Why Is Sun Valley Idaho Skiing So Popular?
What makes a place unique? Is it about the amenities or the memories you create while there? It’s a question that’s not easy to answer sometimes, but Sun Valley in Idaho knows why they are special. They believe a lot of magic happens there and aren’t wrong. This resort has a colorful and rich history of winter sports. They have a tradition of sending talented athletes to the Olympics and were one of the first resorts to embrace snowboarding. It is a place that never seems to rest because people visit and enjoy the area all year long. But why is Sun Valley Idaho skiing better you ask?
What sets them apart is that they could be considered a “true” resort model. Though it might act like it, Sun Valley isn’t a town. It’s a resort through and through, with the ski town of Ketchum nuzzled closely to the resort. Both offer something unique and add to the other in more ways than one. To sum it up, Sun Valley skiing offers up a quintessential ski destination and has been recognized for many years. It’s hard to deny how incredible this resort is, thanks to its impressive roster. Almost 365 days of sunshine, countless food, shopping and event options, and vast expanses of epic skiing are available.
A Resort For Ski Fanatics
Sun Valley has been classy since the beginning, so it’s hard not to fall in love when you’re there. Sun Valley has been a winter haven for ski fanatics everywhere for decades. But some of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood have also found sanctuary at the resort. Look at the roster, and you’ll be impressed to see names like Tom Hanks and Oprah Winfrey as frequent visitors. But the resort was always about providing an upscale experience to all who visited. They were determined to make their resort stand out and have a sophisticated feel about it. And they’ve done it with grace since they opened their doors in 1932.
Averell Harriman, a visionary who had grown up in the Swiss Alps, saw potential in North America to have its luxurious alpine resort. As the Chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad, he saw an opportunity that would benefit everyone. He hired an experienced Austrian skier, Count Felix Schaffgotsch, to find a place for the resort’s site. After searching several states, Schaffgotsch was taken aback by what he saw in Ketchum, Idaho. He immediately reported back, and the project to build it commenced. Construction began and ended in the blink of an eye, and the first destination ski resort in America became a reality.
Before Sun Valley, all ski mountains worldwide used the same technology. But Harriman knew a better way to get people up and down the mountain. He requested railroad engineers to create a device capable of moving skiers much more quickly. And out of their collaboration, the chairlift was born. It was a revolutionary alternative to walking up steep slopes at the time. It made Sun Valley a luxury destination, solidified its image, and has remained family-owned by the Holding Family through the years.
A Slice Of Life In Ketchum
The quirky town of Ketchum is a place that makes you immediately put a smile on your face. The town has become a place that lends to the resort’s charm. There are several things to do while in town when you’re not racing down Bald Mountain. Or check out the incredible backcountry. People can hike, fish, hunt, and the like, but they can also shop and browse around their art galleries. Though the population is less than 3,000, visitors will be delighted with what they have to offer.
What’s great about many ski towns is that they give visitors an extra view into what’s around the area. Ketchum does that, and it does so by following the rule of thumb that Sun Valley has for itself. It stays true to itself by holding onto pieces of the past. It also offers an interesting modern twist that’s appealing to many.
Dollar Mountain And Bald Mountain
Count the ways Sun Valley is an excellent ski destination, and you might end up working on your list all day. It’s usually hard to meet a perfect mix of luxury and laid-back mountain vibes. But they do it effortlessly and without thinking much about it, either. While there might not be ski-in/ski-out hotels, visitors are happy to take a few extra minutes to hitch a ride when needed, mainly because Sun Valley is worth it.
Its two featured peaks offer pristine skiing conditions and challenges for skiers of all levels. Dollar Mountain is an excellent (and recommended) area for beginner and intermediate skiers. There are almost no trees, and it offers plenty of open space. Skiers still learning can feel more confident while out on the trails. There are three different terrain parks. Sun Valley Idaho skiing also features a seven-meter Superpipe for anyone looking to improve their trick skills.
Bald Mountain has a bit of a reputation for offering some of the best skiing in the country. The difference in terrain and consistent pitch are among the many reasons the mountain is remarkable. You can endlessly practice your turns without having to accommodate for steepness. Skiers with more experience can choose from 65 varied trails and explore 30 acres of daily groomed glades to their heart’s content.
An Extraordinary Resort
From its early humble roots to its modern-day presence, Sun Valley is a ski resort with a lot to say. For more than 75 years, they’ve shown what sets them apart. Every nook and cranny seem to be spilling over with delightful charm, and it almost seems too good to be true. How can one place hold so much elegance and character? By staying true to the essence of skiing. This has been accomplished, and you can see it everywhere you turn. There are hundreds of ski destinations in North America to travel to, each with its own appeal. But Sun Valley Idaho skiing can’t (or won’t) be ignored because the hills hold something special within them. And if you haven’t had the chance to ski it all for yourself, then now is the time to go from skeptic to believer.