardly have any energy left to ski. With sleds, you can efficiently approach lines without wasting time and energy touring in the flats. It’s not all that much different than driving a car to a trailhead, except in the winter, since the roads aren’t plowed, you eventually park your car and get on your snowmobile so you can continue traveling on the unplowed roads. SVM: Can you break down the appeal of sled skiing to you? Did you come to it from the skiing side or the snowmobiling side? KF: The only reason I got into sledding was so I could ski more. For me a sled is as essential as a car. It’s ironic to me that people who drive cars to ski destinations will be derogatory to people who sled to ski destinations. I don’t see how it’s any different, other than taxpayers having to spend a lot less money paying for diesel trucks to plow roads. SVM: How has the sled changed how you see the mountains? KF: It feels like we have an endless amount of accessible ski terrain in Idaho. Every day feels like a treasure hunt. Whether you’re in new terrain or familiar terrain, it’s so vast out

there you can always find new nuggets of terrain to ski. My favorite part about sled skiing is when all the stars align with a good crew, good avalanche stability, and deep fresh powder snow. SVM: Does the typical sled skier differ from the stereotypical ski tourer? Who should give it a try and who should probably stick to the skin track? KF: Most people who ski tour use a car to get to the location where they want to ski tour. In Idaho, you severely limit the amount of terrain you can access by just using a car. You don’t have to be a good sledder or a motorhead to access more terrain. If you want to expand the amount of terrain you can access ski touring, then getting a sled and staying on the packed-out trails is a no brainer. SVM: How has the community around this changed since you’ve gotten into it? KF: It’s a lot more common to see brap skiers in the backcountry these days. Brands like SNDR Products are making it easier for skiers to get themselves and their gear out into the backcountry with specialized ski rack systems designed for modern sleds. The secret is out that if you want to access the good ski terrain

and still have energy to ski when you get there, then you need a sled. Think about it: If you’re going to ski tour on Galena Pass, are you going to walk the Harriman Trail from Ketchum, or are you going to drive your car? We live in a society where motorized vehicles are the key to accessing our outdoor recreation. Just because the plows stop plowing the road doesn’t mean the only option is to waste your energy walking in the flats. SVM: Can you touch on safety? Any words of advice for people looking to get out there? KF: Take an avy course and get the appropriate gear (transceiver, shovel, probe, avalanche airbag pack) before even thinking about stepping foot in the backcountry. Check the avalanche forecast every day, all winter long, regardless of whether or not you’re skiing/boarding/sledding that day. You always want to keep tabs on what the forecast is saying about your riding zone. When the avalanche forecast is predicting unstable conditions, maybe leave the skis/boards at home and spend the day in the flats—well away from avalanche terrain—and learn how to get better at sledding. Just try not to have too much fun sledding, or else you might forget to bring your skis/ boards with you all the time…

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

Tyler scouts in the summer. He likes to hike and trail run, and he’ll

“You’re getting nothing like what you get on skis,” Savage said. “You

get deep into the woods. Once there, he keeps his eyes open for ridges

don’t recognize how little you see or hear. How do you get the informa-

and lines to earmark for winter. There’s a treasure hunt aspect to it all,

tion that things are unstable? It comes with experience.”

and that’s become part of the appeal. It’s a new way to appreciate the mountains he loves. That doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Just like a road cyclist may not

It’s like you’re reaching into different toolboxes to fix a problem, he said, “and when you’re starting out snowmobiling you don’t have any of the tools.”

enjoy riding dirt bikes, the skier who loves a predawn Baldy skin may

Savage decides what he’s going to do in the backcountry before

not be into motorized help. Sleds are loud. They stink of burning oil,

he heads out into the mountains. Anytime he’s taking a snowmobile,

and they seem to either be broken all the time, or just break at the worst

whether he’s skiing off it or not, he’ll always wear a dedicated snowmo-

possible time.

bile helmet, wear a radio and keep his avalanche gear—probe, beacon,

On top of that, you’ll need to learn a new way to move in the backcountry—and that takes a different skillset.

shovel—on his back. If he plans on skiing, he’ll pack his ski helmet and swap at the slope.

Apples to apples, a skier and snowmobile impact the snowpack about

“You need to treat it like you’re doing both sports,” he said. “There’s a

the same, because the machine spreads its weight over a larger area, said

reason snowmobile helmets are so big and heavy: because you’re going

Savage, who has made a career in the study of snow. In practice, there

really fast on a huge piece of metal.”

aren’t many such situations. At full throttle, a sled can dig several feet into

Warnings aside, Savage believes snowmobiles can open new, safer

the snow, and cover much, much more ground. The same thing that makes

routes to fun than backcountry skiing. When the snow is deep, and

them so useful accessing the backcountry can make them more dangerous

the mountains are shedding like snakes, you’ll usually find him on his

when they’re in it. On a sled, you’ll impact exponentially more terrain.

sled flying through gentle fields near the floors of the Wood River and

“It’s kind of a numbers game,” he said. “Imagine you’re playing roulette, and one number triggers an avalanche. A skier is going to get one roll, maybe two. A snowmobile is going to roll 100 times.” Recognizing changes in the snowpack can be harder, too. Sledders should wear dedicated snowmobiling helmets, which limits their field of vision; they’re on hundreds of pounds of rattling metal, so it’s harder

Sawtooth valleys. “On scary days,” he said, “I’m a snowmobiler. You don’t need to go into avalanche terrain to have fun. You can take avalanches out of the equation. Whereas, I know I’m not going to have fun walking around on flat ground.” When possible, though, Savage is a hybrid user—a sled skier.

to feel what’s under them; and they’re basically deaf to anything but

“They are very different, and when you combine them, it’s just a

the engine, blocking out the telltale “whumpf” of a collapsing layer. It

blast,” he said. “But there are days where I take my skis for a snowmobile

might take 100 feet for a snowmobiler to react to a problem, Savage said;

ride—and it happens a lot more than I ever expected.” ï

a seasoned skier sees, hears, and feels everything, and can turn around on the spot. WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

FROM THE

SAWTOOTHS TO THE ATLANTIC

Taryn Smith Takes on the World’s Toughest Row B Y H AY D E N S E D E R

PHOTO: COURTESY TARYN SMITH

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

aryn Smith once wrote in a school essay that if she could go

Smith’s family has a deep love for the water. Both her grandfathers

anywhere in the world, it would be the middle of the ocean.

were avid sailors, and she grew up sailing on Johnson Lake in her

The 25-year-old, who hails originally from Omaha, Nebraska,

native Nebraska. While attending college at Nebraska Wesleyan

but has spent the last five years living and working at Redfish Lake

University, she got her first taste of the Sawtooth Mountains when she

near Stanley, Idaho, is currently living that dream, having started the

visited Fishhook Yurt with a friend from Boise. “I thought it was the

World’s Toughest Row on December 12, a solo, unsupported row across

most gorgeous spot, and I knew I had to come back,” said Smith.

3,000 miles of the Atlantic Ocean. To say that Smith’s committing to race in the World’s Toughest

Her friend’s dad recommended she apply for work at Redfish Lodge, which she promptly did, thinking that post-graduation she would

Row was a bold move is an understatement. Prior to signing up, the

spend one season there before moving on. That one season turned into

Nebraska native had never rowed a day in her life, and while adventure

five. Smith spent the summers working as staff developer, in human

has called to Smith numerous times, this level of undertaking was

resources, as general store manager, and yoga instructor. During the

unprecedented. After learning about the race, she said, “My gut

winter months, with Redfish closed, Smith began to tap into her call to

instinct was, ‘That’s the coolest thing in the world.’ It’s so outrageous

adventure, spending the 2022 ski season in Chamonix, France, running

and audacious. It’s been hard to explain to people sometimes. I want

the New York City Marathon, and trekking through Patagonia.

to do something scary, push myself out of my comfort zone, but a lot of my why for this endeavor can’t be explained with words.”

It was that same year that she picked up an issue of Vogue, which happened to have an article about four women rowing across the

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

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My gut instinct was, ‘That’s the coolest thing in the world.’ It’s so outrageous and audacious. It’s been hard to explain to people sometimes. I want to do something scary, push myself out of my comfort zone, but a lot of my why for this endeavor can’t be explained with words.”

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PHOTO: COURTESY TARYN SMITH, MAP: COURTESY NOA A

Pacific Ocean for the World’s Toughest Row. Smith’s initial reaction was that you’d have to be an Olympian to row across the ocean, but after researching the race and its previous competitors, she learned that many regular people participate. She signed up quickly thereafter. While the race combines Smith’s love of adventure, endurance sports, and time on the water, competing is no easy feat and will test the young woman in many ways. The World’s Toughest Race offers a Pacific and an Atlantic course, the latter of which Smith will do, starting in San Sabastian de La Gomera, In Spain’s Canary Islands, and ending at Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua. About 40 teams compete each

RACE FINISH Nelson’s Dockyard Antigua 17.0° N, 62.8° W

year; Smith is the first American woman to compete in the race as a solo athlete. The race will take her anywhere from 60 to 90 days, with her rowing in two-hour shifts and experiencing waves up to 20 feet high, temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit at night, and any manner of trials: from sleep deprivation to salt sores and hallucinations. The journey could be full of unexpected joys as well, though, with potential run-ins with whales—one contestant had a whale join her journey for seven days—rowing through bioluminescence, and gazing at the vast expanse of starry skies at night. To make such a journey requires an extensive amount of planning and training, which Smith has been in the throes of since 2023. “They say the hardest part of an ocean row is getting to the starting line,” said Smith just two months before the start of her race. “It feels that way right now.” For the rowing novice, enlisting the help of ocean-rowing performance coach Gus Barton was crucial, and she has been working with him since September 2023 to prepare physically for the feat. In spring 2024, Smith spent three months in the United Kingdom, first learning navigation, sea survival, first aid, and weather routing, then learning to row. She went back to England in the spring and summer of 2025 as well, living on an ocean rowing boat and doing longer and longer training rows (with the longest being five days).

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All this preparation doesn’t come cheap, with a journey like this costing upwards of $150,000. Only through numerous sponsors has Smith’s journey been possible. To give back, she is rowing for the charity Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that empowers girls through athletics. To fuel her journey (rowers burn more than 5,000 calories per day), Smith will eat mostly backpacking meals, as well as oatmeal with extra granola and protein powder for breakfast, and high-calorie snacks like candy, trail mix, Nutella, peanut butter, and olives. Smith’s vessel is the R25 by Rannoch, a self-righting ocean rowing boat that’s 24 feet long with a fiberglass hull. The forward cabin has a sleeping/navigation area while the rear cabin holds storage. Given the size of the boat, space is at a premium, but Smith does plan to bring a few items beyond what is absolutely necessary: photos and quotes to put up

‘‘I have no idea how this

endeavor will shape me and how I’ll be changed after it, so I’m leaving that time open after the row is done.”

in her cabin, as well as some fun treats for Christmas and New Year’s. Despite her bravado going into this adventure, Smith has plenty of fears about the race. “I am most nervous about the sleep deprivation,” she said. “I’m nervous about a big freighter hitting me in the middle of

satellite phones, and EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon) that notify the Coast Guard in case of an emergency. By the time of publication, Smith will already be on her journey. But

the night. I’m nervous about blue marlin, fish that sometimes pierce

what comes next for Smith? How will she follow up this extraordinary

the hull of the boat. Sometimes I get nervous about the power going out

feat? She is thinking of applying to law school, so she will study for and

and having no way to navigate or call for help. But the good thing about

take the LSAT, but she’s not making any commitments for now.

this is there’s so many redundancies in communication and safety— In terms of communication, Smith has numerous devices, including a portable solar panel for charging, Starlink, a Garmin InReach, two

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

“I have no idea how this endeavor will shape me and how I’ll be changed after it, so I’m leaving that time open after the row is done. But I’ll definitely visit Redfish next summer.” ï

PHOTOS: COURTESY TARYN SMITH

that’s why this race is so successful.”

