The Charming Small Town In Idaho That Was Home To Picabo Street Once Upon A Time
By Courtnie Erickson|Updated on April 09, 2024(Originally published August 23, 2022)
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Many incredible athletes call the Gem State home, including the well-known Picabo Street, an American Olympic athlete, and former World Cup alpine ski racer. While many know Picabo for her ability on skis, many Idahoans don’t realize that her hometown is an itty-bitty community in central Idaho. In fact, Picabo is from the small town of Triumph, Idaho — a community that many people have never heard of or even know exists.
Triumph is actually not even a small town but it is an unincorporated community approximately 12 miles north of Hailey. It sits right along the East Fork of the Big Wood River.
In 1881, Triumph was the location of the Triumph Mine. Here, lead, silver, and zinc were all mined. During World War II, the mine hit its peak and it even held the world record for its zinc production.
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In 1971, Picabo Street was born and lived in the small town of Triumph. She has won multiple Olympic and World Championship medals including winning the super G at the 1998 Winter Olympics. Picaboo learned how to ski and race at the nearby Sun Valley Resort.
How amazing is it that small-town Triumph was once home to Picabo Street?
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If you plan to visit the small town of Triumph, spend some time simply driving around. You’ll see old abandoned buildings and structures that will take you back in time.
Unfortunately, there isn’t too much to do in the town of Triumph itself, but just a short drive away is an outdoor lover’s paradise. You can fish or spend time next to the East Fork Wood River. There are also dozens of hiking trails and several campgrounds in the area, so you can easily escape into nature.
If you want to enjoy some time in the city, head to Ketchum. Here, no matter what type of food you are craving, you’ll find a restaurant to satisfy your taste buds.
This is a high-altitude garden with hundreds of plants for you to enjoy, learn about, and admire. There are multiple garden spaces to walk through and various garden events and classes you can enjoy as well.
Of course, Triumph is also just a short drive from the popular Sun Valley Resort.
During the winter, you can ski, snowboard, or even just relax in the lodge. In the summer, Sun Valley Resort comes alive with hikers, mountain bikers, and those who are looking for an outdoor escape.
Triumph, Idaho may certainly be small and not offer tons of activities, but it is still a town that many Idahoans should know about. It is one area where an incredible American athlete was born and raised.
Have you ever been to Triumph, a small town in Idaho? Did you know about this small community that was Picabo Street’s hometown? What other famous individuals grew up in Idaho? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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