Sun Valley Idaho: Where the Stars Come Out to Play

18 Mar 2026 Caroline Smith Travel Stories

After a short stay in California in January where it still felt a bit like a Sydney summer, I was itching for the snow, the mountains and a great US ski town. And what better place to tick all those boxes than Sun Valley in Idaho. It's not as big or as flashy as some of the well-known ski resorts in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming but Sun Valley packs a major punch for star power, old-school Hollywood glamour and long-time skier cred that's hard to beat. It's also a big favourite of mine and a must-visit when I'm in the US in the northern winter. Here’s why it should be a must-visit for you too, next northern winter.

Photo: Supplied

Photo: Caroline Smith

Swimming one day, skiing (or boarding) the next

Sun Valley is an easy direct flight from LA (or SFO) to tree-filled Boise, Idaho's trendy capital and then a 2.5-hour drive through central Idaho’s eerily beautiful ranching and high desert landscape.

You can also fly into Hailey, the local airport, which is about a half hour drive from Sun Valley but the small town of Ketchum is even closer and is a thriving authentic western town with a great choice of accommodation, restaurants, après, night life and shopping.

Blame it on the Railroad

Sun Valley was the brainchild of railroad chairman Averell, to lure the rich and famous, away to a boutique winter playground. The resort opened in 1936 and was an immediate hit with the Hollywood elite who still come to ski and sometimes stay. I wish I could do the same!

Sun Valley has never looked back, or better! It hosted the 2025 World Cup and will do so again in 2027. This last season was its 90th anniversary and to celebrate 90 acres of new gladed terrain was added in the Olympic area.

Who’s Who?

If you’re obsessed with celebrity, then there’s plenty to love about Sun Valley. But here, the celebrities are often locals and mostly low-key. Back in the day, Marilyn Monroe, Ingrid Berman and Clark Gable came out on the railroad. Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper added to the early hype. Ernest Hemingway stayed as a guest at Sun Valley, writing much of his famous novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls. I visited his memorial nearby, where fans still pay their respects.

These days, the PR machine hardly needs to bother - the glamour of Sun Valley has continued on, with current stars, tech billionaires and other notables making it their home away from home. You may luck in and see Clint Eastwood drive by in his pickup, or sit next to Tom Hanks, Eugene Levy or Demi Moore at the local Pioneer Saloon. Arnie may zoom past you on his namesake run. But you have to be here!

Resort Report

With over 3,400 vertical feet, more than 2,400 acres of diverse terrain and a peak elevation topping 9,000 feet, Sun Valley offers terrain for every type of skier and boarder.

The resort has not one but two mountains. Bald Mountain or ‘Baldy’ has 100-plus lifts, a gondola and 2 terrain parks for boarding fun and the gentler Dollar Mountain is ideal for learners and the less confident. Both mountains offer first class ski schools and state of the art snowmaking so there’s always great quality skiing and boarding all season long. Oh, and did I mention lift lines are virtually unheard of? So make sure you’re match fit and bring your A game!

Photo: Caroline Smith

Photo: Caroline Smith

My favourite runs are the wide-open groomers; I'm unashamedly NOT a thrill-seeker, unless you count the incredible views from the top. I love a bluebird day, with groomed crunchy corduroy under my skis and a hot chocolate keeping me warm on the inside. Seattle Ridge has runs I love, named for Olympic medal-winning local Gretchen Fraser and some noteworthy Hollywood locals such as Arnold Schwarzenegger.

But for those who come for speed, adrenaline and to challenge themselves, there are blacks and double blacks a-plenty, chutes, gladed tree skiing and everything in between.

Back to Base

The base lodges are spectacular - more like the celebrity ranch you wished you owned. Huge wooden structures with high ceilings, massive stone fireplaces and warm inviting bars mere steps from the slopes. Perfect to set yourself up with all the basics: equipment rental, lessons and lift passes but also to enjoy a pre-ski hot chocolate, a hearty lunch to keep you going and a killer après cocktail or beer! There’s also wonderful ski retail therapy available but check before you buy that imported beanie (a rookie error I made that cost me US$100 instead of $20 for the locally made hat next to it!!).

