Photo courtesy Blaine County Recreation District 

sv essentials

alpine skiing & boarding

Sun Valley has always had the reputation in the skiing world as being host to a true skier’s mountain. With seven detachable, high-speed quad lifts, six fixed grips and rarely a lift line to be found, Bald Mountain offers skiers and boarders more actual time on the slopes than just about any resort in America. It is the rare skier or boarder on Baldy who is still standing after a full day of lift service, which is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For those with less experience on the slopes there is Dollar Mountain, a three-minute drive from the Sun Valley Lodge. Dollar offers beginner skiing and boarding on expertly groomed slopes, as well as a beautiful new day lodge.

night life

If a full day on a board or skis doesn’t take it out of you, step out of the boots into something softer and enjoy the après ski scene. Often during the peak holiday season and during the warmer spring weather bands play at the base areas of Bald Mountain, River Run and Warm Springs.

For a laugh or two, take in a time honored Sun Valley tradition: Mike Murphy’s comedy act in the Boiler Room in Sun Valley Village. In Ketchum there are a number of bars and restaurants offering live music and drink and hors d’oeuvres specials that serve to take the edge off that last fall on Baldy.

Check the Arts and Events section of the Idaho Mountain Express for times, dates and places of daily happenings.

snowshoeing &
nordic skiing

Also referred to as cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing encompasses the increasingly popular skate skiing and telemark skiing. The North Valley Trail system offers some of the best trails for all levels of Nordic skiers.

Galena Lodge, just 22 miles north of Ketchum, has long been a dynamic Nordic center, offering groomed trails, snowshoeing terrain and an excellent restaurant for either a hot bowl of soup on a cold day or a full course meal.

During the season look for special Nordic events like the Boulder Mountain Ski Tour and the Gourmet Ski Tour. Dates and times of both events are listed in the Calendar.

art & culture

There are over 30 art galleries in Ketchum, a town that in the 2000 census had an official population of 3,003. The galleries are diverse in genre and mediums offered, everything from contemporary abstracts, to Matisse prints, to large sculptural works.

Those more interested in the performing arts will discover a dynamic theater and dance community. Also on tap will be opera presented by Sun Valley Opera, vocal concerts by the esteemed Caritas Chorale, and a number of dance performances.

Check the Winter Calendar and the weekly edition of the Idaho Mountain Express newspaper for times and dates of the events.

the backcountry

Those seeking a more remote mountain experience will find an enormous playground just outside the Sun Valley area.

If you’re looking for powder snow, catch a lift from the Sun Valley Helicopter Ski Guides. They take clients out to ski and board the vast Idaho backcountry. Come springtime, the “Heli-guides” seek out the best corn skiing central Idaho has to offer.

For a more rustic experience, you might check into the many backcountry yurts for rent in the area. These Mongolian huts, complete with wood stoves, floors and simple beds, offer a peaceful and unique skiing experience. Some can be reached by sleigh, others by skis. See the Outfitters and Guides listings on services offered.

skating & sledding

Where there is snow, there is ice and lots of fun to be had.

Try a few spins on Sun Valley’s famed outdoor skating rink. Free skating is available at Atkinson Park in Ketchum and at Roberta McKercher Park in Hailey.

Another simple pleasure in life is sledding with the kids. Zipping down Penny Hill at the the intersection of Sun Valley and Saddle roads is a Sun Valley tradition. All it takes is a sled, warm clothes and a willingness to be slightly out of control.