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.
March is one of our favorite times in Sun Valley — the corn skiing is on point, spring breakers are in town, and most importantly, the Sun Valley Film Festival turns Ketchum into a raucous mix of films, celebrities, and iconic mountain town parties.
With the Festival right on the horizon, we checked in with local resident Candice Pate, the Director of the Sun Valley Film Festival, to see how she would spend her perfect March day in Sun Valley. Here’s what she said.
(Psst! There’s still time to grab your Festival pass!)
What would you do first thing?
I’d get up, get the kids to school, and head to IdaYOGA for a flow class with Beth Stuart.
After that, I’d get a cup of Gorongosa Coffee (which supports the restoration of Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique) at a Sun Valley Film Festival’s Coffee Talk and settle in. Coffee Talks are always great and give an intimate insight into the ins and outs of the entertainment industry.
What is next on your perfect day?
I’d do some spring skiing on the mountain. Some people love powder — and I like it well enough — but I really love me some spring groomer skiing. I’ll take a bluebird day, corn snow, and warm temperatures any day.
Where would you stop in for lunch?
The Roundhouse for fondue and a Bloody Mary. I’d sit upstairs at the bar with Sully or Brian, the bartenders, rather than at a table. It’s catch-as-catch-can up there, and people come and go all afternoon.
What’s up next?
Once school was out, I’d pick up the kids, grab my dogs, and head to Adams Gulch for a hike through the packed snow.
During the Sun Valley Film Festival, I’d also pop into one of the theaters and watch a film in the afternoon. The films run all day, so there’s always something to see.
Any happy hour for you?
Definitely! I’d grab a martini and a hamburger with a side of morel sauce at the Christy (Michel’s Christiania). That burger with the morel sauce is worth every penny.
This sounds like a great day. How about the evening?
I’d head to one of the Sun Valley Film Festival parties. The ‘Main Street Salutes a Legend’ party is shutting down Main Street in Ketchum this year, and it’s our way of sharing the Ketchum lifestyle with Festival attendees. It’ll be some good mountain town craziness with costumes and shenanigans.
It’s not a fancy film thing — it’s going to be Ketchum at its finest. Everyone is welcome!
How would you finish out your perfect day?
I’d duck home and have a soak in the hot tub with my husband, watching the alpenglow on the mountains.