History Begins Here
Sun Valley, America’s original destination snow resort, exudes old-world charm. Arriving in Ketchum, you pass horse paddocks and the iconic red barn built in 1936. Movie stars once traveled here by train to enjoy roaring fireplaces, lush furnishings, and European-inspired decor at Sun Valley Inn and Lodge. The village features bronze elk statues, timber A-frame entryways, and hand-painted alpine signage. A short walk away, the famed Konditorei serves some of the best breakfast pastries in the U.S., also available at ski lodges for when only a perfect pain au chocolat will do.
Dressing Right
Sun Valley dining calls for more than athleisure wear—winter coats, boots, and hats are the norm. If you don’t ski, settle into a high-backed chair by a fireplace with a book. Sun Valley’s library offers sun-drenched reading corners and a packed event calendar. Celebrity sightings are common; Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Hanks frequent the area, and the Sun Valley Film Festival (December) brings in Hollywood’s finest. Ernest Hemingway finished For Whom the Bell Tolls here, while Clarke Gable, Ingrid Bergman, and Gary Clarke all made Sun Valley a retreat.
“This mountain will mess you up if you’re not concentrating.” – Idaho local
‘America’s First Destination Ski Resort’ was created in the 1930s by railway magnate Averell Harriman. Sun Valley has three ski bases: Warm Springs, Dollar Mountain, and Bald Mountain. Deer graze near the Bald Mountain ticket office, unfazed by fly-fishermen. This town values tradition—leave your shoes at River Run Lodge, and they’ll be there at day’s end. Long-time locals work the lifts, park cars, and share stories of Sun Valley’s past.
Ketchum was a thriving mining town in the 1880s, with thermal activity influencing its names—Warm Springs, Frenchman’s Bend, and Elkhorn Hot Spring are a few places to soak in mineral-rich waters year-round.
“Idaho sux…wink wink.” – Idaho local
Terrain
Some places are too good to advertise, and Sun Valley is one of them. The terrain is steep, and the runs are long. Bald Mountain, once the steepest downhill on the World Cup Circuit, hosted the event again this March. Its relentless fall line means continuous vertical from top to bottom. With 2,500 acres of terrain, accessibility depends on skill. The gondola from River Run base offers a comfortable ascent, while Warm Springs is ideal for high-speed morning steeps.
Bald Mountain: Base 5,400 ft (1,646 m), Summit 9,150 ft (2,786 m). Dollar Mountain, by the original resort, is ideal for beginners.
Stays
Ketchum, near Bald Mountain, has a free bus circulating between ski bases and the Sun Valley Resort. The town blends luxury with a local feel, offering boutique hotels within walking distance of restaurants and transport.
Eats
The Roundhouse (7,700 ft) is an alpine dining must, best enjoyed with fondue. Apples Bar & Grill serves great après tacos. In Ketchum, try Sawtooth Club for historic charm, The Ram for hearty fare, and Rickshaw for homemade noodles. Warfield Distillery is perfect for a winter afternoon.
Things to Do
Sun Valley offers unique winter activities. Ice fish with Sun Valley Outfitters, skate at the 1936-built rink, or take a horse-drawn sleigh ride (reserve at recreation@sunvalley.com). Check local listings for exhibitions, events, and film nights. Don’t miss Idaho’s skijoring tour—skiers pulled behind horses!
Key Details
Location: Sun Valley, Idaho USA
Famous for: World Cup 1975, FIS World Cup Finals 2025, Oldest snow resort in the USA.
Elevation: Base 5,400 feet (1,646 metres), Summit 9,150 feet (2,786 metres).
Lifts: 19
Ski Schools: Yes
Terrain Park: Yes
Pass: Ikon Pass
Accessible travel: Sun Valley has the Higher Ground program (highergroundusa.org).
Best for: Multi-generational families of all ages and abilities.
Read more about Snow Action’s US destinations here.
