Sun Valley: Skiing, Culture and Nature

Sun Valley offers several ways to plan your trip: skiing on two mountains, cross-country skiing, a year-round multi-use path, as well as cultural and event venues. Consider which of these activities you want to shape your stay when looking for hotels in Sun Valley. This lets you organize your plans around the things that interest you most while you’re there.

Landscape and Orientation

Sun Valley lies on the edge of the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests. The Big Wood River flows through the Wood River Valley. These geographical features provide the setting for the area; the routes and activities described here range from mountain winter sports to outdoor pursuits on a paved route.

Skiing and Snow on the Mountain

Bald Mountain combines a consistent pitch with varied terrain, both of which are used for skiing and snowboarding. There are themed adventure trails for children. The mountain also has 30 acres of wooded terrain for all ability levels. Dollar Mountain has a different focus: its terrain gives children and beginners the opportunity to build confidence. Facilities mentioned there include two high-speed chairlifts, eight terrain parks, and the Wundercarpet, a lift for children. Trail availability and seasonal operations may vary.

The Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center is a dedicated point of reference for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It has 37 km of trails groomed daily for skating and classic cross-country skiing. The center also rents ski and snowshoe equipment for all ages. Grooming is seasonal and depends on conditions; rental equipment availability may also vary by season.

Trails and Horseback Rides

The Wood River Trail is a year-round paved multi-use path more than 20 miles long. It connects Sun Valley with Bellevue, Hailey and Ketchum and is used for running, cycling, hiking and skiing. Alongside mountain activities, it offers a route with several designated uses. Trail sections and conditions may change.

Another option offered by Sun Valley Stables is a one-hour guided horseback ride on Dollar Mountain. Scenic horse-drawn carriage rides through the landscape around Sun Valley are also available. Both activities are seasonal; check whether they are offered during your travel dates.

History and Culture

Remains of the world’s first chairlift terminal are still visible on Proctor Mountain. The Proctor Mountain Ski Lift is listed as a historic property in the National Register of Historic Places in Sun Valley. The resort’s early history is also part of this story: the Sun Valley Resort was completed in less than a year during its original development. When it opened, Sun Valley was called “America’s First Destination Ski Resort.”

Ernest Hemingway completed For Whom the Bell Tolls Hemingway completed the work in Suite 206 of the Sun Valley Lodge. The Ernest Hemingway Memorial stands on Trail Creek and includes a bronze bust and an engraved pedestal. The Trail Creek Cabin was originally built in 1937 and is a log-cabin restaurant beside Trail Creek. Its seasonal availability may vary.

Ice Rinks and Events

The Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink hosts the Sun Valley on Ice shows and is one of the few outdoor ice rinks in the country that operates year-round. Operations and show dates are seasonal and may change. Sun Valley also has a full-size indoor ice rink; its schedule may also change. If you’re planning to attend a show or use the rink, check the schedule for your travel dates.

The Sun Valley Opera House serves as an indoor cinema and event venue. Concerts at the Sun Valley Pavilion start at 6:30 p.m. and last about an hour. Concert times may vary by season; checking the information for your travel dates will help with planning.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Ketchum, Triumph, Hailey, Carey.

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