Sun Valley, Idaho

Revel in the Mountains

(Images:Ruksana Hussain)

Writer Ernest Hemingway brought it attention in the late 1930s and the world’s first chairlift was built and installed here sometime around then. Idaho’s Sun Valley has a few claims to fame, none of which should take away from the natural beauty of this gem in the western United States. The resort city, at an elevation of almost 5,000 feet above sea level, provides a worthy prospect for a visit any time of year, with equally inviting activities to partake in during that season.

Roundhouse Gondola takes you up 7,700 feet to the restaurant.

At the Sun Valley Inn, you can revel in local history and grand outdoors when you stay at the 1930s destination ski resort. Celebrities favored the spot and still do – photo displays on each floor tell you who visited and when, and the list goes way back. If you are lucky, you can reserve some of the celebrity suites for your stay. Don’t miss out on the bowling alley which is original to the space but redone in 2015. And enjoy the multiple grand pianos on property as also restaurants. The Konditerai is perfect for an indulgent breakfast accompanied by a healthy smoothie, and Sun Valley Club for lunch, where the bison chili soup is a crowd favorite. The Village Station offers pub fare while The Ram creates heritage menus reminiscent of fare from the past. Roundhouse Gondola takes you to the Roundhouse Restaurant up at 7,700 ft. and the ride to the top and back presents beautiful views of the city below. The interiors of the restaurant give a cozy mountain cabin vibe and pots of fondue along with hearty soups are some of the menu items that call for your attention. Stop by the lookout point at the deck off the restaurant for mountain views.

The Inn is a beautiful property for your stay, no matter the season.

In the winter, you can set off for some snowshoeing and Nordic skiing, or opt for the golf course and some fat tire biking in the summer. And if you miss golfing in winter then the virtual indoor golf course at Sun Valley Club is a good spot to practice your swing. The Sun Valley Lodge offers a heated pool and spa services that will make you want to never leave.

Enjoy pizzas, burgers, beer and other pub fare at this local favorite.

If you head to the town center, stop by at Starbucks which used to be a bank in a previous life. The bank vault is now a meeting space. When driving around outdoors, you might chance upon some Idaho woodland caribou lazing around in large numbers, enjoying the city just as much as, if not more than, you.

The bowling alley is a must, especially if you visit with a larger group.

Hearty dining options abound at Sun Valley Inn.

As for ski enthusiasts of all levels, the alpine ski area offers up Dollar Mountain for beginners and all levels. Bald mountain, lovingly known as Baldy by those that frequent, is an option for more experienced skiers and snow boarders. Five deluxe day lodges for rest and relaxation between runs are located along the different trails. Many Olympians hail from the area and train here when possible.

Sun Valley also offers helicopter skiing – in fact, the first American heli ski operator is located here. This is also one of the few cities that has an all-year-round ice skating rink for visitors to enjoy.Of course, you cannot go to Sun Valley and not hear that Ernest Hemingway completed “For Whom the Bell Tolls” while staying at the lodge. He loved the city so much, he eventually became a permanent resident here and his final resting place is in Sun Valley.

Dining at The Ram ensures you will be indulging in heritage menu offerings that were available here in the past. www.VisitSunValley.com

The beauty of the small town and its snowcapped peaks entice without fail from the moment you land until you leave. Whether the backcountry or local arts and culture, fall and flyfishing or hiking and wellness, this is a magical part of Idaho you will be glad you stopped by.

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