We hope you’ve been doing your squats and burpees, because ski season is about to go off in Sun Valley, Idaho. Sun Valley tradition dictates that Opening Day coincides with Thanksgiving, which is perfect for those looking for an excuse to eat more stuffing then may be deemed wise. If you’ve never experienced an Opening Day in Sun Valley—don’t you think it’s about time? Here are three reasons to travel to Sun Valley for this double-holiday.
Race for First Chair
photo: Mark Oliver // Visit Sun Valley
Sun Valley was the first resort to build a chair lift to whisk skiers up snowy slopes, and every year skiers and boarders race to the base of River Run on Bald Mountain for the honor of riding the first chair of the season. The race is only for bragging rights, and contenders must be willing to wake up before dawn and not be bothered about such frivolities as breakfast or frozen fingers.
If vying for first chair isn’t your bag, at least line up for 10th or 12th chair and be there to cheer when the lift starts spinning. With an uphill lift capacity of 21,580 skiers per hour, and with a typical day hosting an average of only 3,500 skiers, the math is always in your favor at Sun Valley.
Gobble the Turkey
photo: Sun Valley Resort
Don’t worry about being away from home for Thanksgiving, because Ketchum, Sun Valley, and nearby Hailey provide plenty of opportunities for having one of the best holiday meals of your life.
Going Out
For those that might not have had the time to whip up their own Thanksgiving feast, several options are open for a traditional Thanksgiving meal in town:
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Sun Valley Thanksgiving Buffet – Sun Valley Inn Ballroom
Treat the family to a lavish Thanksgiving Buffet at the Limelight room at Sun Valley Resort, serving all your favorite seasonal dishes and delights.
Call (208) 622-2270 or email cboyd@sunvalley.com for reservations or inquiries.
Service from 2pm–6pm (Seating at 2pm–2:30pm, 4pm–4:30pm and 6pm–6:30pm)
$99 per adult / $49 per child. Pricing excludes taxes and gratuities.
*Reservations required with payment in full at the time of booking.
Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Ram Restaurant with an elegant 3-course prix fixe dinner. The menu will feature some of the Ram’s signature dishes as well as our classic roast turkey and traditional holiday accompaniments. Finish your perfect evening with friends and family with a delicious slice of holiday pie or our famous sticky toffee pudding.
$95 per person / $49 per child (12 and under) *tax and gratuity not included.
Enjoy a special Thanksgiving dinner at Gretchen’s in the Sun Valley Lodge. We will be featuring a special, chef-prepared Thanksgiving plate with all the traditional favorites. For those with other cravings, our full standard menu will also be available.
- The Sawtooth Club will host a set menu with different entrée options from 2-7pm. Reservations required.
- CK’s Real Food Indoor dining with limited spaced seating from 4:00 until 8:00. It is a 4-course meal for $68.00. Limited take-out also available.
- The Grill at Knob Hill will serve a special Thanksgiving menu starting at 3pm – 8:30pm. Reservations preferred (208) 726-8004
Take Out
- Rasberry’s will be available for catering leading up to Thanksgiving and only open for catering pickups on the day of.
Play Outside
There’s plenty to do whether the snow has hit or not. If the ground is still dry, take a day hike up Adam’s Gulch or Proctor in Ketchum or Carbonate in Hailey. If the snow has dumped, rent some snowshoes and hike to the top anyway!
- Head Up North. A drive up north from Ketchum is beautiful no matter what time of year. Head to Galena Lodge for a Nordic ski or snowshoe if snow allows or simply walk around and enjoy a lunch in the lodge. Continue north to Stanley for a day in the Sawtooths and take a dip in the local hot springs.
- Get Some Exercise. Head to one of the local gyms like the YMCA or Zenergy to take in a workout class to work off that Thanksgiving meal! If the weather is nice, a nice walk on the bike path will take you through some beautiful parts of town.
- Play at Sun Valley Resort. The Resort offers plenty of year-round amenities like bowling, visiting their day spa, ice skating, or swimming in their heated pool in addition to fun
- Go Shopping. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season and that means holiday shopping! Ketchum has tons of great shopping to offer whether it’s clothes from Elle Rose, Silver Creek Outfitters, or Sway to outdoor gear from Sturtevant’s and Elephant’s Perch to skis and snowboards from the Board Bin and PK’s to stocking stuffers and goods from Girl Friday and Independent Goods.
