Things to do in Sun Valley, Idaho

​Sun Valley is the premier ski town of Idaho. It is a gorgeous little place set along the base of the Smoky Mountains, just near Idaho’s famous Sawtooths, all part of the great Rocky Mountains. This exquisite mountain town is home to world class skiing, but also plenty of things to do year-round.
 
My husband and I visited Sun Valley and its neighboring town of Ketchum during the summer of 2023 as part of our honeymoon. We spent a romantic evening dining, walking around, and attempting to listen to the symphony – more on that later.

We chose to stop in Sun Valley/Ketchum after hearing how luxurious the town was from several friends, and also because of its proximity to our trailhead for our big 50-mile hike on The Grand Sawtooth Loop, which you can read all about here:  www.thetravelingtacos.com/trips/our-honeymoon-backpacking-the-75-mile-grand-sawtooth-loop-in-idaho

Even though we were only here for a day, I did lots of research on all the things we could have done and can do for future trips back. Here are things I found to do during any visit:
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Where to Stay:

• There are plenty of luxury lodges and resorts, especially close to the ski areas. You can also rent a condo or Airbnb house. No matter where you stay, or what season you visit, you will more than likely pay a pretty penny to be in Sun Valley. Rooms range anywhere from $200-800 depending on events, the season, and what day of the week.
• We stayed at The Knob Hill Inn and it was $475, after taxes, for the night. We had a beautiful view of the mountains from our extremely spacious hotel room’s balcony, and we were within walking distance from the shops and restaurants in town. It did take a car ride up to the base of the ski area, but the hotel had a free shuttle! The bar inside was hopping all night. For a night of our honeymoon, it was worth every dollar. 

The view from our hotel balcony at The Knob Hill Inn.

Outside the Knob Hill Inn.

Dining:

In the downtown area of Ketchum there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat after a long day on the slopes or a fancy white table cloth dining experience. There is something for every taste and budget.

​We were recommended by a friend, and native to Ketchum, to visit:

• The Knob Hill, but since it was where we were staying, we wanted to venture out and go into town.
• Enoteca - wood-fired pizzas and fresh Italian food.
• The Pioneer Saloon - the historic bar and restaurant that prides itself on its history and steaks.
• The Ketchum Grill - her old workplace, and the restaurant we ended up choosing. We had a wonderful, handmade meal with a bottle of wine outside on the terrace. It was the most romantic dinner we could have spontaneously had!

My delicious dinner at The Ketchum Grill.

The Ketchum Grill's menu.

Shopping:

Sun Valley Road is full of locally owned boutiques and shops. You can easily spend an entire afternoon wandering in and out of shops looking at and purchasing high-end clothing, shoes, purses, and ski gear. There are also plenty of other stores on the surrounding streets in downtown as well! ​

Seasonal Things

Symphony / Summer Concerts​:

Everyone leaving the symphony when we were arriving.

During the summer Sun Valley hosts concerts and shows at the amphitheater at the base of the ski resort. On Sundays they have the local symphony come out and do a free performance. We tried to watch the symphony during our visit, but didn’t realize it only lasted an hour – hour and a half. By the time we wrapped up dinner and got a ride from the shuttle at The Knob Hill Inn, we missed the show!   ​

Hiking:

There are tons of trails on the Sun Valley Ski Resort mountains and in the surrounding areas. Checkout AllTtrails.com to find one suitable for your skill levels or one of the ones SunValley.com recommends: 

• Bald Mountain Trail: This iconic trail takes you on a 3000+ foot climb to the summit of Bald Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Proctor Mountain Trail: A local favorite, this loop takes you around Proctor Mountain, providing views of Bald Mountain, Ketchum and Sun Valley.
• White Clouds Trails: The White Clouds trail network is perfect for families and beginners, with leisurely hiking and biking trails right next to the Sun Valley Lodge.
• Wood River Trail: This multi-use trail runs alongside the Big Wood River and offers a paved, flat, scenic route that's ideal for long-distance running, walking or biking.

Biking:

Like most ski resorts, during the summer Sun Valley opens some of it’s groomed ski trials for mountain biking. You can either huck it up the mountain and peddle to the top, or chose the easier downhill-only option and ride the gondola up. There is over 400-miles of trails to chose from!  ​

Hiking and biking trail map.

Fly Fishing:

Wet your lines and catch some trout at any of the nearby freshwater rivers and streams in Ketchum, including The Big Wood River which runs right through town. There’s also Silver Creek and the Wood River which are world renowned waters. Hire a guide from any of the outfitters nearby to show you the best spots or just go out and wade on your own. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a day on the water.

Horseback Riding​:

In the summer you can book either a carriage ride or a horseback trail ride around Sun Valley. Rides are roughly 45 minutes to one hour long and can be booked at SunValley.com.

Sled Riding:

In the winter you can enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride through the beautiful snow covered landscape of Sun Valley. Rides are 30-minutes long and weather dependent. It is encouraged you bring a blanket, dress warmly, and bring a hot cocoa for the ride! Book online at SunValley.com..

Skiing:

Sun Valley has two mountains open to skiing, Bald Mountain (also known as Baldy) and Dollar Mountain. 

Baldy is for the more experienced skier, although it features a themed Adventure Trails for kids and 30 acres of gladed terrain for all ability levels. Bald Mountain has 12 ski lifts and over 100 different runs ranging from easy greens to expert double blacks. 
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Dollar Mountain is perfect for kids and those who want to play. It has the “wandercarpet” that brings children up a small beginners’ mountain and eight terrain parks for those looking to hone in their trick skills. It’s not as big as Baldy but seems like just as much fun! 

Map of Bald Mountain's ski trails.

Map of Dollar Mountain's ski trails.

​There is so much to do and see in Sun Valley and Ketchum in every season. This post just begins to scratch the surface of all the activities available in this remarkable mountain landscape. 
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