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

TOBY RAFFORD Making His Mark In Freeride Skiing B Y J O N AT H A N M E N T Z E R

s the history of Sun Valley skiing stretches across generations, with powerful alpine racers, high-flying snowboarders, backcountry legends and gold medal winners, the next

generation is not far behind. And of all those amazing athletes that have graced Bald Mountain, one skier is rising to the top: Toby Rafford.

Rafford, 22, has quickly established himself as one of the breakout names in competitive freeride skiing. Entering his second season on the Freeride World Tour (FWT), Rafford returns with momentum after a remarkable rookie campaign that saw him finish third overall. His debut season included two podium finishes—a second place at the 2025 Baqueira Beret Pro and a third at the YETI Xtreme Verbier—earning him 29,020 points and the 2025 Men’s Rookie of the Year title, presented by Swissborg. “Rookie of the Year was my biggest goal so far in my skiing career,” Rafford said. “To achieve that is special to me, and to get third place overall on that circuit was the biggest moment in my career.” Skiing runs deep in the Rafford family. His parents, Gabby and Kyle, introduced Toby and his sister, Addison, to the sport at an early age, making days on the mountain a family tradition. Addison, two years older, was the first to take her skiing seriously through the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF), where she discovered her passion for moguls and freestyle. “She just had this fearless style,” Toby explained. “She loved the creativity of it.” That creativity took Addison far—she became an accomplished competitor on the FWT herself, finishing the 2022 FWT–Americas season at the top of the standings with 5,000 points and two first-place results. Watching her success, Toby naturally followed in her tracks. “Shout out to my sister,” he said. “She really showed me the way. I just did whatever she did, and it was the best thing that could’ve happened. Watching her career unfold has been amazing, and I think she’s learned a lot from my mom and dad. I’m thankful for those three people in my life.” Watching Rafford shred high peaks offers a glimpse into his training. He and Addison went through the SVSEF on the mogul team, giving both Rafford skiers the style and bravery to tackle big mountain skiing. Growing up, skiing Bald Mountain didn’t hurt either. “Every year I realize how special Sun Valley really is,” Toby noted. “Everyone who comes here to ski knows this place is legit. This 94

sunvalleymag.com | WINTER 2025/2026

mountain shapes excellent skiers.” Despite his early success, Toby doesn’t forget his upbringing. The Raffords moved from Burlington, Vermont, to Sun Valley when Toby was 4 years old, and he’s been shredding the mountains here ever since he was a little grommet. He credits the carefree ski team days, and the hours spent ripping around on Baldy with his friends, as at least part of the reason he received Rookie of the Year. “More importantly, those smaller moments mean so much to me,” he reflected. Now, as Rafford enters his sophomore season on the FWT, he carries both his family’s ski heritage and his sister’s freestyle influence into every run. His mix of technical precision and creative style has already earned him a reputation as one of the most promising riders on tour, and all signs point to more big results ahead. He has his sights set on the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps, where freeride skiing will aim to make its debut as an official Olympic sport. Rafford was also officially named to the roster to compete in the first-ever FIS Freeride World Championships in Andorra, Spain, in February 2026. Other aspirations include continuing to film with local big ripper Karl Fostvedt. “Karl has been a huge inspiration to me,” Rafford noted. Rafford will also be featured in Armada’s much-anticipated film, “ORNADA,” which took over two years to film. The film will showcase Rafford’s talents on display in Alaska where filming took place last spring. When he’s not skiing worldwide, Rafford usually spends the summer in Sun Valley, which he claims is the best reset and recovery from a vigorous ski season. He works summers at Sturtevants and does the usual Sun Valley summer activities: hiking, biking, and going to Redfish Lake in Stanley. However, there’s one summer activity he loves the most. “I love skateboarding,” he shared. “I skateboard every evening.” As his career begins to take off and reach another level, Rafford still dreams of his perfect day: “Christmas break at Sun Valley and wake up to a fresh 12 inches,” he said. “Wake up Addie and go to Warm Springs. Nobody in the lift line. Go all the way up Challenger lift to the top and do Picabo Street top to bottom non-stop. Get an Irving’s hot dog, then hit the hot pool.” ï

PHOTOS: COURTESY TOBY RAFFORD

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CHRIS TEMPLETON A Master of Rotary Wing Aviation BY MARK DEE

s a kid, Chris Templeton would sit outside his Venice Beach home and watch the planes line up on approach to L A X. On special days, he’d go to the Santa Monica Airport, which doubled as a museum, and see it all up close. He knew then, as now, that he was born to f ly. In the years in between, he’s simply reconsidered how. Templeton flies helicopters. He flies over fire and ice; contracting with a crew during wildfire season and with Sun Valley Ski during the winter months. The environment differs, sure, but Templeton’s approach, and the precision he brings to the cockpit, hasn’t wavered in some 25 years on the job. Neither does the challenge. And, whether he’s hovering over a flaming forest, or landing on a faceted cornice, for Templeton, the challenge is the draw. Templeton took his first helicopter flight in college. He knew that he wanted to pilot one professionally while they were still in the air. “It’s just the freedom,” he said. “The missions you’re doing—it’s just so different from flying an airplane. It’s sort of indescribable. You’re still flying people from Point A to Point B, but it isn’t airport to airport. It’s some teeny, little spot on a ridgetop somewhere to deliver firefighters for a rescue.” Templeton may do as many landings in a year as a commercial airline pilot does in a decade. He estimates some 300 on fires each summer followed by 2,000 in a ski season. Sun Valley Heli Ski operates on the largest permit in the lower 48—750,000 square acres, almost the size of Rhode Island—meaning Templeton keeps a couple hundred landing zones in his head all winter. His goal each time: plus or minus three inches. “I’ve seen Chris land all day at the same [landing zone],” said Alex Kittrell, owner and guide at Sun Valley Heli Ski. “At the end of it, there’s just one set of tracks in the snow, and he’s landed there 10 times.” I met Templeton near his home in Hailey last fall. His house, for most of the year, is his “expensive storage unit,” a place he stops to swap gear and head out again. But now fire season had ended and so had the months of hotel rooms on the road. In conversation, he’s soft-spoken and precise. He relishes the technical details of flight, and the terms of the craft: “torque effect,” “gyroscopic procession,” “pendular action”—“all the physics you’re overcoming,” he says. Templeton terms it “cerebral,” but describes it more like art.

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Consider a hover. Both hands, both feet in concert, making small moves and anticipating an opposite and far-from-equal reaction. He leads, the machine follows. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers, hanging midair over a flaming forest, a snow-wrapped cliff. Mistakes get amplified with every rotation, and success looks like nothing at all—or, rather, like magic: all that horsepower, all that metal, whirling in pursuit of perfect stillness, suspended from the top of the sky. “You’re never going to learn to fly a helicopter watching somebody that knows how, because the controls move so little,” he said. “I can still remember trying to learn to fly a helicopter and thinking, ‘This is never going to happen. The helicopter seems to have a mind of its own. You’re sitting there, and whatever you do is wrong.” Since 2001, Templeton has made it his career to take that challenge and then amplify it with each new skill. He first noticed helitack crews at work from above, flying a news chopper covering Southern California wildfires. He decided that was next. He saw his first short haul while on a fire in New Mexico, and that became the goal. Short haul is a benign name for a perilous task: Flying personnel—firefighters, EMS, injured patients—at the end of a rope dangling below the aircraft. It’s used to get people to places even a helicopter can’t land, and for civilian pilots it’s about the most challenging thing you can do in the cockpit. To qualify to fly it, each year Templeton must show that he can lower a load off a 150-foot line into a 10-foot cylinder. In practice, he’ll have to guide a much longer line—sometimes twice that length—into the palm of a rescuer’s hand. Short haul, he says, is “the pinnacle.” “You really can’t afford to get it wrong,” he said. “You have a human at the end of the line.” Whatever the next challenge is, Templeton plans to find it in the cockpit. He’s never had a plan that didn’t involve the air. “My entire life I envisioned myself as a pilot,” he said. “I didn’t have a plan—first I would do this, then this, and end my career doing this. I just never said no to a new opportunity to gain a new skill, or a new experience. And that opens up more opportunities. Whenever someone asked, ‘Hey, do you want to try this?’ I always said, ‘yes.’” “Templeton loves flying helicopters,” Kittrell said. “Most heliski pilots like it. Templeton loves flying so much that he gets grumpy when we have a day off. He’s one of the best.” ï

PHOTO COURTESY: CHRIS TEMPLETON

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JOHN STEEL HAGENBUCH The Quiet Fire and Relentless Climb B Y J O N AT H A N M E N T Z E R

n a crisp October morning in Idaho’s Wood River Valley,

This season, Hagenbuch’s schedule is relentless. He left for Ruka,

John Steel Hagenbuch glides along a roller-ski loop near

Finland, on November 10 for the World Cup opener, followed by races

Dollar Mountain in Sun Valley. His breath is steady, gaze

in Trondheim, Norway, and then Davos, Switzerland. This pivotal early

fixed on a horizon only he can see. Each pole push cuts through the

stretch, which spans from November through mid-January, determines

chill air with intent.

Olympic qualification.

At 22, the Dartmouth College senior and Stifel U.S. Ski Team B

Among nine American men with start rights, Hagenbuch knows the

member relishes the adrenaline, the weight of every memory, and

competition is fierce. He believes this group will form the core of the

the bittersweet anticipation as he approaches the final stretch of his

Olympic team. Strong results could keep him in Europe through the

collegiate career before beginning his Olympic pursuit.

Tour de Ski—a demanding eight-day, six-race gauntlet across Italy. A

Hagenbuch’s focus is razor-sharp. The 2025–26 World Cup season looms, offering a chance to claim one of the coveted U.S. Olympic

setback means returning for U.S. Nationals in Lake Placid, New York. Balancing his NCAA career with international racing, Hagenbuch

spots for cross-country skiing in Milan-Cortina, Italy.

capped the 2024–25 collegiate season by winning his second NCAA

“I think about it every day,” Hagenbuch says.

men’s 7.5K classic title. This victory confirms what many around him

This fall, Hagenbuch returned to Idaho. His training base is in a

believe: he belongs among the world’s best.

place that shaped him, both as an athlete and as a person. He grew up

Behind the scenes, Hagenbuch credits his mentors for shaping

attending the Sun Valley Community School from preschool through

his path. In Sun Valley, longtime coach Rick Kapala, who led the Sun

graduation in 2020. His parents, Jay Hagenbuch and Kim Steel, were

Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) for nearly 40 years, helped

alpine skiers who took up Nordic skiing for fun. Hagenbuch tagged

him find his footing. At Dartmouth, Matt Whitcomb, now U.S. Ski

along and quickly discovered he had a knack for the endurance and

Team head coach, continued that growth. Now, he trains under Peter

rhythm of the sport.

Holmes with the SVSEF Gold Team.

