Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Sun Valley, Idaho
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
Though its name implies warm-weather fun, Sun Valley is actually a mountain ski resort. Several generations of Olympians have trained on the slopes, located in Southern Idaho and surrounded by the Northern Rocky Mountains. Sun Valley was one of the first ski resorts in the United States, and home to the world's first chair lift.
Bald Mountain, or "Baldy" as it's affectionately known, is the main ski mountain in Sun Valley. Dollar Mountain is geared toward novice and lower-intermediate skiers. Lift lines are almost unheard of at the resort, where the runs are generally open from November to April.
During the cold winter nights, tourists usually head over to Ketchum for some lively entertainment and warm drinks.
If you find yourself near Sun Valley in the summer months, rent a bike or go rafting nearby. Bald Mountain has nearly 28 miles of hiking and biking trails, offering everything from challenging uphill climbs to extreme downhill switchbacks covering over 3,000 vertical feet. The 72-par golf course at Sun Valley Golf Club consistently ranks among the nation's top courses. The golf club is surrounded by a babbling creek and beautiful scenery. The Sun Valley Tennis Center is open during the summer and offers a full pro shop, 18 courts, and a ball machine. Individual, group and tournament play are available. Take a guided horseback ride on beautiful Dollar Mountain and surrounding areas. During the winter, sleigh rides to the Trail Creek Cabin for dinner are available by reservation.
Children will have their own fun in Sun Valley. Besides a well-equipped playground at the Sun Valley Playschool and day care center, kids will have fun swimming, paddle boating or going on a hayride. A special winter program for children includes indoor/outdoor play, arts & crafts, alpine skiing and ice skating.
There is plenty of indoor entertainment in the area as well. The Opera House, built in 1937, features first-run movies every night, year-round. The Sun Valley Lodge Bowling Alley, one of the Pacific Northwest's oldest alleys, it features 6 lanes, video games, a snack bar and a pool table. Visit the Boiler Room, a popular after-ski and night spot, or catch a comedy performance at the Mike Murphy Comedy Show.
The Sun Valley Lodge has a beautiful dining room that offers nightly dancing to a live band. Also at the Lodge is Gretchen's family-style restaurant, that has a gourmet buffet on a terrace overlooking the world-famous outdoor ice rink. At the Ram restaurant you can have a song played just for you on the grand piano as you dine on Gruyere cheese fondue, Idaho lamb, trout, prime rib, steaks and fresh seafood. For a romantic and cozy meal or just a drink, the Inn Lobby Lounge, with luxurious French furnishings and warm hickory wood paneling is a good bet. For a European feel, head to the Konditorei for fresh pastries, espresso, unique breakfasts and delicious sandwiches. The Sun Valley Deli offers a variety of sandwiches including home-baked Hoagies, as well as soft-serve yogurt and grocery items. For a bite out on the slopes, Bald Mountain offers a large selection of pizzas and pastas.
Sun Valley is a walking village, where automobiles are unnecessary. Condominium units are located within easy walking distance of the Sun Valley Village, and complimentary bus service is also available. The Sun Valley Resort also offers continuous round-trip service from the village to both Dollar and Bald Mountains. A small mountain saddle splits the city of Sun Valley into two sections. The northern section is centered around the famous Sun Valley Lodge, Sun Valley Inn, and the "village" complex of shops, condominiums, and original 18-hole golf course. Elkhorn, the southern area of Sun Valley, near Dollar Mountain, has its own shopping/hotel/condo complex and a private golf course.
Sun Valley is located in Southern Idaho. Sun Valley's two connecting carriers, Horizon Air and Skywest Airlines, offer flights between Sun and Boise, Seattle, Los Angeles, Oakland and Salt Lake City. Shuttle and van service is available from Boise, and the Ketchum Area Rapid Transit (KART) system provides free transportation throughout the valley, once you have arrived.