Sun Valley, ID - Sun Valley used its snowmaking system this week to protect the ski resort and help repel the advancing flames of the massive Castle Rock wildfire, which has already blackened over 44,000 acres in Idaho. The fire, however, continued this morning to threaten the prized ski runs on Bald Mountain as it is only 49 percent contained.

Helicopters dropping fire retardant work side-by-side with Sun Valley’s snowmaking system Tuesday evening to spare the Idaho ski resort from the advancing flames of the Castle Rock fire. (photo: Jack Sibbach)

Officials report that Sun Valley’s computerized snowmaking system, the world’s largest, played a tremendous role in battling the fire this week. The $12 million Seattle Ridge Lodge, perched at an elevation of 8,800 feet on Bald Mountain was threatened by torching flames Sunday evening. Also in the wildfire’s path was the Seattle Ridge high-speed detachable quad chairlift and one of the mountain’s main communication’s buildings.

As flames reached within 50 yards of the day lodge, snowmaking guns were turned toward the blaze, shooting 150 gallons of water per minute at the inferno.

Sun Valley’s assistant mountain manager and snowmaking manager, Peter Stearns, and the fire operations supervisors from California Incident Management Team 3 worked side by side to determine where to direct the arsenal.

“The team effort was seamless,” Stearns said. “The expertise of the firefighters coupled with our snowmaking technology saved the Seattle Ridge Lodge, the lift and communication building, from the fire’s assault Sunday evening.”

“The cooperation our team has enjoyed from the Sun Valley Resort has been tremendous on many levels. This is an example where it was crucial to the firefighting effort,” Pat McElroy, Liaison Officer for California Team 3, said.

About 20 of Sun Valley’s snow guns continued to work late Tuesday on selective areas of Baldy to curb the fire and support the fire fighting effort. This morning, however, a large column of smoke was visible behind Bald Mountain from Ketchum, Hailey, and all points in the Wood River Valley. Firefighters were strategically positioned prior to the fire making a run toward the Bald Mountain ski area. Heavy helicopters, single engine and heavy air tankers were preparing the line ahead of the fire and responded to spot fires.
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