It is safe to say that most people living in the Valley are here because they made an active choice to be here. In this vein, we are always interested in exactly how people landed in this part of Idaho, why they love this place and what inspires them.
LILI HANSEN
What is your Sun Valley story?
I was transferred here from Seattle by lululemon athletica. So, I packed up and moved here sight unseen. Needless to say, I fell in love with the town, people and outdoors and got a foster puppy five days after I moved here. One of the best decisions I have ever made.
My day wouldn’t be complete without …
A run with my dog, Bell. Rain, shine or snow we get out there.
What’s your favorite summer activity and why?
A must is going over Trail Creek and getting lost.
If you could go anywhere in the world next weekend, where would it be?
Well, I’d have to say Tunisia because my dad is living there now.
What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
After college, I worked as a production assistant at the CBS San Francisco news station. I had to be at work looking presentable at 3:30 a.m. Enough said.
Best line you’ve ever heard (or said) in a bar?
“You’re pretty cute for a redhead”…ummm thanks? That is just one of the many ginger lines I have had the honor of hearing.
Who’s a hero of yours?
My heroes consist of those who surround me and are living life to the fullest. Here in Sun Valley we are at no shortage of these kinds of people.
What is special about Sun Valley?
Our strong community. While we’re a resort market town, our community is always present with love and respect for each other and for the place we love.
What do you love about your job?
At lululemon I get to work with a fun, hardworking team. We’re a small, intimate, supportive team, working together like sisters, day in and day out.
Most difficult yoga pose to master?
Anything involving hamstring flexibility. I have super-tight hamstrings from running and biking (basically everything I love to do!).
HANNES THUMB
What is your Sun Valley story?
I thank my parents for that, and I’m grateful for it.
My day wouldn’t be complete without …
Seeing the sunset colors on the Pioneers.
What’s your favorite summer activity and why?
Swimming in the river to cool down after a day in the sun. I don’t deal well with heat, and the daily jump into the river is a really important summer afternoon ritual for me. Combine the swim with some evening fishing, and that’s about as happy as I get.
If you could go anywhere in the world next weekend, where would it be?
Corn skiing in the Boulders.
What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
Washing dishes in a restaurant in Anchorage. The job itself wasn’t too bad, but at one point the head chef pointed a knife at me and told me to “get out” because I told a corny joke. So that was that.
Who’s a hero of yours?
Lonesome Larry the fish.
If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be?
Probably a food truck driver. Or a builder of intricate wooden objects.
What is special about Sun Valley?
The fact that within a few minutes, you can be in some of the most beautiful mountains, any time of year, and not see a soul. I used to worry that if a statement like that went to print, it would spoil it for us. But the quietness of the woods hasn’t changed yet. I’m very grateful for it.
What was the hardest class you ever took and why?
I took a History of Jazz class in college and a student’s whole grade came from being able to listen to short clips of songs and be able to identify artists, instruments, the year of recording, regional influences, etc. I just couldn’t figure it out and barely passed the class. That was about the same time I went to a doctor and realized that I am basically deaf in low frequencies.
What is a cool fact from biology that everybody should know?
Biology is the study of life, but the craziest thing is that science hasn’t been able to define life yet. There are a lot of ideas out there, but none of them truly define what the difference between life and non-life is. Once that concept settles into your head, biology really starts to feel weird. Science isn’t always purely just science.
What is your Sun Valley story?
I moved to Ketchum to play rugby. Scott “Gonzo” Huffman said it would be great! He did not lie!
My day wouldn’t be complete without …
Seeing smiles, and giving hellos to people we know and to new friends we meet.
What’s your favorite summer activity and why?
People watching year-round because I love to see the awe on their faces of where and how we live in this beautiful place.
If you could go anywhere in the world next weekend, where would it be?
Anywhere in Idaho.
TROY "CHUY" HARTMAN
What is the worst job you’ve ever had?
Diggin’ holes in the ground.
Best line you’ve ever heard (or said) in a bar?
A couple Aussie teammates were sitting in the Casino talking about our match that day, and a girl said, “I just love yer Southern accent; where in the South you from?” Without missing a beat, they looked at each other and to her and said at the same time, “Texas!” Fell off my stool.
Who’s a hero of yours and why?
My granddad, for his bravery, his compassion, his want for everything he did!
What is special about Sun Valley?
People, weather, Idaho.
What musician would you most want to play music with?
Any and all I have not played with.
Song that best reflects your approach to life?
Roger Miller’s “Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd.”
What do you love most about being a musician?
The freedom of the art and pouring myself into it.
