How to Plan the Perfect Ski Trip to Sun Valley

An Idaho beauty bathed in sunshine, ski heritage, and old-school vibes, Sun Valley holds a rare place in the American ski imagination. When the resort opened in 1936, it quickly became a playground for Hollywood’s elite—Hemingway, Hayworth, Monroe, and a steady cast of screen legends who helped cement its glamorous reputation. Ninety years later, Sun Valley is still popular, but with a quieter, more self-assured edge.

This infamous destination attracts serious skiers who come not for the hype, but for its stunning alpine conditions and unspoiled culture. Located at an elevation of 6,000 feet at the intersection of three mountain ranges in south-central Idaho, Sun Valley is surrounded by nearly a million acres of snowcapped peaks and wilderness. The setting feels vast and uncrowded, with big skies, open valleys, and a sense of space that is becoming increasingly difficult to find at larger resorts.

Skiing and snowboarding here is defined by consistency. Bald Mountain — “Baldy” to those in the know — is known for its smooth, perfectly groomed runs and reliable sunshine. Thanks to extensive snowmaking and the mountain’s naturally even, fall-line terrain, Sun Valley doesn’t require a large amount of snow to ski well. When other resorts are struggling with bumps or bare spots, Baldi’s corduroy is often flawless, for skiers and snowboarders who love speed, precision and long, uninterrupted descents.

Away from the slopes, Sun Valley and the nearby town of Ketchum retain an old-money atmosphere that feels refreshingly homey. There are no major chain stores apart from a single Starbucks and the community is deeply connected, with roots often stretching back generations. It’s the kind of place where supermarkets, bakeries and gear shops cater to locals and long-time visitors as much as they do to tourists. At 90 years old, Sun Valley isn’t chasing trends. It knows exactly who it is—and that’s the appeal.

Skiing and snowboarding information

Sun Valley is deceptively large, with more than 2,500 acres of diverse terrain spanning two mountains (Bald and Dollar), and nearly 120 runs served by about 17 lifts, including a gondola, high-speed quads, and six-packs.

The mix skews intermediate (about 42 percent), with about a fifth marked advanced, and a significant portion labeled beginner (36 percent)—though insiders joke that the greens here ride more like the blues. True beginners gravitate to Dollar Mountain, a gentle learning area just across State Highway 75, leaving Bald Mountain refreshingly newbie-free.

Many runs are long, groomed cruisers that are perfect for confident skiers and boarders. Bald Mountain is also known for its tree skiing, with 90 acres of gladed terrain added this year.

where to stay

Sun Valley Lodge

As the historic centerpiece of the resort, this grand Alpine hotel has anchored Sun Valley since the 1930s. Sun Valley Lodge has 108 guestrooms and suites furnished in a classic European style with a charming history feel. Hallways and public spaces are lined with black-and-white photos of famous guests—everyone from Barbra Streisand and George Lucas to Warren Buffett and the Shah of Iran. (Since 1983, it has also hosted the Allen & Company conference, sometimes called “summer camp for billionaires.”) Set within a walkable cluster of restaurants, shops, and pavilions, the property has a friendly, campus feel.

Sun Valley Inn

The resort’s original accommodation, the Sun Valley Inn, offers a quieter, more comfortable alternative to the lodge. Built in the classic Austrian ski chalet style, there are just under 100. Rooms range from standard doubles to three-bedroom apartments. Slightly separated from the main centre, it is particularly suitable for families, with its own outdoor pool and fitness centre.

Limelight Ketchum

Opened in 2016 in downtown Ketchum, Limelight introduced a modern, millennial-friendly hotel to the Sun Valley area. It has 99 rooms and suites, all in a contemporary, mountain-inspired style with lots of wood, stone, and large windows that frame the surrounding peaks. The open lobby is sunny and welcoming, with plenty of common areas to mingle, grab a bite, sip a cocktail, or warm up by the fire.

where to eat

Ram

Sun Valley’s original restaurant, The Ram, is a beloved hotel where regulars and guests have gathered for generations. The evening revolves around his legendary piano player, who is said to have a repertoire of over 2,000 songs. The hearty but elevated menu includes fondue and wagyu, with its schnitzel rated as a perennial favorite.

