Visiting Sun Valley

Courtsey of Sun Valley Company.

Follow these arrows to find your way to Warm Springs, River Run and Sun Valley.

Skiers stroll past the Sun Valley Inn at Sun Valley village.

Wine and dine at the cozy historical cabin that houses Vintage.

32 ounces of brew goes down easier than you would think.

Owner Deborah Burns at her boutique Burnsie's Boca.

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Why Sun Valley

Apres at Apples

One Day in Sun Valley

Trail Creek Sleigh Rides

Visitors | Getting Here | Weekend | 7 Days | Kids | Facts

Congratulations! You took the leap and decided to vacation in Sun Valley, Idaho. You will not be sorry. Whether you are staying at our namesake Sun Valley resort, the surrounding city of Ketchum, or down South in Hailey, you will be in a winter wonderland.

You may know little, or nothing, about Sun Valley, and that's where we come in. Here are Plum's picks for eating, sleeping, slope etiquette, and all things that will make you feel like a true “local” in no time. You will obviously need to get your bearings when you arrive, so check out our map below to find your way around.

Sleeping: Where to Lodge in Sun Valley

In the Wood River Valley, there are quite a few places to rest your pretty little head for as little or as a much as you are willing to pay. You can rent a room and live in the lap of luxury or rent a condo and walk straight to the slopes. If you want to go high-end, stay at Knob Hill Inn. Located just north of Ketchum, this small luxury hotel offers quintessential European charm. Make reservations in advance and expect to pay up, the penthouse suite runs around $500 per night. There is also the famous Sun Valley Lodge offering old world charm and elegant amenities. Rent anything from cozy cottages to three-bedroom condominiums or a lodge parlor suite. Prices run anywhere from $169 to $519 per night. A short stroll through Sun Valley Village will bring you to the cozy Sun Valley Inn, the resorts second hotel. All accommodations are close to Sun Valley Village where you can find shopping, dining and entertainment.

For a more affordable stay, check out the Best Western Kentwood Lodge on Main Street in Ketchum. For as little as $98 per night, you can stay in the heart of town. Another choice is the Clarion Inn of Sun Valley. For $90 a night enjoy a clean room with a swimming pool, television and, best of all, a Jacuzzi. If you are looking for a true home away from home, contact Premier Resorts Sun Valley to rent a condo, townhome or home. For a complete listing, see our Lodging Directory Guide.

Dining: Eat your Way Through Sun Valley

For a small town in Idaho, Sun Valley has a lot to offer when it comes to cuisine. For an ever-changing, one-of-a-kind, high-end menu, try Vintage. It is small and cozy and offers some of the best food you will ever have. Order the shrimp tamale for an appetizer and the pecan-encrusted chicken for an entrée. Do save room for dessert; the naked cake is to die for. Eat at Chandler’s and you’ll feel like you’re eating at a Victorian home enjoying fresh seafood, wild game and more all paired with excellent wines. Another choice for high-end dining is Michel's Christiania where you can indulge in delicious French fare and fine wines.

For fine dining without a high price tag, try Globus Restaurant, where East meets West with classic, gourmet, Asian cuisine. The dumplings are delicious and the zen-like ambiance is soothing. Ciro’s is also a great medium-priced Italian-American Bistro. Get the grilled pear salad or an authentic thin crust pizza with heirloom tomatoes. Ketchum Burritos, also known as KB’s offers on-the-go, delicious, enormous and cheap Mexican cuisine. You can even grab a margarita or beer to go with your fare at either the Ketchum or Hailey location. For salads on the go and fresh tortilla wraps, venture to Wrap City on Main Street in Ketchum. The Chinese Chicken Salad is always a hit, as are the daily specials and soup. To see all of the great restaurants Sun Valley has to offer, see our Sun Valley Dining Guide.

Apres Ski: Take a Load Off

It's five o'clock somewhere, you've had a long day on the mountain, and there is no better way to unwind than with a post-ski cocktail. For a quick fix, sit by the fire and enjoy the piano music at the River Run Lodge, or sit outside and catch some rays at the Warm Springs Lodge. Enjoy a steamy hot toddy or a frosty mug of beer in either location and drink in the atmosphere.

If you really want to get down with the locals apres ski scene, hit up a hole-in-the-wall favorite such as Apple's, Lefty's or Grumpy's. Nothing will help you kick back and relax more than a schooner and some fried bar food.

