Hi, Here are a few things to expect for someone joining the group for the first time.  

AIRPORT SHENANIGANS:

When you arrive at the Hailey Airport (SUN) we wait for the large checked bags to arrive, and look for the Sun Valley Bus Driver, who is usually waiting in the Bag Check Area. Grab your bags and wait for the rest of us, who are likely looking like utter chaos, potentially yelling at each other.

Make sure that you have all of your bags. Do not assume a spouse,  partner, child, cousin, or friend has picked up your bag for you. That has resulted in bags being left at the airport. It is easy to resolve, but a hassle that can easily be avoided. If you see a bag that may have looked left-behind. Speak up. :D

Once we have all the bags on the shuttle bus, we board for Sun Valley Lodge. It will take about 15 mins. The fun begins...  

The day of arrival will include checking in, Bell Service taking your bags to the room, etc. We will be texting any group activities, but please do not feel obligated to attend anything. You do you. We do appreciate it if you signal if you are joining so that we can hold space for you, with the size of group we have. Most likely we will end up in the Lodge Bar or at Village Station in the Mall. (about a 5 min walk from Lodge towards the Inn)           

 A Typical Sun Valley Day

Morning starts off with a variety of levels of enthusiasm for Breakfast. The bulk of us meet at the Konditorei between 7am-8am for breakfast. If you are going to join this group, please respond to the text, so we can try to hold a spot. With a group this size, it may not be possible. Early is better for a table.

The next day is the first day of skiing for most. If you brought your skis and they did not get over to the mountain, you will be bringing them over via Bus. Sun Valley has a few Mountain Bus service called Mountain Rides. They are on a schedule listed on the Main Vonich Sun Valley Page. Be at the bus stop at least 5 mins before scheduled departure. You load the bus just a 2 min walk from Lodge, next to Pete Lanes and Reservation Desk. We will point those out to you on Day 1. Generally speaking, we head over to the mountain (River Run Side Only) at around 8:30. This time is not set in stone, and is completely up to you. 

Once we get to River Run Lodge we take over a couple of tables inside to put our gear to get ready. If you are renting gear you head over to River Run Pete Lanes to get fitted. If you have your gear, place it out on the rack, get your tickets sorted for the day and meet back in the lodge to chat.

We will talk about where we are going, and everyone is free to join to do their own thing throughout the day. The main group usually goes up and skis til 11:30ish... comes back to River Run for a break, goes back up and skis til 3ish depending. Apres Ski beers/Cocktails are had after 3pm til when we decide to head back to Lodge via Bus... Check schedule. Due to COVID you cannot use the Hot Tub anytime, so if you want to, its during our scheduled reservation time. If you want to try to change that, you have to call the Hot Tub Reservation number and try. Apre Ski beers may be diverted to the Village Station depending on conditions at the River Run Lodge.

Once back at the lodge, most days we drop by the Village Station for a pre-Hot Tub drink. Chat about the day, make fun of everyone who publically crashes, and have a general good time.

Next is the Hot Tub. Grab your Robe and head down to the massive Hot Tub during the reservation period. Most folks dig a 30-45min stay there during the 90min window. Its pretty warm, and trying to go for 90mins is likely not advisable. :D

Dinner follows the Hot Tub. Except for Tuesday (already scheduled for 5pm ) Generally we set up a reservation to give us a little time between the Hot Tub, cleaning up after, getting to the Bus Circle and heading into town for Dinner. In the past, around 7pm seems to be the function timing, but watch the text stream for updates on what we are doing. Be at the Bus Circle 5-10 mins before the departure time, or you will have to wait for the next one, generally 20-30 mins between each one, in the evenings. Group participation is not expected, but if you are going to go with the large group, please let us know asap for planning. Likewise on planned group activities, if you arent going to attend, please let us know 24 hours in advance.

Post-Evening Events

Mahjong, Farkle and Poker seem to spontaneously happen once we are back from dinner. Sometimes in the Lodge Bar, sometimes in the 2nd Floor Lodge Lounge. The Text Stream will keep you up to date. All is welcome to join. There are usually some form of beverage involved. No expections on participation.      

 Time for bed, and to repeat again tomorrow. :D