By: Jody Zarkos
Hometown racers Peter Wolter and Mary Rose will both be wearing bib number 1 on Saturday, February 4 in the 50th annual Boulder Mountain Tour sponsored by Zions Bank.
Fresh off his first World Cup ski races at Les Rousses, France, Peter has put together a strong season with 14 top 10 finishes in Super Tour races during the 2023 season with a victory in a 30km classic in Cable, Wisconsin, on January 14. He also nabbed a pair of top 10 results at last month’s National Championships at Houghton, Michigan.
The 24-year-old Wolter is a graduate of Middlebury College, and current member of the SVSEF Gold Team. It is his first Boulder Mountain Tour.
No stranger to the Boulder, Mary Rose, 31, was runner-up to Leah Lange by 1/100th of a second in 2022. Rose was third in 2017, her last year dedicated to serious racing as a member of the SVSEF Gold Team with 12 top 10 finishes at the NorAm and Super Tour level and five podiums.
Defending champion David Norris was signed up to race, but bowed out because of a work commitment. Leah Lange will not be on hand to defend her title either leaving the titles – and the $2500 cash prize to each winner up for grabs.
Many in the men’s top 10 are no strangers to the Harriman Trail. Jack Hegman, third place in 2022 is in bib #2, Nick Power #3, Tucker McCrerey, Matt Gelso, Cole Morgan, and 4x Olympian Andy Newell are also expected to be among the first pack across the finish line.
2019 champion Erika Flowers is part of a wide-open women’s with chargers Annika Landis, Julie Davenport, Sarah Armstrong, Felicia Geisor, Alexa Turzian, Mariah Bredal, Hannah Russ, and Jaime Bronga.
“We have a field of some of the best skiers in the US as well as many returning and new faces, all ready for a great day of skiing on an amazing course,” Chief of Start Rick Kapala said.
The Full Boulder features seven waves with 834 racers. 250 racers will tackle the Charley Course 15k Half Boulder. Included in the field are 24 Challenged Athletes Foundation adaptive racers, including members of the US Paralympic Team. Six-time Paralympian Aaron Pike leads a formidable crew of highly-decorated US teammates, including Kendall Gretsch, Dani Aravich, Grace Miller, Michael Stone, Lera Doederlein, Erin Martin, Ruslan Reiter, and Josh Sweeney. Jake Adicoff, a SVSEF alum and US Team member who finished fourth overall in 2022, is not racing in the field this year.
In 2023, the Boulder is proud to honor Bob Rosso, one of the original founders and organizers of the event. Bob has been with the BMT since its inception as well as a stalwart and valued member of our community at-large.
Check out the full 2023 Boulder Mountain Tour Program
BMT Schedule
Thursday, February 2
NordicTown USA Sprints
Simplot Lot, 2nd Avenue & Fourth Street, Ketchum
The NordicTown USA Sprints pit teams of two in a head-to-head freestyle relay format on a 400-meter oval. The event features elite racers from the field, adaptive skiers, as well as top juniors from the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Cash prizes to the top teams. Come join the fun as a participant or spectator. Day of race signup only. Hot drinks and cookies provided by Sun Valley Community School. Details, Rick Kapala (208) 726-3899.
Sprint schedule
3:30 p.m. Registration and bib pick up
4:15 p.m. Welcome/Instructions
4:30 p.m. Youth mass start – 1 lap
4:45 p.m. Youth mass start – 2 laps
5:00 p.m. Adaptive class – 4 laps (If enough racers)
5:15 p.m. Elite class – 6 laps
Thursday, February 2
Boulder Mountain Tour & and Future Champions Reception
The Elephant’s Perch, Ketchum, 6 p.m.
Meet and mingle with past champions of the Boulder Mountain Tour while enjoying complimentary food, beverages and a raffle.
Friday, February 3
Race Bag/Packet Pickup and BMT Expo, 10-6 p.m.
Limelight Hotel, Main Street, Ketchum
All racers should plan on picking up their race bag and packet at the BMT Expo. Each racer receives a souvenir bib, timing chip, race-day details, official SWIX race hat, and goodies. The BMT Expo features event sponsors, industry insiders and local vendors. Want to get the lowdown on trails, temps, wax and equipment from the pros? This is the spot to do it.
Saturday, February 4
Boulder Mountain Tour, 10 a.m.
Harriman Trail, Sawtooth National Forest
The 50th annual Boulder Mountain Tour launches at 10 a.m. on the Harriman Trail. A field of 800 racers will challenge themselves over 34 kilometers. The 15k Charley Course Half-Boulder begins at Baker Creek at 11:30 a.m. Spectators can catch the elite class finish shortly after 11 a.m. at the end of the Harriman Trail located across from SNRA Headquarters.
Saturday, February 4, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
BMT Awards Celebration and Block Party
Ketchum Town Square, East Avenue and Fourth Street
Cash prizes will be given to the top three men and women overall, preem winners, and adaptive racers. Commemorative prizes will be presented to the top three male and female in each age class in the Full Boulder, wave champs and Oldest/Youngest racers. Most Improved skiers will receive the Jon Engen Award given to the man and woman who improve their time the most from the 2022 BMT. Half Boulder prizes go to fastest overall, class and team winners. The whole town – and, of course, race participants – are encouraged to celebrate the BMT, cross country skiing, and our vibrant community at our penultimate party. Food and beverage trucks, awards, and a good time will be highlighted. Party tunes, a huge raffle with great prizes from our generous sponsors and supporters. You must be present to win.
Race Sponsors
Title: Zions Bank
Platinum: Blaine County Title, The Elephant’s Perch, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Zenergy at Thunder Springs.
Gold: Sue Engelmann, Visit Sun Valley.
Corporate Silver: Atkinsons, Sun Valley Community School, Lutz Rental, Sync Vans.
Silver: Backwoods Mountain Sports, Lloyd Construction, Sturtevants, Sun Valley Company, Power Engineers, Clear Creek Disposal, Davis Embroidery, Nourish Me.
Bronze: Jones-Grover Real Estate, Morgan’s Fine Finishes, Sun Valley Ketamine Clinic, Lumi, Sawtooth Brewery, Sun Valley Associates, American Ostrich Farms, Lizzy’s Fresh Coffee.
Supporting businesses: Blaine County Recreation District, Bluebird Solar, Cellar Pub, Sushi on Second, WR YMCA, Rickshaw, Galena Lodge, Vamps, Dons, Lefty’s Bar & Grill, Wrapcity, Sawtooth Avalanche Center, Conrad Brothers Construction, Molly Goodyear Sustainable Biz, Warfield, Wylde Beet, La Parilla, Leroy’s, City of Ketchum, US Forest Service.
Industry sponsors: Fischer, One-Way, Rossignol, SWIX, Salomon, TOKO, Madshus, Rex Wax, Heed and Hammer, Bob’s Red Mill, Sticker Mule, Nordjork.
Race Grooming: The Blaine County Recreation District with Eric Rector/Mark Davidson
Race Headquarters: Limelight Hotel
Race Venue made possible by the US Forest Service, Sawtooth National Recreation Area
