{"id":58487,"date":"2023-02-02T12:36:16","date_gmt":"2023-02-02T20:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=58487"},"modified":"2025-08-14T12:47:56","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T19:47:56","slug":"ultimate-guide-sun-valley-idaho","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/ultimate-guide-sun-valley-idaho\/","title":{"rendered":"ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUN VALLEY, IDAHO"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sun Valley is a small resort town in central Idaho known for its world-class ski resorts, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, and an array of top-notch restaurants. The term “Sun Valley” is generally used to describe the region surrounding the city, including the neighboring city of Ketchum, and the Wood River Valley area that winds south to the towns of Hailey and Bellevue. <\/p>\n

Sun Valley has been a seasonal home to the rich and famous since the 1930s when it was allegedly first brought to public attention by Ernest Hemingway. In summer, tourists flock to Sun Valley to enjoy hiking and biking miles of mountain trails, equestrian routes, and wildflower-filled meadows. <\/p>\n

Sun Valley’s main town, Ketchum<\/a>, has a population of just 3,500 (as of 2021). This vibrant mountain town, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, offers a lively downtown with various restaurants, shops, and art galleries. It is also home to numerous cultural events throughout the year such as the Sun Valley Film Festival. <\/p>\n

Last year my family went on a week-long ski trip to Sun Valley and we fell in love with the small-town mountain feel of this beautiful area. Based on my experience, here’s my ultimate guide to Sun Valley. <\/p>\n

\"Sun<\/p>\n

10 Things To Do In Sun Valley, Idaho<\/h2>\n

Even though Sun Valley is a small mountain town, there is a lot to do and see in the area. Here are 10 fun things to do in Sun Valley<\/strong> during your winter or summer getaway. <\/p>\n

1) Ski & Snowboard<\/h3>\n

With 3,400 vertical feet and over 2,400 acres of diverse terrain, Sun Valley offers something for everyone between Bald Mountain and nearby Dollar Mountain.<\/p>\n

Bald Mountain<\/a>\u2019s consistent pitch, empty lift lines, and variety of terrain have earned it a reputation as one of the world\u2019s best ski resorts. Bald Mountain offers 13 chairlifts and 65 runs await skiers and riders on both sides of “Baldy” (as the locals call it).<\/p>\n

Dollar Mountain<\/a> is a small mountain with easy slopes, better suited for beginners and children who are learning to ski, or teenagers who want to practice their park terrain skills. If you’re signing your children up for ski lessons when you’re in Sun Valley you will be bringing them to Dollar Mountain for ski school where they can enjoy mild slopes and a great magic carpet.<\/p>\n

\"Dollar<\/p>\n

2) Sun Valley Film Festival <\/h3>\n

Since 2012 The Sun Valley Film Festival<\/a> has invited guests to be a part of the legacy of storytellers, artists and filmmakers that have defined the town\u2019s rich cinematic history. The next Sun Valley Film Festival will be held March 29th – April 2nd, 2023.<\/p>\n

With over 4,000 yearly attendees, “SVFF” is quickly becoming known as a top-notch filmmakers’ event. Past festival guests include Hollywood legends such as Clint Eastwood, Jodie Foster, Ethan Hawke, Amy Poehler, and Woody Harrelson as well as writers and filmmakers like Eliza Hittman, Shaka King, and The Duplass Brothers. <\/p>\n

3) Sleigh Rides & Horseback Riding<\/h3>\n

During the winter months, you can take a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride<\/a> through the snowy hills. Each ride is approximately 40 minutes long. Blankets are provided but supplies are limited so they encourage guests to bring their own blankets and dress warmly. The price is $65 per person and kids under two are free. <\/p>\n

In the summer months, you can go horseback riding<\/a> and experience Sun Valley\u2019s legendary Western heritage. Trail rides and wagon experiences are fun for the entire family, from the beginner to the experienced rider. The minimum age is 8 years old and guided trail rides start at $79 for an hour. Trail Rides are only available Thursday-Tuesday. Wagon Rides are available on Fridays at 10am.<\/p>\n

