After a nearly five-month search, the Blaine County Recreation District has hired new partners to operate Galena Lodge, the historic recreational hub north of Ketchum.
Erin Zell and Don Shepler, of Hailey, will become the operators of the lodge in May.
"From our first experience at Galena, we knew it was a special place," Zell said. "We both love the outdoors and this area is so incredible. Running Galena will allow us to mix our livelihoods and our lifestyles. We're really excited."
Nestled in the Boulder Mountains 23 miles north of Ketchum, Galena Lodge offers hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities. The lodge also offers a popular restaurant in the summer and winter months.
The Blaine County Recreation District owns the community facility and contracts concessionaires to run it. The concessionaires oversee restaurant, ski school and program operations.
The new operators take the reins from current Galena operators Carlin Thompson and Charles (Chas) Savage this spring.
"Carlin and Chas have done a wonderful job over the past five years. Thanks to the quality and commitment they brought to Galena and their willingness to help Erin and Don through the transition, we should have a very smooth changeover," said Wally Morgus, Recreation District executive director.
During their tenure, Thompson and Savage expanded the ski school, introduced new ski clinics, and were present when electricity was brought to the lodge through the "Power Galena!" campaign.
"People love Galena. It's a special place, not just for us, but for a lot of people," Savage told the Mountain Express this winter.
Demonstrating their dedication to the Galena facility, Thompson and Savage have shared their knowledge with the incoming operators.
"One of the best things is that they have helped with the transition ... It's really important to them to see Galena successful when they leave," Shepler said.
As five-year Wood River Valley residents, Shepler and Zell bring experience in retail and food industries. The couple has worked for CK's Real Food restaurant in Hailey since it opened more than two and a half years ago. Shepler works as a chef and Zell as the wine buyer and a server.
"It's a good fit for us," Shepler said.
Specifically, the couple believes their strength will be running the restaurant. They plan to add more special menu items and special dinner events.
"We like to focus on organic, local foods. That's pretty important to us," Zell said.
Eyeing culinary improvements, Zell and Shepler plan few other changes to Galena operations.
"The focus of Galena Lodge is on family. We want to keep it that way," Zell said.
The new operators will open the lodge for the summer season June 18 with the Galena BBQ.
