The Distilled Essence of Rock Climbing
Sarah Linville
Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that simplifies an already simple sport. It emphasizes working short but usually intense “problems” on large boulders or short rock faces. Unlike traditional or sport climbing, there are no ropes, harnesses or protective gear involved. In most cases, the climber is never more than fifteen feet off the ground. The focus lies on making powerful moves rather than on endurance.  [...]
Sun Valley Writers Conference celebrates 30 years
Pamela Kleibrink Thompson
Like all great stories, SVWC began with an idea. “Years ago, when I was hired as a reporter at The Arizona Republic,” says founder Reva Tooley, “I inherited the responsibility for a popular Books & Authors Luncheon, sponsored by the newspaper. Some years later–after marriage, motherhood, and a home in Ketchum–I got the idea that Sun Valley might embrace a similar sort of event.” [...]
Finding peace at Boulder Mountain Clayworks
Cristy Sellas
Donna put us in contact with Ruth Nelson, one of the instructors at BMC, and my daughter and I began weekly lessons. Our first lesson taught us some basic facts right off the bat. First, it’s much harder than it looks. I watched a few YouTube videos before working with Ruth, and those pros made it look easy. It is not easy. But it is fun, challenging, and messy in a good way. And the research proved true, it is remarkably soothing. We found ourselves in a zoned-out state of bliss as that wheel spun and we attempted to shape our clay. [...]
Gambling, Celebrities and Skiing: The Real History of Sun Valley
John M. Lundin
Ketchum, a small, quiet mountain town, rapidly changed. Entrepreneurs set out to capture some of the wealth the resort’s clients brought to the area, where gambling was “tolerated,” although it was not strictly legal. A number of clubs and gambling establishments opened all over town that attracted Sun Valley’s wealthy guests, employees and locals. Clubs on Main Street included the Alpine, owned by Lou Hill, and the Sawtooth, owned by Owen Simpson. The Tram, the St. George Hotel and the Casino were all located south of Sun Valley Road; the Stockman’s Club, the Idaho Club, where the Pioneer Restaurant is now; and the Wooden Spur, where Sturtevants is now. Club Rio was on Leadville Ave., off Sun Valley Road. [...]
Hyndman Peak Beef & Cattle Co. Crafts exceptional local beef
Lori Williams
HPBC owners Jeff Brendel and Mia Cherp share a deep-rooted connection to the world of horses, cattle, and ranching though from different backgrounds early on in their lives. In the rugged terrain of the Wood River Valley, they have channeled their shared passion of the ranching lifestyle into raising Highland cattle and crafting exceptional beef, harvested humanely and sold direct to local consumers. Unique to the operation is that summer rangeland is just a short drive from Ketchum, enabling customers to visit and see firsthand where their meat comes from. [...]
The exercise and diet trends of the last half century
Claudia Weathermon
Driven by several pop culture influences, regular exercise was rising in popularity in the ‘70s. The Olympics were viewed by millions on television, Arnold Schwarzenegger was “Pumping Iron”, and Nike was beginning to outfit the growing number of joggers and more serious marathoners. More women got active with the appeal of group fitness classes like Jazzercize. And don’t forget how television’s “Battle of the Sexes” between pros Billy Jean King and Bobby Riggs volleyed tennis into athletic prominence. [...]
BEFORE + AFTER: An eighties log cabin is modernized
STYLIST JULIA SULLIVAN / AFTER PHOTOS JOSHUA WELLS
Finding creative solutions to update a traditional  Ketchum log home built in the ‘80s is no easy task, especially when it involves keeping the integrity of the exposed log-supporting beams and structure intact. [...]
Playtime with Purpose
PAMELA KLEIBRINK THOMPSON
Toying around with an idea can lead to big things. Lovevery, a company specializing in toys and books for early child development, was founded in 2017 by Jessica Rolph and Roderick Morris. [...]
A Library Pioneer
Patti Murphy
Today, the same sort of ingenuity that launched the library nearly 70 years ago is being continued by another forward-thinking woman, Community Library of Ketchum Executive Director Jenny Emery Davidson. Along with staff, volunteers, board members and the community, she has led an effort to “re-imagine” the library’s space, offerings, and role in the community, transforming it into a hub of activity with more than 100,000 visitors annually. [...]
Bellevue's Cutthroat Club is set to shine the light in the south
Jonathan Mentzer
There’s something simmering down south in Bellevue. In the usually sleepy town that is known for being the “Gateway to [...]
Salmon River steelhead, lesser known than salmon, face equally difficult challenges
Brent Lawson
While the plight of wild salmon is often the subject of great debate and policy fights, the challenges Salmon River steelhead face are less well known, though equally formidable. [...]
Sun Valley nuptials and a memorable day of love and family
Kate Hull
Emily and Douglas Manchester said “I do” on a picture-perfect summer day at Trail Creek Cabin, an intimate affair shared with their family and closest friends. [...]