12 Things You Should Know About Sun Valley

Sun Valley Ranked #2 by Ski Magazine

The ski resort that invented ski resorts in 1936 is still setting the pace. 3400’ vertical, 2500 acres. We boast the best snow-making, terrain for all levels, and spectacular views of five mountain ranges from the top of Baldy. And no lines, ever. We were just ranked the #2 Resort in the West by Ski Magazine. Opening Day in 2019 is (as always!) Thanksgiving Day.

Direct Flights From SEVEN Major Hubs

Non-stop from LAX, SLC, Denver, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, and SFO, landing 15 minutes from the lifts at Friedman Airport (SUN).

Four Distinct Towns in One Valley, Plus One

Ketchum, Sun Valley, Hailey, and Bellevue, all with different looks and feels. And just over the pass is Stanley and the Sawtooth Basin, known as America’s Alps. So whatever "feel" you are looking for in a town or neighborhood, the Sun Valley area has it.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Winding through the valley and with over 25 public access points, the Big Wood River connects us all. 20 miles south of Sun Valley is world famous Silver Creek, one of the most magical fishing and birding spots in the country (ask Ernest Hemingway!). Heading north to the Sawtooth Basin, dozens of mountain lakes offer picture-perfect recreating opportunites. And the Salmon River is just over Galena Pass, too. So whether you want to fish, floating, walk along water's edge, swim, or waterski, we've got the water! 

World-Class Outdoor Opportunities

Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, biking, ATV-ing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, fishing, relaxing, parasailing, and more. There are over 700 miles of hiking and biking trails in the area, and in the winter, 120+miles of groomed Nordic ski trails.

A Local Community that is “All In”

With a myriad of non-profit organizations and volunteering opportunities, Sun Valley residents take their role as stewards of the valley's people and land very seriously.

Local Parks and Preserves

Hidden nooks and crannies dot the landscape, offering refuges in the trees and on the water. Some of our favorites are Lucy Loken Park, Memorial Park, and Forest Service Park, where the Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum is housed (it's a great and fascinating museum!).

Mountains that Look like Mountains

In the 1970s, Sun Valley created the “hillside ordinance,” which placed restrictions on hillside building. This means the views in our valley are of mountains, not developments and trophy homes. Combine this with our status as a Dark Sky Community, and you get dazzling views of the Milky Way all year.

Olympic History (and Future)

Over 36 Winter and Summer Olympians have called Sun Valley home, which makes sense, given all the access to recreation.

Year-Round Festivals and Events

All year, locals and visitors can be entertained by some of the most interesting and charming festivals in the West. Wagon Days, Trailing of the Sheep. The Sun Valley Road Rally, the Wine Auction, the Film Festival, bike and ski events, live music, symphonies, ice skating shows, speakers, and so much more.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Offering over 756,000 acres of beautiful, rugged, and always untouched mountainous terrain, the SNRA is full of lakes, creeks, camping areas, and trails. And it’s just eight miles north of town.

Still a Mountain Town

Remember when mountain towns were down-to-earth, easy, and relaxing? Sun Valley still is. We have almost no crowds, everyone says hi, famous people can be themselves, and you can be at a quiet campsite within 7 minutes (and stay up to 16 days!).