Sun Valley’s ski school dates back to 1936. Today, its top instructors are Olympian Terry Palmer and Carol Levine, who helped pioneer women-only groups. “Little Spud” sessions are for ages three and older, and the Burton Learn-to-Ride program equips snowboarder wannabes with skills.

While Sun Valley, which is on the pricier side, does excellently in many of the categories we measured, like environmentalism and off-hill recreation, it must be said that its snow quality and conditions aren’t the greatest—though many ski-related amenities are offered.

Its inches of annual snowfall clock in at just 220, so only nine percent of days per season see six or more inches of powder. There’s a diverse variety of lifts (19) and trails (75, descending 3,400 vertical feet), three terrain parks, three on-hill equipment shops, and a 69-person ski patrol whose members include paramedics.

The resort has 1,600 winter employees, some who make their living as ski valets, while others help run the 148-room Sun Valley Lodge and the 109-room Sun Valley Inn, neither of which are ski-in/ski-out. The resort also offers good-sized cottages to rent, and campsites aren’t hard to find.

You’ll find most of what you’ll want at the resort itself: an ice-skating rink, a 1950s-themed bowling alley with billiards, a spa, sleigh rides, kids’ mountain-adventure trails, heated swimming pools, and indoor golf. A newish 56-car gondola takes passengers on a scenic journey to Roundhouse Restaurant, which overlooks the resort from atop Bald Mountain.

A free shuttle does go into nearby Ketchum, where there’s a ropes course, a climbing wall, the Galleria Shops, and a 1937 opera house that serves as a cinema—if you eat at Bald Mountain Pizza, Trail Creek Cabin, the Ram, or Gretchen's, they’ll give you free movie tickets. Also free here, with the purchase of each lift ticket, is a van ride to the airport.

To say that the wonderland scenery here is worth protecting is quite the understatement, so Sun Valley partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to help conserve its surrounding lands and has done much to save energy, recycle, and compost.

If XC’s your speed, plan to be here between January 26 and February 3, when the Nordic Festival comes to town, bringing with it the Norwegian Olympic team, races, demos, and a snowshoe challenge.



Thanksgiving Package

November 21 - 25
Kick off our 77th ski season with a Thanksgiving Holiday in Sun Valley.
The package includes a minimum of four nights lodging, a three-day lift ticket and a lavish Thanksgiving Buffet starting at $299 per person, double occupancy.
Call 800-786-8259 for reservations. (Does not include fees and tax).



Pre-Holiday Package

November 21 - December 20
Stay and Ski starting at $79.50 per person, double occupancy.
This special package begins November 21, running through December 20 and includes one night’s lodging and one daily lift ticket starting at $79.50 per person. This package may be booked multiple nights during this time period.
Call 800-786-8259. (Does not include fees and tax).



Winter Wonderland Festival Packages

Package #1
December 1 - 20, 2012
Come and become a part of Sun Valley Resort’s First Annual Winter Wonderland Festival and Window Stroll.
This package is offered December1 through December 20 and includes a Lodge or Inn, standard or medium room and a $50 gift card per room, per night. The $199 rate does not include taxes, fees or gratuities. You also will receive a keepsake, hand painted original Sun Valley Christmas ornament. Call 800-786-8259. (The Gift Card may be used in any of the Sun Valley Resort shops or restaurants).



Package #2
December 21 - January 1, 2013
This package includes a standard or medium room in the Sun Valley Inn or Lodge for two people, a $100 Gift Card per room, per night and two complimentary tickets for the Roundhouse Gondola. Offered December 21 through January 1, 2013, the $319 rate does not include taxes, fees or gratuities. You also will receive a beautiful, hand painted original Sun Valley ceramic Christmas ornament. (The Gift Card may be used in any of the Sun Valley Resort shops or restaurants). Call 800-786-8259.



Ski Free Package

January 3, 2013 - March 31
Stay in the Sun Valley Lodge or Sun Valley Inn between January 3 and March 31 and ski free, starting at $139. This includes one night’s lodging and one daily lift ticket per person, double occupancy and may be booked multiple days. Call today, some black-out dates apply.
800-786-8259. (Does not include fees and tax).



Spring Package

April 1, 2013 - EOS
Heavily discounted spring skiing begins April 1 and runs through the close of the ski season. One night’s lodging and one daily lift ticket is included in this package which starts at $79.50 per person, double occupancy.
Call 800-786-8259. (Does not include fees and tax).





CONTACT: (800) 786-8259, sunvalley.com
SEASON: Mid-December to early April
TICKETS: General: $95 ($69 for a half day; discounts offered to military personnel), ages 12 and younger: $54, ages 65 and older: $62





Article BY: AVITAL ANDREWS-OUTSIDE MAGAZINE