Sun Valley Idaho, Ketchum, Sawtooth Mountains

Entering Sun Valley, Idaho in the winter is like walking into a winter wonderland in a snow globe. Holiday lights line the roof tops of houses and downtown shops, snow fuses to all parts of trees and signs, and people everywhere are either learning to ski, racing down 3,400 feet of groomed runs on Bald Mountain, or sipping their hot cocoa on the edge of the outdoor skating rink. What's even more amazing about the Sun Valley area in Idaho is that when you return in the summer or fall, the place is just as breathtaking. The Sawtooth Mountains stand in the distance but their jagged peaks seem to tower over the valley, as trails and streams sit patiently close by awaiting your visit.

No matter what time of year you decide to visit Sun Valley, there are endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. The European style ski resort, Sun Valley, was built in 1936 in the town of Ketchum, ID. The town of Sun Valley actually sits one mile east of the resort. The resort seems to have endless amounts of snow as they have one of the largest snow-making systems in the world. People from all over the world come to Sun Valley to enjoy its sun, snow, and steeps. For beginners, Dollar Mountain is right across the valley and is a great place to learn on less intense slopes. When the snow melts, the trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding open. Take note of the Wood River Trail system in particular which has 20 miles of paved trail. If you have time to get out of town, you will not regret a 15 mile trek north to the Sawtooth Mountains. Over 250 miles of trail, 300 lakes, and over 40 peaks towering above 10,000 feet fill the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Also make sure to enjoy fishing, swimming, golfing, tennis playing, and paragliding opportunities in the summer. And if you still just can't wait for it to snow again, don't worry, because it's winter year-round at the ice skating rink in the Sun Valley village.

Cultural events are abundant in Sun Valley throughout the year. Olympic ice skaters perform every Saturday night during the summer at Sun Valley village. Enjoy 12 classical concerts by the summer symphony in July and August. September and October bring the Wagon Days parade and the trailing of the sheep. If you are visiting over the holidays there is everything from Christmas caroling to making gingerbread houses to watching a torchlight parade. Whether or not you come during one of these many events you can always enjoy the many hip shops, restaurants and cafes, and outfitters that line the streets of downtown Ketchum. There is always fun for the whole family and for those just coming to play.

An airport in Sun Valley provides frequent flights to major airports like Salt Lake City, Seattle, and Boise. Rental cars are available but the KART, or Ketchum Area Rapid Transit, should be sufficient for transporting you where you need to go around the Sun Valley area. If you are traveling to Big Sky, MT from Sun Valley, ID use ID-75 east to reach US-20. Follow US-20 to US-191 which will guide you to Big Sky in about 7 hours total.