Entering its 76th winter season, Sun Valley Resort is continuing its popular ski and snowboard instruction clinics for students and local adults.
The "Spud Sessions," formerly known as the Blaine County Kids Program, and the Local Adult Clinics are held in three different sessions from January through March instead of just in January. New in 2012 are the introductory "Little Spud Sessions," for ages 3-5.
Now open to all Idaho children in kindergarten through sixth grade, "Spud Sessions" are part of broad range of ski and snowboard classes Sun Valley Resort is giving in 2012, including Local Adult Clinics.
"Spud Sessions," are being held for the 35th consecutive winter at Sun Valley Resort. Many kids have learned the basics of skiing with the discounted program and parents have appreciated the supervision kids have received.
The first "Spud Session" in January 2012 includes weekend instruction on Jan. 7-8, Jan. 14-15 and Jan. 21-22. The second session runs Jan. 28-29, Feb. 4-5 and Feb. 11-12. The third and final session is March 3-4, March 10-11 and March 17-18.
Ski instruction is limited to the first 150 skiers per morning or afternoon sessions, and only 100 snowboarders will be accepted into the program. The cost of $160 per person includes lessons as well as lift tickets for all six days of each session. Signing up for all three sessions for $449 means you'll save some money, $31.
Morning classes start at 9 a.m. and conclude by 11:30 a.m. Afternoon classes go from 12:30-3 p.m. Regular Sun Valley Snow Sports instructors provide the teaching at substantial savings compared to the cost of regular children's clinic rates and lift passes at the resort.
Registration started in November at River Run Lodge (parents should sign up in person, kids don't need to attend) and continues for each session until the Thursday prior to the first clinic.
No late registrations will be accepted and grade eligibility exceptions won't be allowed. Children are put in classes based on ability. But, regardless of ability, all kids meet at Dollar Lodge at 8:30 a.m. on the first morning. Advanced skiers and boarders will move to Baldy the next day, Sunday.
Snowboard instruction is offered for kids 6-and-older, only. And remember, parents are responsible for their children once classes end, so please be prompt in picking up your kids after the classes. There is no supervision available for children after the classes end.
"Little Spud Sessions" are designed to introduce skiing to kids ages 3-5. Class sizes are limited to 40 skiers. Classes are held in the afternoon, from 1-3 p.m. and the cost of $190 includes lesson and lift tickets ($529 for all 3 sessions). Sessions are Jan. 10-11, Jan. 17-18 and Jan. 24-25; Jan. 31-Feb. 1, Feb. 7-8 and Feb. 14-15; Feb. 28-29, March 6-7 and March 13-14.
Snowboarding is not offered in "Little Spud Sessions."
Call 622-2289 for details or email snowsports@sunvalley.com
Local Adult Clinics
The Sun Valley Snow Sports School for the 31st consecutive year is offering Local Adult ski and snowboard lessons.
Clinics are separated into Adult Intermediate/Advanced Levels, as well as the Local Adult Beginner Clinics for both skiers and snowboarders.
The clinics for competent Baldy skiers/snowboarders are held for three consecutive Saturdays in each of two sessions. The cost of $135 per person ($239 if you sign up for both sessions) does not include the price of lift tickets. Lesson tickets are not sold on a single-day basis.
First session is Jan. 7, 14 and 21. The second and final session is Jan. 28, Feb. 4 and 11. Instruction is from 1-4 p.m. on each of the three lesson days.
Intermediate/Advanced skiers and boarders meet at River Run Lodge on Baldy. Beginner skiers and boarders meet on Dollar Mountain.
Participants must register in person at River Run Lodge, 622-2289.
Free Ride Team
Check out the Sun Valley Snow Sports School's Free Ride Team, if you're looking for non-competitive training and skills development for skiers and snowboarders this winter.
The high-quality, high-energy team open to skiers and riders intermediate and above is offered for children ages 6 through high school. Groups are formed according to ability first, and then age.
There is a one-day program meeting Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at River Run Lodge, or Sundays at the same times at Dollar Lodge—virtually every weekend from December through March. Cost is $580, but it does not include lift tickets. The two-day program encompasses both Saturdays and Sundays. It costs $895, not including the price of lift tickets.
Nordic clinics at Sun Valley
Sun Valley Resort has announced its schedule of Specialty Nordic Clinics along the 42-kilometer (25 miles) system of groomed trails at Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center (located at the Sun Valley Club).
Here is a sampling. For details call 622-2250 or visit sunvalley.com.
Boulder Ski Tour Prep Clinics: Four consecutive weekly sessions in January, $40 a session or $150 for four sessions.
Sun Valley Masters Clinics and Skate Ski University: The Masters Clinics are coordinated by three-time Olympian Jon Engen. The Skate Ski University six-week group workout is conducted by Kris Thoreson.
Learn to Ski and Intermediate Group Lessons: Daily for skate and classic skiing. Call for lesson times.
