Getting There

Traveling to Sun Valley can be an adventure in itself! While you can fly directly into Sun Valley, the limited flights are often pricey, so we opted to fly into Boise and drive the 2.5 hours, renting a four-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee. The roads were snowy (there was a huge amount of snow, more than our last visit!) but manageable, and the scenic drive added to the experience since we got to see many more picturesque views.

Where We Stayed

We booked our stay through Alpine Lodging and found a condo in Elkhorn Village, which is conveniently close to Dollar Mountain, one of the two main ski mountains in Sun Valley. Since Dollar Mountain is geared towards beginners, we opted to ski at Bald Mountain, affectionately known as Baldy, which is about a 10-minute drive from Elkhorn Village.

The condo was spacious and perfect for our group. It featured three bedrooms downstairs, each with comfortable beds, two full baths, and an en suite in the master bedroom. Upstairs, there was a loft that could accommodate additional guests (though it lacked privacy). The kitchen was well-equipped, with plenty of coffee cups, wine glasses, and quality plates; while the decor was a bit outdated, the functionality and amenities made it an excellent choice for our family.

Skiing at Bald Mountain

Skiing at Bald Mountain was nothing short of amazing. The lifts are known for being fast, with virtually no lines, even during the busy holiday season. The mountain offers a variety of runs catering to different skill levels, which was perfect for our group. The green runs here tend to be slightly more challenging compared to other resorts, but they’re manageable for cautious skiers like me. Meanwhile, my husband tackled the more technical moguls, and we could still meet up at the same lift.

Sun Valley is famously known as the birthplace of the chairlift, a testament to its deep-rooted skiing history. Today, its gondola offers a seamless and scenic ride up Baldy, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The gondola ride alone is an experience, allowing non-skiers to access Roundhouse or simply enjoy the snowy vistas.

We rented our ski gear through Black Tie Ski Rentals, and their service was top-notch. They delivered the equipment right to our condo on the morning of our first ski day and offered various sizes and options to ensure the perfect fit. Even during the busy holiday period, they were incredibly responsive and accommodating, offering to come to the mountain within 30 minutes if we needed them.

Dining Highlights

• Whiskey’s on Main: Our first night’s dinner was at Whiskey’s, located in downtown Ketchum. It’s a lively spot with bar food, fondue, and plenty of TVs for sports fans. Despite the holiday crowds, the service was excellent, and we enjoyed waiting upstairs with ping pong and a DJ.
  
• Village Station: A go-to spot in Sun Valley Village for walk-up dining. While waiting for a table, you can explore the nearby bars or watch ice skaters outside. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the service is consistently great.
  
• Enoteca: A cozy wine bar with incredible Italian-inspired cuisine and easily our favorite meal; we dined here on New Year’s Eve, and the food was phenomenal. (Reservations open 60 days in advance, so plan ahead!)

• Grumpy’s: The quintessential après-ski dive bar in Ketchum. Known for its smash burgers, schooner-sized beers, and laid-back vibe, it’s a must-visit. You might even spot a celebrity!
  
• Roundhouse: Situated halfway up Bald Mountain, this iconic restaurant offers stunning views and a cozy atmosphere with its four-sided fireplace. It’s perfect for lunch, especially if you’re skiing or taking a pedestrian gondola ride. The bison chili, fish chowder, and fondue (the best of the ones we had there) were highlights for us.
  
• The Ram: Located in Sun Valley Village, this historic spot features a true comfort food Scandinavian-German menu and live piano music. While it wasn’t our favorite meal per se, it’s worth visiting for the ambiance and history.

Much More than Skiing

Sun Valley isn’t just about skiing. You can find a range of activities like snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, bowling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even sleigh rides. Our daughters and friends enjoyed snowshoeing and sledding while we hit the slopes, and it worked out perfectly. 

A rich history and unique charm have definitely contributed to its reputation as a premier ski town with a relaxed vibe. The Sun Valley Village itself has a charming European Alps feel, with boutique shopping and plenty of cozy coffee spots; we also loved Maude’s Coffee in nearby Ketchum, perfect for something delicious to keep you warm.

Our longer stay in Sun Valley has absolutely confirmed that is a winter paradise with something for everyone. We are madly in love with it! In fact, if we could go back next week, we would! 

From world-class skiing and cozy dining spots to its charming village and variety of activities, it’s the perfect destination for a holiday getaway. Despite being busy during the holidays, the efficient ski lifts, friendly service, and breathtaking scenery made our trip unforgettable. I can’t wait to return!