That passion turned into obsession—and soon, results. Hagenbuch made his mark in 2019, anchoring the U.S. men’s 4x5-kilometer relay to gold at the FIS Junior World Championships

“I’ve had incredible coaches and teammates guiding me the whole way,” Hagenbuch says. “It’s a sport that looks individual, but you never get there alone.”

with teammates Luke Jager, Ben Ogden, and Gus Schumacher. They

That unbreakable sense of camaraderie, the unspoken glue that

repeated the next year. In February 2025, Hagenbuch took bronze in

binds him to his teammates, defines him as much as any result sheet

the U23 World Championships freestyle sprint and finished a career-

ever could.

best 13th in a World Cup race in Östersund, Sweden. He’s quick to admit that success in Nordic skiing isn’t measured solely in medals. “It’s a grind,” he says. “Mentally, physically—it’s year-round training,

Despite being a snow hound, Hagenbuch treasures his summers in the Sawtooth Mountains. Envisioning a perfect day, Hagenbuch thinks about chasing leftover snow high in the backcountry, then biking back to the trailhead. The day would then be finished with wake surfing on

travel, sacrifices. But the little things in between, the van rides and

Pettit Lake, only to be capped with an evening soak in the Stanley hot

team dinners, that’s what sticks with you.”

springs and watching the sun set over the peaks.

Hagenbuch’s results suggest the grind is paying off. Over three consecutive seasons—2023, 2024, and 2025—he has earned seven U.S. national titles in classic and skate. In 2023, he took the 10K skate and 40K classic; in 2024, the 20K and 40K skate; and in 2025, he swept the 10K skate, 20K classic, and 40K classic. His consistency shows an impressive range. Internationally, he pushes the pace in both sprints and distance, but when it comes to skate distance—especially the 10K—he claims it outright: “If I had to bet on one,” he says with a grin, “it’d be the skate distance.”

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“That’s the dream day,” he says. “Ski, ride, surf, laugh with friends. It’s why I love this place. It keeps it all in perspective.” Perspective matters as winter intensifies. Every training, race, and finish between now and mid-January could shape his Olympic fate. For now, on the quiet Idaho loop where his journey began, Hagenbuch pushes on—steady, focused, always chasing a horizon just out of reach. ï

PHOTO: COURTESY JOHN STEEL HAGENBUCH

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AFTERHOURS

Sometimes the Fun Is on the Way Up

PHOTO: TAL ROBERTS

BY SARAH LINVILLE

pen to anyone, no pass required, a trek on skis up Sun Valley’s centerpiece mountain, Baldy, or its sister mountain, Dollar, is a perfect way to start or end the day

here in the Wood River Valley. With vertical climbs of 3,400 feet and 628 feet, respectively, both offer a pleasant way to get outdoor exercise in the winter.

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PHOTOS: TAL ROBERTS

“I love hiking up Baldy because it’s hard. And I get to ski down!” says

a.m. to 8 a.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. These time slots help

Hannah Littell, a Sun Valley Ski Patroller. “There’s also a community of

minimize interactions between hikers and heavy machinery such as

Baldy hikers, and that’s fun to be a part of.”

snowmobiles and snowcats used by groomers. Reflective gear and

Public access to hiking on Bald Mountain is available from November 1 through April 30 daily, with designated times from 5

headlamps are required, and hikers must stay on the designated uphill and downhill routes for safety.

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PHOTO: COURTESY SUN VALLE Y RESORT, SOFIA DEWOLFE PHOTOGRAPHY

EARNING YOUR TURNS Originating in Norway, skinning or “Alpine Touring” was simply a method of travel on skis that wasn’t downhill. By attaching animal “skins” to the bottoms of their skis, locals were able to move across the snow and even uphill. Nowadays, the skins are synthetic but still allow climbers or “skinners” to ski anywhere they want to—no need for lifts. Snowboarders use boards called “splitboards” that split in two, enabling them to hike uphill with skins as well. Backcountry terrain becomes accessible with the added bonus of a phenomenal cardiovascular workout—hence “earning your turns” by reaching new heights on one’s own power.

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PHOTO: TAL ROBERTS

Hiking hours on Dollar Mountain are less strict. Hiking in the evening

“We encourage people to wear lights even before it’s dark,” says Mike

can begin at 4:30 p.m. and go throughout the night. Hikers should be off

Fitzpatrick, director of Guest Services at Sun Valley. “We just want

the hill by the time operations start at 8 a.m. The safety precautions are

people to be safe. It’s important to be seen.”

the same as on Baldy: wear reflective gear and lights and stay on the designated uphill route.

No dogs are allowed on Bald Mountain but they are welcome on Dollar, provided that skiers and hikers clean up after them and keep them under control. ï

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TOP SKIIER: RAY J. GADD; BOT TOM SKIIER:COURTESY SUN VALLE Y RESORT, SOFIA DEWOLFE PHOTOGRAPHY

inthearts

Something Blue B Y K AT E H U L L

photographer Dora Somosi calls herself a visual wanderer who

explores the intersection of the everyday and the sublime. The simple act of looking up at an expansive tree canopy or a spiderweb of interwoven branches inspires her to take a photo, before transforming it into a large-scale handprinted cyanotype, drenched in captivating shades of blue, or subtly embroidered with intricate stitches, adding visual texture. Prior to finding her footing in her artistic explorations, she spent a decade as the director of photography at GQ magazine, which entailed the constant juggle of photo

“Mending Forest” by Dora Somosi, at Gilman Contemporary; hand printed cyanotype with embroidery, 30 in. x 60 in.

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shoots and deadlines. Then, however, her daughter’s health issues led Somosi to check

PHOTO: COURTESY GILMAN CONTEMPORARY

The Art of Dora Somosi

rooklyn-based artist and

in on her ever-busy work-life balance.

said. “I realized what I wanted to say visually

combining it with this archival technique

is: ‘How do we live in nature? How does

and the end piece translates like a darkroom

shared. “It pushed me to realize I needed to do

that mirror our emotions and make us slow

process, but you can only achieve this because

something else. I ended up spending a lot of

down and be okay, no matter what is going on

of digital advances.”

time with my daughter getting outside, moving

around us?’ Our small insignificance makes us

our bodies, hiking, and looking up. This idea of

feel so huge.”

“The ground fell out from us,” Somosi

Somosi sees her work as straddling both the historical and the new. Her use of digital

moving our bodies in nature and trying to be

This inspiration translated into capturing

advances still gives nods to historical photo

an example to her made me realize what I was

abstract moments in nature and transforming

printing practices, but advancements have

trying to say with my art practice.”

them into hand-printed cyanotypes.

shaped her ability to stretch things further

Photography was a constant anchor in

“The way I approach the cyanotypes

and produce large-scale imagery that

Somosi’s life, in both a creative practice and

process is [by pushing] what can be

career. She studied art history in college,

accomplished in the digital space,” Somosi

honed a deep love of developing film using

explained. “I shoot digital, and I really like that,

with light-sensitive chemicals to create a

darkroom methods, and worked early on with

even though I know how to shoot film and

photographic blueprint of the image. Somosi

Magnum Photos.

print film and have been a darkroom printer

then uses large-scale negatives from her

for decades. But I love how environmentally

digital images. Once exposed to ultraviolet

friendly digital photography is.

light, the image is etched into the paper,

“Before, I took tons of portraits, but it wasn’t until then that I had the ability to take the time to be in the landscape with her,” she

“I love the process,” she continued. “I love

maximizes the cyanotype look of the image. For each piece, she uses paper coated

revealing the image in blue and white.

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inthearts // doro somosi

She found a home for her first body of

cyanotype works of art, and 25 of them were

“In a lot of the ‘Mending’ work, you have

work thanks to encouragement from her

cloth bound in a book, “By Her Side,” which

this visible second exposure,” she said. “The

dear friends.

will be available at the gallery. The work,

outside is a darker blue, then you see the

she says, is a portrait by proxy.

hints of the tree and a circle where it is a

“I have always put together other people’s art through magazines and curating,” she

The second half of the exhibition features

first exposure.” Then, drawing on inspiration

noted. “I have a really good friend who has

Somosi’s work in upcycling. “Her ‘Mending’

from her Hungarian ancestry and memories

this beautiful studio in our neighborhood,

series pushes photography in new directions.

of her grandmother embroidering clothing,

and we were talking about putting an art

“It’s about what a photograph can be, not just

she began adding touches of embroidery with

show together. It was friends who supported

what it shows,” Gilman said.

natural dyes.

me from the very beginning; women helping

During each process of print making, there

“With Mending, I am taking a photograph

other women do the thing they love.”

were times when Somosi would be left with

and rendering it unique,” Somosi explained.

Somosi is showcasing her work at

a slightly imperfect print. But she hung onto

“With the ubiquity of social media, I am slowing

Ketchum’s Gilman Contemporary, this

them. She decided to push the images further,

down and making a singular image from a

winter from January 16 through February 25.

giving them a second exposure and leaving a

photograph, and it can’t be replicated.” ï

Since 2007, Gilman Contemporary, under

circular space to see the first exposure.

the direction of owner and founder L’Anne Gilman, has brought countless innovative artists to the Wood River Valley with a focus on two-dimensional media and an emphasis PHOTO: COURTESY GILMAN CONTEMPORARY

on fine art photography. “We are passionate about connecting people through art, creating meaningful experiences for longtime collectors as well as those discovering contemporary art for the first time,” said Beth Rush, assistant director of the gallery. The show, “Alchemy of Memory” features two ongoing series, “By Her Side” and “Mending.” Somosi plans to visit Sun Valley for the show over Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 14-16). “I was first drawn to Dora’s series ‘By Her Side,’ which celebrates women, artists, collectors, and thinkers whose voices still echo through the natural world,” said Gilman. “Her use of cyanotype and traditional photo printing feels classic, but she gives it a contemporary edge. The blue tones of the hand-printed cyanotypes paired with abstract trees have such intimacy and quiet power; they really pull you in.” “By Her Side’”is the culmination of Somosi’s personal journey learning about women whom she admires. “It is a little chosen history,” she explained, “featuring artist, thinkers, poets, choreographers, ceramists, women that fascinated me.” After learning about each, she would then travel to where they once lived or where they had a studio space, find a tree that was still standing, and capture a photograph of it. Each image was transformed into her

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Artist Dora Somosi takes a break in her Brooklyn studio.

inthearts // charlotte hemmings

Exploring the Arts Charlotte Hemmings’ Talent Shines Across Film, Television, and the Visual Arts B Y K AT E H U L L

harlotte Hemmings’ earliest memories revolve around film and TV: running around sets;

Sunday lunches with actor and pop culture personality Mr. T; and even acting in a Super Bowl commercial as a 2-year-old. She is the daughter of celebrated British actor, director, and producer David Hemmings—known for his roles in “Blow-Up” and directing work for “Magnum P.I.” and “Airwolf,” among many others—so one could say, acting is in her genes. But when it came to finding her own way in film and television, as well as the creative arts, Charlotte forged her own path. “Once you get a taste for the film industry and the pace of it, like with travel, it is really hard to turn away from it,” Hemmings says. “My dad found that to be the case, too.” A visual artist and an up-and-coming actress, Hemmings has been in 17 films and countless commercials, as well as the YouTube TV series “Beauty and the Billionaire: Bali.” She is also starring in the upcoming serial-killer thriller, “The Edge of Normal,” alongside Chloë Grace Moretz and Rupert Friend, and directed by Carlota Pereda. This film is currently in production. But her road to being on camera was a bit unconventional.

