The town of Stanley, Idaho is nicknamed the “Trailhead to Idaho Adventure,” for all all of the right reasons. Boasting a host of awe-inspiring mountain bike trails, splash ready whitewater rapids, high alpine lakes, and jagged mountain views are just a few traits that make this place stand out. It’s close-proximity to Sun Valley makes for an ideal must-see day trip destination. We’ve put together a collection of our top things to do on your trip over the hill. Sunrise Drive Over Galena Summit Stanley is a quick 60 mile drive north of Sun Valley over Galena Summit with awe-inspiring views the entire ride. I prefer to start the drive just before sunrise to catch the first morning light beaming across the valley from the pull out overlooking Galena Peak. Breakfast at the Stanley Bakery Ask anyone where to eat in Stanley and the answer consistently is the Stanley Bakery. After the sunrise drive into the basin, stop by for a famous cinnamon roll, coffee, and Bear /breakfast Bowl. As your food is prepared, ask the owner Tim about his legendary ski lines in the Sawtooths. He’s one of the few people to have skied “The Shield” of Horstmann Peak. Before making moves …
Searching for Sun Valley
A Guide to Ernest Hemingway’s Sun Valley Legacy
Known for titles such as The Sun Also Rises and Farewell to Arms, American novelist and avid outdoorsman, Ernest Hemingway, visited Sun Valley frequently. Returning time and time again to hunt, fish, write, Hemingway established a permanent residence in the Valley before his death in 1961. Enjoy the beauty of the Wood River Valley as Hemingway once did – grab cocktail at one of his favorite local watering holes, fish the same grounds he once explored, or visit his final resting place at the Ketchum Cemetery.
Sun Valley, Idaho’s Music Scene
While days in Ketchum can be filled with an assortment of recreational activities the nights belong to live music. Ketchum has a vibrant music scene that truly has something for everyone, from late night rock jams to summer evenings filled with orchestras and everything in between. With the warm summer breezes come the sounds of live music throughout the valley. Time honored events such as Ketch’em Alive, the Sun Valley Summer Symphony and Jazz in the Park are family and picnic friendly. Along with musicians popping up on the decks, porches and parking lots of local watering holes, summer music events are looked forward to by visitors and locals while venues up and down the valley keep us on our feet all year long. The Favorites Sponsored by the City of Ketchum, Ketch’em Alive, a local favorite, takes place every Tuesday at the Forest Service Park downtown from June to August, showcasing a variety of music by local and national musicians including rock, pop, Americana, bluegrass, neo-soul and reggae. In July and August, the Sun Valley Summer Symphony presents internationally renowned artists and ensembles. Soak up some culture under the beautiful pavilion or out on the lawn where you can listen amongst the summer sunset. Sun Valley Concert …
Shoulder Season Specials
Shoulder season in Sun Valley, Idaho is the ideal time of year for snagging a bargain. Hotel room rates are significantly more affordable, dinner specials can be found throughout the Valley and retail stores use deep discount sales to move their past season inventory during these transitionary months. To top it all off, the weather tends to be delightful and the crowds have yet to venture in droves. Won’t you join us this shoulder season? In order to get the most out of your stay, we’ve compiled a list of deals, specials and happenings to take advantage of: Lodging Deals Limelight Hotel Idaho Local’s Rate April rates start as low as $119/night or save up to 30% off higher room types Valid now through June 20, 2018 Hotel Ketchum 20% off spring stays Valid on all stays April 16 – June 13, 2018 Sun Valley Resort Early Birdie Stay & Golf Package Includes lodging, a round of golf at either Trail Creek or Elkhorn (with cart), a complimentary round on the 9-hole White Cloud course (must be played same day), and range access Starting at $144 per person based on double occupancy Valid now through June 17th, 2018 Alpine Lodging Early season rates with …
Finding the Mountain Biking Trails in Sun Valley – Maps, Apps, Shops & Guides
In an effort to keep your relationships in tact and maximize your time the saddle, we’ve created a mountain biking resource guide for the Sun Valley, Idaho area filled with maps, apps, guides and shops all ready to ease the trail selection pain.
7 Things You Might Not Know About Sun Valley, Idaho
Unlike the Aspens, Jacksons, and Vails of the world, Sun Valley, Idaho, nestled between five mountain ranges and far from metropolitan hubs, lays claim to a few unrivaled traditions, firsts, and designations that truly set it apart from the rest. Check these 7 things that you might not know about Sun Valley.
Behind the Scenes: Making the Summer in Sun Valley Hyperlapse Video
Endless hours were put in to creating the Sun Valley summer hyperlapse video. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it took to create this mere 4-minute piece highlighting summer in Sun Valley, Idaho.
The Refinement of the Rad: Why Sun Valley is the Best Place to Learn
Like many other ski towns, Sun Valley boasts a high expert-per-capita ratio when it comes to all things outdoor recreation. Walk into any given bar to encounter three ski movie stars, one insta famous rock climber, and a handful of Olympic gold medalists. The defining factor of Sun Valley locals, however, is that most folks are not all that pretentious about their expertise. Take this example. One of my friends came to town without knowing how to ski. On his first day on the mountain, a new acquaintance offered to teach him some tricks and proceeded to spend the entire day helping him pizza and french fry down Baldy’s most mellow slopes. A week later, my friend attended a local showing of a ski movie only to discover footage of his humble instructor smashing graceful lines on the world’s tallest peaks. “I had no idea he was a professional skier,” my buddy told me. “I can’t believe I spent eight hours snow plowing with a professional skier.” Like I said, as ratios go, we have a high expert per capita, low ego per expert. But what about us non-experts? What about our egos? When I first came to Sun Valley, …
A Room With A View
From local artists to recognizable 20th century masters, the accommodations in Sun Valley, Idaho have original artwork hanging in their lobbies, rooms and unexpected places. Ranging from luxurious to quaint and modern to down home, here are a few highlights that offer inspirational views inside.
Tour de Suds: Sun Valley’s Bike-to-Brewery Tour
Bikes and beers go together like bacon and eggs, Batman and Robin, or hot summer days and ice cream cones. Like most ski town dwellers, Sun Valleyites have a penchant for cold brews, especially after a long, hot bike ride in one of the surrounding five mountain ranges. Sun Valley and the surrounding areas offer a plethora of places to quench a hard-earned thirst with local beers. So grab your bike and make your own Strava segment to and from these thirst-quenching locales. For the ultimate tour de suds, we suggest starting in Ketchum and making your way to Hailey.