Sun Valley Guide

Sun Valley, Idaho is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, and this small town is all about rich history and natural beauty. It was established in the 1930s as one of the first ski resorts in the United States. And since then, it’s been a magnet for celebrities, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of my favorite things about it, though, is that it has something awesome to offer every season. In the spring, colorful wildflowers and hiking trails steal the show. Summer is a sun-soaked playground for mountain biking, fishing, and golf. And come fall, the town turns into a sea of autumn colors, perfect for gorgeous hikes, walks and drives.

My husband and I have been going to Sun Valley about four times a year for over five years; its been a wonderful getaway for us as a couple over our marriage. Therefore, it’s about time I share with you my favorite hotel, what we love to do while there and our top places to eat.

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HOW TO GET TO SUN VALLEY

Sun Valley is located in south-central Idaho, it is approximately 150 miles east of the state’s capital, Boise.

You can easily access Sun Valley from Boise by car, taking a scenic drive along Idaho State Highway 21. It’s an easy, straightforward drive and it usually takes about two and a half hours. This is how we usually get to Sun Valley, by car. We love the drive.

However, you could also opt for a short flight from the Boise Airport to Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, which is a nearby town. We have done this once, and the flight is crazy short, something like twenty or thirty minutes.

For those coming from other parts of the United States, major airports in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Twin Falls, Idaho, also offer convenient routes to reach Sun Valley, making it an accessible and coveted destination for travelers seeking a serene mountain getaway.

Something to note: if you fly into the Hailey airport, the drive from there to Sun Valley (Ketchum) is still 30 minutes.

You’ll need to arrange transportation. There are three options here. One, schedule a pickup and/or drop-off with your hotel’s concierge; typically, Ketchum hotels have complimentary transportation services to and from the airport. Two, rent a car ahead of time for pickup and/or drop-off at the Friedman Memorial airport; this will give you lots of flexibility during your trip, as you can get around the town and explore further at your convenience. Or three, get an Uber; however, keep in mind that Sun Valley is a small town and Uber availability is not guaranteed. Whatever you decide, be sure to have a plan.

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HOTEL

We have stayed at various hotels in Sun Valley, but that one that steals the show and that we keep going back to is the legendary Sun Valley Lodge.

This hotel is like a cozy hideaway in the winter, with fireside chill sessions after a day on the slopes. In spring, it’s your basecamp for exploring the nearby Sawtooth Mountains. When the summer sun’s blazing, the Lodge hooks you up with top-notch golf and pool vibes. And when autumn paints the town with stunning colors, the Lodge is your peaceful escape. Sun Valley Lodge’s chill vibes and the beauty around it make it the ultimate spot for adventure and relaxation, no matter the time of year.

The rooms are spacious, well appointed, mountain-cozy and luxurious. Slippers and robes are provided and their nightly turndown is refreshing. The Lodge’s overall amenities are the best, bar none; heated pools, state-of-the-art spa, a large and very complete fitness center, an ice-rink with ice skating classes and skating events, a bowling alley, an opera house with indoor movies and performances, a golf course, boutique shops, skiing and sleigh rides, and lots of great dinging options. This is the spot to be!

However, if you want something more intimate, other wonderful stays in Sun Valley include the Limelight Ketchum and the Knob Hill Inn.

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THINGS TO DO

Sun Valley shines in every season. In the spring, the valley bursts to life with vibrant wildflowers and beckoning hiking trails. Summer brings warm sunshine and a wealth of outdoor adventures, like mountain biking, fishing, and golfing. As autumn rolls in, the landscape transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant foliage, inviting visitors to explore the scenic byways and hiking trails.

Below are some great things to do that we recommend trying!

1. Ski

This is what Sun Valley is known for, and it’s actually where destination skiing was born! It’s a must, especially for first timers as it offers skiers something unique on two different mountains. Bald Mountain has 3,400 of vertical feet, twelve chairlifts, 100+ unique runs, a consistent pitch, a variety of terrain and lack of lift lines; the perfect spot for seasoned skiers and riders. Dollar Mountain features an effortless uphill transporter for kids, eight terrain parks and two high-speed quads, making it a great place for beginners and kids to learn and build confidence.

For webcams of Bald Mountain, visit: sunvalley.com/web-cams.

