The seasons officially shifted Monday, just as Sun Valley Resort is starting summer activities on Bald Mountain.
The resort's Baldy lifts are firing up on Saturday, June 26, for hikers and mountain bikers, beginning the 74th summer season. All trails will be open to both hiking and biking starting Saturday.
A summertime first will be rides on the Roundhouse gondola, which opened last winter and has now been outfitted with mountain-bike cars. But the gondola ends midway up the mountain at 7,700 feet elevation. Those wanting to reach the 9,100-foot summit must catch the Christmas chairlift where the gondola ends.
The Roundhouse restaurant, alongside the gondola's upper terminal, will be open this summer, offering lunch inside from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and barbecues on the deck until 3:30 p.m. Barbecue sandwiches include a char-grilled burger, lamb burger, grilled chicken, grilled Portobello mushroom and hot dogs.
The gondola will start up at 10 a.m. daily, with the last ride down at 4:30 p.m. Hikers and bikers may ride down for free, but ascending the mountain via gondola will cost $20 for adults, $15 for youths 13-17 and $10 for children 3-12. Those 2 and younger ride free, while seniors—ages 65 and older—pay $17.
A summer season pass costs $300.
Activities don't just span Baldy's slopes. At the River Run base, a free Bike Base Camp will be set up for beginners and intermediates to test their abilities before hitting the single-track trails. A coffee cart and snack service will be available at River Run Plaza from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Ski passes on sale
On Saturday, the resort will begin offering ski passes for the 2010-11 winter season, though prices have not been released.
For information, call 622-6136.
Trevon Milliard: tmilliard@mtexpress.com
A ride on the Bald Mountain gondola provides 360-degree views of the Wood River Valley and surrounding mountains.
Photo by Willy Cook
