Nestled in Idaho’s Wood River Valley, where sun-drenched powder meets old-world glamour, Sun Valley isn’t just a ski resort—it’s the birthplace of America’s alpine romance. Since opening its doors in 1936, it has attracted an elite and eclectic cast of characters: from Ernest Hemingway, who penned For Whom the Bell Tolls here, to Marilyn Monroe and Clint Eastwood, who still skis its legendary slopes at age 94. It’s not hype. It’s heritage.
For UK skiers yearning for something beyond the well-trodden pistes of the Alps—somewhere less crowded, more storied, and infinitely more serene—Sun Valley is a high-altitude haven with global appeal and distinctly local charm.
Terrain for Every Skier: Baldy and Dollar
Sun Valley’s reputation starts with its twin peaks: Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, each offering a different—but equally exhilarating—type of skiing.
Bald Mountain, affectionately called “Baldy,” is a skier’s dream in motion. It offers over 3,400 vertical feet of sustained fall-line skiing, with no flats and no interruptions—just the kind of long, consistent runs that let you find a rhythm and carve with abandon. With 121 trails and 2,533 acres of terrain, it’s bold and broad, ideal for intermediate to expert skiers who crave challenge and flow.
Want an adrenaline fix? Head to the Challenger Lift, delivering the continent’s biggest vertical rise on a single chair. Experts can head to Upper River Run or dive into mogul fields off Limelight. Yet even intermediates will find expanses of accessible terrain to grow into.
Dollar Mountain, by contrast, is gentle, sunlit, and incredibly welcoming—especially for beginners, kids, or anyone looking to ease into their ski legs. With its five lifts, open slopes, and terrain parks, it’s as family-friendly as they come. This is where skiing learned to ski, quite literally—home to the world’s first chairlift.
More Than Just Skiing
© Katy Robin
What truly elevates Sun Valley is how effortlessly it marries its natural wonders with unforgettable experiences. It’s the only ski resort in the U.S. designated as a Dark Sky Reserve, making it a stargazer’s paradise. But that’s just the beginning:
- Sun Valley Heli Ski operates directly from the resort, unlocking over 750,000 acres of untouched backcountry—with the legacy of being the first heli-ski operation in the lower 48.
- Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking are on offer for those who prefer cross-country adventure to downhill thrills.
- There’s a year-round outdoor skating rink where Olympic medallists are known to drop in for a casual spin.
- Fine dining ranges from rustic, sleigh-accessed mountain cabins to modern alpine cuisine at the Sun Valley Inn and Lodge.
- For families, the bowling alley, movie theatre, and virtual golf provide plenty of après options.
More: Things to Do at Sun Valley Resort
Seasonal Events & Unmissable Moments
Sun Valley’s events calendar is reason enough to plan your trip around key dates. During the holidays, the resort transforms into a Winter Wonderland complete with a tree lighting ceremony, festive markets, and the famous Christmas Eve torchlight parade. And in a monumental first, March 2025 will see Sun Valley host the Audi FIS World Cup Finals—the first time the prestigious event has been held outside Europe.
Winter in Sun Valley is filled with festive charm and cultural richness. The Winter Wonderland celebration lights up the season with a traditional Christmas Market, dazzling decorations, and horse-drawn sleigh rides that capture the magic of the holidays. Off the slopes, visitors can immerse themselves in the town’s thriving arts scene with gallery walks, local exhibitions, and thought-provoking displays at the Sun Valley Museum of Art, offering a perfect blend of alpine adventure and creative exploration.
Event listings: Sun Valley Events
Stay in Style: Historic Comfort Meets Modern Luxury
Accommodations in Sun Valley are as thoughtfully curated as its runs. The Sun Valley Lodge, recently renovated, blends heritage elegance with modern amenities—think walk-in showers and deep soaking tubs, fireplaces, and spa treatments with mountain views. Meanwhile, the Sun Valley Inn channels European alpine charm with Western accents and easy access to the resort’s shops and restaurants.
For something a little different, Ketchum’s downtown boutique hotels and luxury vacation rentals provide a vibrant contrast—within walking distance of craft breweries, art galleries, and buzzing après-ski spots.
Skiing Without the Crowds
Sun Valley is built on a paradox: world-class infrastructure paired with boutique-level tranquility. Though its lift system can move over 25,000 skiers per hour, the resort averages just 3,500 daily visitors. The result? Even at the peak of winter, lift queues are nearly non-existent, and trails feel blissfully unhurried.
Long, flowing runs like College, Gretchen’s Gold, and Ridge deliver pure joy for intermediate skiers, offering wide-open descents with just the right amount of challenge. Over on Warm Springs, the terrain begins with engaging blues before mellowing into gentle greens—perfect for a relaxed cruise with panoramic views. Advanced skiers can carve their way down impeccably groomed black diamonds such as Limelight, Greyhawk, and Hemingway. For off-piste enthusiasts, the Bowls—including Mayday, Lookout, Easter, Lefty, and Kaitlyn’s—serve up vast, black-diamond terrain with wide-open powder fields.
Adding to its elite status, Sun Valley is part of the IKON Pass network, granting access to over 50 iconic ski destinations worldwide. For UK travellers planning a multi-resort American ski tour, or seasoned snow-chasers seeking value without compromise, the IKON Pass unlocks premier skiing across the globe—with Sun Valley as a shining highlight.
Learn more: IKON Pass
The Peak of American Skiing
Sun Valley doesn’t demand attention—it earns devotion. Its magic lies in the quiet grandeur of Baldy’s uninterrupted descents, the golden hush of twilight sleigh rides, and the timeless charm of a town that still feels genuinely alpine. This is skiing with soul, where history lingers in the lift lines and authenticity defines every run.
For UK skiers craving more than just snow—seeking space, serenity, and a deep sense of place—Sun Valley is more than a destination. It’s a discovery. One visit, and it becomes part of your story.
Getting There from the UK: Easier Than You’d Think
Sun Valley might feel like a remote retreat, but it’s surprisingly easy to reach from the UK. Delta Airlines now offers direct flights from London Heathrow to Salt Lake City five times a week (just over 10 hours). From there, it’s either a 4-hour scenic drive through the Idaho wilderness or a quick 1-hour connecting flight to Hailey Airport (SUN)—only 20 minutes from the resort. The Sun Valley Lodge and Inn provide complimentary airport transfers, making the final leg of your journey seamless.
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Main Image © Taylor Alexander