Winter festival invades Sun Valley resort

Snow enthusiasts looking to evade the warm weather that has been circulating the Treasure Valley lately and satisfy the skier and snowboarders’ itch need not fear – there is still a chance for some winter fun.

This weekend the Sun Valley Resort will be hosting the Jeep King of Mountain Tour and the 48 Straight music festival, March 14-16.

The JKOM and the 48 Straight are highlighted as one of winter’s largest sports, music and entertainment events.

JKOM is the part of the event that features world class skiing and snowboarding competition.

Also involved in that area is the Paul Mitchell Halfpipe Competition.

The 48 Striaght is the other side of the event that rounds out the weekend.

Some big names will be making their way up to Sun Valley this weekend to compete and partake in the events.

Competitors include Shaun Palmer, Nate Holland, Seth Wescott, Lindsey Jacobellis, Daron Rahlves, Casey Puckett and Ophelie David.

Many other Olympians, World Cup titlists and national champions will also be in attendance.

The winner of this weekend’s competition will take home a share of $250,000.

Winners will also be awarded a new Jeep.

The JKOM will be making its last stop on its tour this season at Sun Valley.

Previous tour stops were held in Telluride, Colo. Dec. 14-16 and Squad Valley, Calif., Feb. 8-10.

This is the second consecutive year that Sun Valley has been part of the tour.

“We lived here and wanted to do an event here,” TST co-founder Steve Brown said. “So we went to Sun Valley and told them about what we were planning and asked if they would be interested in holding the premier event here. They were very eager about it.”

Some of the word’s top riders will be competing in the halfpipe competition as well.

Some athletes include Simon Dumont, Jossi Wells, Xavier Bertoni, Justin Dorey and Colby West.

The 48 Straight will also feature some well-known names.

After the competitions during the day, music will take over and fill the nightlife in Sun Valley.

Some of the bands and artists who will play include Michael Franti and Spearhead, Swollen Members, Ky-Mani Marley, Slightly Stoopid, Mickey Avalon, DirtySweet, DJ Native Wayne, DJ Bedz, Dirtie Blonde, Bassnectar, Micky and the Motorcars and Salem.

“When we come to town we want to take over the whole town and make it a whole weekend,” Brown said.

Other events will also be featured, including a gallery walk in downtown Ketchum.

A fashion show will conclude the festivities on Sunday. For a complete list of events and more information, visit www.jeepskiing.com.

Can’t make it to the tour?

If you can’t find a way up to Sun Valley this weekend, but still want to make a trip there before all the snow melts away, don’t worry – you’ll get your chance.

Sun Valley offers all college students and faculty ski passes for $29 per day, as of March 1.

To receive the discount, college students and faculty must show current identification when purchasing ticket.

MARY ALBL
Assistant Sports Editor

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