How to Plan the Perfect Ski Trip to Sun Valley

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

This fabled destination draws serious skiers who come not for the hype, but for its spectacular alpine conditions and unflashy culture. Set at 6,000 feet at the intersection of three mountain ranges in south-central Idaho, Sun Valley is surrounded by nearly a million acres of snow-capped peaks and wilderness. The setting feels vast and uncrowded, with big skies, open valleys, and a sense of space that’s increasingly hard to find at major resorts.

Skiing and snowboarding here is defined by consistency. Bald Mountain—“Baldy” to those in the know—is renowned 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 need massive snow totals to ski well. When other resorts are battling bumps or bare spots, Baldy’s corduroy often remains impeccable, rewarding skiers and snowboarders who love speed, precision, and long, uninterrupted descents.

Off the slopes, Sun Valley and the nearby town of Ketchum retain an old-money vibe that feels refreshingly homey. There are no big chain stores —aside from a lone Starbucks—and the community is deeply engaged, with roots that often stretch back generations. It’s the kind of place where supermarkets, bakeries, and gear shops cater as much to locals and longtime visitors as they do to tourists. At 90 years old, Sun Valley isn’t chasing trends. It knows exactly who it is—and that’s precisely the appeal.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

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

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

Many of the 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. The Sun Valley Lodge has 108 guest rooms and suites furnished in a classic European style that feels charmingly dated. Hallways and public spaces are lined with black-and-white photographs 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 the “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 lodging, Sun Valley Inn, offers a quieter, more relaxed alternative to the Lodge.  Built in classic Austrian ski chalet style, it has just under 100 rooms, ranging from standard doubles to three-bedroom apartments. Set slightly apart from the main hub, it’s especially well suited to families, with its own outdoor pool and fitness center.  

Limelight Ketchum

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

Where to Eat

The Ram

Sun Valley’s original restaurant, The Ram, is a beloved tavern where regulars and guests have gathered for generations. Evenings revolve around its legendary piano player, said to have a repertoire of more than 2,000 songs. The hearty but elevated menu includes fondue and wagyu, with its schnitzel singled out as a perennial favorite.  

Pioneer Saloon

A festive crowd in cowboy hats and shearling boots packs the Pioneer Saloon every night. Lovingly called “the Pio,” this Ketchum institution is dripping in Western décor, including saddle stools, taxidermy, and ranchland memorabilia. The menu is Idaho steakhouse and famous for its signature Jim Spud: a massive baked potato loaded with butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, caramelized onions, and six ounces of sliced teriyaki steak. 

Roundhouse Restaurant 

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

Where to Apres Ski

Apple’s Bar & Grill

Apple’s anchors the Warm Springs après-ski scene, where bargoers spill in straight from the lifts for cold beers, stiff cocktails, and unfussy comfort food. The mood is lively and no-fuss—boots on, stories flowing, TVs humming—making it a dependable post-ski hangout.

Duchin Lounge

A timeless favorite is Duchin Lounge, just off the main lobby at Sun Valley Lodge. With plush seating, dim lighting, and a live piano, it is arguably the best place in town for a pre-dinner cocktail 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 (think beer cans on the walls and 32-ounce schooners) and the Cellar Pub (chatty bartenders and a dark basement).  For a nightcap, follow the night owls and young resort workers to Casino, a dive bar where pool players will find plenty of friendly competition. 

Off-mountain Activities

Vintage Shopping

Ketchum has a treasure trove of vintage and second-hand shops, thanks to a culture of quiet luxury that prizes quality, taste, and frugality. The Gold Mine Thrift Store carries everything from rare military jackets to old skis, while its upscale sister next door, Gold Mine Consign, specializes in high-end merch. I spotted Christian Dior earrings, Moncler puffers, and Kjus ski jackets. All proceeds benefit the town’s Community Library. Other standouts include Capelet Consign (women’s only) and Maude’s (coffee and clothes).

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 not only blessed with 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 & 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

Though Sun Valley is privately owned, it accepts the Ikon Pass (up to seven days of unrestricted access) and the Mountain Collective Pass. Daily ticket window prices start around $200, with multi-day and advance-purchase deals available.

Rentals

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

Programming

Sun Valley’s two-mountain setup (Dollar and Bald) makes it especially well-suited to families. Beginners and kids start on Dollar’s gentler terrain, while Bald Mountain is reserved for stronger skiers. The Ski & Ride School offers group and private lessons for all ages, with age-specific kids’ programs, camps, and adaptive instruction.

When to Go

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