Sun Valley is a resort city in Blaine County in the central part of the U.S. state of Idaho, adjacent to the city of Ketchum. Tourists from around the world enjoy its skiing, hiking, ice skating, trail riding, tennis, and cycling. Few of its residents stay year-round, and most come from major cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more distantly Chicago and New York City. The elevation of Sun Valley (at the Lodge) is 5920 feet (1804 m) above sea level. The area is served by Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey, approximately 15 miles (24 km) south. Visitors to Sun Valley are relatively close to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, accessed over Galena Summit on Highway 75, the Sawtooth Scenic Byway.

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Among skiers, the term "Sun Valley" refers to the alpine ski area, which consists of Bald Mountain, the main ski mountain, and Dollar Mountain, which is geared toward novice and lower intermediate skiers. Bald Mountain, or "Baldy," has a summit of 9150 feet (2789 m) and a vertical drop of 3400 feet (1036 m). With its abundance of constant-pitch terrain, at varying degrees of difficulty, coupled with its substantial vertical drop and absence of wind, Baldy has often been referred to as the best single ski mountain in the world. The treeless "Dollar" at 6638 feet (2023m) has a moderate vertical drop of 628 feet (191 m). The term "Sun Valley" is used more generally to speak of the region surrounding the city, including the neighboring city of Ketchum and the valley area winding south to Hailey. The region has been a seasonal home to the rich, famous, and powerful, including Mats Wilander, Walter Annenberg, Adam West, Ernest Hemingway, Tom Hanks, Steve Miller, Demi Moore, Peter Cetera, Clint Eastwood, Bruce Willis, Ashton Kutcher, Richard Dreyfuss, Steve Wynn, Mohamed al-Fayed, Barbara Kent, John Lewis, and Tony Robbins.

Surprise, Sun Valley Idaho isn't just a Winter Destination   by Kara Toedtli

A year round vacation destination, Sun Valley Idaho offers countless musical events, outdoor festivals, and world-class shopping and dining opportunities for visitors to this unique mountain resort. Visit Premier Resorts Sun Valley, set in a breathtaking region of Idaho, and take advantage of some fun in the sun for your entire family.

Attractions and Activities

With endless miles of hiking and biking trails, sparkling clear rivers for rafting and fishing, world famous golf courses, arts & music festivals, and incredible dining options, Sun Valley is much more than a exceptional ski resort.

Spring, summer, and fall in Sun Valley are ideal seasons for children to experience a variety of fun activities. The village offers a well-equipped playground, swimming, picnics, hayrides, paddle boating and BBQ's. Children also enjoy walks around scenic Sun Valley Village.

Festivals and Concerts in Sun Valley

The third annual Ernest Hemingway Festival was held September 30 - October 1, 2010. The festival honors the heritage of Hemingway's strong connection to the Wood River Valley and Idaho.

The Sun Valley Summer Symphony - now the largest privately funded free admission symphony in America - will kick off the Edgar Bronfman Chamber Music series on July 26, 28, 30. The Orchestra festival season follows on August 2-17. Under the direction of Maestro Alasdair Neale the symphony has grown to more than 100 musicians from all around North America and features nationally acclaimed guest artists including Richard Dowling, Erich Kunzel, Horacio Gutierrez and Jeremy Cohen. 

Come to Sun Valley for the 21st annual Jazz Jamboree, October 13th - 17th, 2010. Over 300 performances by a variety of bands from across the U.S. and Canada will be held in 12 different venues throughout the valley.

From the crisp air on top of Bald Mountain to the charming village below its peaks, there is no other place quite like Sun Valley for year-round family fun.