Sun Valley earns top-five honors in ten categories, including three #1 rankings.
Sun Valley Resort has secured top rankings across multiple categories in SKI Magazine's highly anticipated 2026 "Top 30 Resorts in the West" reader survey, reaffirming its position as one of North America's premier ski destinations.
Published annually by SKI Magazine, the comprehensive resort guide evaluates guest experience across 18 categories based on direct feedback from skiers and riders. This year, Sun Valley earned first-place honors in three key categories (Lifts, Dining & Parking) and landed in the top five for ten total categories—continuing a legacy of excellence that saw us claim the #1 Overall spot for three consecutive seasons in our 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 seasons.
SKI Magazine wrote, "From the time you pull into the elegant porte cochère at the iconic Sun Valley Lodge to the moment you lay your first trench in the corduroy on Limelight, it feels like this place knows what you want before you've even 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."
Triple #1 Rankings
Sun Valley claimed the #1 spot in three critical areas that define the daily ski experience:
#1: Lifts
Readers praised our modern, efficient lift system and notably short wait times (or lack thereof)—recognition that comes as we continue a major multi-year lift infrastructure upgrade program. Our commitment to maintaining the best lift system in North America has seen the opening of the new Challenger and Flying Squirrel chairs in 2023-24, and the new Seattle Ridge six-pack chair, which opened for the 2024-25 season. Looking ahead, Sun Valley has announced plans to replace the Christmas and Lookout Express chairlifts. Learn more at the futureofsunvalley.com.
#1: Dining
Our culinary offerings—both on-mountain and in nearby Sun Valley and Ketchum—earned top marks from readers who appreciated the variety and quality of dining options available throughout the resort. From slope-side lunches and après at our day lodges to fine dining in the Sun Valley Village and the iconic Roundhouse Restaurant on Baldy, Sun Valley delivers exceptional culinary experiences at every turn.
#1: Parking
Readers agreed our free and plentiful parking at all three mountain bases and in the Sun Valley Village is a major differentiator, making the Sun Valley experience seamless from arrival to first chair. Survey respondents also noted the abundance of free, convenient parking in nearby Ketchum.
#2: Best Beds, Most Authentic & Grooming
Beyond our first-place finishes, we earned three #2 rankings that speak to our commitment to quality across the board. Our #2 ranking for Grooming reflects the dedication of our mountain operations team, who work wonders with snow conditions throughout the season. As one reader noted, "Sun Valley pays attention to all of the small details. Snowmaking and grooming are absolute perfection!" Our #2 spot for Most Authentic honors the rich history and character we've preserved as we enter our 90th winter season at Sun Valley Resort, while #2 for Best Beds reflects the world-class lodging options available throughout the resort.
#3: Most Welcoming
Sun Valley's warm, welcoming atmosphere earned a #3 ranking, with readers highlighting our exceptional customer service and the genuine hospitality that defines the Sun Valley experience. It's the kind of place where locals and guests mingle naturally, and everyone feels like they belong.
#4: Most Family Friendly & Overall Satisfaction
Our #4 ranking in Most Family Friendly underscores our multi-generational and multi-ability appeal. Sun Valley's dedicated beginner mountain, Dollar Mountain, provides a stress-free environment where kids and beginners can build confidence away from the steeper terrain of Bald Mountain. We also ranked #4 in Overall Satisfaction, with readers appreciating our attention to detail across every aspect of the guest experience.
#5: Best Après Scene & #6: Nightlife & Party Vibes
Sun Valley placed #5 in Best Après Scene and #6 in Nightlife & Party Vibes, highlighting the complete mountain lifestyle experience we deliver beyond the slopes. Sun Valley's neighboring town, Ketchum, complements the resort perfectly—a down-to-earth community where locals and guests gather at the same après bars to share stories about the day's adventures, and continue the energy well into the evening.
#10: Weekend Getaway
Our #10 ranking for Best Weekend Getaway highlights Sun Valley's expanding accessibility for travelers. Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey—just a 30-minute drive from the resort—now offers direct flights from eight major cities.
The Sun Valley Standard
As one reader simply stated: "Sun Valley is the model for how a ski area should be run."
These rankings reflect what Sun Valley has always been about: delivering an authentic, uncrowded mountain experience where every detail matters—from meticulously groomed runs and efficient lifts to world-class dining and genuine Western hospitality.
To explore Sun Valley Resort and plan your visit, visit sunvalley.com.
