Let me tell you a secret about Sun Valley’s mountain bike scene: it’s kind of fun to fly under the radar. It’s not that we don’t love sharing our trails (we do) and it’s not that we aren’t proud of what we have (we are), but there’s something cool about being that place that people whisper about in hushed tones. And for the last decade, says local mountain bike advocate Adrian Montgomery, mountain bikers, in particular, have been whispering to each other on the trail, “Hey, have you been to Sun Valley?” The Sun Valley area has over 400 miles of singletrack (300-plus of which are accessible from downtown Ketchum), two closed-loop pump parks, over 40 miles of multi-use graded trails, and lift-serviced downhill mountain biking on Sun Valley Resort’s Bald Mountain. The trails range in difficulty from beginner to extreme, but they all have two things in common: they won’t be crowded, and you won’t be able to get enough of them. At least that is how Montgomery, a consultant at Ketchum-based CrankTank and former marketing director at SCOTT Sports and Backcountry.com, felt when he first landed in Sun Valley in 2004. “After six years of traveling for the …
Ketchum’s Coffee Culture
Dubbed the “best city in America for coffee lovers,” Berkeley, California, boasts one café per 2,073 people. We hate to steal your thunder, Berkeley, but with roughly one coffee shop for every 580 people (calculated on a coffee-stained napkin, no less), we think we have you beat. When you’re in Sun Valley, you’ll never have to worry about where your next dose of caffeine is coming from. Whether you’re on the hunt for that perfect latte to kickstart your morning or need a spot to hunker down and catch up on work emails, we invite you to explore Ketchum’s coffee culture. Maude’s Coffee and Clothes 391 Walnut Avenue, Ketchum For that “hang with the locals” vibe head to Maude’s Coffee and Clothes. Maude’s serves locally-roasted organic coffee and espresso drinks alongside tea, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and pastries. The atmosphere at Maude’s is lively, so grab a table and catch up with a friend. When you’re done with your drink, wander through Maude’s “closet,” a clothing retailer that offers vintage and contemporary pieces. Java on Fourth 191 4th Street West, Ketchum Java on Fourth might well be considered an institution in Ketchum’s coffee culture and is known for its rich, deeply flavorful drinks. The …
Guide to Winter Fat Biking in Sun Valley
Two-Wheeled Winter Fun It is rare in the world of winter sports for a new activity to gain a foothold alongside alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. But over the past couple of years, fat biking has managed to do just that. Here in Sun Valley—where mountain biking reigns supreme during the summer—we jumped into fat biking with reckless abandon. Want to join us? Here is all about how to enjoy a day of winter fat biking in Sun Valley. What is Winter Fat Biking? Winter fat biking is the act of pedaling a bike with super-fat tires over a packed trail of snow. A fat bike’s signature tires, which are typically over 4 inches wide, provide a loft and float that allows the bike to glide over groomed snow trails. Fat bikes are beefy in size and stable in their construction. If you can ride a bike on the pavement, you can ride a bike on the snow. Where to Ride in Sun Valley You’ll find no shortage of places to ride a fat bike in Sun Valley and its neighboring communities. With over 60km of trails groomed for fat bikes, the world is your (snowy) oyster. Sun …
Welcome to the Argyros Performing Arts Center
Everything you need to know about the new Argyros Performing Arts Center located in downtown Ketchum, Idaho.
9 Off Mountain Winter Activities to do in Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley is a mecca for the alpine skier or snowboarder: epic vertical decent, uncrowded trails and brilliant blue skies. But don’t be tricked into thinking the mountain is the only place to spend a winter day. We’ve compiled nine winter activities for a perfect day off the slopes.
Fall Festivals You Have to See
From iconic music to herds of sheep running down Main Street, Sun Valley’s festivals are designed to delight your senses. We invite you to experience how we celebrate fall in the mountains. But be careful, you may just find it hard to leave.
Five Reasons to Love Fall in Sun Valley
Fall is Sun Valley’s secret season, that perfect time when the crowds have left yet the days are still warm. Here are some of our favorite things about fall in this mountain town.
Best Places to Camp Around Sun Valley
We’ve compiled a starter guide to camping around Sun Valley, Idaho. You’ll find information on public campgrounds, dispersed camping, RV parks as well as details on where to grocery shop, where to grab a shower, dump stations, dinner spots and camping supplies.
9 Epic Trail Runs in Sun Valley, Idaho
The hundreds of miles of trails in and around Sun Valley are a well known to hikers and mountain bikers. Sun Valley has an embarrassing wealth of buttery singletrack, incredible views, and uncrowded trailheads. If you’re inclined to hit the trail in running shoes instead of hiking boots, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re after a scenic cruise or a high elevation training run to punish your lungs and legs, look no further than these nine epic trail runs in Sun Valley.
The Independent Spirit of The Community Library
The Community Library in Ketchum, Idaho delivers an incredible experience for such a mountain small town. Dig in to what makes this place so unique.