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Finding Her Footing After spending seven years in Los Angeles as a young girl, Hemmings ended up in the Wood River Valley by a bit of happenstance. “My parents were chasing the film industry,” she explains. “In the late 80s, it was moving up to Canada. In a series of unfortunate but actually fortunate events, we ended up in Ketchum. It was right before Christmas, and I was almost 7… I graduated from Wood River High School 12 years later.” After graduating, Hemmings beelined it to Los Angeles with hopes of catching a big break, diving in headfirst. “I had the bright lights, silver screen, get-me-to-L.A., I-amgoing-to-be-an-actress dreams,” she recalls. “I drove down there in my little Toyota stick shift truck, and, man, I was humbled quickly. I got some great auditions out of the starting gate but just didn’t have that real world experience. I was really sheltered coming from our little, small town. The rejection was too much; the hustle was too much.” So, Hemmings opted to get her film industry fix behind the camera lens and began working as a production assistant for awardwinning commercial director Joe Pykta. A little bit of chance shot her career forward, but this time in the world of fine art.

inthearts // charlotte hemmings

On the set of “Beauty and the Billionaire, Bali” and, right, a scene from “Seeking Persephone.”

Painting had always been a part of Hemmings’

weeks later, I signed with an agent … and shortly

life, but it was not something she saw herself

after that, I got my first national commercial.”

pursuing for a career. However, when she gifted a film gaffer a portrait of his recently deceased dog, Pykta saw it and said, “What are you doing here?” Fast forward: Hemmings attends Otis College of Art and Design. “I really tabled acting,” Hemmings says. “I thought, ‘That’s not for me, I guess my trajectory is art.’ I finished art school and as soon as I graduated, I moved back to Ketchum and thought I was done with L.A.” She planted roots and cut her teeth in the graphic design world, working for this magazine, art galleries, and then Smith Optics, where her husband Chatham Baker also worked. When the company relocated to Portland, Oregon, they made the move, too. Life eventually led them to Park City, Utah, where they are currently raising their daughter, Blue. But Hemmings continued to feel the creative instinct tug at her. “There was nothing really happening in Utah for acting,” she says. “I was being a mom. I had a young child, that was all I was focusing on. Then in 2020, I read Glennon Doyles’s book ‘Untamed.’ It changed the trajectory of my life, and I thought, ‘What am I doing with this one wild and precious life?’ None of my itches are being scratched. I lost myself in the slog of life. “I closed the cover of that book, and two weeks later I got my headshots redone and two

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Hemmings’ Second Act “Once I was on the path, things fell into place,” she says. “Finally, when I paid attention, I realized this is where I am meant to be.” Hemmings found a niche in the comedic world doing national commercials for companies like Chirp and ReMax, while her film work tends to lean toward more serious

‘‘

Once you get a taste for the film industry and the pace of it, like with travel, it is really hard to turn away from it.”

roles and horror films. “I get the best of both worlds,” she says. “I

become more than something she does on

have been in three horror movies in the last

the side. “Painting took a backburner in

year, I never thought I would do that. … One of

2020 when I dedicated myself to acting,”

my dad’s first breaks was a horror movie, and

Hemmings says. “I did little paintings for

being in a horror movie feels like I am doing

friends and commissions here and there, but

him a lot of justice.”

it wasn’t much.”

When Hemmings caught up with Sun

Then, when her brother, Edward, who

Valley Magazine for this interview this fall,

owns Hemmings Gallery with wife Glin

she was heading to a red-carpet premiere that

Varco, saw a piece Charlotte had created for a

evening. “I wish my dad could be there with

friend in Salt Lake City, he asked if she could

me tonight,” she says.

pursue a bigger body of work to showcase at

Hemmings’ father unexpectedly passed

the gallery.

away in 2003. She navigated the film world

“It feels really cool, and there is even

without his guidance, but she feels proud to

more pressure with my brother as the gallery

follow in his footsteps.

owner,” Hemmings says.

“While he has influenced me hugely and

The show, which opens December 26, will

put the bug in me, I am having to do it without

feature 20 large-scale mixed-media-on-panel

him,” she says. “I know he is watching over me

paintings with a Western Americana and

and is so proud.”

rodeo theme.

Hemmings pursues her creative passions

“I am drawn to animals and

in tandem. While acting has taken center

abstractions,” she says. “Elk and mountain

stage in her life, painting, however, has

goats, and the mythology of the American

J E W E L R Y + S K U L L S R U D Y B L U . C O M

inthearts // charlotte hemmings

Hemmings’ art fuses abstractions in form and color with iconic imagery from the West and its traditions.

West through images of the rodeo. The backgrounds are incredibly painterly and then it has more of a graphic image of the rodeo, as well, with barrel races and bucking broncos and rodeo queens.” The collection is a celebration and exploration of her upbringing in Idaho and her connection to her heritage in the West. The show is also bringing her back to her Wood River Valley roots. Hemmings has called many places home over the years. Sun Valley, however, continues to be the “end game,” she says. “It’s funny because the last six months have really brought me home in this crazy creative way— it has been so incredible to share my new trajectory with my hometown.” Whether it’s a gallery launch, a theater production at the Argyros Performing Arts Center (once the home of nexStage Theatre that her dad founded), or hitting the red carpet, Hemmings credits Sun Valley and the spirit of the West with helping her find her own way. ï

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inthearts // shirley yang crutchfield

“The Peacock” by Shirley Yang Crutchfield, at Sun Valley Contemporary Gallery; oil and 24K gold leaf on wood panel, 24 in. x 18 in.

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Taking a Creative Leap Shirley Yang Crutchfield Celebrates Women with Gilded Artistry B Y K AT E H U L L

hicago-based artist Shirley Yang Crutchfield knows firsthand the strength and resilience women hold. An entrepreneur and mother of two, she spent the first part of

her professional career in tech as the founder and CEO of Muses App, a global entrepreneur and creators’ network. She signed the official papers to sell the business from the postpartum delivery bed when her first child was born. “There was a lot of pressure to perform all my life, Yang Crutchfield says. “Either you want to prove that you can do it for yourself, or you want to prove it to the world. I did a lot of that.” Shortly after, COVID-19 took hold, the world shifted, and Yang Crutchfield had time to reflect. She rejoined the tech world for another company and welcomed her second child. “I remembered telling [the company] that I was tired, I am going to step away now,” she recalls. “I was in the suburbs. I had this huge identity shift. I wasn’t working for the first time in two decades, and I thought ‘Who am I?’ I told a therapist that I don’t feel valuable.” Yang Crutchfield decided to take the time to figure out the answer to that question. She thought back to the young version of herself that deeply loved art and was constantly drawing, painting, and creating. “I had the opportunity to join other ventures and other companies, and I almost jumped back in,” she says. “This time I wanted to invest in myself … I wanted to explore what my worth is and what my value is; otherwise, I would always be chasing something. I owed it to myself to give back to that little girl that always loved art.” In 2023, she took the creative leap. The result has been the creation of powerful, gold-leafed work that celebrates women in all fields. Yang Crutchfield uses the traditional 14th century Italian water gilding technique known as “doratura a guazzo.” The result is a combination of historical practices with a modern take on painterly portraiture. Her work is on display at Sun Valley Contemporary Gallery in Ketchum. A 20 in. by 20 in. image of German astronomer Caroline Herschel—who discovered several notable comets and was the first woman paid for her contributions to astronomy—is depicted looking through a telescope surrounded by ornate 24K gold leaf etched with

“Swan Lake” by Shirley Yang Crutchfield, at Sun Valley Contemporary Gallery; oil and gold leaf, moon gold on wood panel, 24 in. x 18 in.

constellations. “If you look at the background, it is all celestial elements that are hand carved on wood,” she says. “Caroline is a woman who got snubbed by a man and her brother, William Hershel, who is more famous,” she says. “I wanted to put her front and center.” WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

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‘‘

I want people to feel seen; I want ladies to see my paintings and make it a reflection: You have done so much. No more performing. You don’t need to perform to sit with the power within you, you are enough.” “When I was 10, my parents took me to Versailles, and everything is gilded there,” she says. “I fell in love with details. Gustav Klimt’s work really speaks to me, and the Renaissance Era really speaks to me. It was “Rose Gold” by Shirley Yang Crutchfield, at Sun Valley Contemporary Gallery, oil and 24K gold leaf on wood panel, 12 in. x 12 in. The frame is a 500-year-old handcrafted Dutch frame and is protected by museum glass Tempos praecabor accullibus ratur. Is aut fuga. to preserve its exquisite details. Ectionsed quassum fugitio. Iqui vollant.

such a culturally rich evolution. I also love craftsmanship and hard work. Working with my hands is something an A.I. cannot do; they can’t gild. It is made by human’s blood, sweat and tears.”

A selection of her work also gives a nod to

gilding (a traditional method for applying gold

Her biggest influence, however, is her

the intricacies and power of fashion, as well.

leaf), “pastiglia” (Italian technique to create

“Rose Gold,” a 12 in. by 12 in. oil with 24K gold

ornamentation using layered gesso, among

on wood panel, shows delicate hand-woven

other things), and “sgraffito” (the art of adding

working hard, doing you—I see you,” Yang

details of the dress, playing on the theme of

decorative elements by scratching through a

Crutchfield continues. “I want people to

handiwork meets hard work and the beauty

layer to reveal another layer).

feel seen; I want ladies to see my paintings

it creates. At first glance, Yang Crutchfield’s paintings

“Basically, you gild the background first,

subjects and women as a collective. “My message is to all the women who are

and make it a reflection: You have done so

then you use paint on top and scratch off

much. No more performing. You don’t need to

are dazzling and, no doubt, captivating to the

the paint to reveal the gold underneath,” she

perform to sit with the power within you, you

viewer. But behind the intricate design and

explains. The gold leaf she uses is imported

are enough.”

portrait work of the subjects is a process that

from Italy and she learned from gilding

takes immense skill, grit, and resilience.

masters around the world to hone her

in history and culture, Yang Crutchfield

While she has typically captured women

“They look beautiful and glamorous but

artistic craft. The process has taken a lot of

plans to focus forthcoming portraits on

underneath it took blood, sweat, and tears,”

testing and learning. “I practiced, practiced,

contemporary heroines she knows: nonprofit

she says. “I literally bleed because I use a

practiced,” she says. “I am a super charger

leaders, women’s health professionals,

gilding knife.” The work behind each piece is

when it comes to what I want to do.”

teachers, and the like. Maybe they aren’t

a constant metaphor to each subject: There is more than meets the eye. Yang Crutchfield’s art is rooted in Renaissance artistic practices like water

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Her artistic influences are both Byzantine and Baroque art, as well as contemporary aesthetics, combined with fashion and strong female figures.

traditionally famous, but their impact is real, she explains. ï

C ALEB M E YER

“Reflect”, oil on canvas, 24” x 48”

411 N. Leadville Ave #2 • Ketchum, ID • art@kneelandgallery.com • kneelandgallery.com • 208.726.5512

PRESENTS

PHANTOM WEST Charlotte Hemmings 23 Dec - 31 Jan

Untitled Mixed media on panel 48” x 60”

3 4 0 WA L N U T AV E . K E T C H U M | 2 0 8 . 2 5 4 . 1 0 9 7

inthearts // gallery buzz

FALL 2025

GALLERY BUZZ BROSCHOFSKY GALLERIES Echoes of the West Broschofsky Galleries is pleased to present a diverse range of works with a distinctly Western flavor, introducing new artists and perspectives for 2026 and celebrating the enduring spirit of the West through painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Byron Buchanan Influenced by early pictorial photography, Byron Buchanan creates photorealistic paintings using a meticulous combination of airbrushed acrylics, oil, and pencil. His compositions often weave in historical references through collage and found objects. Gordon McConnell Drawing inspiration from classic Western films, Gordon McConnell distills cinematic motion into single, expressive moments. His paintings--based on individual film frames--capture the drama and dynamism of horse and rider in motion. Pitar Grounded in geometric purity, Pitar’s animal sculptures embody balance and harmony through minimalist form. Working with materials such as volcanic stone, bronze, and iron, he translates natural movement into refined, origami-like structures. Also showing works by: Bill Barrett, Rudi Broschofsky, Russell Chatham, Edward Curtis, Jan Grotenbreg, Kollabs, Joan Mitchell, Ken Peloke, Billy Schenck, Fritz Scholder, Theodore Villa, Andy Warhol, and David Yarrow.

