Sun Valley, anchored by Ketchum, began as a quiet mining and sheep-ranching community until Union Pacific Railroad executives chose it in the 1930s to build America’s first European-style destination ski resort. In 1936 Sun Valley Resort opened with the world’s first ski chairlift, drawing Hollywood stars, writers, and socialites and transforming the Sawtooth Mountains pocket into a glamorous mountain retreat. Nearly 90 years later, Sun Valley still blends old-school western charm with modern comforts, making it a year-round destination for skiers and non-skiers alike.
What to do
Winter’s main draw is downhill skiing and snowboarding. Sun Valley Resort has two distinct mountains: Bald Mountain (“Baldy”), a 9,150-foot peak with varied terrain across 2,533 acres, and Dollar Mountain, a smaller, gentler area topping 6,638 feet ideal for beginners and kids. For the 2025–26 season the resort added 90 acres of gladed terrain on Baldy for advanced skiers, joining several hundred acres developed recently to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk.
The resort is rolling out RFID technology at base areas for a hands-free lift experience and opening Sunny’s Adventure Park at Dollar Mountain, a small terrain park with berms and rollers perfect for learners. Multi-day camps—like the women-focused EdgeWise led by an all-female coaching team—help adults improve skills. Lift upgrades and new high-speed chairs reduce wait times; additional chairlift replacements are planned for summer 2026.
For slower-paced snow activities, Sun Valley offers 25 miles of groomed cross-country trails and designated uphill-access routes. Lessons and rentals are available for alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and more through the resort and local shops such as Sturtevants, PK’s Ski and Sports, and Black Tie. For backcountry adventures without lift lines, consider guided options like Sun Valley Heli Ski or Sawtooth Mountain Guides.
After dark, the area’s minimal light pollution makes stargazing easy—Sun Valley sits inside the 1,416-square-mile Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, where on clear nights the Milky Way is visible. Ketchum’s arts scene includes the Sun Valley Museum of Art (current exhibitions like “Hidden Gems: Idaho Collects”), the Argyros Performing Arts Center, and seasonal offerings from Ballet Sun Valley. History buffs can visit the Blaine County Historical Museum in Hailey and the Wood River Museum of History and Culture in Ketchum. Ernest Hemingway fans can see the Hemingway Memorial and his gravesite at Ketchum Cemetery and follow a free audio walking tour about his connection to the valley. Downtown Ketchum offers boutiques and local shops—Huck & Paddle for home goods and Chapter One Bookstore for books are popular picks.
Where to eat
Start mornings at The Kneadery, a cozy log-cabin staple since 1974, or grab coffee at Maude’s Coffee and Clothes. For lunch, Rasberrys (run by twin sisters) is known for sandwiches like the Old El Paso. Dinner options include Rickshaw for Southeast Asian–inspired small plates and Korean fried chicken; The Covey for dry-aged steaks; Enoteca for wood-fired pizzas and wine; and Grumpy’s for burgers and beer. Newcomer Fiamma (opened March 2025) offers Italian-inspired, live-fired dishes and earned an AAA Four Diamond designation—reservations are advised on busy winter weekends. For classic après spots, the Pioneer Saloon (“The Pio”), a 1940s-era watering hole adorned with western memorabilia, won a 2025 James Beard America’s Classics award.
Where to stay
Sun Valley Resort’s iconic lodge — with its X-shaped layout, historic celebrity suites, and a 20,000-square-foot spa — established the destination-ski model and remains a top choice; it offers shuttle service to Baldy and Dollar Mountain. Limelight Ketchum provides a more casual downtown option with 99 rooms, condos, live music in The Lounge, expanded breakfast, bike fleet, and shuttle service—suitable for families and groups. Hotel Ketchum, at the opposite end of Main Street, is a budget-friendlier boutique hotel with e-bikes, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, and on-site eateries including a ramen restaurant and fast-casual FRX. Two new hotels are slated for 2026: a Viceroy outpost with a rooftop observatory, spa, and terrace bar, and a 73-room Appellation hotel.
FAQ
When is the best time to go? Summer and winter are the most popular seasons. Visit December through March for skiing; June through September for hiking, biking, fly-fishing, and wildflowers. Autumn brings foliage and fewer crowds; spring is quieter but weather can be variable.
How do I get there? Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey is the easiest access point, with winter nonstop flights from cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Chicago, and Denver. Rent a car or use the complimentary Mountain Rides shuttle into Ketchum; many hotels also run shuttles. For a road trip, fly to Boise and drive about 2½ hours to Ketchum.
What else is there to do besides skiing? Options include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, soaking in nearby hot springs, attending performances, visiting museums and galleries, and shopping downtown.
When are ski resorts open? Seasons vary by weather, but Sun Valley Resort typically opens around mid-November and closes in early to mid-April. Summer resort operations usually begin in mid to late June. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing generally run from late November to late March, weather permitting.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
