When you’re excited to spend time focused on downhill fun when the fresh powder falls, there’s no better place to do exactly that than Sun Valley, Idaho. Situated within towering mountains at the edge of the scenic Sawtooth National Forest, this mining town-turned world-class ski destination is truly one-of-a-kind. Here, you can still embrace that feeling of small-town charm while enjoying access to award-winning slopes in a destination that welcomes more than 220 inches of snow annually on average. Whether you’re someone who skis every winter or you’re new to the sport and thrilled to be trying for the first time, your Sun valley skiing adventure promises to be unforgettable from start to finish.
Day 1
Fuel up for the winter fun ahead this morning at Bigwood Bakery on Northwood Way in Ketchum. This is an early morning eatery loved by locals and visitors alike that’s open from 8:00 am until 2:30 pm daily. Here, you can order up a breakfast scramble and an omelet or opt for a bagel with fresh fruit instead. The avocado toast is sure to delight while the fresh coffee is always a treat too. Before you go, be sure to grab some of the fresh-baked bread to enjoy at your vacation rental later. You’ll need a robust breakfast because today you’ll be spending the vast majority of your time skiing at the Sun Valley Resort. Here, you’ll enjoy access to not one, but two mountains known as Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain respectively. In total, this resort provides skiers with over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain to explore paired with snow-making machines to keep the terrain at its best at all times. You can rent the gear you need right on-site and there are opportunities to book lessons as well if you’re new to the sport. Every lift offers a lovely view and if you don’t feel like skiing all day long, there are lodges within easy reach to warm up in.
Once you’ve had your fill of Sun Valley skiing for the day, it’s time to book a snowmobile and set off to explore the scenic Sawtooth National Forest. There are hundreds of miles of meticulously maintained trails in the area and if you partner up with the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, you’ll get great insight on what to pack, how to stay safe, and options for booking a guided snowmobile tour in the area as well.
This evening, take time to enjoy a delicious dinner at The Casino alongside family and friends. This late-night hot spot in Ketchum used to be frequented by the likes of Hemingway and Hunter S. Thompson and remains a great place to grab a cocktail and pair it with a delicious burger, quesadilla, or plate of sliders. It’s open until 2:00 am and there’s live music to enjoy most nights of the week.
Day 2 of Skiing in Sun Valley
Give yourself a little time to rest and sleep in today before heading over to brunch at The Kneadery. This cozy eatery on Leadville Avenue is a great place to start your day with fresh coffee surrounded by inviting Western décor. The menu hosts hot-off-the-griddle items like French toast, Belgian waffles, and pancakes to enjoy. Guests can also fuel up with a benedict, omelet, frittata, or a breakfast burrito paired with fresh fruit.
After breakfast, you’re off to enjoy a day of cross-country skiing across the great Sun Valley region. There are well over 40 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails to discover here, and you’ll want to make the most of your time by staring at the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center. You can pick up a trail map at this location as well as rent gear for the day. They also offer private lessons if you could use some refreshing before heading out and clinics throughout the year as well. For travelers who are more comfortable having someone lead the way, guided tours are available at the center upon request.
After you’ve explored the backcountry trails thoroughly, you’ll unwind and refresh at the Pioneer Saloon. Since it opened in the 1950s, it’s been a place where locals and visitors would mix and mingle over delicious dinner options and drinks. Here, you can easily order up a hearty steak and potato dinner but there are handcrafted cocktails to enjoy and options like teriyaki beef on the menu too. In November of each year, a weekend is set aside known as “Pio Days” when everything on the menu is the price it would have been in 1972! Pioneer Saloon is located at 320 N. Main Street and is open daily for lunch and dinner service between 3:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
Day 3
The last day of your ski journey to Sun Valley starts at Java on 4th found on 4th Street W. for a coffee, homemade scone, and zucchini bread. Of course, the array of assorted baked goods is sure to catch your eye and there’s no reason not to indulge! Whether you go with the scrambled eggs or the cinnamon toast, you’ll find this is a breakfast stop that feels like home. You’ll want the extra energy today because you’re heading out to enjoy snowshoeing. The options for this activity are vast with the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center as well as the Sun Valley Lodge hosting impressive and meticulously maintained trails to check out. Both have snowshoe rentals readily available and if you’re looking for more of a challenge, consider heading over to the North Valley Trails where you can follow the Harriman Trail to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. If you prefer guided outings, Sun Valley Trekking and Backwoods Mountain Sports are both outfitters that are happy to accommodate your skiing in Sun Valley.
After a leisurely morning of snowshoeing, you’re going to pick up the pace exponentially with a heli-ski experience in Sun Valley. This one-of-a-kind and adrenaline-pumping adventure is offered through Sun Valley Heli Ski. This company takes skiers up in a helicopter to wild summits before dropping them down to conquer seemingly impossible slopes. An activity of this type opens up 750,000 square acres of terrain to skiers that would otherwise be inaccessible. Up to four passengers at a time can be accommodated in the A-Star B-3E helicopter making it an intimate experience with your closest skiing buddies.
Once you’re back at ground level, treat yourself to a delicious fine dining experience at Roundhouse tonight. Located on Bald Mountain, this restaurant has a vast menu and amazing views to enjoy. You’ll access the restaurant via chairlift and with a reservation in place, you can spend an evening enjoying fondue and spectacular wine in good company.
Book Your Incredible Sun Valley Stay Today
Enjoy every moment in Sun Valley in luxury and style when you book your vacation rental through Abode Sun Valley. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next incredible adventure!
