As with everything this year there are some changes, but as always Sun Valley has adapted to still provide the magic that we all love. Below are some of the changes you can expect this winter in Sun Valley.
On Mountain
No reservation system or visitation limits for Sun Valley Season Pass holders or Epic Pass holders on Bald Mountain or Dollar Mountain this 20/21 winter season. If necessary, the Resort manage peak day access for both Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain through day-ticket restrictions. This year they encourage all guests to pre-purchase their lift tickets online.
On-Mountain Lodges and Dining
To accommodate for physical distancing and in accordance with State and County ordinances, indoor seating has been reduced in all lodges and they will add to our outdoor dining options. The Resort has simplified menus, instituted reservation systems in some venues, and will offer grab and go options to assure appropriate distancing is maintained in our lodges.
SnowSports Lessons and Guest Services
It will be a good year to arrive at the mountain prepared to ski, and to plan ahead. If you wish to store items at the base areas, the Resort will offer secure and sanitized bag check facilities outside the lodges. Equipment rentals will be available through online reservations. Their children’s and adult SnowSports offerings will continue on Dollar and Bald Mountain with an emphasis on pre-arranged private and limited group instruction.
The Resort asks that guests follow strict personal health and hygiene standards, including:
- Masks are required in the City of Sun Valley and City of Ketchum by city ordinance.
- Do not visit if you are feeling ill or experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 or any other contagious illness
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer frequently, stations are available throughout the resort
- Follow any other standards provided by the CDC, Idaho Department of Health and the Blaine County Health Department
Learn more here: Winter Updates
In Town
Restaurants
Restaurants in town have implemented new procedures like online ordering and take-out menus, as well as minor remodels and modifications. Below we have a list of restaurants and some of the changes they’ve made just to name a few:
- Rasberry’s: Dining Area Expansion, Menu Additions, Take-out, Curbside pick up
- The Haven: Heat Lamps, Take-out, Delivery, Family Menu
- Nourish Me: Kitchen Remodel, Air system, To-Go Orders
- Bigwood Bread: Online Ordering, Curbside Pickup, Holiday Baskets
- Galena Lodge: Food Truck, Fire pits, String Lights
- Perry’s: Online Ordering, Deck Heaters, Plexiglass
- Sawtooth Club: Added Partitions, Air Exchange System, To-Go parking
- Rickshaw: Exclusively Take-Out, Fire-pits for while you wait
- Grumpy’s: Patio “Cabanas” with heaters, Partitions, one way flow with stop light
- Starbuck’s: Contactless ordering and pay through Starbucks App
We encourage you to call in advance to confirm operating hours or to make reservations. Also be sure to check 5BFlavor.com for all your food needs in the valley.
Retail
Retail shops all over town have added sanitization stations and limit number of shoppers in the store at one time. We encourage you to call in advance to confirm hours of operation. Calling in advance could also be helpful with the rise in outdoor activities many shops in town are selling out of certain items.
In the Backcountry
If you plan on recreating in the backcountry at all then the Sawtooth Avalanche Center is a crucial daily resource for you. We already have a worrisome snowpack and it will be important to travel safely all season. The avalanche center also has resources for education and guiding services in town.
Cross Country Skiing
If you are cross country skiing or snowshoeing then check out this one stop blog all about cross country skiing.
Check out this link for updates and more resources.