With all the new snow, the backcountry is mighty inviting, especially up at Galena Lodge where there are miles and miles of groomed trails for skate and cross-county skiing and snowshoeing. The lodge is also open for special full-moon and dark-sky dinners, lunch every day and other treats.
To celebrate and help fund the activities at Galena Lodge and on the trails, Blaine County Recreation District and the Galena Benefit Committee invite the community to the Galena Winter Benefit Dinner & Auction. The 12th annual event will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, at 6:30 p.m. in Sun Valley's Limelight Room. Tickets are $85 per person, a table of 10 is $850 and a table for 8 is $680.
Tables for eight and 10 are still available, but are going quickly, Jenny Busdon, event organizer said.
Auction items include trips to the exclusive Punta Mita, Mexico, a flat in sophisticated London and a fly-fishing paradise in Ruby Springs, Mont., as well as private dinners at Galena Lodge and Ketchum Grill and one catered by Ric Lum's Buffalo Bites. Some of the silent auction items include a sterling silver and 14K gold bracelet etched with a scene of Baldy, a Melissa Graves landscape painting, an Atomic nordic ski package and numerous other gear for whatever snow experience suits your fancy.
"This annual benefit is absolutely necessary because all the proceeds help secure the future of this wonderful historic lodge and the trails surrounding it," Busdon said. "No tax dollars are used, and, therefore, it's due to the great generosity of so many people that we have been able to accomplish so many goals for the lodge and the trail system."
This past summer with the help of money raised at the 2007 benefit, Galena Lodge received a new kitchen that cost $50,000 and a new sewage system at $60,000.
"There is always something, but with the continued generosity of so many people we keep doing it," Busdon said.
The day after the benefit on Sunday, Jan. 20, the new Murphy's Bridge, along the Harriman Trail, will be christened together with a new PistenBully grooming machine.
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Get out to Galena
Galena Learn to Ski Clinic is Saturday, Jan. 19, free skate ski clinic 1 p.m. and classic ski at 2:30 p.m.
Galena Day is Sunday, Jan. 20, with free ski tours, discounted lunches and fun. In addition there will be a Get Ready for Boulder Clinic at 9 a.m.
Full Moon Dinners Sunday, Jan. 20, and Monday, Jan. 21. Enjoy gourmet dinners plus snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Reservations required.
Wednesday Workouts through March from 3:30-5 p.m. They vary between classic and skate so make sure to check the schedule. Cost is $15 per person with discounted food and beverage following the class.
Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Walks through March at 11 a.m. Join Melanie Mildrew for a free exploratory walk of the area right around the lodge. Look for animal tracks, learn about the lodge ecosystem and the history of the area. Complimentary trail pass included. Snowshoes available for rent at Galena.
Snowshoe with a Ranger through March at 11 a.m. Thursdays. Grab your snowshoes or rent some at Galena and head out on the trails with a Forest Service Ranger to talk about the winter environment and history of Galena Lodge. All abilities and ages welcome. Complimentary snowshoe trail pass included. Rentals available.
Galena Lodge is located 23 miles north of Ketchum on Hwy. 75. For reservations, update and conditions, call726-4010.
Bob Rosso and Jenny Busdon get excited with the bidding at the Galena Lodge Benefit Dinner. Photo by Chris Pilaro