“Bouquet 5” by Sage Barnes, at Sun Valley Contemporary Gallery; acrylic, oil pastel and aerosol on canvas, 40 in. x 30 in.

As part of the larger 50th-year celebration, the gallery will also host an In Memoriam exhibition honoring the many artists who contributed to the vibrancy and success of the gallery during their lifetimes and whose legacies continues to define Gail Severn Gallery’s cultural heritage.

GILMAN CONTEMPORARY

GAIL SEVERN GALLERY

December- January

Gail Severn Gallery will celebrate its 50th year in 2026. To mark this incredible milestone, the gallery will present a dynamic program of exhibitions over the year, honoring both the many artists who have helped shape the course of the last five decades and championing those who will carry the spirit of the gallery forward.

Mayme Kratz, The Length of Daylight

Gail Severn Gallery’s winter programming will kick off in December with Past as Prologue; a large group show encompassing all three main exhibition spaces and will include a selection of works by artists featured in upcoming solo or group exhibitions in 2026. Landscape paintings will include oils on canvas by nationally renowned artists, James Cook, Michael Gregory, and Theodore Waddell. Past as Prologue will also feature nonrepresentational encaustic paintings by Raphaelle Goethals and Rana Rochat, vibrant large-format woodblock prints by Tom Hammick, and new abstract oils by Linda Christensen. Large-scale ceramic and raku sculptures by internationally celebrated artist Jun Kaneko will be featured throughout the gallery, alongside sculptures by glass artist Therman Statom, multidisciplinary artist Pamela DeTuncq, and ceramicist Bean Finneran, whose exhibition “Curves, Cones and Rings” is currently showing at the Boise Art Museum.

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Mayme Kratz’s work captures the quiet poetry of the natural world through cast resin sculptures and wall-mounted pieces that preserve fragments of the desert landscape. Seeds, bones, grasses, and other organic remnants are suspended in layers of translucent resin, transforming what is often overlooked into luminous, meditative compositions. Alia Ali This December, Gilman Contemporary introduces the work of Yemeni-BosnianAmerican photographer and multimedia artist Alia Ali. Ali explores identity, displacement, migration, and cultural memory through photographs that blur the line between portraiture and abstraction. Dana Piazza Gilman Contemporary will also exhibit the work of Dana Piazza. Piazza’s practice centers on a single origin mark and a strict set of self-imposed rules. His precise compositions on flat surfaces create compelling illusions of depth and movement using a single highly pigmented color.

inthearts // gallery buzz

created with sculptor Chris O’Rourke, depicting Sun Valley’s beloved Bald Mountain with artistry and sentiment. Chris Mantle, from Oklahoma, is known for bold, large-scale bison paintings. His 12-foot-long Bison with Blue Overtones blends cubist forms and vibrant blue tones to evoke movement and majesty. Anna Koren Brandt, an Austin, Texas, native, merges storytelling and tactile media—textile, oil, bronze, and porcelain. Her Phi bronze series visualizes the golden ratio in nature—fire, waves, earthquakes, and tornadoes—layering symbol, form, and narrative. Heather Mehra-Pedersen, based in Idaho, works in bold color and expressive texture. Her 8-foot-tall “Griz Almighty” depicts a grizzly with dynamic movement, evoking the grandeur of Idaho’s wilderness.

HEMMINGS GALLERY December-January Charlotte Hemmings, Phantom West Opening Night Friday, December 26, 5-7:30 p.m. Artist Charlotte Hemmings’ mixed media works probe the mythology of the American West, where the spectacle of the rodeo is both subject and metaphor. Hyper-iconic imagery drawn from cowboy and rodeo traditions is transferred onto canvas, then deliberately dismantled through paint—gestural marks, drips, and swaths of raw pigment pulling clarity into collapse. February “Mid October” by Eric G. Thompson, at Kneeland Gallery; egg tempera on panel, 10 in. x 11 in.

Winter Sense Winter Sense is a group exhibition featuring works by Thom Ross, Ezra Siegel, Jeff Juhlin, Kristina Foley, Sarah Bird, Frances Ashforth and others. Opening Night is

January- February Dora Somosi, Alchemy of Memory Photographer Dora Somosi explores the interplay of nature, memory, and artistic process through her hand-printed cyanotypes. Alchemy of Memory features two ongoing series, By Her Side and Mending, that together reflect on transformation, resilience, personal history, and the art of repair. Bastiaan Woudt Gilman Contemporary presents the work of Dutch photographer Bastiaan Woudt to the Wood River Valley for the first time. These five photographs introduce Woudt’s distinctive style to our collectors. Known for his minimal black-andwhite images, Woudt draws from the refined visual traditions of Irving Penn and Richard Avedon. February-March Felipe Jácome, The Unbroken Project Felipe Jácome is an Ecuadorian photographer whose work explores the materiality of storytelling. The Unbroken Project, created in collaboration with Ukrainian photographer and dancer Svitlana Onipko, is a moving meditation on resilience, creativity, and the human spirit in times of war. The series captures members of the Ukrainian National Ballet mid-dance.

GRAHAM GALLERY This winter exhibition celebrates the power and movement of nature, from Bald Mountain and majestic grizzlies to the elemental forces of fire, water, earth, and air. Across painting, sculpture, and metalwork, viewers encounter the interplay of texture, color, and narrative. Cliff Graham, artist and designer, unveils Afterglow—a quatre metal vignette

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“Yuliia 1” by Felipe Jácome, at Gilman Contemporary; UV print on bullet casings and epoxy resin, 35.5 in. x 35.5 in.

Severn Art Services

since 1974

PICTURE FRAMING FOR4849 YEARS Picture Framing&&ART Art INSTALLATION Installation for Years Severn custom archival archival framing, framing,featuring featuringvintage vintageand and contemporary SevernArt ArtServices Services offers offers custom contemporary framesfor forfine fineart, art,mirrors, mirrors, and and three three-dimensional frames dimensional objects objects of ofall allsizes sizes … ... Art storage and professional advisory services for artwork valuations Art Storage, shipping and advisory services for artwork valuations, conservation and restoration appraisals, conservation and restoration … ... and outdoor art installations Professional services for indoor

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SEVERN ART SERVICES

S e v e r n A rt S e r v i c e s 400 First Avenue North • PO Box 1679 • Ketchum, ID 83340 • 208.726.5088 • artservices@gailseverngallery.com

400 First Avenue North • PO Box 1679 • Ketchum, ID 83340 • 208.726.5088 • artservices@gailseverngallery.com

inthearts // gallery buzz

Friday, February 13, 5-7:30 p.m. Across centuries and cultures, artists have used winter’s distinctive imagery— snow, ice, bare trees, muted light—to explore not only the season itself but also broader human emotions and ideas about time, nature, and existence. This group exhibition will showcase work that highlights the stark drama of winter, as both a literal landscape of perseverance and survival as well as a metaphor for human fragility, transformation and meditation. March Melissa Graves Brown Opening Night Friday, March 3, 5-7:30 p.m. Melissa Graves Brown’s studio is nestled in the heart of Hailey, Idaho, a place where her love for nature, color and imagination can flourish. Known for the colorful and mystical landscapes she creates, Brown achieves her signature effect by laying her canvases flat on the ground then deftly applying acrylic paint from above, splattering the canvas with washes, drips and brush strokes to create a sense of motion and liveliness within each piece.

“Big Shot” by Christina Mittermeier, at Sun Valley Contemporary Gallery; archival pigment print, 32 in. x 48 in.

KNEELAND GALLERY Caleb Meyer Artists’ Reception: Friday, December 26, 5-7.30 p.m. Caleb Meyer was born in Hailey, Idaho. As a child, he enjoyed all types of art, but it was not until a painting class in college that he discovered a passion for oil painting. After graduation from Boise State University in 2006, Meyer began an apprenticeship with nationally recognized oil painter, Robert Moore. Meyer compares his time with Moore’s studio to the laying of a strong foundation. He is now an accomplished artist in his own right, with his vibrant, textural paintings in prominent public and private collections. The gallery will also feature a selection of new work from our other gallery artists.

OCHI Vanishing Point November 21, 2025 – January 10, 2026 OCHI is pleased to present Vanishing Point, a group exhibition featuring works by Dike Blair, Vija Celmins, Cooper Cox, Beaux Mendes, Bryan Morello, and Emma Webster. Vanishing Point will be on view at OCHI, located at 119 Lewis St. in Ketchum. Please see the gallery website (ochigallery.com) for opening reception information.

SUN VALLEY CONTEMPORARY GALLERY Experience a winter evening of fine art at Sun Valley Contemporary Gallery, where a vibrant collection of works by Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier, Beau Simmons, Sage Barnes, and Brendan Murphy will be on view. These remarkable contemporary artists each bring a distinct voice to the gallery’s dynamic program: from modern figurative expression and nostalgic Americana to bold color, texture, and conceptual depth. Join us on December 26 from 5-7:30 p.m. for an elegant evening of art, wine, and conversation as we celebrate the season and the creativity that defines Sun Valley’s contemporary art scene. ï

“Embers of Evening” by Melissa Graves Brown, at Hemmings Gallery; acrylic on canvas, 60 in. x 36 in. “Embers of Evening” by Melissa Graves Brown, at Hemmings Gallery; acrylic on canvas, 60 in. x 36 in.

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JANETSTARR fine art

When Clowns Have Access to Art Supplies. 40” x 40”

studio tours by appointment 208.720.6894 art@janetstarr.com janetstarr.com

For sale in our showroom

CUSTOM FURNITURE & ART FOR UNFORGETTABLE SUN VALLEY SPACES WoodLab handcrafts singular furniture and art from locally sourced Idaho hardwood and resin. Each piece is custom-designed in collaboration with you for the way you live, work and gather. From live-edge tables to one-of-a-kind world’s first wood + epoxy artwork, creative doors and artistic lighting, our work is made to live beautifully in mountain spaces—from the Boise foothills to your Sun Valley retreats. Every piece is one-of-a-kind. Let’s begin your uniquely crafted inspiration.

