Winter In Sun Valley, Idaho
Best Time to Visit
- Seasonal Flights Primarily run December 19 - March 29
- Opportunity
- December 1 – 23 | January 2 – February 8 | March 27 – April 12
- Lower lodging rates + less people
- Sun Valley Film Festival – December 3-7
- Peak
- December 24 – January 1 | February 11 – March 15
- Festivities surrounding the holidays
- Good snowfall – February
- Valentine’s Day & President’s Day weekend – February 13 - 16
- Spring break for school kids – end of February through much of March
- See Winter in Real Time
- Get a live look at Sun Valley’s winter conditions with real-time webcams from Snow Stake, Roundhouse, and White Clouds.
21°F
| Time | Weather Condition | Comport | Precipitation | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Condition | Temperature | Wind | Humidity | Pressure | Amount | Rain Chance |
|
Today
10:59 pm
|
Sunny
|
6° | 30°°F | 12 Km/h | 67 % | 1027 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tomorrow
10:59 pm
|
 Partly Cloudy
|
10° | 32°°F | 9 Km/h | 61 % | 1030 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tuesday
10:59 pm
|
 Overcast
|
19° | 36°°F | 10 Km/h | 58 % | 1031 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
| Time | Weather Condition | Comport | Precipitation | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hour | Condition | Temperature | Wind | Humidity | Pressure | Amount | Rain Chance |
|
Tomorrow
12:00 am
|
Clear
|
11° | 13°°F | 7 Km/h | 78 % | 1032 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tomorrow
3:00 am
|
Clear
|
10° | 10°°F | 9 Km/h | 70 % | 1032 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tomorrow
6:00 am
|
 Clear
|
11° | 14°°F | 8 Km/h | 59 % | 1032 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tomorrow
9:00 am
|
Sunny
|
17° | 24°°F | 4 Km/h | 55 % | 1032 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tomorrow
12:00 pm
|
 Overcast
|
28° | 31°°F | 4 Km/h | 47 % | 1028 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tomorrow
3:00 pm
|
Overcast
|
31° | 32°°F | 4 Km/h | 50 % | 1027 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tomorrow
6:00 pm
|
Overcast
|
28° | 30°°F | 4 Km/h | 59 % | 1028 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tomorrow
9:00 pm
|
 Cloudy
|
25° | 27°°F | 7 Km/h | 70 % | 1030 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tuesday
12:00 am
|
Clear
|
22° | 24°°F | 8 Km/h | 68 % | 1031 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tuesday
3:00 am
|
Clear
|
20° | 21°°F | 9 Km/h | 65 % | 1033 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tuesday
6:00 am
|
Clear
|
20° | 20°°F | 9 Km/h | 63 % | 1034 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tuesday
9:00 am
|
 Partly Cloudy
|
23° | 28°°F | 4 Km/h | 60 % | 1033 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tuesday
12:00 pm
|
Overcast
|
31° | 35°°F | 4 Km/h | 50 % | 1030 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tuesday
3:00 pm
|
Overcast
|
34° | 35°°F | 4 Km/h | 46 % | 1028 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tuesday
6:00 pm
|
Overcast
|
30° | 32°°F | 3 Km/h | 56 % | 1029 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
|
Tuesday
9:00 pm
|
Overcast
|
28° | 30°°F | 7 Km/h | 55 % | 1030 hPa | 0 mm | 0% |
December:
Winter fully takes hold in December, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 25-35°F (-4 to 2°C) and nighttime temperatures often below freezing, averaging 10-15°F (-12 to -9°C). Snow cover becomes consistent, making it a popular time for winter sports enthusiasts.
January:
The heart of winter and the coldest month of the year. Daytime temperatures range from 16°F to 26°F (-9°C to -3°C), with nights well below freezing. Frequent snowfall keeps slopes in top condition, making it a prime month for skiing and snow sports, with crisp air and clear skies between storms.
