"I'm always amazed at how well the trails are groomed and maintained," said Nicole DeYong, a member of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation's cross-country Olympic Development Team. "When I go other places to ski, I realize how spoiled I am."
And DeYong should know. This season, her fourth as a member of the team, has already taken her across the United States and Canada, and will soon posit her on European trails.
DeYong, 27, said the extensive trail system, whether the 31-kilometer Harriman Trail or the steep inclines at Lake Creek, is a main reason that elite-level Nordic skiers are attracted to the Sun Valley area.
Ski education foundation Nordic program Director Rick Kapala echoed DeYong's thoughts.
"It's really easy to be a skier here—the logistics are never going to get in the way," Kapala said. "In terms of snow, even the worst day in Sun Valley is just about better than anywhere else. And in the summer we have miles and miles of bike path separated from the highway, and on top of that all the trails for running and biking."
But DeYong, an Alaska native, said it's not just the miles of well-groomed trails that have led the Wood River Valley to be dubbed "Nordic Town USA."
"The people and community are a big part of why this area is so good for Nordic skiing," said DeYong, who moved to Ketchum after graduating from the University of Alaska Anchorage. "There's so much support and everyone is really active."
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DeYong is one of 11 members of the ski education foundation's Nordic Olympic development team, which recently returned from the U.S. Cross Country Championships. On the team are a mix of transplants, such as DeYong, and homegrown talent such as Reid Pletcher, Mike Sinnott and Alexa Turzian, who became the youngest National Cross Country Champion in U.S. history.
There is plenty of high-level racing left for this crew over the next two months, most notably with Morgan Arritola's trip to the 2010 Olympics, which begin in mid-February and feature a 12 medal events for cross-country skiing.
Arritola, 23, who grew up in Fairfield and graduated from The Community School, was named to the eight-athlete 2010 U.S. Olympic Cross Country Ski Team on Jan. 19.
She has been a member of the Olympic Development Team since it was created in 2005 and has been a member of the U.S. National Team for the past four years.
"The [ski education foundation] program is first and foremost about providing kids with a great sporting experience," Kapala said. "But having Morgan headed to the Olympics elevates everybody. When she achieves at this level, it says the program is organized in such a way that it can provide support all the athletes need, regardless of their goals.
"If her making the Olympics offers any lesson, it's that she's not superhuman, but simply shows up every day and does the work. Anyone can do that and be successful."
Kapala said the fact that about 3,000 people buy Nordic trail passes from the Blaine County Recreation District is evidence that the sport has a strong toehold throughout the valley.
With a grin to emphasize the level of her understatement, DeYong summed up the feelings of anyone lucky enough to get out on a perfectly groomed trail on one of the many bluebird days.
"All in all," she said, "it's not a bad place."
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com
Sun Valley Nordic Festival
The Sun Valley Nordic Festival continues through Sunday, Feb. 7. For a complete schedule of events, go to www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2005129827 or go to www.svnordicfestival.com.
The Wood River Valley has become a training hub for Nordic skiers. As such, the area is hosting the first Sun Valley Nordic Festival this week, with events throughout the valley. Photo by Mountain Express