WOODLAB, 1786 E. STATE STREET, EAGLE, ID 83616 | 208-793-0007 | WOODLAB.CO | HELLO@WOODLAB.CO | INSTAGRAM.COM/WOODLABCO

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weddings

SIERRA &TONY

BY CRISTY SELLAS

Sierra and Tony’s wedding weekend was the perfect combination of rowdy fun and romantic candlelit elegance. The meet-and-greet was at Grumpy’s, and at their welcome party, which was catered by Dang’s and Mr. Dee, the couple showcased a custom shotski, while a tequila donkey mingled with the guests to offer pre-

wedding toasts! Party favor bags included sweet treats and Advil for guests who snowshoed hard or spent too much time with the donkey! The wedding party glammed up in Sierra’s parents’ salon—Third Floor Salon in Hailey—a cornerstone of beauty in the valley since the late 1990s.

PHOTO CREDITS

ailey native Sierra Brand met her husband Tony Clark in his hometown of Seattle. Together since 2014, the couple has been working in the tech industry in both Seattle and Boise. Tony proposed on a romantic dock at one of the couple’s favorite restaurants in Seattle.

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THE DETAILS VENUE Sun Valley Clubhouse

The wedding itself was classic and graceful—candles and greenery making up the floral arrangement with pops of color throughout. A photo montage of the couple’s 10 years together was hung above the fireplace at The Sun Valley Club. Sierra’s brother was her “Man of Honor,” and the couple’s three nephews served as “flower boys” and ring-bearers. Cozy blankets were provided for the guests for the outdoor ceremony—another gift from the couple who had a private last dance late in the evening before their sparkler send off ! The following day was a big ski day so that all the revelers could enjoy Sun Valley winter at its best. ï

WEDDING COORDINATOR Nicole Korell FLOWERS: Tara Bella Flowers PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER Good Mood Photography VIOLINISTS Valley Ensembles DJ Adam with Directly Driven WELCOME PARTY CATERING Dang’s Thai/Mr. Dee

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

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weddings // winter love

CONNIE &TANNER

BY CRISTY SELLAS

an Diegans, Connie Turner and Tanner Williams first met on the ice—Tanner playing hockey and Connie figure skating—same surface, different worlds. Many years later, the two reconnected and began a life together in California, which eventually led to a romantic rose-filled proposal on the beach inspired by Connie’s parents’ 50th anniversary celebration. The big event started with winter cocktails at The Ram followed by a classic sleigh ride to Trail Creek for the welcome dinner. The following day, the couple began the festivities with a reminiscent skate on the beautiful Sun Valley outdoor ice rink. Connie and Tanner’s wedding was intimate and, in some ways, nontraditional. They opted to limit the wedding party to just the bride and groom! No bridesmaids and no groomsmen meant fewer distractions and no risk of drama. Connie’s brother not only officiated the nuptials but wrote the entire ceremony himself. And their 14-year-old Pomeranian who had been part of their relationship from day one actually walked the rings down the aisle. The food was the focus of the night for the passionate foodies, as Sun Valley Club’s executive 132

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chef, Ken Pratt, astounded the 50 guests with a 10-course handcrafted menu to tell the couple’s story of “love, adventure, and indulgence.” The evening was candle lit and featured a special and very symbolic rose-shaped ice sculpture centerpiece among the artistry of flowers and candles arranged by Kacie at Bloom Theory. Because the wedding was outdoors in the snowy and beautiful Sun Valley winter, each guest was gifted a custom embroidered blanket—a memory to be cherished but also a practical and cozy gift. The weekend culminated in a “wedding attire ski day,” with the guests gamely suiting up again in their gowns and tuxes to hit the slopes and stop in at the Roundhouse for fondue and hot toddies. From their beautiful photos with the majestic Clydesdales at the Sun Valley stables, to their quiet moments with their beloved Pomeranian, the Williams’ wedding weekend was a perfect mix of elegance, intimacy, angelic harp sounds and live music from Travis McDaniel and his band, true love and genuine gratitude.

THE DETAILS VENUE Trail Creek Cabin & Sun Valley Clubhouse WEDDING PLANNER Alpen Joy Events (Tiffany Berger) PHOTOGRAPHER Brie Thomason FLORIST Bloom Theory (Kacie) CATERER Sun Valley RENTALS Sun Valley, The Event & That’s Entertainment DRESS LUV Bridal for all dresses, Christian Louboutin for all shoes CAKE Sun Valley Resort HAIR & MAKEUP Krystal @ Hue Salon Lea Webber@ Bare Salon MUSIC Travis McDaniel

Getaway to the Great Outdoors

Come visit us at Wild Horse contact us or visit our website at

www.wildhorsecreekranch.com 208.588.2575 4387 Wild Horse Creek Road, Mackay, ID 83251 The Ultimate Sun Valley Getaway

WEDDING AND EVENT COORDINATOR 208.720.4713 | amandaseaward.com | amanda@amandaseaward.com Photo by Brie Thomason SUMMER 2023 | sunvalleymag.com

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food&drink

Fondue! Your Holiday Party in a Pot BY CRISTY SELLAS

hat’s not to love about fondue? For one thing it’s basically just a big bowl of melted cheese. Yum! So, it’s warm and cozy. Secondly—it’s a team effort. One crock for the group. Essentially, you’re gathering and then doubling down on the gathering by eating from a communal source. And it’s active! You spear and dip,

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spear and dip—first a grape, then some apple, maybe some meat. And then someone loses their bread in the delicious cheesy goodness, and everyone laughs. It’s a little party! Fondue is always a celebration. Fondue is technically a Swiss dish, originating in the Swiss Alps in the 18th century. It was a staple for peasants, farmers

and villagers during the harsh winters—a simple and tasty way to use up stale cheese and bread. By combining the two with wine, the bread was softened, and the meal became more palatable. Fondue, which comes from the French word “fondre,” meaning “to melt,” became Switzerland’s national dish in the 1930s. This recognition led to a worldwide

PHOTO: COURTESY SUN VALLE Y RESORT

Fondue at the Roundhouse on Bald Mountain comes with a view.

CLASSIC SWISS CHEESE FONDUE From Food & Wine Magazine. Original recipe yields 8 servings

TIPS AS YOU DIP: Keep stirring the fondue—ideally in a figure-8 pattern to keep it from separating.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

1 garlic clove, halved

Gather your ingredients. Rub the inside of a cheese fondue pot or medium enameled cast-iron casserole with the garlic clove; discard the garlic. Combine the grated Gruyère and Emmental with the wine, cornstarch, and lemon juice in the fondue pot. Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses begin to melt, about five minutes. Add the kirsch and a generous pinch each of pepper and nutmeg and cook, stirring gently, until creamy and smooth, about 10 minutes; don’t overcook the fondue or it will get stringy.

Since everyone loses a dipper at least once, these goofy traditions can make the party even more of a celebration, especially if there are kids involved!

Serve at once. Use fondue forks to dip accompaniments like cubed bread, cooked potatoes, sliced apples, pears, cornichons, pickled pearl onions, and salami into the pot of melted cheese.

Lastly, don’t forget dessert! If you can stomach it after all that cheese—including “la religieuse”— which is the toasted cheese that develops at the bottom of the pot and is a coveted prize—then keep the fondue party rolling with chocolate fondue!

1 pound Gruyère cheese, grated 1/2 p ound Emmental cheese or other Swiss cheese, grated 1 cup dry white wine 1 1/3 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons kirsch Freshly ground black pepper Freshly grated nutmeg Dippers: c ubed bread, cooked potatoes, sliced apples, pears, cornichons, pickled pearl onions, salami, sausage.

Try not to lose your dipper, or at least come up with a funny “punishment” for this fondue etiquette party foul:

Kiss the person on your left or right. Do a funny dance. Wear a funny hat. Serve your neighbor their next bite.

WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

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food&drink // fondue

fondue craze, especially in the U.S. during the 1960s and ‘70s. Fondue is also quite simple to prepare, which is a bonus for less-than-expert cooks. It really is just melted cheese. Gruyère and Emmental are the classic choices—and Swiss cheese, of course, but other cheeses can be used as well for a more non-traditional fondue. Various spices and garlic can be added along with wine, or brandy or lemon juice. This

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can all be done in a pot, but using a dedicated fondue pot with a heating source makes it much easier to keep warm and move from kitchen to table. And as far as what to dip? That’s entirely up to the chef ! You can go all bread or add some fruits and veggies and even some chunks of previously cooked meat such as sausages, or small cubes of steak. Also, note this hot tip: always grate your own cheese—

pre-grated bagged cheese has an “anti-caking agent” that will make the fondue grainy. Kirsch, a clear, unsweetened cherry brandy, is used in traditional Swiss fondue but is not required. It can be added to the melted cheese in the pot or used for dipping separately or just for taking shots while enjoying your fondue feast! ï

CHOCOLATE FONDUE

Remove from heat, add the chocolate, and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE DIPPING FONDUE CHOCOLATE:

Serve immediately. Transfer the chocolate mix to a fondue pot heated at low or with a low flame. Arrange the dipping items on a platter. Use a fondue fork, bamboo skewer, seafood fork, or salad fork to dip the fruit pieces and other items into the hot melted chocolate mixture.

From Simply Recipes (simplyrecicpes.com)

8 ounces heavy cream Pinch of salt 12 ounces milk or dark chocolate (chips or roughly chopped bar) Dippers: : strawberries, banana pieces cut into 1-inch chunks, dried apricots, apple slices, candied ginger, potato chips DIRECTIONS

OF SUN VALLEY

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

If the fondue begins to feel a little stiff, add a tablespoon of heavy cream and stir. It will help it stretch a little further. Eventually, it will cook down, and you may need to start a new pot.

Heat the cream. with a pinch of salt over medium heat in a small saucepan until tiny bubbles show and begins to lightly and slowly simmer.

photo: Dev Khalsa

SUMMER 2022

WINTER 2023 | 2024

Pick up a copy on stands throughout the Wood River Valley, or read the digital edition at sunvalleymag.com/dining. WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

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food&drink // dining guide S P E C I A L P R O M O T I O N A L S E C T I O N

Taco 208

DINING AROUND TOWN A fast guide to the Valley’s best eateries

4 ROOTS At 4 Roots, all of the juices, smoothies and acai bowls are made fresh and customizable! Dedicated to being as organic as possible, 4 Roots ensures its meats are humanely raised and free from all nitrates and antibiotics. Juices are cold pressed to order using the freshest ingredients in unique and healthful flavor combinations. 611 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.420.8418.

BIG BELLY DELI Homemade soups, salads, and a variety of great sandwiches. Serving the Valley for over 15 years and rated #1 Best Sandwich Deli. 171 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.2411.

BIGWOOD BREAD BAKERY & CAFÉ Visit the café’s spectacular location, featuring beautiful outdoor views, fantastic food, and

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outstanding service. Baking locally in Sun Valley since 1997, using only the most wholesome ingredients from sustainable sources. Fresh and homemade! 271 Northwood Way, Ketchum. 208.726.2035.

BLACK OWL COFFEE Locally roasted, custom blended coffee brewed to perfection. Large selection of loose-leaf tea. Home-baked scones, muffins and breads. Breakfast and lunch. 208 N. River St., Hailey. 208.928.6200.

CAFÉ DELLA Café, bakery, and market located in the heart of Hailey. The market offers prepared dinners to-go, house-made provisions, grocery essentials, local produce, dairy, meats, fish, beer and wine. Stop in to shop the daily “Dinner Tonight” offerings and more, or order from the weekly dinner and grocery menu online for pickup. 103 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.913.0263.

