Known as the first purpose-built ski resort in America, Sun Valley is the quintessential winter destination with snow skiing, snowshoeing, sledging and ice skating. Sun Valley also offers museums, shopping and multi-ethnic eateries.
Things to do in Sun Valley
In addition to dozens of downhill slopes, Sun Valley has extensive cross-country trails. Take a lesson at Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center, then hit one of the 40 groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing. At Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink, you can watch Olympic skaters or catch a Sun Valley Suns ice hockey game.
Cultural heritage thrives at Sun Valley Museum of History. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building cradles exhibits featuring Native inhabitants, mining, ranching and athletics. At Ore Wagon Museum, you’ll find original ore wagons once used for delivering mail and food to mountain mining camps.
Couture shopping reigns in Sun Valley, from Valentino and Versace to Stella McCartney and Theory. The Sheepskin Coat Factory sells high-quality shearling coats, including transitional travel jackets for warmer weather.
Powderhounds gather in the evening for trail tales, epic ales and bonfires on the deck of Apple’s Bar & Grill. In summer, bikers can have their two-wheelers serviced while enjoying tacos and more than a dozen beers on tap at the Powerhouse. Stop by The Kneadery for breakfast and admire its western art and a ceiling-hung birchbark canoe.
Getting around Sun Valley
You can rent a car at Magic Valley Regional Airport, about 140 kilometres away. The town is pedestrian-friendly or you take a free Mountain Rides bus equipped for snow gear and bicycles.