Growing up in Ketchum, there was no greater joy in the winter season than grabbing a few friends and sneaking into a heated pool or hot tub, making as little noise as possible and hoping not to grab the attention of the owners or worse, the police. But with so many great options for (legally) getting your “aahhh” on in Sun Valley, there’s no reason not to do a “tub-crawl” at one of these great outdoor heated pools and hot tubs in the area.
After a long day of enjoying Sun Valley via skiing, mountain biking or any of the numerous physical activities the area boasts, there’s no better way to relax than a nice soak. Whether your muscles are sore or you just want to bask with some friends and relive the day, these are the best spots in town for gorgeous views and delightful temps.
Hotel Ketchum
While Hotel Ketchum is located on Main Street at the north end of town with easy access to all the great things Ketchum has to offer, the hotel’s complex that includes shops, dining, Hangout Lounge, and a great outdoor heated pool and hot tub is so complete you may never leave.
Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley Resort guests are given free and unlimited use of three swimming pools: the Sun Valley Lodge pool, Olympic pool, and Sun Valley Inn pool. The Lodge pool and hot tub is glass-enclosed and heated year-round. With a beautiful marble locker and shower room adjacent to the pool as well as cocktails and lunch available from the Poolside Café, this is definitely a way to really relax on vacation. The newly-remodeled Sun Valley Inn has its own steaming outdoor pool open year-round. Both the Lodge and Inn pools are 55 feet in diameter and 10 feet deep at the center. The Inn’s pool offers gorgeous views of Baldy as well as a luxurious locker and shower room. The Resort’s Olympic pool (named for its size) is only open during summer and is next to the Sun Valley tennis courts.
Best Western: Tyrolean
There are two Best Western locations in Ketchum; the Tyrolean adjacent to the River Run side of Baldy. The Tyrolean offers an outdoor pool and hot tub with views of Baldy, just ½ a mile away.
Limelight
Located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Ketchum, Limelight Hotel is hop, skip and a jump from Bald Mountain where you’ll be sure to get your fill of fun and then be looking for a way to wind down. Located outside on the back plaza with full views of baldy are a pool and hot tub area, open for guests from 9am to 10pm. Order a specialty cocktail or yummy snack from the adjacent hotel bar and lobby to really soak it up.
Zenergy
Swim and soak year-round in Zenergy Health Club & Spa’s indoor and outdoor heated, saltwater, 25-meter pools as well as an outdoor saltwater hot tub. With gorgeous views of Baldy, soaking in this tub can’t be beat and locals as well as visitors alike constantly post Instagram photos from this tub to make you jealous. The pool is open daily and for those looking to nosh and really enjoy themselves, grab a smoothie or fruit juice from the Zenergy Café to enjoy poolside. For those in town for only a short while, 3-day, 1-week, and 1-month passes are available for purchase.
Tamarack
The Tamarack hotel is steps from the local watering holes in Ketchum. They have an outdoor hot tub and an indoor pool. Snag a soak just before hitting the town!
Hot Springs
For those looking for a natural soak. There are a few stashes of the geothermal spots as you head north towards Stanley. Don’t know the way? Ask a local. Better yet, make friends with a local and use THEIR hot tub!
Indoor Hot Tubs & Pools & South Valley Spots to Scope
While the focus of this story is on outdoor hot tubs and pools, we couldn’t leave out a few of the indoor offerings in the event that you’re looking to dodge the elements.
- YMCA: Equiped with a sizeable aquatics center complete with a water slide, splash pad and hot tub, this is a great spot to take the kids.
- Best Western Kentwood: located in downtown Ketchum, this indoor pool will do the trick.
- The Woodriver Inn: a great indoor pool and hot tub located on the main strip of Hailey
- AmericInn: this hotel offers a beautiful indoor pool that exudes that cabin in the woods feeling.
- Airport Inn: yet another outdoor hot tub can be found at this south Valley hotel.
- Silver Creek Hotel: this spot has a new heated outdoor pool with lovely views of the Bellevue foothills
Now that you’ve got the list, we want to hear your favorite spot!