While most vacationers come to Sun Valley for the skiing, there’s so much more to a Sun Valley Resort winter experience. The area in and around the resort offers much to explore for the adventurous traveler, where you’ll discover a fascinating mix of history, glamour, charm and natural beauty.
In Sun Valley itself, don’t miss a visit to the Sun Valley Lodge to get a sense of the glamour and history of this unique resort. Just outside is the legendary Sun Valley Ice Rink, where the top skaters in the world come to perform. You can hike or snowshoe the short 1.5 mile trail to Trail Creek Cabin, an historic hunting lodge frequented by Ernest Hemingway, that is open for lunch and dinner. Of course, you can always enjoy a relaxing day spent wondering through the area’s many specialty shops, boutiques, art galleries and fine restaurants.
Explore the neighboring town of Ketchum, with its rustic Western charm, fine shops and restaurants. While in Ketchum, venture a peak inside the Heritage and Ski Museum for a fascinating look into Idaho’s ski history. Or take a drive up to historic Galena Lodge, the areas main Nordic skiing center, and join a Forest Service guide to learn about the cultural and natural history of the area. You can also drive out to the historic mining towns of Hailey and Stanley.
Natural wonders abound in the Sun Valley’s surrounding area. The Big Wood River, one of the best trout fishing rivers in the West, flows right through Ketchum. Not too far north lies the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which includes four mountain ranges, hundreds of lakes, spectacular alpine scenery and offers endless possibilities for winter recreation. The SNRA is also the cradle of the fabled Salmon River, where several whitewater rafting companies are based. Other nearby excursions include Red Fish Lake, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Ice Caves and Mammoth Cave.
While visitors to Sun Valley can definitely have a great time without ever venturing beyond the resort, people with some extra time to spare will discover many reasons why Sun Valley is such a rewarding winter destination.
For listings of area tours, please click here.
The Sun Valley / Ketchum Idaho Chamber and Visitors Bureau is your local source for Idaho travel and vacation information including Sun Valley and Ketchum hotels and ski resorts, summer and winter recreation, arts and culture, shopping, dining & nightlife and more. For immediate help booking a hotel in Sun Valley or Ketchum, please click our hotel package link. To request a Sun Valley / Ketchum Official Travel Guide, click here.
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