THE CHOCOLATE FOUNDRY No matter how sophisticated your sweet tooth, The Chocolate Foundry is a one-stop sweets and snack shop that will satisfy any craving. Fudge, Jelly Belly candies, licorice, soft-serve ice cream and a fun selection of novelties are a hit with kids, and grownups will also love fine chocolates and a selection of frosty floats, milkshakes and OMG-inducing sundaes. Sun Valley Village, Sun Valley. 208.622.2147

GALENA LODGE The perfect place for a summer or winter outing. Enjoy one of the carefully maintained trail loops (on foot or bike in the summer, or on Nordic skis when the snow flies), before sitting down for a handcrafted lunch using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Call or check their website for special dinner events and offerings, like their Galena Full Moon Dinners. 15187 State Hwy. 75, Ketchum. 208.726.4010.

GRETCHEN’S Adjacent to the Sun Valley Lodge lobby, Gretchen’s

PHOTO: RAY J. GADD

BREAKFAST & CAFES

MAUDE’S COFFEE & CLOTHES Maude’s is a coffee shop and a clothing store that serves traditional espresso, small eats, and is a purveyor of unique vintage contemporary clothing for women and men. 311 1st Ave. N, Ketchum. 208.928.4223.

MOUNTAIN HIGH CREAMERY In addition to a rotating menu of high-quality soft serve flavors and toppings, Mountain High Creamery has house-blend hot cocoa, homemade liege waffles, and other sweet treats. 591 4th St. E, Ketchum. 208.450.2820.

NOURISHME Julie Johnson opened NourishMe in June 2010 in order to bring her love of nutrition and local food to the community in which she lived. This light-filled store on Main Street in Ketchum features everything from seasonal produce and bulk seeds, nuts and fruits, to a wide variety of supplements, homemade sandwiches, salads and soups, wellness products, gluten-free foods and organic cosmetics. 151 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.928.7604.

Fiamma

RASBERRYS

Restaurant welcomes you with a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner and full bar service. Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley. 208.622.2144.

PHOTO: DEV KHALSA

HAILEY COFFEE COMPANY the café serves delicious gourmet espresso drinks and fresh-baked goods from their on-site bakery. All of their coffees are fresh roasted in Hailey and baked goods are served fresh from the oven. 219 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.8482.

HANGAR BREAD Hangar Bread is a neighborhood bakery, specializing in long-fermented sourdough breads. They also make baguettes, bagels, ciabatta rolls, cinnamon rolls, pizzas, cookies and sandwiches. Open Mon.-Fri. 111 N. 1st Ave., Ste. #1., Hailey. 562.248.9323

HANK & SYLVIE’S Hank & Sylvie’s is a bakery, floral design, and gift shop offering fresh-baked sweets, custom cakes, flowers, and an array of unique gifts.

580 4th St. East, Ketchum, 208.726.0115; 91 E. Croy St., Hailey. 208.928.4088.

HUMBERTO’S BISTRO A welcoming spot where community, flavor, and friendship meet. We serve fresh, local breakfast and lunch, offer a curated case of to-go foods, and feature coffee, wine, and catering. 520 Second St., S., Ketchum. 208.726.4499.

JAVA ON FOURTH/ JAVA HAILEY Truly a great coffeehouse! Baking from scratch daily. Serving the finest Fair Trade and organic coffees. Sound like a local and order the “Dirty Hippie Burrito” and a “Bowl of Soul.” 191 4th St. W., Ketchum. 208.726.2882; 111 N. 1st Ave., Hailey. 208.788.2399

KONDITOREI Lunch dishes range from pumpkin spaetzle with sausage and apples to roasted chicken crepes with spinach and spicy Liptauer cheese. The café offers a full complement of artisanal coffee and hot chocolate drinks, plus house-baked European pastries. Sun Valley Resort, Sun Valley. 208.622.2235.

Callie and Maeme Rasberry believe all the senses must be involved in meal preparation; therefore, the menu is eclectic, just like the chefs, with dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients when available and their own take on comfort and ethnic food. 411 Building, 5th St., Ketchum. 208.726.0606.

SALT N’ PEPPER SANDWICH CO. Best sandwiches in town! Enjoy a perfectly packed breakfast burrito, fresh salads, the locals favorite “Bacado” (house roasted turkey, bacon, Swiss, avocado), and a wonderful lineup of homemade soups—all served with fresh ingredients and a warm chocolate chip cookie. 14 E. Croy St., Hailey. 208.788.8844.

SHORTY’S DINER Established in 1996, Shorty’s is a family-owned business that serves great food with exceptional customer service. Step out of the present and back into the 1950s, with genuine, functioning old school jukeboxes which add an extra touch of authenticity and nostalgia to this retro American Diner experience. Open every day. Serving breakfast all day. 126 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.578.1293

SMILEY CREEK LODGE Smiley Creek Lodge is located near the headwaters of the Salmon River at the top of the Sawtooth Valley, 37 miles north of Ketchum/Sun Valley. A

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popular spot for lunch and après-ski, and it’s now open year-round for lunch and dinner! At the base of Baldy near Warm Springs Lodge, the restaurant is known for mouthwatering grub and gathering with good friends. 215 Picabo St., Ketchum. 208.726.7067.

THE BURGER GRILL A family-friendly restaurant with exceptional service and food, the Ketchum Burger Grill has been providing loyal customers with the best burgers, lobster bisque, soups and chowders in town since 1995!|102 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.7733.

GRUMPY’S Grumpy’s is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. It’s a little hard to find, but not hard to find out about. 860 Warm Springs Road, Ketchum. 208.720.3171.

THE KNEADERY The Kneadery combines wholesome fresh food with a rustic Idaho atmosphere. All meals start with the freshest ingredients: locally baked organic breads, farm-fresh, cage-free eggs, seasonal fruit and topquality meats. 260 N. Leadville Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.9462

THE WYLDE BEET Offering a 100% plant-based menu, designed with the mission of making healthy and sustainable dining more available to everyone, Wylde Beet creates mindful eats that taste good, makes you feel great and helps everyone tread a little more mindfully. 400 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.913.0087

DELIS

ATKINSONS’ MARKETS Atkinsons’ Markets, serving you and your family at our three locations in the Wood River Valley with deli sandwiches made to order, hot soups, graband-go meals and desserts, and a full deli case of freshly made main dishes and sides. 451 E. 4th St., Ketchum, 208.726.5668; 93 E. Croy St., Hailey, 208.788.2294; 757 N. Main St., Bellevue, 208.788.7788.

FRX Offering up crispy fried chicken sandwiches made southern style, waffle fries, coleslaw and mouthwatering breakfast burritos—and yes, $1

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beer—this is your go-to spot for bold flavors and casual bites. 650 N. Main St., D, Ketchum.

JOHNNY G’S SUB SHACK Serving the best subs in the Great State of Idaho! Family owned and operated since 1998, and serving up hot subs like the popular “5B” (turkey, bacon, cream cheese, mayo, lettuce, tomato) or the “Mama Sass’s Meatball” (Italian meatballs, marinara, parmesan). Homemade soups, salads, smoothies and build-your-own round out a solid menu of delicious sandwiches. 371 Washington Ave., Ketchum. 208.725.7827.

SALTED SPRIG Salted Sprig specializes in fresh, thoughtful and inventive meals that satisfy the needs of all palates at your table—offering delicious and healthy glutenfree, dairy-free, vegan or nut-free options to satisfy every dietary need. The talented team of chefs and bakers at Salted Sprig can also work to create the perfect menu for all of your events small and large. Reach out to see how they can help plan your event! 220 East Ave., Ketchum. 208.957.3092

WRAPCITY Wrapcity serves up creative wraps and salads, homemade soups, and unique quesadillas. Wrapcity also serves breakfast wraps all day with special breakfast creations on Saturdays and Sundays. 180 Main St., S., Ketchum. 208.727.6766.

PUBS, GRILLS, & LOUNGES

APPLE’S BAR & GRILL For 34 years, Apple’s Bar & Grill has been a

LEFTY’S BAR & GRILL Lefty’s has a great casual dining menu, including killer burgers served on fresh-baked bread, monster hot sandwiches, wings, salads and the house specialty, fresh-cut French fries. And the outdoor deck can’t be beat in the summer! 231 6th St. E., Ketchum. 208.726.2744.

LIMELIGHT LOUNGE When late afternoon hits, the Limelight swings its doors wide open for guests and locals to dig into friendly après food and drink specials. The full dinner menu is available evenings in the Lounge, for in-room dining, or take-out. 151 S. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.0888.

MAHONEY’S BAR & GRILL Mahoney’s offers a full bar, a terrific patio that’s just a short stroll from Bellevue’s Howard Preserve and a tasty menu featuring their famous “Juicy Lucy” cheese-filled, grilled-onion-topped hamburger. 104 Main St., Bellevue. 208.788.4449.

POWER HOUSE Serving locally raised Wagyu beef burgers, blackened Ahi sandwiches and tacos, hand-cut fries, and organic salads with a wealth of beers on tap. 502 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.9184

ROOTS WINE BAR & BOTTLE SHOP Roots offers a chic and cozy space to explore wine and food. The menu is geared toward lunch and happy hour snacking, with an array of cheese and charcuterie boards, snacks and small plates.122 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.4376.

PHOTO: RAY J. GADD

full restaurant serves delicious homestyle food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 16546 N. Hwy. 75, Sawtooth City (over Galena Summit). smileycreeklodge.com.

SAWTOOTH BREWERY 25 taps with beer, wine, cider, and kombucha on tap! Stop in for a game on one of our big-screen TVs. They fill growlers, crowlers, and have kegs, bottles, and cans to go! Two locations—Hailey and Ketchum—with seasonal outdoor seating at both spots. 631 Warm Springs Rd., Ketchum. 208.726.6803; 110 N. River St., Hailey. 208.788.3213.

SUN VALLEY WINE COMPANY Ketchum’s original wine bar is the place to go for lunch, an afternoon break, happy hour, après ski, or to meet up with friends. The owners are passionate about wine, carrying over 1,000 bottles of handcurated wines to satisfy wine enthusiasts of every type, and a handcrafted selection of large and small plates rounds out a delectable, seasonal menu. 360 Leadville Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.2442.

THE CELLAR PUB

TNT TAPROOM TNT / TapRoom is a craft beer and wine bar focusing on organic, sustainable and biodynamic wines, with 12 rotating taps of independent craft beer. They are located in a piece of Ketchum history in the dynamite shed. 271 Sun Valley Road E., Ketchum.

DESPO’S Despo’s is committed to authentic, delicious Mexican dishes that respect your desire for a healthy meal without compromising flavor. 211 4th St. E., Ketchum. 208.726.3068.

JHONY’S PERUVIAN Authentic Peruvian cuisine served in a familyfriendly atmosphere. La vida mas feliz! 200 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.7929.

KB’S This cheerful, laid-back burrito joint serves delicious fish tacos and offers a make-your-own burrito, with a choice of 27 fillings. 460 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.928.6955; 121 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.7217.

LA CABAÑITA MEX Only one way to put it…best authentic Mexican food in town. The town’s hidden gem that is truly a favorite. 116 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.1255; 160 5th St. W., Ketchum. 208.725.5001; 101 S. Main St., Bellevue. 208.928.7550.

LAGO AZUL MEXICAN & SALVADORIAN RESTAURANT Enjoy true Mexican food in downtown Hailey. Pollo rancherito, carne asada and “Sandy” tacos are house specialties not to be missed. 14 W. Croy St., Hailey. 208.578.1700.

