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# 1Intermediate Terrain in Idaho
All ReviewsOverview
In 1935, Count Felix Schaffgotsch was commissioned by Union Pacific Railroad to begin a search for the perfect North American ski destination. After months of exploring the western United States, the count found Ketchum Valley and was overwhelmed by the area’s terrain features and charm. After just seven months of construction, Sun Valley opened to the public for the winter of 1936.
Sun Valley Resort is a unique combination of Old World European styling mixed with a Wild West heritage. Sun Valley is a ski destination that every skier should have on their bucket list.
Where Is Sun Valley Ski Resort Located?
There are direct flights to the Sun Valley area via six U.S. cities: Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. There is a shuttle between the Boise Airport and the Sun Valley Lodge.
Inside Scoop
Sun Valley Resort has been welcoming skiing enthusiasts since the winter of 1936 when the lifts started turning. The resort was the first ski area in the world to install chairlifts. Developed in Omaha, Nebraska, at Union Pacific’s headquarters, the Original Proctor Mountain Ski Lift is based on a banana loading conveyor used for loading the fruit onto ships.
For short lift lines, head to Bald Mountain. You can ski nearly all day long without a wait. There are 14 kilometers of snowshoe trails and 40 kilometers of tracks for cross-country and skate skiing as well as ski touring.
To enjoy the total Sun Valley experience, one must stay at the famed Sun Valley Lodge. This is where filmmaker Warren Miller slept in his trailer in the parking lot, stole oyster crackers from the kitchen and began his amazing filmmaking career.
Restaurants
Breakfast
- Konditorei Restaurant provides fresh-baked pastries and organic coffees each morning so you can get off on the right foot. 1 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley, ID 83353
Lunch
- A stop at the lunch-only Sun Valley Club is a must. With their amazing views and fireplace, it’s the perfect short time escape from the cold. 200 Trail Creek Road, Sun Valley, ID 83353
Dinner
- With its rustic ambiance and wonderful food, Trail Creek Cabin is the place to go after a long day on the slopes. 300 Trail Creek Road, Sun Valley, ID 83353
Apres/Nightlife
- Located right at the lodge, Duchin Lounge has amazing ambiance and service, and is great if you need a late-night snack. 1 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley, ID 83353
Best Time for Snow
Average Snowfall
63"
39"
26"
13"
10"
10"
Nov
52"
Dec
34"
Jan
41"
Feb
30"
Mar
12"
Apr
Terrain Overview
Runs in Total
120
Longest Run
3.6 mi
Skiable Terrain
2457 ac
Snow Making
645 ac
Total Lifts: 17
Gondolas & Trams
1
High Speed Quads
10
Triple Chairs
3
Double Chairs
1
Surface Lifts
2
Elevation
Base
5750'
Summit
9150'
Vertical Drop
3400'
Important Dates
November 28, 20242024/11/28
Projected Opening
April 27, 20252025/04/27
Projected Closing
136
Projected Days Open
149
Days Open Last Year
88
Years Open
220"
Average Snowfall
Contact Information
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