News
The Ski World Cup finals will take place in Sun Valley for the first time from March 22 to 27. Four men's races and four women's races are on the program here at the end of the season.
The Ski Resort
Sun Valley Resort in Idaho features more than 800 hectares of skiable terrain, distributed over two mountains, Dollar and Bald Mountain. While most runs are for beginners or intermediate skiers and snowboarders, pros will also find a challenge or two for themselves. With 555 snow making machines, perfect snow conditions are guaranteed all through the season.
For beginners and returners, there is a number of easy green slopes like Southern Comfort or Christin's Silver around Lookout Lift. Another great option is L. College Run from Lookout Express's top station. On Dollar Mountain, beginners can get off at New Bowl top station and take the runs Sepp's Bowl, New Bowl, or Old Bowl.
More advanced skiers and snowboarders will also find several good runs on Bald Mountain. From Christmas Lift top station, blue slopes like Christmas Ridge, Christmas Bowl, or Wolverton are at your disposal. Further worthwhile runs can be found around Greyhawk and Challenger Lift. Shorter blues are located around Frenchman's and Flying Squirrel. On Dollar Mountain, experienced skiers get their money's worth on the runs Sheepherder and Face of Dollar.
The bowls on Bald Mountain are a real highlight for back-country skiers. The areas of Lookout Bowl, Easter Bowl and Little Easter Bowl offer unique deep snow slopes for pure powder pleasure. Furthermore, you can do heli-skiing here, which takes you up to more untouched slopes. But even groomed runs like Limelight along Challenger lift, or the Olympic run have a lot to offer for athletic skiers.
Interesting facts
- It is among the 3 most family-friendly ski Resorts in Idaho.
- Elevated between 1,753 m and 2,789 m, the Ski Resort is the highest elevated Ski Resorts in Idaho. The vertical drop from summit to base is 1,036 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in the USA is 375 m. Most runs are therefore relatively long.
- Average snow depth during the season is 199 cm at summit elevation and 136 cm at base elevation. Snow coverage is usually best during February, offering an average snow depth of 230 cm at summit elevation and 165 cm at the base. This makes Sun Valley the ski resort with the best snow conditions in Idaho.
- Sun Valley features 53 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in the USA is 55 sunny days. December is the sunniest month with an average of 15 sunny days.
Snow Safety & Snowmaking
On Mountain Dining
At Sun Valley, nobody has to ski on an empty stomach. Go to Roundhouse at the eponymous top station for authentic Swiss cheese fondue. Apart from numerous other delicacies and hot beverages, this place also features a great mountain view.
At Seattle Ridge Day Lodge, you don't only get a breathtaking panorama, but also yummy steaks and burgers as well as fresh salads. Taco lovers will get their money's worth at Lookout Day Lodge.
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Activities
You should definitely pay a visit to the neighbouring town of Ketchum. Winter sportsmen in particular will enjoy a visit to Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage 6 Ski Museum.
Après-Ski and Nightlife
If you want to end your ski day with a drink before finally heading down the mountain for good, go to Avarell's at Roundhouse top station. They also sell fondue and handmade Bavarian pretzels.
Later in the evening, Duchin Lounge is a popular hangout at Sun Valley. The best jazz acts of the region get on stage here. Furthermore, you get to choose from an exquisite wine menu, diverse beers and delicious cocktails. If you like, you can even hit the dancefloor.
Dining and Restaurants
If you are looking for fine dining, Sun Valley Club, one of the most popular restaurants in town, is the place to go. It belongs to the local golf club.
For those with a sweet tooth, Chocholate Foundry is an absolute must. You will find everything your heart desires, from jelly beans to chocolates from all over the world and frozen yogurt. If that is not enough, A la Mode serves you further sweet delicacies, such as gourmet hot chocolate or delicious ice cream.
Getting here
You get a flight to Friedman Memorial Airport, which is around 22km/14mi from the ski resort. You can rent a car or make use of a shuttle service.