January 2023
Sun Valley, Idaho, stands as a captivating destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable outdoor adventure and an escape into natural beauty. Nestled amidst the stunning Sawtooth and Boulder Mountains, this picturesque resort town offers a plethora of reasons to visit. For winter enthusiasts, the world-class Sun Valley Resort beckons with its pristine ski slopes and top-notch amenities, making it a paradise for skiers and snowboarders alike. Meanwhile, summertime opens up a world of possibilities, from hiking through lush forests and biking along scenic trails to fishing in pristine rivers and immersing oneself in the tranquility of nature. Sun Valley’s charming downtown of Ketchum complements the experience with its vibrant arts scene, celebrity allure, and a variety of cultural events throughout the year.
Luckily for me, I have friends who live there – actually they live in Hailey which is a few miles south of Ketchum.
So another buddy, who lives in Colorado, and I invited ourselves out for a long weekend of skiing.
Getting there from Charleston is straight forward, assuming everything goes smoothly. I was supposed to leave Charleston early Jan. 11, 2023, but you may remember, that was the day all US domestic flights were grounded due to a FAA systems outage so I left the following day.
The route on United Airlines is CHS – DEN– SUN
SKIING SUN VALLEY
Skiing at Sun Valley is a truly magical experience, the resort has earned its reputation as one of the premier ski destinations in the world. With over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain and a vertical drop of around 3,400 feet, the ski resort offers a wide range of slopes suitable mostly for intermediate and expert skiers.
For beginners there very few gentle slopes making it not the most ideal place to take those first steps on the snow. Intermediate skiers will find a vast array of well-groomed trails, offering a mix of nice cruisers and challenging runs.
But what sets Sun Valley apart is its appeal to advanced skiers and experts. The resort boasts some exhilarating steep runs and challenging terrain, attracting skiers seeking an adrenaline rush. Bald Mountain (Baldy) is renowned for its expert runs and thrilling black diamond slopes, which offer breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment for those who conquer them. Since it was my first skiing of the year, and the fact there was dense fog most of the time, we stayed mostly on the easier trails.
Overall Sun Valley is a nice ski resort. I especially liked that it wasn’t too crowded compared to other western US ski areas the past few years.
Here are a few of the nice places we went in the short time there.
The Roundhouse Restaurant. Located atop the Roundhouse Express gondola at an impressive elevation of 7,700 feet on Bald Mountain, The Roundhouse has been a cherished dining destination since 1939. This iconic establishment not only serves up delectable meals and heartwarming drinks but also treats visitors to breathtaking panoramic views. As the original on-mountain dining experience in America, The Roundhouse embodies the authentic charm and unmatched elegance that Sun Valley is renowned for.
Pioneer Saloon. The Pioneer Saloon is typical of an earlier Idaho where ore wagons rattled down Main Street and business was done with a handshake and a drink. Natural woods, mounted game, and period firearms help recreate an authentic saloon atmosphere. The people there are very friendly as we easily struck up pleasant conversations with other patrons.
Earnest Hemingway House. Ernest Hemingway forged a significant and lasting bond with Ketchum, Idaho, in the later years of his life. He moved to the town in 1959 with his fourth wife, Mary, settling on a 13-acre property just outside its borders. Ketchum provided Hemingway with a tranquil and inspiring setting to focus on his writing and indulge in outdoor passions like hunting and fishing, finding solace amidst the captivating mountains and rivers. Tragically, Ketchum became the place where Hemingway’s life ended, as he died by suicide in his home on July 2, 1961.
There are several well known people who live or have second homes in Ketchum. One is Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has a ski run named after him. If you want more info about him, Netflix has a well done three part docuseries that adeptly captures the essence of his five-decade-long journey as an athlete, actor, and politician.
As is always the case the time comes to go home. First a stop at Lucy’s Breakfast. Lucy is a young Hispanic women who runs the place and also is the waitress. The huevos rancheros ( with a side of bacon – cant go vegetarian all the way) was excellent and the price refreshing especially after a few days paying resort prices. After breakfast we said our goodbyes and off I went.