February:
Still deep winter, with temperatures ranging from 19°F to 31°F (-7°C to -1°C). Snowpack peaks, keeping slopes ideal for skiing and snow sports under crisp skies and bright mountain days.
March:
Begins to transition towards spring, but temperatures can still range from 24°F to 38°F (-4°C to 3°C). Snow conditions can vary, with potential for both fresh snow and melting. Cool weather continues, with highs around 37°F (3°C) and lows near 18°F (-8°C). Snowfall is common, averaging 6 inches, while skies remain mostly cloudy.
Getting to Sun Valley
Airlines That Fly Nonstop from 8 major cities to Sun Valley, Idaho
- Chicago - ORD | United Airlines
- Seattle - SEA | Alaska & Delta Airlines
- Los Angeles - LAX | United & Delta Airlines
- San Diego – SAN | Alaska Airlines
- San Francisco - SFO | United Airlines
- Salt Lake City - SLC | Delta Airlines
- Denver - DEN United Airlines
- Phoenix – PHX | American Airlines
Flight Checker - Explore Flights To Sun Valley
Signature Winter Experiences In Sun Valley
SKIING & SNOWBOARDING
Plan Your Sun Valley Ski Vacation
The ski season in Sun Valley runs from late November to mid-April. Peak season (late Dec–Feb) brings the best snow, festive energy, and lively après-ski. Spring (Mar–Apr) offers sunny days, softer snow, and fewer crowds—great for families. Early season (late Nov–mid Dec) is quieter but full of excitement as Bald and Dollar Mountains open for the winter. No matter when you visit, Sun Valley delivers an unforgettable ski experience.
WHERE THE LIFTS END,
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS.
Back-country or Heli-Skiing Adventures
Access to remote terrain, including heli-skiing and back-country ski touring, for those wanting something beyond the resort lifts.
Take thirty seconds from the top of Bald Mountain and you'll see endless untouched terrain waiting to be explored. With cozy mountain huts and yurts scattered across Idaho's wildest peaks, Sun Valley's backcountry offers the ultimate escape for skiers and riders chasing solitude, powder, and pure alpine freedom.
STEP OFF THE BEATEN PATH AND INTO
PURE MOUNTAIN TRANQUILITY
Snowshoeing
With over 200 km of immaculately groomed trails, Sun Valley earns its title as Nordic Town USA. Whether you're skating across open meadows or snowshoeing through quiet forests, every trail leads to breathtaking views and serene mountain moments.
WHERE PRECISION MEETS POWDER-QUIET
SNOWFIELDS
Backcountry Skiing
Take thirty seconds from the top of Bald Mountain and you'll see endless untouched terrain waiting to be explored. With cozy mountain huts and yurts scattered across Idaho's wildest peaks, Sun Valley's backcountry offers the ultimate escape for skiers and riders chasing solitude, powder, and pure alpine freedom.
Don’t Miss These Winter Events In Sun Valley
From signature festivals to local traditions, discover the moments that make Winter in Sun Valley unforgettable.
Sun Valley Film Festival
Various Locations
Winter Wonderland
Sun Valley Food & Wine Celebration
Boulder Mountain Tour
Various LocationsExplore Your Prefered Activities
Come For The Snow, Stay For The Comfort
From cozy lodges and ski-in chalets to boutique hotels in the heart of Ketchum, find the perfect winter stay that fits your style and budget.
Hotels & Resorts
Discover world-class comfort at iconic Sun Valley hotels like the Sun Valley Lodge or Limelight Hotel Ketchum — both steps from dining, nightlife, and easy mountain access.
Vacation Rentals
From cozy retreats to spacious homes, find the perfect place to relax, explore, and make lasting memories.
A Local’s Guide To Winter In Sun Valley
Winter here isn’t just about vertical feet—it’s about the little rituals between runs: long liftside lunches, starlit sleigh rides, and quiet snow in the backcountry. If you want to experience it the way locals do, start with these favorites.