2. Take a Hike 

The options are endless here…and beautiful. Like Switzerland beautiful. I always say, that I think our Sun Valley Idaho is our very own American Switzerland. We have done two hikes here:

• White Cloud Nine Trail: Considered Moderate. It’s close to the Sun Valley Lodge and it’s about 4 miles long.
• Bald Mountain Trail: Considered Hard. You have to take the gondola up to get there; this one is about 11 miles, and it was beautiful and fun, but I don’t recommend going alone to this one, I thought it would be easy to get lost.

What we do is we use the All Trails App, we added the the Sun valley location in the search bar and then a bunch of great hikes popped up. If you don’t have this app already and you’re a hiker, it’s a must!

3.Walk or Bike Around Town

You can easily rent bikes around town for a few hours or for the day, and then you can use them to get around. Especially when the weather is nice, like spring, summer or fall. We love to rent them at the Sun valley Lodge and then bike that little trail to downtown Ketchum for shopping and/or lunch. Super easy to get around and very picturesque.

4.Go to the Spa

There are two wonderful spas in Sun Valley. One is The Spa at Sun Valley, which is located right by the Sun Valley Lodge and is part of their resort. And the other one is The Spa at Zenergy, which is located inside the Zenergy club, a wonderful health club for locals. I have tried both and both have been wonderful experiences.

• The Spa at Sun Valley feels like your traditional upscale 5-star resort spa. Almost reminded me of a Las Vegas spa. Their amenities are wonderful and the facilities are grand. The therapists were good and you feel taken care of.
• The Spa at Zenergy was amazing as well. It’s a little less grand, smaller and feels more approachable than The Spa at Sun Valley. The facilities are still fabulous and the therapists were friendly and talented.

5. Go on a picnic 

This is one of my favorite things to do. Especially in the summer, and especially on the 4th of July weekend. Grab a favorite blanket, pack or buy a picnic, and take your favorite person on a cute, leisurely lunch under the sun in nature. So many spots to pick from!

6. Take a Yoga Class 

The Sun Valley Lodge offers yoga classes you can book in advance during your stay. If you’re feeling like using their fitness facilities, you can for free if you’re a hotel guest, but you can also opt for guided yoga classes, if that is more up your alley. It’s a great option for those who like to stay active while on vacation.

7. Go Beer Tasting at the Annual Brew Fest 

On one of our visits to Sun Valley about five years ago, we happened to stumble upon the Sun Valley Brew Fest. It was an awesome serendipitous moment. The Brew Fest used to be held in the middle of downtown Ketchum, so as we were walking downtown on our way to eat lunch, we saw a bunch of tents and crowds of people. Breweries had barrels set up and were filling up people’s glasses, lots of locals and visitors were chatting and having a great ol’ time, music was playing, food trucks were going, it was a blast. We HAD to buy tickets and participate. And so we did; we loved it so much, we planned a Sun Valley visit the following year specifically to attend the Brew Fest. If you like beer, and you like a small town Mountain feel in summertime, this is a must-try.

8. Go Paragliding  

Something to behold, is what this gorgeous “birds eye view” perspective will give you. What we have at Sun Valley is our own little American Switzerland, and there’s no better way to appreciate it than from up in the sky. Fly Sun Valley has got you covered, so next time you visit in the Summer, plan ahead and schedule a paragliding session with them. Summer is the time to do this, as the weather is gorgeous and inviting. It’s a bucket-list activity, for sure!

9. Go Star Gazing 

In 2017, Ketchum was officially designated as a Dark Sky Community by Dark Sky International. The organization is dedicated to reduce light pollution and preserve night skies; which Ketchum does beautifully. Both residents and visitors can enjoy Ketchum’s unique view to the stars, planets and deep space. Clear Sun Valley skies are something to behold, so next time you visit, be sure to dress warm, grab a cozy blanket or poncho, and go out there to look at the stars.

10. Participate in Local Events 

As your visit approaches, be sure to check out the Visit Sun Valley Events Calendar and the Sun Valley Lodge Events Page for a list of all of the upcoming events in the valley. You can find things like live music, festivals, shows, sport activities and community building events there. We’ve found great events this way, like live jazz music and their famous Trailing of the Sheep Festival.

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WHERE TO EAT

1. Pioneer Saloon (Dinner)

The Pioneer Saloon at Sun Valley is a must. Especially for first timers. It’s a landmark restaurant that serves prime-rib and filets, loaded Idaho potatoes in a western-themed setting. They don’t take reservations, so it’s a first-come-first-served establishment. Get there early, put your name down on the list and grab a drink at the bar while you wait. It is a fun time!

