Sun Valley’s 2025 - 2026 Season Continues to Enhance Guest Experience with Added Gladed Terrain, RFID Technology, and New Dollar Mountain Adventure Park 

Sun Valley, ID (Oct. 14, 2025) – Sun Valley Resort, North America's first destination ski resort, looks forward to welcoming guests back for its 90th winter season which commences on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025. Since its inception in 1936, Sun Valley has been a cornerstone of American skiing and a premier year-round destination for travelers. As the resort celebrates its 90th season, it invites guests and the larger Wood River community to come experience Sun Valley’s world-class slopes, signature hospitality, and the timeless mountain moments that have defined it for generations.

“Sun Valley has never been just a ski resort. For 90 seasons, families and friends have been coming here to build tradition and make special memories, from generation to generation. This milestone season, we're carrying that legacy forward while remaining invested in the guest experience. From newly gladed terrain to upgraded RFID systems to exciting Dollar Mountain updates, we're honoring what Sun Valley has always been while introducing enhancements that make each season feel memorable," said Pete Sonntag, Chief Operating Officer at Sun Valley Resort.

This season, advanced skiers can explore new lines through 90 acres of newly gladed terrain between Canyon, Exhibition, and Olympic runs, an expansion that transforms both forest health and the skiing experience. Developed through the Bald Mountain Forest Stewardship project in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the National Forest Foundation, this project reduces fire risk and improves forest health while providing heating firewood to local indigenous communities, including the Shoshone Bannock at Fort Hall and the Shoshone Paiute in Duck Valley. The project also unlocks some of the most exciting advanced terrain on the mountain.

The new gladed terrain features four distinct runs: Tim's, located skier's left of Exhibition; Pioneer Bowl (black diamond), skier's left of Sleeping Bear; Bear Den (black diamond) and Sheep Camp (intermediate), both skier's left of Olympic Lane. 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 gladed skiing, a unique recreational asset that demonstrates how thoughtful forest stewardship can enhance both ecological health and world-class skiing opportunities. View the full trail map. 

Also new for the 2025/26 season, Sun Valley Resort is thrilled to introduce RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology across all base areas of Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. With RFID-enabled lift tickets and passes, guests can enjoy a hands-free, streamlined experience at base lifts. This upgrade builds on the resort’s recent infrastructure investments—including new high-speed lifts at Seattle Ridge (2025), Flying Squirrel, and Challenger (2024)—all designed to maximize efficiency and accessibility while enhancing the overall guest experience.

Skiers and riders can also expect something new at Dollar Mountain this winter, as the bright and whimsical Sunny’s Adventure Park will make its debut, spicing up the playful mountain with some fun and imaginative terrain park-style features that will appeal to kids and adults alike.

Sun Valley’s Ski & Ride School invites adults (18+) to take their skills to the next level through the resort’s new multi-day Adult Camps tailored to various ability levels. With four specialized camps available—including a brand-new all-women’s camp—guests can build confidence, refine technique, and enjoy the magic of skiing and riding in Sun Valley’s legendary mountains. 

In anticipation of Sun Valley Resort’s winter season opening, the annual Pray for Snow Party returns at River Run Lodge on Saturday, Nov. 15, complete with vintage costumes, a dance party, a raffle, and a food drive. For more details, please refer to the event calendar. 

Season passes can still be purchased for the upcoming season, including Sun Valley Resort’s annual season pass offerings and renewed pass partnerships with Ikon Pass and The Mountain Collective. Winter lodging specials can be found here. 

Stay up to date with the latest information and weather-related updates with Sun Valley’s App Push Notifications and SMS text messages for efficient guest communication. More information here. 

For more information regarding the winter 2025-26 season and events lineup, visit here.