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Sun Valley, ID - Jan. 9, 2026

Your Ikon Pass includes seven days of skiing and riding at Sun Valley Resort—the perfect opportunity to experience one of North America's most iconic mountain destinations. Between exclusive 20% lodging savings for Ikon Passholders, dominant performance in SKI Magazine's 2026 rankings, and the kind of authentic mountain experience that's increasingly rare at major resorts, this is the winter to discover what makes Sun Valley special.

Strong Early-Season Coverage

December 2025 and early January 2026 brought over 5 feet of snow to Sun Valley, allowing the resort to open more than 80 runs across 3,400 vertical feet of top-to-bottom terrain by the first week of the new year—providing excellent early-season coverage and access to the full mountain experience.

Save 20% on Lodging

Ikon Passholders save 20% on winter lodging at the Sun Valley Inn and Lodge Apartments. With seven days of skiing included on your Ikon Pass, plus substantial savings on accommodations at one of North America's most iconic mountain resorts, the value is exceptional.

Triple #1 in SKI Magazine's 2026 Rankings

Sun Valley earned first-place honors in three categories and top-five placement in ten total categories in SKI Magazine's 2026 Resort Guide:

#1 Lifts – 17 world-class lifts with minimal wait times. Recent additions include the Challenger (six-pack) and Flying Squirrel (quad) chairs (2023-24) and the new Seattle Ridge six-pack (2024-25). Future lift plans at futureofsunvalley.com.

#1 Dining – From slope-side day lodges to the iconic Roundhouse Restaurant and exceptional restaurants in nearby Ketchum, the culinary experience in Sun Valley is second to none.

#1 Parking – Free, plentiful parking at all three mountain bases, the Sun Valley Village, and throughout Ketchum.

Also ranked: #2 Grooming, Best Beds, Most Authentic | #3 Most Welcoming | #4 Most Family Friendly, Overall Satisfaction | #5 Best Après Scene

SKI Magazine wrote: "From the elegant porte cochère at the iconic Sun Valley Lodge to your first trench in the corduroy on Limelight, it feels like this place knows what you want before you've figured it out yourself."

One reader agreed: "Having skied almost every major resort in North America, I can say that Sun Valley is totally in a class by itself."

The Sun Valley Standard

As one reader simply stated: "Sun Valley is the model for how a ski area should be run."

Full 2026 Rankings

Easy to Reach, Easy to Navigate

Friedman Memorial Airport sits just 25 minutes from the resort, with direct flights from eight major cities—90 minutes from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, or Denver, and 2.5 hours from Chicago. Driving? It's less than 3 hours from Boise or 4.5 hours from Salt Lake City. Getting Here >

Once you arrive, Sun Valley's complimentary resort shuttle system and free public buses connect you seamlessly between the mountains, lodging, the village, and downtown Ketchum. Getting Around >

3,400 Vertical Feet of Varied Terrain

Bald Mountain delivers 3,400 feet of vertical drop from its 9,150-foot summit across 2,553 skiable acres and 109 runs: 27% easiest, 34% moderate, 36% difficult, and 3% most difficult.

This season, advanced skiers can explore 90 acres of newly gladed terrain between Canyon, Exhibition, and Olympic runs. With over 350 acres of gladed terrain developed in the last five years, Sun Valley has established itself as North America's premier destination for advanced tree skiing.

Baldy's bowls hold powder stashes for days after storms, while sunny groomers deliver perfect corduroy with sweeping valley views. With 810 acres of groomable terrain backed by 645 acres of snowmaking coverage, conditions stay consistent throughout the season. As one SKI Magazine reader noted: "Sun Valley pays attention to all of the small details. Snowmaking and grooming are absolute perfection!"

Dollar Mountain offers the perfect setting for warm-up runs, beginner terrain, or relaxed ski days. Pro tip: bring your touring gear and skin up after lifts close for peaceful uphilling with stunning sunset views.

Dining Beyond the Slopes

The Roundhouse Restaurant at mid-mountain combines gourmet cuisine with panoramic views from 7,700 feet. In the Sun Valley Village, Konditorei offers European-style coffee and pastries, plus delicious breakfast and brunch. In Ketchum, Grumpy's serves legendary burgers where locals and visitors mingle, Rickshaw brings Asian fusion creativity, Maude's Coffee pours Idaho-roasted beans, and Lefty's Bar & Grill provides the perfect sunny patio spot with Bald Mountain views.

After dark, The Duchin Lounge at the Sun Valley Lodge serves famous espresso martinis with live music in an iconic venue that's hosted everyone from celebrities to locals since 1937.

The Complete Experience

Sun Valley's world-class Ski & Ride programs, convenient rental shops at all three base areas and in the Sun Valley Village, heated pools and hot tubs, ice skating under the stars, and even bowling at the Sun Valley Lodge all complete your ideal mountain getaway.

Nearby Ketchum offers après bars and diverse dining options, luxury and vintage shopping opportunities, and even local trivia at Sawtooth Brewery and TNT Taproom—a down-to-earth town where locals and guests naturally mingle.

Sun Valley averages 120 days of sunshine during a typical 150-day season. Combined with minimal crowds, barely-there lift lines, and an authentic and welcoming community, you'll experience skiing the way it was meant to be.