Sun Valley Ski Resort

Looking to pack up your skis and find the perfect powder destination for the winter season?

Sun Valley Ski Resort is transforming from fall colors to a spectacularly scenic winter wonderland. With thousands upon thousands of acres of ski country to traverse and it’s looking to be a good season of snow. Whether you’re learning to ski or snowboard, an expert adventurer in search of backcountry powder and downhill skiing, or simply seeking a family vacation of bluebird days, outdoor adventures (on and off the slopes!) and family fun – Sun Valley Ski Resort is truly the Best in the West.

sun valley

Sun Valley Ski Resort Guide

Visit the birthplace of skiing this winter season. Sun Valley Ski Resort opens on Thanksgiving for a winter season of fun!

With its rich winter sports history, variety in mountain terrain, two separate ski mountains, backcountry beauty and North America’s first chairlift, Sun Valley Ski Resort is ranked the second overall resort by The Ski Magazine’s reader’s poll and stands up to its reputation as one of the best ski resorts in the world!

Sun Valley is distinctive, unique and a hot spot for celebrities and some of the world’s best skiers and freeriders. Sun Valley is known for its priceless panoramic views and challenging black diamond and mogul runs, while at the same time being super kid-friendly.

Besides from offering some of the best ski guides to show you the local’s favourites, Sun Valley Ski Resort is placed as the #1 ski resort for ‘grooming, lifts, character, overall satisfaction and kid-friendly.

Bald Mountain

Sun Valley Ski Resort’s Baldy Mountain boasts 3,400 vertical feet and 2,400 acres of diverse terrain for beginners to advanced, 30 acres of off trail grounds, 65 runs, 13 chair lifts, a new lift line and 3 terrain parks. With large amounts of shade, sheltered forests and a huge capacity for holding snow, you are guaranteed perfect conditions all season round. It really is the most faithful winter wonderland.

Dollar Mountain

Sun Valley Resort’s smaller yet stimulating Dollar Mountain, just a couple miles from Baldy Mountain and easily accessible by bus, is ranked the best place in the country to learn, play and grow. With its wide-open spaces, no trees and lots of sun and fun, it is perfect for developing confidence in first time skiers.

During season Dollar Mountain has up to 9 different terrain parks, from small kid-friendly trainyards and entry level rails, boxes and jumps to large parks with jumps up to 50ft. It offers a magic carpet for learners, and 3 separate ski lifts offering runs for all different levels. The perfect place to enjoy a sunny winters day with family and friends.

Back Country Bliss

Sun Valley is nestled in the centre of 5 different mountain ranges, the Pioneers, Boulder Mountains (the backdrop for Clint Eastwood’s Pale Rider), Smoky Mountains, White Cloud Mountains and the majestic Sawtooths. Sun Valley doesn’t just have one of the top mountain resorts in the nation but offers an unrestricted freedom of up to 1 million acres of exhilarating backcountry terrain.

With Galena Summit, Durrance Peak and the Boulder Mountains only a 30-minute drive from downtown Ketchum and Sun Valley, the options are seemingly endless. Sun Valley maintains a high accessibility to the backcountry bliss by sustaining easily approachable trails and access by snow mobile, hiking, split boarding, skinning or Heli skiing. To help ensure a rewarding experience, Sun Valley Guides offer 7 overnight yurts in which 6 are stocked with all the gear and supplies needed. Just take a drive, park, skin up and get after it – it’s that easy!

Heli-Skiing in Sun Valley

For the more adventurous, Sun Valley Resort offers onsite Heli-skiing (this is snow dependent and a Covid-19 vaccination is required). Being the inventors of heli-skiing in the US, they present a playground of up to 750,000 acres and 1,500 to 3,000 vertical feet of pristine powder. This unique Sun Valley winter experience includes options for intermediate and expert and a scenic lunch with sweeping mountain views, sunshine and fellowship.

Sun Valley Heli Ski is part of the Heli Ski US Association and offers top protection with over 100 years of experience. Engulf yourself in the sensory overload of the unblemished, immaculate skiers’ paradise of Sun Valley.

Slope Side Dining


Look Out Lodge: The popular and buzzy Look Out Lodge is located on the peak of Sun Valley Ski Resort and is known for its inviting taco bar and striking panoramic views. Clip off your ski’s, give your legs a break and pull up one of their outside deck chairs while sipping on a cold locally brewed beer.

Seattle Ridge Lodge: Head over to Seattle Ridge Lodge and explore their diverse food court, warm up by the fire with a heavenly hot chocolate or simply stop to breath in the vivacious views of the layered south valley hills.

Warm Springs Lodge: For a typical and vibey slopeside experience, head to the ski lodges at the base of the mountain. Warm Springs Lodge presents the original luxury of Sun Valley Resort with a new and upgraded food court offering a gourmet menu of fresh salads, pasta and the great Idaho potato bar and a slope facing granite bar where you can sip on a hot buttered bourbon or treat yourself to one of the many craft beers served.

River Run Lodge: River Run Lodge is located at the opposite base of Sun Valley Ski Resort and serves a menu of diverse cuisine from salads and woks to their famous woodfired pizzas. With outside seating and fireplaces and occasional live music, this is the perfect place to relax and solidify your day with laid back aprés ski. But it doesn’t end there!

The Roundhouse: Last, but definitely not least, The Roundhouse is one of Sun Valley Resort’s finest ski-in dining experiences. Perched midway on Baldy at the top of the express Gondola, Roundhouse offers a casual ski ambience with breath-taking views of the Pioneer Mountain Range and downtown Ketchum. It is famous for its large selection of wine, winter fondu, meticulous menu and friendly service. Swing by for a casual lunch during your ski day or make reservations to enjoy a magical dinner service as the sunset glows pink on the snow-capped mountain peaks.

Dollar Mountain Day Lodge: Located at the base of Dollar Mountain, this base lodge has a fun, family friendly atmosphere. With both indoor and outdoor seating, fire warmers and a full view of the Dollar ski runs, this is the perfect place to kick back and relax as you watch your kids play and learn. They serve a menu of pizzas, pastas, chicken dishes and snacks perfect for children.

Some other restaurants that provide memorable meals and views of Sun Valley Resort’s exquisite Baldy Mountain are The Covey, Apples Bar and Grill, Town Square Tavern, and Despo’s Mexican Restaurant.

The Perfect Landing Place

Whether you’re searching for a cozy ski condo close to Bald Mountain or a family ski villa near Dollar Mountain, our Sun Valley vacation rentals offer a warm winter welcome with fireplaces, hot tubs and far reaching views of the snow-capped peaks of Sun Valley.

ski lift

With a cheerful, local team of avid skiers to customize your stay, Michael’s Vacation Rentals has a place of comfort and tranquillity to to complete your ideal Sun Valley ski vacation.