Sun Valley, Idaho is where the location of the first chairlift in the United States, located at Dollar Mountain. If you love to ski, enjoy no lift lines, hop on the chair lift and ski down the mountain.
DOLLAR & BALD MOUNTAIN
There is a variety of terrain from the beginner slopes of Dollar Mountain, do to the advanced mogul runs of Bald Mountain. The Sun Valley resort has a total of 18 lifts with a capacity of 29,717 skiers per hour, though the average skiers per day is only 2,900.
With a total of 121 runs, 36% is beginner, 42% is more difficult, 20% most difficult and 2% is rated expert. Bald Mountain has an elevation of 9,150′ with a vertical drop of 3,400. We cruised through smooth intermediate runs and also went up to the back country to ski some of the bowls. The snow was light, fluffy and ideal for spring skiing. The temperature was ideal at 50 degrees.
THE SUN VALLEY NORDIC & SNOWSHOE CENTER
With over 40 km of groomed trails and classic skiing, the Sun Valley Nordic & Showshoe center has some of the best cross country skiing in America. Ski and snowshoe equipment are available for rent for all ages. You will notice that these skis are very narrow and long, compared to traditional downhill skis.
THE SUN VALLEY INN
The Sun Valley Idaho Inn opened its doors in 1937 and is located next to Village station. With a gorgeous restaurant and lobby bar, the decor is European inspired with the finest fabrics, carpeting and wall coverings. Rooms are spacious with views of the snow-covered mountains. Classic, yet contemporary suites feature luxurious bedding.
Clint Eastwood Suite
THE ERNEST HEMINGWAY SUITE AT THE SUN VALLEY LODGE
We had a tour of the Hemingway suite at the Sun Valley Lodge. This famous room is where Hemingway completed the final chapters of For Whom the Bell Tolls.
THE RAM
The Ram is Sun Valley’s original restaurant. Since 1937, this rustic yet charming place has been serving hearty savory dishes to the community. PIanist Larry Harshbarger brings a classic ambiance to the room with gentle melodies on the resident baby grand piano. The Ram is also known for its “Heritage Menu,” a series of historic dishes including pork tenderloin schnitzel, Hungarian goulash and the famous fondue. We even tasted the rabbit dish that was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway himself. The interior is filled with rich woods, antler chandeliers and plush booths.
Rabbit from the heritage menu.
THE ROUNDHOUSE
Fondue @ Roundhouse
Perched atop the Roundhouse Gondola on Baldy is the Roundhouse. Sit by the fire and have some of their signature fondue. Since 1939, this place has been the perfect place to take a break from skiing to admire the pristine views of Sun Valley Idaho.
TRAIL CREEK CABIN
Trail Creek Cabin is Sun Valley‘s destinationIdaho for romantic dining in a log cabin, early-Western atmosphere. This mountain style cabin sits on the rushing waters of Trail Creek with a jaw-dropping view of Bald Mountain in the distance. Feast on Hagerman Valley Idaho Ruby Trout, Buffalo TEnderloin and Trail Creek New York Strip Steak.
KONDITOREI
This Austrian inspired bakery has the freshest pastries, locally roasted fair trade and organic coffees and an Old World hot coco that will warm your soul. If you like red velvet cupcakes, this is the place to be. With a super sultry savory texture, the cupcake literally melts in your mouth.
THE SPA
Indulge in ultimate relaxation with a variety of spa treatments. We had the Sun Valley Signature Massage–light to medium pressure massage with your choice of perfectly harvested essential oil blends for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Other treatments available include Pre-natal Massage, Soothing Stone Massage and Himalayan Salt Stone Massage.
THE ICE SKATING RINK
Sun ValleyIdaho has one of the best outdoor ice rinks that we have ever seen. Watch Olympic and world-class skaters practice their triple toe axels. With a stunning view of the mountains and open air environment, the rink is rarely crowds and there is plenty of room for speed.
For more information visit Sun Valley.