Brundage Mountain would like to congratulate our local Olympians, to us, you’re ALL champions!

Today, we toasted former McCall ski racer Hailey Duke as she competed in the women’s slalom. Hailey placed 3oth overall and while we were disappointed that NBC chose not to air the slalom event live, a small but sincere group gathered in Smoky’s Pub today to follow her race online, share their warm wishes and toast to her accomplishment. You can read what Hailey had to say after the race here, or listen to an NPR radio interview on Hailey’s journey featuring Hailey and her parents, Jane and Larry Duke.

Those of us who ski a lot can appreciate the fact that just making the U.S. Team is amazing, and more than one spectator pointed out that Hailey performed even better than Lindsey Vonn in this event! (No offense, Lindsey.)

Hailey’s ride comes just one day after Jeret “Speedy” Peterson’s Silver Medal performance in Freestyle Aerials. Today, Speedy was named “Stud of the Day” among other honors.

We think the success of these Idahoans is proof that skiing has a special place in this state. In fact, Idaho embodies “The Soul of Skiing”, and we invite you to take  a special trip with Speedy as your personal guide. After all, he is the stud of the day.

— April