2. Duchin Lounge (Lunch or Dinner) 

The Duchin Lounge is my husband and I’s favorite spot. We go to it every time we are in town. They typically have live music Friday-Sunday, which makes for a classy and cool environment. It is situated close to the lobby of the Sun Valley Lodge, so if you’re staying there, it is a very convenient “walk” home (wink-wink). We love sitting at the bar; we talk to the friendly bartenders, order some good wine and appetizers to start, and follow that with one of their yummy salads. This is a first-come-first-serve establishment, as well.

3. Grill at Knob Hill (Dinner)

The Grill at Knob Hill Inn is another favorite. We absolutely love their Idaho trout! It’s a cozy, unassuming environment, but the service is friendly and the wine and food is fantastic. They do take reservations, so make yours ahead of time to grab your ideal spot!

4. Rickshaw (Dinner)

Rickshaw is a a local’s favorite. And for good reason. They serve Southeast Asian street fair, and every single dish is flavorful and delicious. We love to get takeout from here on Saturday nights, bring it to our room at the Lodge and watch Saturday Night Live on TV. It has been a cute little tradition for us, and we love how fun it is. Rickshaw is fantastic, it’s a must while visiting Sun Valley!

5. Vintage (Lunch or Dinner) 

Vintage is a hidden gem. And probably one of my favorite restaurants in town to grab lunch during the weekday. They are only open for lunch Monday-Friday, but they do serve dinner every day. They close during shoulder-season, so be sure to keep this in mind. They take reservations, and they book quick, so plan in advance. The service and food are top notch, and you’ll just love the cozy and inviting ambiance inside…it makes me smile just thinking about it!

6. Enoteca (Dinner) 

Enoteca serves Italian-influenced dishes and they source their ingredients locally. They have a wood-fire oven which makes fantastic hand-tossed pizzas and lasagna. We love their wine and small plates here. Enoteca is centrally located, right in the middle of downtown Ketchum, which makes for a wonderful spot to meet up with friends and start your evening. They take reservations and fill up quickly, so be sure to plan ahead.

7. KB’s Ketchum (Lunch) 

KB’s Ketchum is also centrally located in downtown Ketchum and is another locals’ favorite. It’s extremely casual and it’s a nice little “fast food” spot. We adore it there and grab their fish tacos for lunch at least once every time we visit Sun Valley.  Food comes out quick, its fresh and absolutely delicious.

8. Grumpy’s (Dinner) 

Grumpy’s is just FUN! If you love a good burger with fries and a large glass of cold beer, then this is your spot! The decor is funky and fun, it’s casual and lively, it’s got an easy menu…whats not to love? I’d recommend this place after a long day at the slopes; come as you are and be ready to let lose and enjoy some casual fare.

9. The Roundhouse (Lunch) 

The Roundhouse is a must, any time of year. It’s got a four sided inside fireplace, which makes the entire space super cozy. Its views are fantastic, especially when you sit on their outdoor deck in Spring or Summer. Make it a memorable date by grabbing a drink and ordering a Fondue For Two!

10. Despo’s (Lunch or Dinner) 

I love Despo’s for their relaxed and casual vibe. Also love their salsa, their tortilla soup and their burritos. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for Mexican food. We have been here multiple times for lunch and once for dinner, both were fun and hit the spot.

11. Java (Breakfast) 

Java Ketchum is where it’s at for specialty coffee drinks. They have a location in Boise that I used to go to in college every day; literally every day. I was obsessed with their signature drink, The Bowl of Soul. They have the same amazing drink and breakfast menu here, only with a nice little mountain town vibe. Definitely head here for a Bowl of Soul and snag one of their amazing cookies or muffins.

12. Sun Valley Wine Company (Drinks) 

Sun Valley Wine Company is a wine bar in the middle of downtown Ketchum that has over 1,000 wine bars. Legit a wine-lover’s paradise.  Go there for a drink and grab a bottle or two to bring to dinner or to take back home.

13. BigWood Bakery (Lunch)

I love Bigwood Bakery Cafe for salads, sandwiches, cookies and bread. Their homemade granola is fantastic, too. Come here for a relaxed and casual lunch, and grab some baked goodies on your way out to bring home with you.

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Hope you found this guide insightful, and that you’re able to use some of these tips for when you’re planning your own trip to gorgeous Sun Valley, Idaho!