1938–Ski Mountaineering Sun Valley Style

This December 4, 1938 Idaho Statesman published a Sun Valley promotional article written by the resort’s manager which discussed Ski Mountaineering opportunities in the mountains surrounding the resort. The article predates the publishing of Andy Henning’s definitive guidebook for backcountry skiing around the resort, the Sun Valley Ski Guide, in 1948. As lift skiing gained popularity and adherents, the resort … Continue reading

Idaho’s First Climbing Classes.

The Union Pacific Railroad’s Sun Valley Resort was a leader in ski resort development, including designing and installing the first ski lifts. It seems that the resort was also a leader in establishing a climbing school. In 1947, the resort hired Walter Prager to teach climbing techniques to the resort’s guests. The climbing classes, with typical Sun Valley flare complete … Continue reading

Gordon K. Williams by Ray Brooks

Ray Brooks Photo

Editor’s Note: see additional photos assembled by Jacques Bordeleau at the following link: Gordon K. Williams Photos My friend, high school classmate, climbing and adventure buddy Gordon Williams (aka Stein Sitzmark and, on occasion, “Imstein”) passed away on Tuesday July 23rd at age 69 and 3/4. He leaves a lot of good friends and his loving family behind. Gordon was trained … Continue reading

The First Idaho Guidebook: Sun Valley Ski Guide

The cover of the Sun Valley Ski Guide Andy Henning. Basil Service Collection

The first Idaho backcountry skiing and Winter climbing guidebook, “Sun Valley Ski Guide,” was published in 1948. The book was authored by Andy Henning and published by the Union Pacific Railroad, the owner of the Sun Valley Resort. The book is long out of print and is hard, if not impossible, to find. However, there is a copy at the … Continue reading