With seven days of skiing and riding included on your Ikon Pass, Sun Valley offers the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in both the mountain and the community during our milestone 90th season. Whether you're planning a long weekend or spreading your visits throughout the season, it’s time to discover what makes this place special – from the legendary terrain to the local haunts that give the valley its character.
Getting Here
Sun Valley's accessibility is part of its charm with direct flights from 8 major U.S. cities – catch a quick 90-minute direct flight from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, or Denver and you'll be on the mountain faster than you think. Chicago flyers can reach Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in just 2.5 hours, landing only 30 minutes from your first chairlift ride. For the road trip enthusiasts, the drive through Idaho's stunning countryside offers the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems and build anticipation for your mountain adventure, just 2.5 hours from Boise or 5 hours from Salt Lake City.
Go Big on Bald Mountain
Whether starting at River Run or Warm Springs Base for first tracks, you could spend days exploring the legendary terrain that put Sun Valley on the map. Bald Mountain caters primarily to intermediate and advanced skiers, offering an impressive 3,400 feet of vertical drop from its 9,150-foot summit.
This season, advanced skiers can explore new lines through 90 acres of newly gladed terrain between Canyon, Exhibition, and Olympic runs, an expansion of the Bald Mountain Forest Stewardship project developed in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, BLM, and the National Forest Foundation's Wood For Life Program. The backside bowls offer powder stashes days after a storm, while the frontside provides perfectly groomed runs with valley views.
The Roundhouse lunch experience is quintessential – mountain dining with panoramic views that'll fill your Instagram feed and fuel your afternoon adventures. This mid-mountain restaurant, perched atop the Roundhouse Express gondola at 7,700 feet of elevation, combines gourmet cuisine with the kind of vistas that make you understand why Sun Valley has been a bucket list destination since 1936.
Don’t Sleep on Dollar Mountain
Don't overlook Dollar Mountain – it's perfect for your first day out while you warm up, great for beginners practicing new techniques, or for those who want to enjoy a more relaxed ski day. For the adventurous, bring your touring gear and skin up Dollar after lifts close for peaceful uphilling and stunning sunset views over the Sawtooth Mountains. Pro tip: dogs are permitted as long as you pick up after them.
Dining: From Local Dives to Gourmet Cuisine
Konditorei in Sun Valley Village offers European-style coffee and pastries – perfect for a morning fuel-up or afternoon pick-me-up between activities.
Grumpy's serves up legendary burgers in a no-frills atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle over a Schooner. It's a laid-back place where conversation flows easily and the food hits the spot after a long day on the mountain.
Rickshaw brings Asian fusion creativity to the valley with dishes that balance comfort and innovation. Their menu changes seasonally, but the quality and creativity remain constant.
Fuel up at Maude's Coffee, where Idaho-roasted beans from Maps Coffee and authentic coffee culture offer a refreshing alternative to chain stores. This cozy coffee shop doubles as a vintage clothing boutique, creating the perfect atmosphere for reading or getting work done while browsing unique finds.
The Duchin Room at Sun Valley Lodge is where the magic happens after dark. Order their famous espresso martinis while enjoying live music in this iconic venue that's hosted everyone from celebrities to locals since 1937.
Lefty's Bar & Grill provides the perfect patio spot on a sunny winter day to enjoy beer and a burger, with a side of Bald Mountain views.
In-Town Activities: Culture & Character
Browse Gold Mine Thrift for vintage ski gear, unique finds, and the occasional treasure from local second-home owners. It's a fun way to spend an hour and you might score some authentic vintage Sun Valley memorabilia.
The Wood River Museum offers fascinating insights into the area's history, early ski development, and how Sun Valley evolved from a Union Pacific marketing scheme into America's first destination ski resort.
Tuesday Trivia at Sawtooth Brewery in Ketchum (if you're there on a Tuesday!) tests your knowledge while you sample local craft beer – it's competitive but friendly, typical of the local vibe.
Relax Around the Resort
Sun Valley Resort’s heated pools and hot tubs provide the perfect recovery after long ski days, while the complimentary resort shuttle system connects you effortlessly between mountain, village, and town activities. All Sun Valley guests enjoy access to resort amenities regardless of where they stay, and whether you're here for a long weekend or a full week, the combination of world-class facilities and authentic experiences ensures every day offers something new to discover.
Ice skating at Sun Valley Resort brings out everyone's inner child and feels especially magical under the lights with the mountains as your backdrop.
Bowling at Sun Valley Lodge combines retro fun with resort elegance – it's unexpectedly entertaining and a great group activity.
Catch a film at The Opera House, Sun Valley's historic venue that shows everything from indie films to cult classics in an intimate setting.
The Sun Valley Experience
What sets Sun Valley apart isn't just the skiing. It's the authentic mountain town character that somehow balances luxury with accessibility, history with innovation, and local culture with destination appeal.
Ready to experience it yourself? Ikon Pass holders get 20% off winter lodging at the Sun Valley Inn and Sun Valley Apartments, making it easy to settle in and experience the valley like a local.
