Sun Valley isn’t just a ski resort—it’s a piece of American skiing history. Known as the country’s first destination ski resort, it’s where glamour met powder long before social media made that cool. The lifts run smooth, the corduroy runs deep, and the light in Idaho’s Wood River Valley turns everything gold by afternoon. Between the perfectly pitched runs of Bald Mountain (“Baldy”) and the easygoing charm of Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley is a living legend that proves classic never goes out of style.
Quick Stats
- Location: Ketchum, Idaho
- Elevation: 5,750 ft base / 9,150 ft summit
- Vertical Drop: 3,400 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 2,434 acres
- Annual Snowfall: ~220 inches
- Number of Runs: 120
- Lifts: 19 (including high-speed quads and gondolas)
- Vibe Check: Old-school glamour meets Western authenticity
The Vibe
Sun Valley feels effortless—elegant but unpretentious. You’ll find ex-Olympians carving alongside families and artists, and everyone seems to move with the same relaxed rhythm. Bald Mountain is the star: long, consistent pitches, smooth groomers, and stunning fall-line skiing from top to bottom. Dollar Mountain, just across the valley, is smaller and friendlier—ideal for beginners and terrain park riders alike. The town of Ketchum ties it all together with understated sophistication: boutique shops, craft breweries, and historic saloons that have hosted everyone from Hemingway to Hanks.
Must-Ride Runs
🟢 Greens
- Pioneer Cabin – mellow and scenic, with gentle turns and valley views.
- Dollar Face – beginner-friendly slope with wide-open sunshine all day.
🟦 Blues
- Warm Springs – long, perfectly pitched cruiser that defines Bald Mountain.
- Upper College – steady gradient and incredible grooming make it a local favorite.
- Flying Squirrel – fun rolling terrain with a little bit of everything.
♦ Blacks
- Limelight – iconic black run: steep, clean, and a blast when freshly groomed.
- Mayday Bowl – classic Sun Valley bowl skiing with wide turns and great snow.
- Frenchman’s Face – steep, sustained, and surprisingly quiet on busy days.
Après + Town Stays
Sun Valley après is more cocktail than chaos, but it’s got plenty of warmth. From fireside lounges to local bars that feel untouched by time, Ketchum nails the balance.
- The Duchin Lounge – an elegant piano bar inside the Sun Valley Lodge.
- Grumpy’s – the opposite of fancy, and that’s why locals love it (get the schooner beer).
- Enoteca – wine bar meets Italian kitchen; small plates and local wines done right.
- Pioneer Saloon – Old West steakhouse that’s been feeding skiers since forever.
- Rickshaw – modern Asian fusion with Ketchum flair.
- Sun Valley Lodge – iconic, luxurious, and steeped in history (Hemingway stayed here).
- Limelight Hotel Ketchum – modern comfort in the heart of downtown.
Travel Tips
Fly into Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey—just 15 miles from the slopes. Most hotels offer shuttles, and the Mountain Rides bus makes it easy to get around car-free. For more flight options, Boise is a scenic 2.5-hour drive away. The best snow hits in February, and the spring skiing here is famously good—soft, sunny, and full of locals smiling through every turn.
Fun Facts
- Sun Valley installed the world’s first chairlift in 1936.
- Ernest Hemingway finished For Whom the Bell Tolls while staying here.
- Bald Mountain is known for having no flat spots—it’s all downhill fun.
- The resort was once the playground for Hollywood icons like Gary Cooper and Clark Gable.
- Dollar Mountain was one of the first terrain parks in the U.S.
Why It Made Our Top 50 List
Sun Valley made our list because it’s timeless—proof that skiing doesn’t need hype to be extraordinary. Every detail, from its long, flawless runs to its genuine local charm, makes it unforgettable. It’s old-school without feeling dated, polished without losing soul. Baldy delivers the turns; Dollar delivers the heart.