Sun Valley Ski Resort

Sun Valley, located in the heart of Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, is a world-class ski resort known for its beautiful alpine scenery, rich history, and expansive terrain. As the United States' first destination ski resort, Sun Valley has been welcoming skiers since 1936 and continues to offer a blend of modern luxury and classic charm. Spread across two mountains—Bald Mountain (or ""Baldy"") and Dollar Mountain—Sun Valley boasts over 2,400 acres of skiable terrain, 121 runs, and over 15 lifts. Baldy is known for its perfect pitch, while Dollar Mountain is ideal for beginners and families.

This resort is renowned for its bluebird skies, impeccably groomed runs, and lack of lift lines, making it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike. Whether you're carving down the wide, smooth trails of Baldy or learning the ropes on Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley offers something for every level of skier, all set against the backdrop of Idaho's serene, natural beauty.

Getting to Sun Valley is relatively easy, with a few convenient travel options. The closest airport is Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey, just 14 miles away from the resort, offering direct flights from major cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, and Denver during the winter season. For those flying into Boise Airport, it's about a 2.5-hour drive to Sun Valley, and shuttle services are available to make the trip hassle-free.

Driving from nearby cities is another option. Sun Valley is about a five-hour drive from Salt Lake City or a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Boise, providing picturesque views of Idaho's landscape along the way. Once at the resort, complimentary shuttles make getting around the Sun Valley village and surrounding areas easy and convenient.

Sun Valley's terrain is diverse and exciting, spread across two main mountains. Bald Mountain, the larger of the two, is revered by intermediate and advanced skiers for its consistent pitch, vertical drop of 3,400 feet, and extensive intermediate and expert terrain. Popular runs like Warm Springs, Greyhawk, and the perfectly groomed Ridge Run offer thrilling experiences for confident skiers. The mountain also features advanced bowls and glades that come alive on powder days, giving expert skiers plenty of opportunities to find untouched snow.

Dollar Mountain, on the other hand, is ideal for beginners and families. With its gentle slopes and wide runs, it's the perfect spot to learn and build confidence. Dollar also boasts several terrain parks, including one of the best beginner parks in the country, making it a great destination for those looking to hone their skills or try out freestyle skiing.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, Sun Valley’s terrain has something for everyone. For families, Dollar Mountain provides a safe, fun environment, while Bald Mountain offers thrilling terrain for intermediates and experts, with incredible views of the surrounding Sawtooth Wilderness.

For the best powder at Sun Valley, locals know to head to Bald Mountain's bowls and glades on a storm day. The tree skiing off of the Seattle Ridge lift is fantastic for finding deep, untouched snow. For those who prefer perfectly groomed runs, hitting Baldy's lower Warm Springs runs first thing in the morning offers freshly groomed corduroy at its finest.

When it comes to après-ski, head to the iconic Sun Valley Lodge for drinks and appetizers by the fireplace or enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere at the River Run Lodge with live music and a view of the slopes. For a more local vibe, head into Ketchum and experience one of the many bars or restaurants that offer great food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere.

The Sun Valley Opera House is a unique way to end your day. The historic venue hosts films, performances, and local events, making it a great way to wind down after a day on the slopes.