Covid certainly changed things for all of us, but notably for the town of Sun Valley, aka a “Zoom Town,” it brought lots of remote workers looking to enjoy all the splendors of the area that were previously limited to short vacations. With so many new folks in town, we at Visit Sun Valley wanted to create a helpful zoom town guide for how to do things the “local” way. It’s a delicate balance that keeps Sun Valley a great place to live. Sun Valley Culture When coming from a big city or even just a town bigger than ours, it’s easy to forget that what was once common practice in your life is frowned upon here. Our small town prides itself on a slower pace of living, where errands might take longer because you ran into old friends in the grocery store, where you might pull over to help someone with a flat tire on the side of the road, where a car honk doesn’t mean you’re angry, but means you saw someone you knew walking on the sidewalk. It’s easy to get frustrated with this slower pace—especially if you actually have somewhere to be—but remember that this is …
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Rotarun Ski Area
Located 12 miles south of Ketchum, the home of Bald Mountain, is the town of Hailey and the home of the area’s lesser known ski mountain: Rotarun. Known as “the little mountain with a big heart”, this 475-foot ski hill located three miles east of Hailey out Croy Canyon has been a draw to the local community since it opened in 1948. With free night skiing, new snow making capabilities and terrain for Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) programs, this mountain is still making a big impact, showing how small ski hills like these are truly the soul of winter towns. Rotarun a ski hill where the essence of the sport is alive and well thanks to minimal barriers to entry and a welcoming demeanor. We highly recommend checking it out for yourself. History This small mountain has a storied history over the more than 70 years it’s been in existence. Starting after World War II, locals would boot pack up and ski down; shortly thereafter in 1948, Olympian Ann Winn started using the small mountain to teach kids how to ski, the first of many people to do so over the years. The mountain received its first “lift” in …
Your Guide to the Holidays in Sun Valley, Idaho
The holidays in Sun Valley are magical, and these are just a few of the festive moments that await this holiday season. Don’t know where to start? We’ve compiled your 2018 guide of must-see events and happenings from Christmas festivities to rock-the-house New Year’s shenanigans!
15 Things You Must Do in Sun Valley This Winter
Sun Valley, ID is America’s ORIGINAL MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND with near limitless opportunities. We’ve narrowed down the list down to highlight our top 15 things you must do in Sun Valley this winter. Whether you are up for a grand adventure outdoors, or prefer a mellower pace around town, there’s bound to be something to match your cadence. Here are a few of our favorites–feel free to mix and match to create your ideal Sun Valley getaway.
Maximizing Shoulder Season in Sun Valley
Slack season is one of the secret times in Sun Valley. It’s a uniquely quiet moment when the crowds are gone, the hills are lush with greenery and the opportunities for spring rejuvenation are calling. We’ve compiled a go-to guide of how to maximize this unknown gem of a season that is spring in Sun Valley.
Ballet in Sun Valley, Idaho
When you think of Sun Valley, ballet is probably not at the top of your mind. We’re here to tell you why it should be.
Local Beta for Planning Your Ski Trip to Sun Valley
If powdery slopes and mountain living is just what the doctor ordered, look no further than a trip to Sun Valley. With luxurious accommodations, perfect grooming, plentiful après activities, and unique off-mountain experiences, Sun Valley has everything you need to make it a weekend to remember.
Planning the Family Ski Vacation to Sun Valley
If you have a family that loves to ski, then Sun Valley is the place to be. From the endless terrain options of two ski mountains to all kinds of fun off the mountain to the ease of getting here and getting around, it’s awfully tough to beat America’s original ski resort. Here’s a rundown of activities to make the most out of your family’s ski vacation to Sun Valley. It’s Easy to Get Here Flying into Sun Valley has never been easier. Nonstop flights to Sun Valley are now available from Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Salt Lake. And better yet, it’s only a 20 minute ride from the airport in Hailey to the slopes in Sun Valley, meaning you can literally fly into town and be on the lifts in practically no time! Plus, Alaska, Delta, United, and American airlines offer various deals throughout the season for everything from discounted flights to special deals on ski lessons, lift tickets and rental packages. It’s also an easy drive of just over two-hours from Idaho’s biggest—and booming—city of Boise. The drive is even shorter from the smaller regional airports in Idaho Falls (serviced by Delta/Skywest, …
What We’re Made Of: Graphic Designer Cara Shumate
written by Hayden Seder Even if you’re never heard her name, you’ve surely seen the work of graphic designer Cara Shumate, whose digital fingerprints are all over the Wood River Valley. From Tim’s Electric to the Board Bin, Johnny G’s, Gather Yoga, and so much more, her branding and designs have helped many of the area’s most beloved businesses rebrand in the last few years, calling upon Cara’s unique blend of extensive design experience and just overall radness, which translate into branding and designs that businesses young and old covet. Before moving to Sun Valley in 2009, Cara spent nearly ten years in Tahoe snowboarding and waiting tables before realizing she needed a change. After visiting Sun Valley for 48 Straight, the now-defunct multiday ski and music event, she met someone from Smith Optics who mentioned a potential internship. During that weekend, the community resonated with her, and she eventually made the move. Though the internship didn’t work out, she would eventually work for Smith Optics down the road—but not before working at several restaurants, then Sun Valley Magazine and Scott Sports. “It was not linear, but it worked, and it solidified my roots here.” How She Got Her …
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 …