Bald Mountain, Sun Valley, Idaho

Idaho is a plentiful state for mining, skiing, and any number of recreational activities. One place for tourists to visit is Bald Mountain. This mountain is 9150 feet in height. It is located in the central part of Idaho near the city of Ketchum. Bald Mountain is the home to several ski resorts including the Sun Valley Ski Resort. This resort is the oldest and was built as an Alpine Resort like those in Europe.

The resort was the first one to create ski runs at various skill levels. The fact that wind does not affect the runs makes it an even better place to ski. It was four years after the resort was established that Bald Mountain got its ski lift, with three single chairlifts. The chairs would take guests almost to the summit. As one of the higher summits in Idaho one can see in the distance to other towns and cities of the region. The base level of the mountain is 5750 feet where the Big Wood River is. A vertical drop of 3400 feet runs along the north face of the mountain. Today it is served by 14 ski lifts, 7 quads, 4 triples, 2 doubles, and 1 surface lift.

Bald Mountain offers 75 runs over 2054 acres of land. 645 acres are considered snow making. There are 36 percent easy runs, 42 percent intermediate, and 22 percent very difficult runs on Bald Mountain. Anyone skiing the mountain should have some skill before taking on even the easy runs. Dollar Mountain near Bald Mountain is best for novice skiers.

Bald Mountain is not just open during the winter. At all seasons there is something to do at the mountain location. During the summer lift tickets and passes can be obtained for hiking up towards the summit and the other trails. Biking is key to the mountain during the summer months. The ski lift will take passengers and their bikes to the top for extreme mountain biking. Climbers and hikers can also start at the bottom and work their way up towards the top.

River Run Lodge, Warm Springs Lodge, Seattle Ridge Lodge, and Dollar Mountain Lodge are available for tourists to stay at Bald Mountain. From the lodges it is possible to reach the various trails. The winter trails do include Nordic or cross country ski trails. There is one very long loop with shorter loops to take skiers off to the side. They can take the 42 kilometer loop or spend the day taking three or four mile trips.

The Dollar lodge provides the Dollar Cabin Restaurant for skiers to rejuvenate at. Depending on where skiers come down there are other places to eat as well. For the summer trails the Bald Mountain trail, Broadway trail, Cold Springs trail, Traverse trail, and Warm Springs trail are open. Warm Springs trail is 8 miles up and down hill for hiking and biking. There is a meadow where the wind comes through, located at Monarch Ridge.