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Skiing & Snowboarding, Winter

McCall Vs Sun Valley

When visiting Idaho, there are plenty of different options for where to go: Boise, Stanley, Pocatello. But when deciding between a small resort town, you might come down to the decision between McCall and Sun Valley. Which to choose? There are many similarities between the two small resorts towns, but a bevy of differences to separate the winter experiences you might have in each. The populations of McCall and Ketchum are roughly the same (just under 3,000) though “Sun Valley” as a whole area encompasses a much higher number. McCall’s terrain focuses on lake life (Payette Lake being a major draw for the area especially in the summer) with more subtle mountain peaks surrounding it and a greater density of Ponderosa Pines. In Sun Valley, the terrain is ALL about the mountains—jagged peaks at high elevation surrounding you in every direction. McCall definitly sees peak traffic during the summer holidays with its large lake and boating activities. On the other hand Sun Valley is a winter Mecca that sees thousands of skiers descend on the town during December. Both towns are about 2.5 hours from the state capitol of Boise. Although the Boise airport is the main access point for …

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Skiing & Snowboarding, Winter

Salt Lake City to Sun Valley Travel

A fellow ski resort town, Salt Lake has lots of great winter activities to keep residents happy. But at such close proximity to Sun Valley—potentially just a one-hour flight—it’s worth it to invest in a little winter vacay time at this Idaho resort. Whether traveling here entails flying or driving, it’s a quick trip to come experience a fellow western ski resort, albeit one with its own delights and attractions. Flying Direct to Sun Valley If you’re wanting to book a flight to Sun Valley, you have two options: fly direct into Sun Valley’s Friedman Memorial Airport (actually located in Hailey, 13.5 miles south of Sun Valley) or into Boise which is 2 ½ hours away by car. The easiest and quickest way from Salt Lake to Sun Valley is the direct flight from Delta, flying nonstop three to four times daily this winter. But while this option is the easiest on paper, it can become a different beast in reality when winter weather sometimes grounds planes in Twin Falls (75 miles south) instead of at Friedman Memorial Airport. If this happens when either departing or arriving, you’ll be given free, Winter Diversion Busing to Sun Valley. When flying out …

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Dining, Skiing & Snowboarding, Winter

What to Expect in Sun Valley this Winter

As with everything this year there are some changes, but as always Sun Valley has adapted to still provide the magic that we all love. Below are some of the changes you can expect this winter in Sun Valley. On Mountain No reservation system or visitation limits for Sun Valley Season Pass holders or Epic Pass holders on Bald Mountain or Dollar Mountain this 20/21 winter season. If necessary, the Resort manage peak day access for both Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain through day-ticket restrictions. This year they encourage all guests to pre-purchase their lift tickets online.   On-Mountain Lodges and Dining To accommodate for physical distancing and in accordance with State and County ordinances, indoor seating has been reduced in all lodges and they will add to our outdoor dining options. The Resort has simplified menus, instituted reservation systems in some venues, and will offer grab and go options to assure appropriate distancing is maintained in our lodges. SnowSports Lessons and Guest Services It will be a good year to arrive at the mountain prepared to ski, and to plan ahead. If you wish to store items at the base areas, the Resort will offer secure and sanitized bag check …

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Skiing & Snowboarding, Spring

How to get the most out of Spring Snow in Sun Valley

With all of the spring events returning this year, you may forget about how fun spring snow can be. Spring in the Wood River Valley brings about juxtaposed weather patterns mixing courteous doses of sunshine and thaw inducing temperatures with winter flurries inflated by frigid arctic winds. While the south slopes turn a muddy brown and the lower valley starts to get buds on the trees it is still winter up high. Some of the best turns of the season happen after the calendar says the seasons have changed. The most obvious place to get your turns in is Baldy. Corny and soft snow awaits you for that oh so glorious spring “pow” turns. Although its little brother Dollar Mountain, with its rad terrain parks, is probably closed this late in the season, there are a few “pocket” parks plus all the classic hits scattered around Baldy. Winter certainly hasn’t waved it’s red flag in the higher elevations. Depending on when you’re reading this, Baldy will either be nearing the end of their sanctioned lift service or closed. If they’re finished up for the season, it’s up to your self-ascending or snowmobiling access to get those last winter fixes. Go for a …

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Bucket List, Skiing & Snowboarding, Winter

Southern Idaho Skiing & Snowboarding Road Trip

The Powder Highway or the Powder Pilgrimage might be headline worthy ski road trips, but the little known Southern Idaho Ski Road Trip is a hidden gem. Idaho has 18 resorts of all sizes and snowpacks spread across its expansive mountain ranges but down south is the coveted loop. Circling the Snake River plain this road trip stops by the 6 best mountains that offer everything you could want in a ski road trip with easily accessible mountains paired with reasonably safe roads. These 6 resorts offer up everything that skiing has to offer all in one convinet loop. Bogus Basin Right outside of Boise is this non-profit mountain that offers up 2,600 acres and a vertical drop of 1,790ft serviced by 7 chairlifts and 4 magic carpets. Bogus Basin has been operating for 78 years and still holds some of that homegrown vibe, but still provides a modern experience with some of the best night skiing in the state and a newly installed mountain coaster. Soldier Mountain Many thousands of skiers drive by the town of Fairfield, Idaho on their way to Sun Valley without even knowing there is a great little ski hill tucked away in the mountains to …

