Sun Valley, Idaho, known for its terrain perfect for mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding, hiking, and so much more, is home to all forms of adventure seeker from the weekend warrior to the ski bum living out of his car. Nate Sheehan, Sun Valley Resort’s Terrain Parks Manager, heard the siren call of this mountain town himself and accepted the job four years ago having only been to Sun Valley once in 2009. His love of snowboarding and the mountains as well as hitting the single-track on his mountain bikes in the off-season have instilled in him a love of the Sun Valley area as well as a passion for creating a terrain park on Dollar Mountain that will cull the adventurous spirit in all skill of rider. photo: Tal Roberts // Sun Valley Resort // Rider: Nate Sheehan Despite only having ridden in Sun Valley once, Nate brought a life time of snowboard and park expertise with him to the job of Terrain Park Manager. Growing up in Fairfield, Pennsylvania, the home of Ski Liberty, Nate was an avid snowboarder and was even competing in the Mid-Atlantic Snowboard series by the time he was in high school and would …
The Wood River is Not Your Typical YMCA
It’s Fun to Visit Our YMCA! Much like everything else in our small mountain town, our local YMCA is not your average gym; it’s not even an average YMCA where typically concrete abounds and people are looking to get in and get out rather than stay a day. The Wood River YMCA is so much more than just a gym, it’s a community center, an activity hub, and a truly integral part of life in the Valley. Whether it’s working out and doing group classes, catching free screenings of movies, giving kids an area for after-school, or learning new gardening skills, the YMCA offers more than just dumbbells and yoga mats. What They Offer Opened in late 2007, the YMCA has been offering family-friendly workouts, equipment and more for over 10 years in the Valley. The gym itself is open Monday through Friday from 6am-8pm, Saturdays 7am-6pm, and Sundays 10am-6pm. During that time, access to the upstairs gym is always available where you’ll find a mix of cardio machines including elliptical, treadmill, stair master, erg machine, and stationary bikes. Strength training machines are set up for easy transitioning between sets and there is a dedicated space for free weights and benches. Yoga …
Late Night in Sun Valley
Some say that Sun Valley is a sleepy town, but those folks are just the ones who go to bed early. What the area lacks in night clubs and velvet ropes it makes up for in pure, humble fun that keeps going after hours. Take a gander at this list of key locations. Just make sure you eat something before you go out. You know, to fuel the dancing. The Ketchum Crawl A typical evening out starts at Grumpy’s or Lefty’s for “real food,” before diving down Sun Valley Road to The Cellar for evening drinks. Once you’ve imbibed and remembered how good at dancing you are, walk down to Whiskey Jacques. Once the band is done playing and the fat lady has sung, follow her onward to close the night at The Casino, Sun Valley’s legendary dive bar. Whiskey Jacque’s When it comes to lineups and lines out the door, Whiskey’s is a standard favorite for cutting the rug. The classic bar and dance floor has a wild west cowboy flare but is no stranger to strobe lights and regular DJs. Play it safe and dress for an occasion between the two (#discocowboy). Upcoming Events Summer Concert Series When it …
The Top 10 Misconceptions About Sun Valley, ID
Misconceptions and wives tales about Sun Valley are as plentiful as the sunny days out here. Some of the stories are worth their weight in tabloid gold while others are just flat out flabbergasting. Well over two decades ago I had the good fortune of being able to call Sun Valley home. Throughout my tenure, I have heard more than my fair share of fictitious stereotypes about this little mountain town somewhere in the middle of Idaho. I’ve found it only fitting to bring my loud-mouthed, beer-loving local dad persona about to tackle some of the most common misconceptions. So here are responses to the Top 10 hair-brained, half-cocked myths about Sun Valley. 1. It’s All Old People We don’t appreciate age-discrimination around here. We don’t care how old or young you are. If you can shred, you can shred and you’ll fit right in to our mountain town. It’s doesn’t matter if you’re a toddler or a teenager, a twenty-something or an octogenarian, you’ll always feel welcome to pursue your passions here amongst like-minded folks. Sure, we are home to America’s oldest ski resort and people from all over the country like to retire and buy second homes here. Who can blame them? There’s so much to do …
The Best Outdoor Hot Tubs and Pools of Sun Valley
Growing up in Ketchum, there was no greater joy in the winter season than grabbing a few friends and sneaking into a heated pool or hot tub, making as little noise as possible and hoping not to grab the attention of the owners or worse, the police. But with so many great options for (legally) getting your “aahhh” on in Sun Valley, there’s no reason not to do a “tub-crawl” at one of these great outdoor heated pools and hot tubs in the area. After a long day of enjoying Sun Valley via skiing, mountain biking or any of the numerous physical activities the area boasts, there’s no better way to relax than a nice soak. Whether your muscles are sore or you just want to bask with some friends and relive the day, these are the best spots in town for gorgeous views and delightful temps. Hotel Ketchum While Hotel Ketchum is located on Main Street at the north end of town with easy access to all the great things Ketchum has to offer, the hotel’s complex that includes shops, dining, Hangout Lounge, and a great outdoor heated pool and hot tub is so complete you may never leave. …
Spring Break in Sun Valley, Idaho
We have a few reasons why you should pull the trigger and venture to Sun Valley, Idaho this Spring Break.
Choosing Where to Stay for Your Visit to Sun Valley
When choosing where to stay in Sun Valley, the obvious choice seems like it would be…well, Sun Valley. But the “Sun Valley” area actually encompasses four distinct towns—Bellevue, Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley—all with their own distinct places to stay, restaurants for dining, sites for visiting, and room to explore. Ketchum The heart of it all, Ketchum will give anyone staying here the feel of what it’s like to really live in this area. Whether summer or winter, the close proximity to Bald Mountain allows visitors quick access to skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or even just a gorgeous gondola ride to the top. Ketchum is also easily walkable so no need to rent a car to explore the town. And while the price for accommodations here might be a little higher, they’re definitely worth it. Hotel Ketchum Ketchum’s newest addition to the hotel scene, Hotel Ketchum is a modern, boutique hotel located on Main Street within walking distance of all that Ketchum has to offer. The completely remodeled building now features beautiful community spaces including bar “The Hangout”, a fitness center, year-round outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub and is home to events like pop-up shops and live music …
Couples Weekend Getaway to Sun Valley
Looking for a couples getaway that has beautiful scenery, delicious restaurants, and plenty of activities? Sun Valley should be at the top of your list.
5 Reasons why Sun Valley is Nordic Skiing Nirvana
The toughest thing about writing this post is to keep the list to five! One trip here is all it will take for you to understand our dilemma. In no particular order, here are our top 5 Reasons why Sun Valley is Nordic Skiing Nirvana. 1. The Views! Yup — they are everywhere. Stick close to town and you will have the ever-present view of our beloved Baldy. That is, until you turn and face the other direction–and then you may feel like you are in the middle of nowhere. And chances are, you will have all of this to yourself. 2. The Trails… All 200km of them! Not only do we have 40km of trails right in town, there are another 160km just outside of town. From the undulating trails at the Sun Valley Resort to the up, down and around trails at Galena to the slight inclines of the Harriman trail, just match your trail selection to your energy and mood. Try the aptly named Psycho or Rip and Tear trails at Galena on a high energy day! 3. The Grooming — Every Day! Another thing that sets Sun Valley apart is the impeccable and predictable grooming. Just get …
Sun Valley: Home to Unassuming, Badass Lady Shredders
Sun Valley is full of badass women, who are ready and willing to introduce you to all sort forms of lady shred adventures from backcountry ski touring wine & cheese picnics to awe-inspiring mountain bike adventures.