Roundhouse
Ride the gondola, step into the glow, and settle in for a classic Sun Valley evening—mountain views, hearty plates, no rush. Skiers and snowboarders can slide right up to the base of iconic establishment and indulge in a 2-hour fondue lunch while staring across the Valley at the mighty Pioneer Mountains.
The go-getters can be found venturing up Bald Mountain with skis equipped with skins and headlamps to earn their winter meal.
Reservations are required for lunch and dinner. To book, check up to date hours click here or call 208-622-2800
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve is one of the most spectacular places on Earth to experience the night sky. Nestled amid the rugged Sawtooth Mountains, it spans over 1,400 square miles of pristine wilderness and was designated the first Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Reserve in the United States by the International Dark-Sky Association, a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting dark skies. Here, visitors can witness the Milky Way, planets, meteors, and deep-sky wonders in near-pristine darkness while enjoying the outdoor beauty of central Idaho’s communities, trails, and wilderness.
Galena Lodge
Galena Lodge is a charming mountain hideout in Idaho’s Boulder Mountains where fresh air meets cozy vibes. By day it’s a hub for hiking, biking, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing across miles of scenic trails, and by night you can warm up in the lodge or sleep under the stars in a rustic yurt. Great food, community spirit, and wild outdoor fun await in every season.
Community Library
Community Library in Ketchum is a cozy winter haven where stories come alive. One of the best winter appeals is cozying up with your new favorite book by their inviting fireplace, surrounded by shelves of inspiration, local history, and a warm community spirit.
Outdoor Ice Skating at the Sun Valley Lodge Rink
Skate under the lights at the iconic open-air rink, then warm up with hot cocoa by the fire. Classic winter, right in the village.
Sleigh Ride to Trail Creek Cabin
A timeless winter outing: horses, blankets, and a lantern-lit cabin dinner that feels like a postcard come to life.
Plan The Perfect Sun Valley Escape
Take the effort out of planning. We’ll suggest an itinerary that fits your pace and interests.
Choose your travel dates, pick what you love — skiing, dining, relaxing, or exploring — and we’ll suggest a winter itinerary that fits your pace.
Plan The Perfect Sun Valley Escape
Take the effort out of planning. We'll suggest an itinerary that fits your pace and interests.
Choose your travel dates, pick what you love skiing, dining, relaxing, or exploring and we'll suggest a winter itinerary that fits your pace.
Sharing Sun Valley Stories
Sun Valley was ranked #1 for lift experience in Ski Magazine’s 2026 Reader Resort Survey.
Skiers praised the resort’s fast, modern lifts, minimal wait times, and smooth mountain flow, meaning more time on the snow and less time in line.
Sun Valley shines as a classic winter escape, blending world-class skiing with small-town mountain charm.
Sunset’s winter itinerary highlights legendary groomers, cozy lodges, iconic dining, and lively après-ski in an uncrowded mountain setting.
For world-class skiing without big crowds, head to Sun Valley.
The Wall Street Journal highlights Sun Valley as a compelling alternative to destinations like St. Moritz, offering excellent skiing and a more relaxed, less crowded mountain experience.
Winter in Sun Valley, Idaho
Winter in Sun Valley, Idaho is unlike any other mountain town. Sure, there are traits that echo other ski destinations — but it's the feeling here that’s impossible to duplicate. The people, the pace, the essence, the culture, the lack of FOMO — they’re what make a Sun Valley ski vacation something you don’t just take, but feel. We won’t try to explain it. We’ll just invite you to come experience it for yourself.
In the event that you were looking for more details on what to do in Sun Valley in the winter, you'll find downhill skiing & snowboarding, backcountry skiing & snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fly fishing, snowmobiling, world-class arts & culture, a robust dining scene, and a wellness-oriented community.
Sun Valley, Idaho is calling. We look forward to seeing you.