Kimberly-Area Woman Organizes Benefit Dinner and Auction to Support Magic Mountain Ski Resort in Idaho
KIMBERLY — A Twin Falls small business owner is rallying the Magic Valley community around one of southern Idaho’s beloved local institutions, organizing a benefit dinner and auction to support Magic Mountain Ski Resort after the mountain was unable to open last winter due to insufficient snowfall.
Lyndsi Peterson, owner of Tresses Beauty Salon in Twin Falls, is coordinating the event, set for Thursday evening at the Boot-Check Sports Ranch, located at 3455 N. 2900 E., south of Twin Falls. Doors open at 6 p.m. Peterson told the Times-News the effort represents her biggest undertaking since opening her salon.
Community Rallies Around a Local Landmark
Magic Mountain Ski Resort, situated in the South Hills south of Kimberly, has served Twin Falls County and the broader Magic Valley for decades. Owner Gary Miller, who has operated the resort for approximately 20 years, told the Times-News that last winter felt like “living in a bad dream” — snow would fall, but warm weather or rain would follow, leaving the ski and tubing hills unable to open. Miller noted it was the first time in his two decades of ownership that the resort had failed to open for a season.
Despite the hardship, Miller said he has worked to keep prices reasonable and that the hill frequently operates on essentially a break-even basis. He expressed gratitude toward Peterson and the community response, saying the benefit “will make a difference.” Operating costs continue even when the mountain sits idle — including insurance premiums — making a no-snow season a significant financial blow.
Peterson said she does not know the Millers personally, but described a bond that connects small business owners: looking out for one another. “I just thought someone needs to do this for them,” she said in remarks reported by the Times-News, “and it was heavy on my heart and mind, and I felt prompted to do it.” She added that the Millers are known in the community for their generosity, saying they are “constantly doing whatever they can to help people,” and that “it’s time to give back.”
Auction Items, Dinner, and How to Participate
Auction donations have been flowing in ahead of the event. Items include gift baskets, quilts, motel stays, and rafting trips. Among the more notable donations are autographed skis and goggles from skiing legend Glen Plake, who helped pioneer extreme skiing in America. Industrial Electric Motor Service also donated a kayak for the auction. A custom table bearing Magic Mountain’s logo will also go up for bid.
Office Manager Jen Faulkner of Industrial Electric Motor Service told the Times-News the company simply wants to help where it can, though she said the firm wasn’t looking to draw attention to itself.
Ticket holders will enjoy a dinner of tri-tip, smoked pork, and smoked chicken with sides, provided by a coalition of local restaurants and businesses including Scooter’s, Falls Brand, Great Harvest Bread, O’Dunkens, and Guppie’s Hot Rod Grille. The community-wide cooperation on food alone speaks to the goodwill surrounding the effort.
For those unable to attend in person, many auction items will be available to bid on online. As of Friday, tickets were still available for purchase. For questions or ticket information, Peterson can be reached at 208-531-4359. Additional details, including the online auction and full item listings, are available on the Magic Mountain Ski Area Facebook page.
Events like this reflect a pattern of community-driven support that has become a hallmark of Twin Falls County’s small-town character. Residents looking for other ways to engage with local causes can also explore upcoming opportunities such as Twin Falls’ Idaho Gives fundraising kickoff or family-friendly local events like the Adventure Garage in the Magic Valley.
What Comes Next
The benefit dinner and auction for Magic Mountain Ski Resort is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, at Boot-Check Sports Ranch south of Twin Falls, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Miller said he remains hopeful about the resort’s future and expressed confidence that the coming winter will bring better conditions. With 20 years of ownership behind him — and a community now visibly standing behind the mountain — he said the difficult season “will all work out.” Peterson’s effort stands as a reminder that in small Idaho communities, neighbors still show up for one another when it counts.