Sun Valley is a resort city in the western United States, in Blaine County in central Idaho, adjacent to the city of Ketchum and within the greater Wood River valley. It is a favorite destination for many in the US and considered to be a Jewel of Idaho.
The Summer in Sun Valley is an unforgettable experience, where activities abound, and every day is filled to overflowing. You can ride the lift up Bald Mountain and hike down--or take your bike to the top for a fast and fun descent.
Bat the ball around for a few sets of tennis, then take a dip in our Olympic pool--perhaps you'll do 72 laps for a mile-high-mile! Or maybe the trails beckon and your morning hike on Proctor Mountain will be followed by a family horseback ride up Dollar Mountain in the afternoon. But only if you put off testing your marksmanship skills at Gun Club.
Tourists enjoy its skiing, hiking, ice skating, trail riding, tennis, and cycling. Few of its residents stay year-round, and most come from major cities like Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more distantly Chicago and New York.
The mountain is open to sightseers and adventurers all summer long. Whether you want a relaxing day in the wildflowers, or a challenging journey through the rugged beauty of Idaho's wilderness, a day on Bald Mountain promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Sun Valley offers nearly 28 miles of hiking and biking trails on beautiful Bald Mountain. Feel free to tackle the trails yourself, and discover what makes the Bald Mountain experience so unique.
Among skiers, the term "Sun Valley" refers to the alpine ski area, which consists of Bald Mountain, the main ski mountain adjacent to Ketchum, and Dollar Mountain, adjacent to Sun Valley, for novice and lower intermediate skiers. Bald Mountain, or "Baldy," has a summit of 9,150 feet (2,789 m) and a vertical drop of 3,400 feet (1,036 m). With its abundance of constant-pitch terrain, at varying degrees of difficulty, coupled with its substantial vertical drop and absence of wind, Baldy has often been referred to as one of the better ski mountains in the world. The treeless "Dollar" at 6,638 feet (2,023 m) has a moderate vertical drop of 628 feet (191 m).
The term "Sun Valley" is used more generally to speak of the region surrounding the city, including the neighboring city of Ketchum and the valley area winding south to Hailey. The region has been a seasonal home to the rich and famous since first being brought to public attention by Ernest Hemingway in the late 1930s.
Dining at Sun Valley:
A Sun Valley tradition gets reimagined for a new era under the masterful hands of Executive Chef John Murcko. The first restaurant at Sun Valley Resort to receive the Murcko treatment, the new Konditorei offers a fresh take on the classic alpine café experience.
Lunch dishes range from pumpkin spatzle with sausage and apples to roasted chicken crepes with spinach and spicy Liptauer cheese. To satisfy sweet tooth cravings or just to warm up on a chilly day, the café offers a full complement of artisanal coffee and hot chocolate drinks, plus house-baked European pastries. At any hour, the Konditorei maintains the heritage of Sun Valley with Austrian-influenced décor in a quaint, bustling café atmosphere.
Also, Trail Creek Cabin is a must Sun Valley dining adventure. Sleighs depart for the restaurant from the village near the Sun Valley Inn during the winter season, and you may also drive. The purchase of a sleigh ride ticket confirms a reservation for dinner at Trail Creek Cabin. Dinner is additional and is paid for at the cabin. The seasonal menu has a western flare all complimented by a great wine list and a full bar.
Located 1.5 miles east of the Sun Valley Lodge (half a mile past the Sun Valley Club).
Where to stay at Sun Valley:
The Sun Valley Lodge, built in 1936, was constructed from the ground up with every amenity a skier could possibly imagine.
The 148-room-hotel is a complete luxury hotel with an adjoining glass enclosed outdoor pool and Sun Valley's famous outdoor ice rink and Terrace.
Inside guests enjoy Gretchen's Restaurant, the elegant Lodge Dining Room, the Duchin Lounge named for Marjorie Oelrichs Duchin, Beauty Salon, Spa and Exercise Room - and for kids of all ages a bowling alley (six lanes) and game room. A Gift Shop and concierge are located in the Lobby.
Real Estate in Sun Valley:
White Clouds is an exclusive residential neighborhood located in Sun Valley on the northern edge of the resort. For the first time in 30 years, Sun Valley feels that the time is right to finally offer these home sites to a select group of buyers.
Great care has gone into the planning of White Clouds. Only 26 home sites and 1 townhome are available. They have been sited to take advantage of the views while protecting the character of the land. They are integrated with the new nine holes of the White Clouds golf course, are surrounded by open space and are adjacent to a regional bike/hike trail and the new Sun Valley Golf and Nordic Center.
The first phase of 12 townhomes located directly across Trail Creek Road from the Sun Valley Golf and Nordic Cente is now sold out.
Getting to Sun Valley:
The area is served by Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, approximately 15 miles (24 km) south. Visitors to Sun Valley are relatively close to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, accessed over Galena Summit on Highway 75, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway.