Stay and Après to Your Heart’s Content

Off the slopes, the Apple’s Bar & Grill at Warm Springs has the fun local buzz, the luxe Limelight hotel in Ketchum is the hub for contemporary live music and a modern menu for high-end après fun.

If you love an authentic western bar with animal trophies and antique rifles on the walls, the Pioneer Saloon (or ‘Pio' to regulars) is the go. You’ll find it crammed with locals who simply don’t care whether you’re rich or famous, great cocktails and a dinner host in a black Stetson, a character straight out of the TV series Yellowstone.

Ketchum Idaho
Photo: Tory Taglio

Sun Valley Lodge

But THE place to stay and après is the original Sun Valley Lodge, the height of old school Hollywood glamour. Check out the pictures of famous guests adorning the halls such as Ernest Hemingway, who wrote a large portion of For Whom the Bell Tolls in Room 206. Fans can visit his memorial nearby and leave mementos to pay their respects.

Sun Valley Lodge
Photo: Supplied

The Duchin Lounge is a cosy, sophisticated après venue with a view across the ice rink and a very civilised gathering place for cocktails, dinner and if you’re there on the right night, jazz piano by Alan Pennay a legendary Aussie and longtime Sun Valley local who loves to play for the in crowd.

No Skier? No Problem!

Winter in Sun Valley is about so much more than skiing and boarding. So take time to explore and enjoy! There are scenic hikes or snowshoeing options on trails along the river or for the adventurous try a guided snowshoe tour at nearby scenic Galena.

A horse-drawn sleigh ride through a snowy mountain landscape for dinner at the rustic Trail Creek Cabin is a dining experience worth rugging up for, and if you’re there near Christmas, expect carol singers and a visit from Santa.

Horse Sleigh
Photo: Steve Dondero

If shopping is on the itinerary, you’ll love the western stores and art galleries in Ketchum and if you’re after some of the best ski clothing, equipment and accessories at a blockbuster bargain, run, don’t walk to the aptly named Gold Mine Thrift Store and its add-on Gold Mine Consign. Wealthy visitors leave last year’s hardly worn designer clothing and barely used top-quality gear for your shopping pleasure.

All that exhausting activity will have you desperate for refreshment. Try the local Sawtooth Brewery & Tap Room in Ketchum for a well-deserved craft beer or head to Zenergy Health Club & Spa for a massage, indoor / outdoor pool, hot tub and sauna. This celebrity-style rest and recovery session will have you rejuvenated and ready for the slopes.

Sun Valley Tips and Hacks - We’ve Asked the Locals and Spill the Tea.

Skier and boarder hack: Sun Valley is on the IKON Pass - get yours to enjoy 7 days at Sun Valley included for 26/27 season plus all the extra benefits.

There are also senior discounts available at the lift ticket counter but have your photo ID ready.

For ski and snowboard gear rentals try Sturtevants in Ketchum or near the Warm Springs side of Baldy for great equipment, knowledgeable service and reasonable rates.

Want to score high end winter gear and clothing at a bargain - basement price? The Gold Mine thrift shop in Ketchum has it all - last season’s designer ski fashion cast-offs, boots, skis and accessories: ski retail-therapy heaven.

Getting There with Chris Watson Travel

Sun Valley is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Boise in Idaho or you can fly into Hailey, the local airport, with a 30-minute transfer to Sun Valley.
There are direct flights to Boise from all major west coast cities and Dallas Fort Worth.
Sun Valley is an IKON Pass destination and opens Thanksgiving through early April.
Stay at Sun Valley Lodge, the Limelight Hotel Ketchum or Hotel Ketchum.
Chris Watson Travel can help get you there and create custom itineraries or assist with a tour for any budget.