VILLAGE STATION

PERLA’S ANTOJITOS LOCOS

Enjoy a wide selection of cocktails and craft beer on tap, as well as a crowd-pleasing menu of classic American favorites: hearty cheeseburgers, chicken wings, pizza and family-style salads. Sun Valley Village, Sun Valley. 208.622.2138.

Serving an eclectic mix of Mexican foods, including items such as asadera, aguas frescas, and mini pancakes. 126 S. Main St., A8, Hailey. 208.913.0620

WARFIELD RESTAURANT The ever-changing menu brings you the best provisions from across the Northwest in a comfortable neighborhood pub setting. The best summer deck in town with fire pits and rocking chairs for comfort and conversation. 280 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.2739.

WHISKEY’S ON MAIN A historic venue and sports bar serving upscale pub fare that offers a lively and casual atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Located in the heart of downtown Ketchum, Whiskey’s boasts a wide selection of brews including local craft brews, as well as a full bar with a variety of spirits and cocktails. 251 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.620.5496.

PHOTO: RAY J GADD

Offering traditional pub fare such as buffalo burgers or fish & chips to original dishes like the flat-iron steak salad, the Cellar Pub has something for everyone in your party. The eatery has a full bar and features a great selection of draft beer and fine wines. 400 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.622.3832.

MEXICAN/SOUTH AMERICAN

SERVA PERUVIAN CUISINE Serva Peruvian Cuisine is all about simple clean ingredients and flavor using the freshest quality ingredients seasonally. Step inside and experience a fusion of Peruvian and American food. Traditional recipes from Rodolfo Serva’s family appear alongside the unique creations of Chef Edgar for an upscale Peruvian dining experience. 103 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.6202.

home of the bowl of soul

TACOS 208 Tacos 208 brings the vibrant flavors of Baja California and Oaxaca to the Valley with its authentic tacos. Inspired by cherished recipes from the owners’ grandmothers and fathers’ family, each taco is of tradition and taste. 107 S. Main St., Hailey. 208.913.0255.

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191 4th St. West Ketchum 208-726-2882

111 N. 1st Ave. Hailey 208-788-2297

Check out our other locations in Boise and Twin Falls!

www.javaidaho.com

MEDITERRANEAN/ITALIAN/PIZZA

FRENCH/EUROPEAN

ENOTECA

MICHEL’S CHRISTIANIA RESTAURANT & OLYMPIC BAR

Located in the heart of Ketchum, Enoteca is an upscale pizzeria and wine bar. Enoteca has a plethora of small plates to choose from. 300 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.928.6280.

FIAMMA Fiamma, or “little flame” in Italian, is a live-fire, Italian-inspired restaurant in Ketchum, created by acclaimed chefs Britt Rescigno and Kinsey Leodler-Rescigno. Focusing on local and seasonal ingredients, Fiamma celebrates the art of open flame cooking and pasta fatto a mano, ensuring every dish is as fresh and flavorful as possible. 211 Leadville Ave., Ketchum. 208.913.0118

ROMINNA’S Since 2013, Rominna’s has been offering contemporary Italian cuisine prepared to the highest standards. Their premium wine selection includes more than 150 wines to pair with any course. 580 Washington Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.6961.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN PIZZERIA & GRILL Fresh, handcrafted food is what brings people in to Smoky Mountain Pizzeria and Grill, and the service is what keeps them coming back for more. The pride themselves on creating a “nourishing and memorable neighborhood experience that people love!” 200 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.622.5625.

2 TALLS PIZZERIA Outstanding Pizza with great mountain vibes. Local family-owned restaurant focusing on crazy good pizza, salads, and appetizers. Dedicated to using the best ingredients from true Italian San Marzano tomatoes, house made sausage, and the freshest produce available. A great beer and wine selection fills every need. Stop in and see if you are Tall enough for a free pie! 121 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.913.0523.

WISEGUY PIZZA PIE Serving New York-style, hand-tossed pizzas topped with whole-milk mozzarella and baked to perfection in stone deck ovens. Large selection of local and regional bottled and draft beer. 460 Sun Valley Rd., Ketchum. 208.726.0737; 411 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.788.8688.

“The Christy,” as it is known to locals, offers worldclass French dining in the heart of downtown Ketchum. This beloved and historic restaurant and Olympic Bar—a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway—has been a landmark Ketchum institution for decades, combining a love of skiing and ski racing culture with a passion for cooking. 303 Walnut Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.3388.

ASIAN/SUSHI

DANG’S THAI CUISINE & SUSHI BAR Dang’s offers a wide selection of popular dishes ranging from sushi, green papaya salad, pad thai, and their famous green curry with chicken! Highly recommended as an affordable, flavorful and fun experience in Hailey! 310 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.7111.

CHINA PANDA Informal Chinese restaurant dishing up familiar fare, including vegetarian options, since 1987. 515 East Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.3591

IDA THAI Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine in a log cabin with views of Bald Mountain. With specials such as tender slow cooked Lamb Shank served in a Massaman curry, Shrimp in a Ceramic Pot served on top clear vermicelli noodles and Fresh Rolls with house made peanut sauce, Ida Thai is your place to celebrate a special occasion, relax after a day on the mountain, or order online. 310 S. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.7155

MR. DEE Hailey’s newest sushi-seafood-steak and martini bar. Serving Asian fusion, sushi, steak and seafood selections. A full bar with handcrafted cocktails and lounge for drinks you can’t put down. 416 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.4899.

RAMEN COWBOY “The Ramen Place,” Ramen Cowboy is a local’s take on traditional Japanese noodle soup, serving fromscratch ramen using all locally sourced ingredients, handmade noodles and their 18-hour authentic Tonkotsu broth! 640 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.309.3493.

RICKSHAW Serving “ethnic street foods,” inspired by the flavors

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and foods in locales such as Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. 460 N. Washington Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.8481.

SUSHI ON SECOND Sushi on Second is the Valley’s oldest sushi restaurant. But don’t let age fool you. A talented crew of Sushi Chefs are in the center and delight in creating dishes that are as appetizing to look at as they are to eat. 260 Second St., Ketchum. 208.726.5181.

YOIMI SUSHI & HIBACHI Japanese steak house serving fresh hibachi-style chicken, steak, shrimp, scallop and salmon grilled fresh to order with mixed vegetables, and fresh rice and fried rice. Sushi that is mouthwatering with fried and fresh sushi rolls, along with nigiri and sashimi. 745 N. Main St., Suite B, Bellevue. 208.751.1497.

REGIONAL NORTHWEST

COOKBOOK RESTAURANT This cozy place was built in 1932 as a church and then later on was an architect’s office, daycare, butcher shop, BBQ restaurant and bakery. Vita and Burke Smith fell in love with this cute building and decided to give it a new life. 360 East Ave., Ketchum. 208.720.3260.

CUTTHROAT CLUB Bellevue’s Cutthroat Club highlights the best Wood River Valley and Idaho has to offer by partnering with area farmers and producers. 200 S. Main St., Bellevue. 208.913.0285.

DUCHIN LOUNGE All new and inviting, this legendary lounge serves up cocktails, imported beer and an extensive wine list. Now, you can also duck in for a quick bite from the lounge menu. Sun Valley Lodge. Sun Valley. 208.622.2144.

GRILL AT KNOB HILL The environment at the Knob Hill Inn is casual and comfortable, yet sophisticated, with distinctively Northwest cuisine, and a variety of American and European classics. A top local favorite! 960 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.8004.

KETCHUM GRILL For over 30 years (since 1991), Ketchum Grill has brought the dining experience to the highest gastronomical level, and the best Idaho has to offer. 520 East Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.4660.

ROUNDHOUSE Perched midway up Bald Mountain on the River Run side, the Roundhouse is a culinary destination not to be missed. Serviced by the Roundhouse Gondola, the restaurant offers spectacular views of the Valley Bald Mountain, Ketchum. 208.622.2012.

SUN VALLEY CLUB Among the most popular places in Sun Valley to eat, drink and relax, the wraparound terrace at Sun Valley Club offers stunning views of Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain and the golf course (summer) or Nordic trails (winter). The Sun Valley Club brings exciting, contemporary dishes that are focused on local ingredients. 200 Trail Creek Road, Sun Valley. 208.622.2919.

THE COVEY Offering an intimate ambiance with an alwaysevolving menu. The relaxed atmosphere is a place to enjoy good friends, fine wine, and delicious meals. 520 Washington Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.3663.

PHOTO: RAY J. GADD

THE PIONEER SALOON The Pioneer Saloon, renowned for perfectly aged, tender and flavorful beef, is typical of an earlier Idaho where ore wagons rattled down Main Street and business was done with a handshake and a drink. Natural woods, mounted game, and period firearms help recreate an authentic saloon atmosphere. 320 N. Main St., Ketchum. 208.726.3139.

THE RAM Sun Valley’s original restaurant, The Ram has been warming and welcoming diners since 1937. Travel back in time with the nightly “Heritage Menu”—a series of historic dishes such as pork tenderloin schnitzel, Hungarian goulash, and the famous Ram fondue.| Sun Valley Village, Sun Valley. 208.622.2225.

THE SAWTOOTH CLUB Always busy with a great mix of locals and visitors, The Sawtooth Club offers a unique blend of American steakhouse classics, fresh seafood, wild game, unique pasta dishes and much more. Many entrées are cooked over the live, mesquite-wood fire, and all are prepared with a singular creative flair. The award-winning wine list offers a diverse selection of reasonably priced wines to complement any of the delicious menu offerings. 231 Main St. S., Ketchum. 208.726.5233

TUNDRA RESTAURANT TUNDRA Restaurant in Hailey is a hip place serving creative, freshly made food, beer, wine and bubbles. Tundra strives to provide the best service, best

Serva

food and a unique and fun experience! Reservations can be made online at tundrahailey.com. 516 N. Main St., Hailey. 208.928.4121.

WESTERN WHISKEYS | SOUPS & STEWS | RESTAURANT GUIDE | HOLIDAY DESSERTS

TRAIL CREEK CABIN Sun Valley’s destination for romantic dining in a rustic, Western atmosphere. Originally built in 1937, the magic of this mountain style log-cabin-turnedrestaurant lies in the rustic charm, hearty menu, sweeping views and the sleigh ride through a winter wonderland to get there. Reservations required. 300 Trail Creek Cabin Road, Sun Valley. 208.622.2800.

VINTAGE A favorite of the locals, chef Rodrigo Herrera is tuned into the best of the season’s offerings. With a lovely ambiance, both inside and seasonally outside, Vintage offers a dining experience like one would have in France: leisurely, lively, and without pretense. 231 Leadville Ave., Ketchum. 208.726.9595.

WINTER 2025 | 2026

Pick up a copy of TASTE OF SUN VALLEY for menus & more! Pick up a copy of TASTE OF SUN VALLEY for TASTE of Sun Valley - Dining & Menu Guide showcases menus TASTE Sun Valley & feature articles on & themore! latest in food of and drink, chef- Dining and Menu Guidetantalizing showcases featureand articles on themenus latest in restaurateur profiles, recipes restaurant food and chef and restaurateur profiles, tantalizfrom the area’s bestdrink, eateries,. ing recipes and restaurant menus from the area’s best eateries,. WINTER 2025/2026 | sunvalleymag.com

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There’s just something beautiful about walking in snow that nobody else has walked on. It makes you believe you’re special”. — C AROL RIFKA BRUNT, TELL THE WOLVES I ’M HOME

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