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Bucket List, Skiing & Snowboarding, Winter

Intermountain West Ski Road Trip

Have you been itching to get out and travel a little bit? Have you been watching the forecasts roll in and the snow pile up? Well this year is the perfect year for a road trip to explore the mountains of the intermountain West. Below we have put together an itinerary that explores Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Whether you’ve got the Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, or Day tickets we’ve got you covered. Utah Assuming you’ll fly into SLC and get a rental car for this road trip we will start in the city. If you’re on the Ikon Pass or planed ahead for day tickets then head up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird and Alta. If you’re on the EPIC pass or a Sun Valley/Snowbasin pass holder head north out of the city to Snowbasin. If you’re really here to ski then plan ahead with your passes and ski all three! Ikon Pass: Snowbird and Alta Snowbird  Alta *If you’re riding the shred stick (snowboard), enjoy another day of exploration at Snowbird as Alta does not allow snowboarding at their resort. Epic Pass: Snowbasin Idaho Drive to Sun Valley – Trip Time: Roughly 4.5hrs Epic Pass: Sun Valley Sun Valley …

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Skiing & Snowboarding, Winter

Locals Guide to Skiing & Snowboarding Bald Mountain

Learning to ski or snowboard like a local is about so much more than committing a map of Baldy to memory or buying a full season’s pass. Like any other resort, there are many nuances to hitting the slopes in Sun Valley that are sure to make you stick out like a sore thumb if you don’t know or—god forbid—choose to ignore them. And though there are a plethora of professional skiers and snowboarders in Sun Valley, many of whom grew up here, we reached out to homegrown snowboarder Charles Gordon Knight, known by many aliases but most often referred to as C Gordon, C, and Gordo. A Sun Valley Resort ambassador and new D team snowboard coach for the Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF), Knight also works at the Boardbin, has been on the mountain for 28 seasons (since he was 2 years old), had three perfect seasons, and received six 100-day pins. And he’s not shy about explaining how to avoid being a jerry. Who is Bald Mountain For? C Gordon: “This mountain isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s steep, down the fall-line, and is chocked full of rippers. It’s the kind of mountain where you can put …

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Bucket List, Skiing & Snowboarding, Winter

Why Sun Valley Should Be A Stop on Your Next Ski Trip

As if SKI Magazine ranking Sun Valley as the #1 resort wasn’t enough reason to make an addition to the top of your ski bucket list, well here is a few more. Sun Valley is chock full of activities on and off mountain to make your visit one to remember and maybe even a yearly tradition. Cross-country ski the US Olympic training grounds. Sun Valley is home to a Nordic Olympic Training Site for its ideal trails, training facilities and perfect conditions. There are over 125 miles of endorphin-inducing, visually stimulating cross-country terrain in the Wood River Valley. A US Olympic training site since 2012, the Sun Valley XC trail system may be home to the elite, but its groomed landscape provides sweet tracks for any skill level. Take time out for a drink and a bite to eat at Galena Lodge, no matter how good your crossover turns look. Tailgate in the same parking lot as ski-film icon Warren Miller. Ten years after the installation of the first ski lift, a young buck by the name of Warren Miller parted ways with the US Navy, packed his 8mm film camera, and hauled a teardrop trailer to the mountains of Idaho …

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Backcountry, Skiing & Snowboarding, Winter

Guide to Getting Ready for Winter

Whether you are an Idaho winter veteran, a new transplant, or a planning a road trip, winters in Idaho bring with them a seasonal preparation. Just like our other animal friends, preparing for winter is something that is in our minds all year around and although building a nest is not on our lists there are more things to pass the time between raking leaves and ripping turns. Since we don’t hibernate here in Sun Valley, here is a whole list of stuff to not only reduce your season opener stress, but to also set you up for a successful and safe season of shredding pow! Avalanche Knowledge Go through your gear Prepare your Chariot Research the Road ahead This season is sure to be full of adventure and uncharted territory so be sure to prepare yourself to best enjoy it safely.

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Bucket List, Family, Skiing & Snowboarding, Winter

Experience the Magic of Galena Lodge

I envy all those who get to experience the magic of Galena Lodge for the first time. Located 23 miles north of Ketchum, Galena Lodge is the last remains of a once thriving mining town. The miners have long gone but thanks to engaged community members in the early 1990’s, Galena heritage as an adventure outpost thrives on. The trip to Galena Lodge begins with the beautiful drive north on Highway 75. Numerous turnouts along the road serve up welcomed opportunities to stop and admire the snowcapped ridges and foothills of the Boulder and Smoky mountains. Amidst the dramatic scenery, Nordic skiers can be seen racing up and down the groomed 30 kilometer long, Harriman Trail. Home to the Boulder Mountain Tour, this area snakes along the side the headwaters of the Big Wood River. Galena Lodge will come in to view just before the highways begins to gain significant altitude. Parking can be found right at the turn. If the lot is at capacity, backtrack a short distance on the road to an overflow parking area along the highway. Don’t be put off by the number of cars, once on the trails you’ll feel like you’re in your own private Idaho. …