4) Sledding <\/h3>\n

Just outside of Ketchum, on the way to Dollar Mountain, there is a great sledding hill, perfect for taking kids sledding for an hour or two. You’ll see people sledding when you are driving to Dollar Mountain.<\/p>\n

There is a parking area right across the street and you can buy a cheap plastic sled from a local hardware store or ski shop. I took my daughter here one afternoon and we spent hours hiking the hill and sledding down and playing in the snow. <\/p>\n

\"sledding<\/h3>\n

5) Hiking & Biking<\/h3>\n

In the summer months, there is excellent hiking and mountain biking in Sun Valley. With nearly 400 miles of singletrack (biking trail approximately the width of a bike) and 30 miles of wider, paved, car-free trails for all skill levels, there’s something for everyone.<\/p>\n

You can download trail maps<\/a> and find out more information about the best trails at Pete Lane’s Mountain Sports<\/a> in Sun Valley Village.<\/p>\n

6) Golf<\/h3>\n

Sun Valley has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top 75 courses in North America. Trail Creek<\/a>, Sun Valley’s signature 18-hole course, offers a challenging round of golf for every skill level in a gorgeous setting with a winding creek and a sweeping mountain backdrop. <\/p>\n

3) Dinner at Roundhouse Restaurant <\/h3>\n

Located on the hillside of Bald Mountain, dinner at Roundhouse Restaurant<\/a> is an experience not to be missed when you’re visiting Sun Valley. To get to dinner you have to take the Roundhouse Express Gondola up the mountain from River Run Plaza at the base of Bald Mountain.<\/p>\n

My daughter Sadie, who was almost five at the time, absolutely loved this entire experience. She couldn’t believe we were taking a gondola to dinner! The food is average but the fun experience makes this a must!<\/p>\n

Roundhouse Restaurant is popular so make reservations well in advance. Book an early dinner to take in sweeping sunset views during your gondola ride up the mountain. And drumroll please… Roundhouse will allow you to take to-go drinks on your way home. For winter, I suggest hot chocolate and peppermint schnapps to help you stay warm during the chilly ride back down the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"Bald<\/p>\n

8) Fly Fishing<\/h3>\n

There is incredible fly fishing to be had in the rivers and creeks in and around Sun Valley. Idaho is sunny most of the year making it an excellent fishing destination. Also, and this is huge, Idaho state law designates the land within a navigable river\u2019s high-water marks as public trespass right-of-way. So once you\u2019ve entered a river from an appropriate access point, you can wade as far upstream or downstream as you like. <\/p>\n

There are an array of excellent places to fly fish in Sun Valley. Here are a few: Big Wod Rivers, Warm Springs Creek, Lost River System, Silver Creek, and Salmon River. For more information check out this Ultimate Guide To Fly Fishing in Sun Valley<\/a>.<\/p>\n

9) Sun Valley Lake<\/h3>\n

Located a short walk from the Sun Valley Lodge and Inn, Sun Valley Lake<\/a> offers a fun escape from the heat in the summer months. Sun Valley Lake is closed during the winter but in the summer you can rent paddleboats, kayaks, and paddleboards for $30 an hour and enjoy some family fun on the water.<\/p>\n

10) Bowling<\/h3>\n

Sun Valley Lodge<\/a> has a bowling alley<\/a> in their basement, offering fun for the whole family. We spent an evening here with my daughter and two other families and we had a blast. There is also a bar and drinks and snacks for the kids plus an arcade area that they loved. <\/p>\n

The bowling alley is open 3pm-9pm daily and does not take reservations. It can get pretty busy on the weekends and holidays so if you don’t want a long wait time I suggest arriving right at 3pm to snag a lane for your group. <\/p>\n

\"Bowling<\/p>\n

Where To Stay In Sun Valley<\/h2>\n

There are tons of hotel options in and around Ketchum, which is the main town in Sun Valley. Here are 10 great hotels in Sun Valley<\/strong> to stay at year-round.<\/p>\n