About two hundred people of all ages scaled the top of the mountain in the 38th running of the Baldy Hill Climb put on by the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Some did the bike course heading up the Cold Springs Mountain Bike Trail, most hiked the vertical climb up the Warm Springs side, and some managed both. Besides being a seasonal turning point, completing any of the courses is a solid fitness goal for most and a race to the top for the fittest. Some of the youngest experience their first accent while folks well up in the 70s have memories from most of the climbs dating back to 1976. The steepest pitches are found on the roughly 1.9 miles gaining 3,200 ft straight up Warm Springs ski runs; completing any of the featured events is simply admirable.
More than anything else, the event is a symbol of the Sun Valley lifestyle. Sun Valley’s generous lift service does not only take the people down, but opens the full perspective of our fantastic ski mountain and surroundings. Bringing people together in fall colors surrounded by snow-capped peaks; that’s the Sun Valley spirit.