Virtual Roadtrip: Sun Valley Resort

America’s First Destination Ski Resort

Stop #13 on our Virtual Road Trip is the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho! The Sun Valley Resort opened in 1936-37, with the slogan “winter sports under a summer sun.” The original property included two European style lodges, outdoor heated swimming pools, a resort village, and the first chair lift in the world! The resort was quickly embraced by celebrities, business professionals, politicians, and winter sports enthusiast from all over the world.

Today, the Sun Valley Resort is a year-round destination with world-class lodging, activities, restaurants, shopping and more. The resort can be divided into two sections: the northern area, centered around the Sun Valley Lodge, Inn, and Village, and the Southern area known as Elkhorn, with condo developments and an 18-hole golf course.

Summer Outdoor Activities:
– Biking, Hiking, Running
– Horseback Riding
– Sport Shooting & Fly Fishing
– Golf, Tennis, Swimming
– Summer Skating School

Winter Outdoor Activities:
– Skiing for all Levels on Dollar Mountain (6,638ft) & Bald Mountain (9,150ft)
– Terrain Park
– Nordic Ski Center
– Ice Skating Rink
– Sleigh Rides and Evening Ice Shows

No matter the time of year, after a full day of outdoor activities, resort guests often gather at the village to enjoy the restaurants, shops, movie theater, and bowling alley. There’s also the opportunity to work on your tennis game or swim a few laps at the tennis & swim center or unwind and rejuvenate with signature treatments at the Spa at Sun Valley.

Travel Tip: The Sun Valley Resort is considered one of the best year-round resorts in the United States. We suggest booking a few nights at one of the hotels and planning your activities in advance. The resort also has shuttle services that make it easy to spend an afternoon or evening exploring nearby downtown Ketchum, Idaho. Literary enthusiasts will want to make the pilgrimage to Ernest Hemingway’s grave in Ketchum Cemetery.

Following the Connection

The Head Ski Company, founded in Baltimore in 1950, produced an alpine ski with honeycomb plastic, covered with polyethylene and steel-reinforced edges. The design became immensely popular and would soon influence the entire worldwide industry. The Baltimore Museum of Industry has an exhibit on Howard Head’s invention that made wooden skis obsolete.

Next Stop: Baltimore Museum of Industry, Baltimore, Maryland

Detour: For some more great ski history, head to the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum in Stowe, Vermont. The museum’s mission is “to collect, preserve, and celebrate Vermont’s skiing and snowboarding history!” The collection includes over 8,000 individual items, from ski equipment to mechanical equipment, including some very unique items. This is a must-visit museum for any ski enthusiast while visiting any of the 25 ski resorts and Nordic centers in Vermont.

Plan Your Trip

The Sun Valley / Ketchum area is best known for year-round outdoor activities and great weather. You don’t have to choose between Sun Valley and Ketchum— a perfectly planned trip will include both destinations to appreciate luxury hotels, a great culinary scene, and unique local shopping. Here are some recommendations from the travel desk at Check-it-Off Travel to consider while planning a trip to the area.