Pioneer Salon

A festive crowd in cowboy hats and shearling boots packs the Pioneer Saloon every night. Affectionately called “The Pew,” this Ketchum institution is dripping in Western decor, including saddle stools, taxidermy, and ranchland memorabilia. The menu is Idaho Steakhouse and is famous for its signature Jim Spud: a massive baked potato topped with butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, caramelized onions, and a six-ounce sliced ​​teriyaki steak.

Round House Restaurant

Located at 7,700 feet on Bald Mountain, the octagon-shaped Roundhouse is arguably Sun Valley’s most iconic and romantic setting, accessible only by gondola or skis. During the day, skiers gather around the four-sided fireplace over smoked trout and short ribs. By night, it transforms into candlelit dining with nighttime views of the Wood River Valley.

Where is Apres Ski?

Apple’s Bar & Grill

Apple’s Warm Springs anchors the après-ski scene, where bargoers come straight in from the elevators for cold beers, stiff cocktails and comfort food. The mood is lively and unfussy—shoes kicking, stories going, TVs humming—making it a reliable après-ski hangout.

The Dutch Lounge

A perennial favorite is the Duchin Lounge, just off the main lobby of Sun Valley Lodge. With plush seating, dim lighting, and a live piano, it’s the perfect spot in town for pre-dinner cocktails and people-watching. It’s worth a visit even if you’re not staying upstairs.

Casino

Ketchum has several popular watering holes, including Grumpy’s (beer cans on the walls and 32-ounce schooners) and the Cellar Pub (chatty bartenders and a dark basement). For a nightcap, night owls and young resort workers head to the casino, a dive bar where pool players will find plenty of friendly competition.

Off Mountain Activities

Vintage shopping

Thanks to a culture of quiet luxury, Ketchum has a wealth of vintage and secondhand shops that prize quality, taste and thrift. Goldmine Thrift Store stocks everything from rare military jackets to vintage skis, while its upscale sister, Goldmine Consignment, specializes in high-end merchandise. I saw Christian Dior earrings, Moncler puffers, and Kajos ski jackets. All proceeds benefit the town’s community library. Other standouts include Capelet Consign (ladies only) and Maude’s (coffee and clothing).

The town also has several fishing stores that will appeal to outdoorsy types, including Silver Creek Outfitters and Sun Valley Outfitters.

Snowshoeing and Fat Biking

Sun Valley is blessed with not only steep slopes, but also flat valley floors that are perfect for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and—everyone’s favorite, fast-growing winter sport—fat tire biking. The Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center has equipment rentals and easy access to snowshoe and bike trails. Sturtevants, a ski and bike shop with two locations in Ketchum, also rents fat bikes that can be ridden on the scenic Wood River Trail.

How to ride

Although Sun Valley is privately owned, it accepts the Icon Pass (unlimited access for seven days) and the Mountain Collective Pass. Day ticket window prices start around $200, with multi-day and advance purchase deals available.

For rent

Pet Lane’s Mountain Sports is the easiest place to rent skis and snowboards, with locations near all the chairlifts and free overnight storage. For snowboarders, Board Bun in Ketchum is a welcome throwback to the heady days of indie snowboard and skate shops. Other recommended rental shops include Sturtevants and PK’s Ski and Sport.

Programming

Sun Valley’s two-hill setup (Dollar and Bald) makes it particularly suitable for families. Beginners and kids start at the gentle Dollar area, while Bald Mountain is reserved for stronger skiers. The Ski and Ride School offers group and private lessons for all ages, including age-specific kids programs, camps, and adaptive instruction.

when to go

Late January through February is the best time to ski and ride in Sun Valley. Snow coverage is solid, grooming is at its peak, crowds are manageable, and the sunshine the resort is known for really shows. There’s a close second in early March—longer days and perfect spring conditions—but it’s busier. Skip vacation weeks if you want space.