In this monthly series, we check in with one of our adventurous locals to find out how they would spend a perfect 24 hours in Sun Valley. Is that a chill in the air? Fall is fast approaching in Sun Valley, and after twelve years of living in this mountain town, I can confidently say it’s my favorite season. Warm days, cool nights, uncrowded trails, and perfect starry evenings make September hard to beat. September is also when seven-time world champion cyclist and local resident Rebecca Rusch hosts over a thousand riders for Rebecca’s Private Idaho, a multi-day gravel biking festival and stage race. Since 2013, this event has welcomed athletes ranging from professional to amateur to compete and race along the trails in Ketchum. This year, in light of the pandemic, Rebecca transitioned this iconic event into a global race, with a flexible, interactive membership training plan that leads to cyclists riding their own “Private Idaho” courses at home over Labor Day weekend. Rebecca is one of the most generous humans you can hope to meet and an incredibly tenacious athlete. She’s known as “The Queen of Pain” for her remarkable ability to tackle the world’s most grueling endurance cycling events. Her …
20 Things to Know Before You go Camping or RVing
Camping or RVing is a great way to experience the Sun Valley area, but there are some things to know to not only enjoy your time but to also respect mother nature and keep access open for all of us. Before You Go Have the proper gear Have a plan Get the necessary permits Know the weather Before you leave, notify a responsible person of your planned route of travel, time of departure and return. Be sure to check with that person when you return Where to Go There are tons of options for campsites around Sun Valley. Whether that is dispersed sites or reserved campground slots there is something for everyone. Reservations Designated Camping Zones Stay limits usually range from 6-16 nights so be sure to check Campfires The Sun Valley area knows a thing or two about the power of wildfires. So be sure to keep it contained, monitored, and properly put out. Know the restrictions especially burn bans Where it’s ok to have campfires How to properly put out a fire What NOT to burn – plastics, cans, trash Leave No Trace “Take only photos, leave only footprints” “Bathroom Activities”: At least 150 ft from any water …
Ways to Capitalize on Remote Learning in Sun Valley
Schools shut down? Kids enrolled in online courses? Taking some online courses yourself to work on that masters? If the traditional classroom environment looks different this fall then Sun Valley is the best place to be. Not only does the Valley have all the resources needed to achieve academic success, it is also a great opportunity to expand beyond the standard curriculum and learn about life and Mother Nature. Work Spaces If a quiet place and fast wifi is what you need to crank out some assignments or to log on to a video conference then the library is probably your best bet. Newly remodeled and full of little work zones to try out, the library and its many resources are available to anyone with a free library card. If some background noise is more your style then the coffee shops and hotel lounges offer up a variety of locations to crank some productivity. Just remember to bring a mask and possibly check in at the front desk before you dive in. The Community Library Java on Fourth Starbucks Limelight Hotel Sun Valley Lodge Ketchum Town Square Ketchum Works Hailey Coffee Different Kind of Classroom Some of the best lessons …
How Well do You Know Your Mountains?
Mountain ranges around Sun Valley: Although many people proclaim that “The Sawtooths are simply breathtaking!” and they aren’t wrong about that, chances are they are not looking at the Sawtooths. Although much of the mountains surrounding Sun Valley are within the Sawtooth National Forest, it is actually impossible to see the Sawtooths from the valley. Sun Valley is actually surrounded by five distinct mountain ranges so we compiled some helpful info so that the next time your talking peaks, you sound like a local. Pioneer Mountains The great Pioneers! Idaho’s second tallest mountain range and the beautiful skyline viewed from most of the ski runs. The Pioneers rise to the east out of the valley with foothills mostly blocking the view from town, but making it more rewarding to hike into Pioneer Cabin. The range is bounded on the west by the Big Wood River, by Trail Creek, Summit Creek, and the North Fork Big Lost River on the north, and by the East Fork Big Lost River, Saint Louis Canyon, Champagne Creek, and the Cherry Creeks on the east, and on the south by the Snake River Plain. Hyndman Peak is the ninth tallest peak in Idaho earning it the last slot on …