words by Hayden Seder Sun Valley, Idaho, has been referred to by Cross Country Skier magazine as “Nordic Town, USA,” and for good reason. The area is home to roughly 200 km of networked Nordic trails, making it one of the most expansive trail systems around. The US Olympic Committee designated it the country’s first Nordic Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, and several winter events bring Nordic enthusiasts of all ilk from near and far, such as the annual Boulder Mountain Tour, Ski the Rails, the Galena Loppet, and Ride, Stride, and Glide. The Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD), which maintains and manages the local trail system, even provides several “Ski Free Days” each season, giving equal access to the trails to all interested. But don’t take our word for it. Check out our itinerary below for the best way to experience Nordic skiing in the Sun Valley area, from which trails to hit to where to fuel up like the locals do. Morning: For a long day of Nordic skiing, you’re going to want to fuel properly, so head to long-time local establishment Bigwood Bread, where traditional breakfast items, like French toast and breakfast burritos entice, alongside unique menu …
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Cozy Spots for Slowing Down in Sun Valley
words by Hayden Seder Sometimes, the outdoors-focused lifestyle in Ketchum means days can be all go, go, go. You wake up early for a yoga class, grab a quick bite to eat before hitting the mountain, then it’s on to après and dinner. But the mountains and the amenities aren’t going away, and the sun shines about 250 days per year, so it’s okay to slow down and have a quiet morning or a lazy afternoon. For those moments when you just want to cozy up with a book, enjoy remote work with a view, or just enjoy a hot toddy while you breathe for a minute, we’ve highlighted some of Ketchum’s coziest spots. Community Library Ketchum’s Community Library is chock-full of different spaces for a variety of needs, from doing some remote work to perusing books to finding a nice place to sit and catch up on your favorite book. Near the ma in entrance is a coveted fireplace, with cushy chairs on either side for lounging—a great way to while away a slower morning. Wander throughout the library and you’ll find personal workstations, more cushy lounge-style chairs near sunny windows with views of the surrounding mountains, or standard …
Crossing it up at Galena Lodge – Where Good Skiing meets Good Food
Twenty-three miles north of Sun Valley, tucked at the base of Galena Summit and nestled beneath the Boulder Mountains, sits a snow seeker’s manna. Constructed during the 1960s using vestiges of the property’s nineteenth-century mining colony, the Galena Lodge is a valley favorite for those wishing to escape “the big town” for a day of peace, beauty, and scrumptious food.
Winter Tips for Visiting Sun Valley
Ski Towns all have unsaid rules, but Sun Valley in the winter comes with its own set of tips and tricks that can make your day here even better!
Get Your Wellness On in Sun Valley, Idaho
While January has become “Wellness Month” in Sun Valley, the opportunities that abound to nourish the mind, body, and soul here are in full-swing year-round. After weeks of holidays full of eating, drinking, and socializing into the wee hours of the night, it’s time to hit “reset” and there’s no better spot to do it than Sun Valley. We’ve compiled a complete guide to planning your perfect wellness getaway month in Sun Valley. Where to Eat When looking to nourish from the inside out, there are several go-to spots in Ketchum that serve up tasty bites that are also healthy (most restaurants can also accommodate requests or have some healthy options on their menus). On Main Street, check out NourishMe, a café and store that features an assortment of organic seasonal produce, locally made and grown foods, bulk items, supplements and wellness products as well as a daily selection of organic, deli-style foods to go or eat in. Fresh house-made soups are prepared Monday-Saturday as well as salads, sauerkrauts, and more. There are lots of other dining options in town, each with their own selection of healthy eats but these two spots are the main go-tos for nourishing wellness. For other …
The Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing in Sun Valley, Idaho
Your ultimate guide to snowshoeing in the Sun Valley, Idaho area. From renting snowshoes and wear to the best snowshoe trails to take we cover everything you’ll need to know for snowshoeing in the Wood River Valley!
20 Things You Didn’t Know About Sun Valley
A smattering of things you might not have know about Sun Valley, Idaho.
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.
Winter, Waders & The Renaissance Women of Sun Valley
In the town that Hemingway made famous for his purely manly pursuits, some of it has apparently worn off on those that appreciate his connection to nature but don’t necessarily need to smell like the animals he stalked. After all, a true western woman can shoot a duck, clean a trout, rip a powder lap and beat you in a game of five card stud in a single day.
Women’s History Month: Early Women of the Wood River Valley
For the second week of Women’s History Month, we are honoring four women who have shaped the history and heritage of Sun Valley. These ladies have all had an impact on the Wood River Valley, dating back to before the establishment of the ski resort and through its early years. Two of these women were integral in establishing the Community Library in 1955. They, along with 14 other trailblazing women, “founded the Community Library Association, a privately-funded, privately-governed public library to encourage intellectual and creative adventures in the remote mountains of central Idaho,” (ComLib). All four women contributed to the pioneer spirit of the Valley, fostering a momentum for woman-led innovation that is alive to this day. Marge Brass Heiss 1910-2007 Marge Brass Heiss, daughter of Ernest Brass, was born in Caldwell, Idaho in 1910. She moved to Ketchum two years later when her father bought what became known as the Brass Ranch until the family sold the land to the Union Pacific in 1936. He traded 3,888 acres for $39,000, and Sun Valley was born. In fact, Marge, along with her sister Roberta, gave a tour of their ranch property to Count Felix Schaffgatsch. Within a few months of …