Utah may be home to the best snow on earth, but we can thank our spud-loving neighbors to the north for showing us how to make good use of it. The world’s first chairlift began spinning in the mountains of what is now known as Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1936, and with that Sun Valley Resort, North America’s first destination ski resort, was born. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly winter holiday or a weekend getaway with your best ski buddies, Sun Valley promises plenty of fun, freshies, and fantastic food and shopping. 

GETTING THERE

Hit the road: Driving from Park City to Sun Valley takes about 5 hours and the route is relatively direct via I-15 N and I-84 W. 

Hop a flight: There are daily, one-hour direct flights from the Salt Lake International Airport (SLC) to the Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) in Hailey, Idaho, 20 minutes south of Sun Valley.  

SKI

Good news for Ikon Pass holders who ski at Deer Valley Resort: Sun Valley is now an Ikon Pass destination. The pass is good for up to seven days of skiing at Sun Valley, so you can explore Bald Mountain, boasting 3,400 vertical feet of diverse terrain, and Dollar Mountain, which features mellower and beginner-friendly slopes.

This winter marks the resort’s 88th ski season, and the unveiling of two new chairlifts and expanded terrain (slated to open mid-December 2023): the Challenger and Flying Squirrel chairlifts, and the Lower Flying Squirrel trail. The new Challenger replaces the old Challenger and Greyhawk lifts with a cutting-edge Doppelmayr six-pack, featuring a mid-station unload and covering a distance of 3,138 vertical feet in eight minutes. The Flying Squirrel features a Doppelmayr four-pack and will transport skiers from the Warm Springs base to mid-mountain—offering access to terrain for all difficulty levels and the River Run base area. Advanced skiers will be able to conveniently reach Warm Springs via the newly extended Lower Flying Squirrel trail. 

STAY 

When it comes to charm, comfort, and location, you can’t beat the Sun Valley Lodge, part of Grand America Hotels & Resorts, which also includes Utah’s Snowbasin Resort and Salt Lake City’s Grand America and Little America Hotels (all owned by Utah billionaire Robert Earl Holding’s family). The 108-room property was built in 1939 and fully renovated in 2015; it has an old-world vibe but luxe, modern amenities. Rooms feature granite details and spa-inspired bathrooms, and most have fireplaces. Guests can indulge with a massage or facial at the resort’s 20,000-square-foot spa, break a sweat in the fitness center or yoga studio, or take a dip in the glass-enclosed outdoor pool. Don’t forget to greet the resort’s iconic swans who call the hotel’s front pond home. 

PLAY 

Off the slopes, lace up your skates at the Sun Valley Lodge ice rink, check out local cross-country and snowshoeing trails, or pile into a horse-drawn sleigh ride. The retro bowling alley at Sun Valley Lodge is one of the Northwest’s oldest, and the 1930s Opera House, nestled in Sun Valley Village, is a performance venue and movie theater. Grab your favorite classic candy, a bucket of popcorn (with real butter!), and a glass of wine or beer, and get cozy for a showing of the latest blockbusters, vintage films, and documentaries.  

EAT 

For a hearty breakfast, head to The Kneadery, known for their massive mountain breakfasts: peaks of fluffy pancakes, thick bacon, protein-packed egg scrambles, flavorful omelets, and much more. This Sun Valley classic is a favorite spot among locals and visitors, so rise and dine or be prepared to wait—the early bird gets the table.  

In the evening, don’t miss the Pioneer Saloon. This iconic eatery features an authentic saloon atmosphere thanks to mounted game and vintage firearms, but the food is sure to please contemporary palates. Beef is what’s for dinner, from prime rib to steaks to burgers, all served with fresh-baked bread and pioneer rice. 

For lighter fare, check out Rickshaw, a cozy locals favorite serving Asian street food-inspired small plates. Try the Vietnamese caramel pork ribs, chili oil udon noodles, Thai beef salad, or K.F.C. (Korean fried chicken). 

SHOP

You won’t find onesies at upscale boutique Baby & Company, but you can swaddle yourself in an Italian wool fringed blanket coat or an alpaca pullover. If you’re shopping for kiddos, though, check out the second outpost of Park City-based Minnows for fun and modern boys and girls clothing. Need new gear before hitting the slopes? PK’s Ski and Sports can hook you up with sticks, boots, bindings, apparel, and more.