Awards & recognition
About this city
Also known as: The Birthplace of American Ski Destinations
Sun Valley is an elite, globally celebrated luxury resort city nestled in the Wood River valley of Blaine County, Idaho, beautifully framed by the majestic mountain crests of the Sawtooth National Forest. Engineered in 1936 by Union Pacific Railroad chairman Averell Harriman as North America's very first dedicated destination ski resort, the city forever altered the global ski industry by inventing the world's first motorized chairlift. Sun Valley stands today as an internationally recognized winter sports superpower and upscale mountain cultural oasis.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
Weather & Timing
Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 2–4 days
Ski or snowboard the impeccably groomed world-class cruiser trails of Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain, catch an elite outdoor figure skating show at the historic Sun Valley Lodge, ice skate year-round, and attend the massive summer symphony series.