Sun Valley Resort has been welcoming skiing enthusiasts since the winter of 1936 when the lifts started turning. The resort was the first ski area in the world to install chairlifts. Developed in Omaha, Nebraska, at Union Pacific’s headquarters, the Original Proctor Mountain Ski Lift is based on a banana loading conveyor used for loading the fruit onto ships.
For short lift lines, head to Bald Mountain. You can ski nearly all day long without a wait. There are 14 kilometers of snowshoe trails and 40 kilometers of tracks for cross-country and skate skiing as well as ski touring.
To enjoy the total Sun Valley experience, one must stay at the famed Sun Valley Lodge. This is where filmmaker Warren Miller slept in his trailer in the parking lot, stole oyster crackers from the kitchen and began his amazing filmmaking career. We will be staying at the Deluxe Lodge Apartment condos right next to the Sun valley Lodge so we will be able to enjoy the benefits of everything happening at the Lodge including their bowling alley.
Sun Valley is situated across two mountains: Bald Mountain (very sunny slope that’s nearly all downhill) and Dollar Mountain (628 feet of vertical on a treeless slope). Baldy offers expert skiers a variety of challenging bowls and glades off the peak while Dollar Mountain is a beginner's dream with gentle, perfectly groomed slopes.
Sun Valley is serviced by a modern lift infrastructure and a well-designed trail system. The resort has terrain for all ability levels and has 2,154 skiable acres. The summit elevation is 9,150 feet with 2,400 feet of vertical drop. Base elevation is 5,750 feet. The area receives about 220 inches of snowfall per year. There are 121 trails serviced by 18 lifts along with 2 terrain parks, a Super Pipe and Jib Park.
The steepest run is Inhibition, which is 70% or 35 degrees, and the longest run is a total of 3 miles. The slope ratings are 36% beginner, 42% intermediate, 20% advanced and 2% expert. Snow-making is available on 645 acres, and there are 55 snow guns. Groomed acres sit at 810 with snow-making on 78% of these acres.
Restaurant Recommendations:
Breakfast: Konditorei Restaurant provides fresh-baked pastries and organic coffees each morning so you can get off on the right foot.
Lunch: A stop at the lunch-only Sun Valley Club is a must. With their amazing views and fireplace, it’s the perfect short time escape from the cold.
Dinner: With its rustic ambiance and wonderful food, Trail Creek Cabin is the place to go after a long day on the slopes.
Apres/Nightlife: Located right at the lodge, Duchin Lounge has amazing ambiance and service, and is great if you need a late-night snack.
See other dining and Sun Valley information at www.sunvalley.com