IT MAY BE TEMPTING to pigeonhole Sun Valley as a winter destination (it’s home to one of the top ski resorts in North America, after all). But the options for adventure and fun only increase in proportion to the daily hours of sunlight — meaning that summer in Sun Valley is pretty hard to beat. Here are 19 truths that prove why.
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5 Reasons Why Sun Valley Summers Shine
With the mountains in full bloom, a bevy of outdoor pursuits, and a seemingly endless array of festivals and special events, they make it their mission to ensure each weekend is more epic than the last. With plenty of room in the suitcase without the bulky boots and winter gear, get ready for playtime because there is no off-season in Sun Valley’s mountainous backyard.
Spend the Day Cross Country Skiing in Sun Valley
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 …
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.