Forest decline in Blaine County over the past two decades has created uncharacteristic fire risk, contributing to two large wildfires in 2007 and 2013 around Bald Mountain, home of the Sun Valley Ski Resort. In response, we launched the Bald Mountain Stewardship Project (BMSP)—a multi-year, landscape-scale plan to improve forest health, reduce fire risk, and preserve the recreational experience on and around Bald Mountain.

What We've Accomplished:

Forest Health & Fire Risk Reduction

We have made significant progress reducing fuels by removing standing dead trees caused by insects and disease and by thinning trees to increase overall forest health and resilience. This ongoing work has improved accessibility for emergency response crews and opened new gladed skiing terrain previously blocked by dead and downed trees.

Our comprehensive forest health efforts include noxious weed removal, installing MCH packets to deter insect infestations, and replanting trees to increase biodiversity.

Results to Date:

• 272 acres thinned across Frenchman's, Greyhawk, Cold Springs, College, and Warm Springs terrain
• 31,500 trees planted

Work Planned for 2025:

• 90 additional acres planned for thinning in Olympic Ridge terrain
• 5,600 additional trees planned for planting

Partnership Success

For the past six years, the National Forest Foundation and Sun Valley Resort have led a coalition of over 60 individuals and organizations, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and private landowners, to address declining forest health on Bald Mountain and surrounding areas.

Southern Idaho Wood for Life

Through the National Forest Foundation’s Wood For Life program, Sun Valley Resort continues to supply firewood from our forest restoration efforts to Indigenous communities for home heating. We've delivered 2,320 cords of firewood to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe and Shoshone Bannock Tribe at Fort Hall, with 720 additional cords planned for 2025.

Whitebark Pine Conservation

We've expanded our conservation efforts to include the threatened whitebark pine, earning certification as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area from the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation (WPEF). This recognition highlights our commitment to protecting high-elevation ecosystems that are crucial for wildlife and mountain environments.

Through collaboration with WPEF and the U.S. Forest Service, we've implemented meaningful conservation strategies. Last fall, our team planted 500 whitebark pine trees on Baldy—a significant step toward preserving this important species.

Visitors can learn about these remarkable trees through our educational installation at Lookout Lodge and participate in complimentary weekly ski tours led in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service.

Learn More

Conservation Fund with National Forest Foundation

Sun Valley Resort guests can add a $5 donation to the National Forest Foundation when purchasing lift tickets, passes, rentals, and recreation products online. These donations directly fund recreation and forest health projects in the Sawtooth National Forest, including our ongoing Bald Mountain Stewardship work.

Moving Forward

Our continued work in 2025 and beyond will build on these accomplishments, ensuring healthier, more resilient forests for both wildlife and recreation for years to come.