It will be at least another year before the operators of Rotarun ski area can start making man-made snow, but with the cooperation of Mother Nature, Rotarun will be up and running on Christmas Day.
Rotarun has a good jump on implementing its plan for artificial snow—water rights litigation has ended, the water storage pond is built and electrical lines have been laid—but the operators are still short of money to put in the guns for making snow.
"Fundraisers and donations are the biggest key to our success," said Sarah Busdon, spokeswoman for the Rotarun Ski Club, the area operator. "If we had the $600,000 to complete the project, we would have it complete."
Busdon was referring to an area renovation plan, which also includes completion of a new lodge and installation of a chairlift.
The lodge building—the former Ketchum headquarters of Sun Valley Helicopter Ski Guides—was moved to the area last year and has now been secured on its foundation. However, interior remodeling has yet to be done.
Rotarun procured a used chairlift, formerly installed at Dollar Mountain in Sun Valley, but at least for this ski season the lift remains in storage and access to the top of Rotarun will once again be by poma lift.
Nonetheless, Busdon said Rotarun still offers great affordable skiing. Located in Croy Canyon west of Hailey, Rotarun has 22 acres of ski terrain and is the only local ski area with lights for night skiing. An adult all-day pass costs about $18.
Several fundraising efforts are in the works. On Nov. 21, the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, a major fundraiser for Rotarun, will host a ski movie at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. The week after Christmas a "donation tree" will be placed outside of KB's restaurant in Hailey.
Busdon said Rotarun has also received a $10,000 "challenge grant" from the Deer Creek Fund.
"If we raise $20,000, they'll match it by $10,000," she said.
This year's opening is planned for Christmas Day, when free skiing will be offered. Opening day is dubbed "Art Richards Day," in honor of a now deceased Hailey dentist who was a longtime Rotarun fundraiser and supporter and who was "dedicated to keeping skiing affordable for the community," Busdon said.
Arkoosh Cup ski races are scheduled for Jan. 17 and Slush Cup races for Feb. 14.
The annual Snow Box Derby is scheduled for Feb. 28.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
A poma lift remains the way to get to the top at Rotarun ski area for at least another year. Fundraising efforts continue as the Rotarun Ski Club plugs away at implementing its area renovation plan. Photo by Mountain Express
