Rota-Rippers
Rota-Rippers is a community supported, tuition-free, learn to ski and snowboard program dedicated to enriching the lives of historically marginalized youth in our community. The ski program was started by Rick Ballesteros from Idaho Base Camp (IBC). Rainbow Sandals Foundation made a generous donation in 2023 to IBC’s outdoor program and Rick’s forthcoming “We Belong” documentary video due out in the fall of 2024. Rota-Rippers is designed to teach the skills that build confidence, courage, and a lifelong pursuit of winter recreation. 100% of program costs are covered by Rotarun Ski Club, Inc., the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s (SVSEF) Athlete Endowment Fund, the Kids Mountain Fund, and our incredible community partners and donors. The program is designed to offer the quintessential Sun Valley mountain experience to children who could not afford to ski otherwise. Fourteen middle schoolers will also take part in Rota-Ravens, which will take place over eight weeks in January and February of this year. Just another great day on Rotarun ski area 3 miles west of Hailey, Idaho.