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Ski or Snowboard in Sun Valley Sun Valley, Idaho

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Sun Valley is where skiing learned to ski! Or so the folklore goes. This Idaho skiing mecca for those-in-the-know has never run out of style, or fashion.

Sun Valley was set up in an ideal four-season mountain region of south-central Idaho as the first destination winter resort by the Union Railroad in 1936, for the rich, the famous and the glamorous of Hollywood.

Earnest Hemingway fell in love with the area and finished "For Whom the Bell Tolls" at Sun Valley Lodge and is buried nearby. Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood and too many other golden-era Hollywood names to list, also made this their winter playground. Over the years, its consistent pitch, lack of lift lines and variety of terrain have earned Sun Valley the reputation as one of the world’s finest ski resorts.

For skiers and boarders, Dollar Mountain is a separate learner's haven, while Bald Mountain (affectionately known as Baldy) satisfies the most dedicated thrill seekers. The first chairlift was in Sun Valley and the resort now boasts the best snow-making facilities in the U.S., so you're never going to run out of what you came for - great snow!

The lift lines are still non-existent, the day lodges luxe and the ski school legendary for group or individual tuition. The accommodation ranges from the historic western glamour at the ‘grande dame’ of resorts, Sun Valley Lodge, to ultra-chic at Limelight Hotel in the nearby town of Ketchum, or condos, apartments and everything in between.

For non-skiers, there is a huge range of fun experiences to enjoy. From a sleigh ride dinner at historic Trail Cabin in the woods, to ice skating, 40 km of cross-country skiing or hiking trails and exploring the authentic western town of Ketchum, with its bars, restaurants, and craft breweries there is fun a-plenty.

Fly into the local airport at Hailey (SUN) or take the scenic easy road-trip from Idaho's capital of Boise, a great place to stay and sample one of the best, and fastest growing, cities in the west.

love
not sure?

The variety of ski & boarding terrain
No lift-lines
The old-school glamour and ambience
The historic western town of Ketchum
The diverse activities and experiences in any season
Maybe meeting a celebrity on the slopes or in the bar

Smaller, more boutique resort
Not many Australians go there (yet)

get there

Fly into the local Friedman Memorial Airport at Hailey (SUN), 13 miles south of Sun Valley, from the west coast or take the scenic road-trip from Idaho’s capital of Boise, a great place to stay and sample one of the best and fastest growing cities in the west.

difficulty

Even learners can enjoy skiing Sun Valley. Dollar Mountain is tailor made for you. And for intermediate, advanced or expert skiers, you will find the terrain on Bald Mountain (Baldy) something to write home about!

contact

Sun Valley Resort
sunvalley.com
Visit Idaho
visitidaho.org