Nightlife: Paint the Town Red

Get your drink on in high style or get down and dirty with the locals. The best bet for swank is Cavallino, offering cocktails, premium spirits and wine. It is the hot spot in town and the martinis are fabulous; we recommend the gin gin mule. The Sawtooth Club is not as clubby as you might think. It’s a cozy joint with bar stools, couches, and a fireplace. Drink your usual and snack on bar delights like bruschetta with feta. For great cocktails and live music, try the Duchin Room at the Sun Valley Lodge. We recommend the hot buttered rum.

Want to be a local for a night? Have a drink or more at the Casino Club (also known as the Casbah). It is the only bar in town where you can still smoke indoors and yes, they have a juke box. In the old days, Ernest Hemingway used to frequent this joint. To catch the latest hockey game or Sunday night football, head to Whiskey Jacques’ in Ketchum, a local favorite. You can snag a pitcher of PBR and delicious pizza. and the live bands on Friday and Saturday nights will let you get your groove on.

Shopping: Where to Drop Some Dough

Lost your luggage and need something to wear for Saturday’s dinner? Never fear. Good shopping is just about everywhere here. For swanky, women’s wear, visit Elle Rose. There are two stores on Sun Valley Road, one is a bit less expensive, but still not cheap. Pick up the latest Missoni dress and Prada flats or simply window shop for kicks. Men (and women) should pay a visit Silver Creek Outfitters. There you will find high-end clothing, fishing rods, flies, cowboy hats, boots, buckles, books and even jewelry. You can also sign up for fly-fishing lessons and purchase game licenses. If you need fancy ski gear, hit up Brass Ranch. There are two locations, one in Sun Valley Village and one at River Run Plaza. Find the finest in European and domestic ski and sportswear with brands like Pucci and Marc Jacobs. Never hurts to look good while on the slopes or during après ski.

Forgot your skis? Need to rent or just want to try out the latest demos, visit one of Sturto’s three locations, but get there early to make sure you get your gear. For cross-country gear and snowshoes, visit the friendly Elephants Perch in Ketchum and for snowboards and boots, go to the Board Bin. If you really want a bargain, spend an afternoon in the Goldmine. Here you’ll find any and all 80’s ski gear, including a one-piece in just about any color and better yet, all your proceeds go to the Community Library.

If you are looking for gifts to bring back home, souvenirs and tons of t-shirts can be found at Main Strip Ts on Main Street in Ketchum. All essentials -- and we mean everything -- can be found at Chateau Drug. Toothbrushes, sweatshirts, tools, greeting cards, and pharmaceuticals are just a blip on the radar of what you can find at Chateau. Located in the same area, Giacobbi Square, is Atkinson’s Market, the grocery store for Ketchum. They open early and close late during high season, and they also have stores in Hailey and Bellevue.

Activities: Indoor and Outdoor Fun

Tired of the cold? Stay inside and stay warm. Catch a Sun Valley Suns Hockey Game. They are a local favorite and the games are really entertaining. For the art lover in you, visit the numerous Sun Valley Galleries featuring work by local and international artists. There are monthly gallery walks with fabulous art and free cocktails. While Sun Valley doesn't get every movie from Hollywood right away, there are four different movie theaters. Magic Lantern and Ski Time Cinemas are located in Ketchum, Big Wood 4 Cinemas is located in Hailey and the Sun Valley Opera House in the Sun Valley Village.

If you’re already a master at skiing, put on your one-piece and hit the slopes of Bald Mountain. The lodge opens at 8 a.m. and the lifts start running at 9 a.m. If skiing is new for you or just for your little ones, Sun Valley is the place to learn. The Sun Valley Ski and Snowboard School offers a variety of individual and group lessons for people of all ages and all levels. For beginners, start on Dollar Mountain, a more gentle, treeless terrain. Maybe you don’t like to ski or board, or you’re just spent from a day on the slopes. Drive north on Highway 75 to Galena Lodge where you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, stay overnight in a yurt or just sip hot chocolate by the fire.

Better yet, sled. You’re never too old to ditch the skis and snowboards and hit the slopes on your bum. Sled down Penny Hill on Sun Valley Road (sleds can be found at Chateau Drug, of course) or tube down Dollar Mountain. A tubing ticket comes with a free hot chocolate. Feeling adventurous? Paraglide! Fly Sun Valley conducts paragliding flights off of Bald Mountain. There is no other way to see the Wood River Valley than from a birds eye view.