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.

Prairie Creek Cross country ski

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 items, like the Galena Bowl (two eggs atop fried potatoes with sautéed shaved Brussels sprouts, kale, onion, red peppers, and farro).

Now that you’ve got food in your belly, it’s time for gear! Several shops in town offer Nordic skate and classic setups, including Backwoods, the Elephant’s Perch, Sturtevant’s in Hailey and at the Limelight, and ski delivery company Black Tie will even bring gear right to your hotel or rental.

Midmorning: Time to Ski!

Any Nordic enthusiast visiting Sun Valley must ski at Galena Lodge. Located just 23 miles north of Ketchum, this historic lodge is surrounded by 50km of groomed Nordic trails in the winter. There are trails of varying lengths and difficulties, but no matter which one you pick, you’ll be stunned by the mountain views and quiet solitude to be found at this gem. If you or anyone in your group didn’t have time to grab rentals in town, Galena also offers classic and skate ski rentals for adults and children at full- and half-day rates.

For a good beginner trail, try the 3km Gladiator Loop. If you’ve brought your fur baby on vacation with you, there are also several trails (marked on the map) that allow dogs. There’s no end to the mixing and matching of the area’s sixteen trails you can do to create your own route, so experiment with different areas or difficulties before heading into the lodge for a break.

Midday: Lunch at Galena

While you might have come to Galena for the extensive trails and amazing views, you’ll stay for the lodge! Built in 1976, this cozy lodge has long been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and those enjoying the trails in the winter will find a welcome respite from the cold by the roaring fire. The Lodge serves lunch daily and also offers fresh pastries, espresso, and a full bar from 9 to 5. Everything on the Lodge’s menu is made in-house, and there are numerous vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. For the Nordic crowd, you can’t go wrong with their hearty mug of soup, served with a slice of fresh sourdough bread, for just $10, or the Grown Up Grilled Cheese (and grab yourself a Don Bar from the counter on the way out!)

Afternoon: Back to Ketchum

Now that you’ve gotten some backcountry trails under your belt, it’s time to experience some of the great skiing available right in town. You can Nordic ski out your door from practically anywhere in the Wood River Valley, which has a total 160km of groomed trails. In addition to the free 30km of the Wood River Trail (aka the bike path), there’s pass-accessed trails at Quigley in Hailey and the North Valley Trail System. But for this afternoon’s adventure, you’re going to the Sun Valley Nordic & Snowshoe Center, an additional 40km of trails in Sun Valley maintained by Sun Valley Resort and available for daily skate and classic skiing. Equipment is available for rent at the Sun Valley Club, and half-, full-, and multi-day passes are available for purchase. These are some of the closest trails in town; if you’re already staying in the Resort or Sun Valley, you can be on the trails in mere minutes! Try the moderate 5km Trail Creek Loop for a good intermediate ski.

Evening: Sun Valley Lodge

Since you’re already in Sun Valley, close out the day at the famous Sun Valley Lodge, where you can grab yourself a hot toddy or a martini at the Duchin Lounge and enjoy the ambiance of live piano music as you watch the figure skaters on the Sun Valley Ice Rink. Stroll through the Sun Valley Village, which looks beautiful lit up at night, and stop for dinner at the Ram to cap off your day-long Nordic adventure!