Condé Nast TravelerDec 6, 2025
A Guide to Sun Valley, Idaho's Old-School Ski City
This central Idaho destination has been charming Hollywood stars and adventurous skiers for nearly a century—here's where to eat, stay, and play on your next visit.
29 things in this story
- Central Idaho Dark Sky ReserveSight1,416-square-mile area with almost no light pollution
- Bald MountainSight9,150-foot peak with beginner to advanced terrain
- Sun Valley ResortHotelInvented the world's first ski chairlift
- Sun Valley Museum of ArtMuseumFounded in 1971 as the Sun Valley Center for the Arts, the museum has grown from a few people presenting classes and…
- The KneaderyRestaurantHomey, log cabin-style restaurant since 1974
- Dollar MountainSight6,638 feet, ideal for kids and beginners
- Sunny’s Adventure ParkSightNew terrain park with small berms and rollers
- EdgeWisePlaceMulti-day camp for women skiers and riders
- PK’s Ski and SportsRestaurantThe Lift to Seattle May Be Closed but that won't stop us getting some butter turns in.
- Black TieRestaurantBook your rentals today!
- Sun Valley Heli SkiPlaceJoin us as we celebrate another season with helicopter access to an amazing playground in the heart of Idaho.
- Sawtooth Mountain GuidesPlaceSawtooth Mountain Guides specializes in guided climbing, hiking, backcountry skiing, avalanche education, ski…
- cross-country trailsTrailNordic skiing in Sun Valley is an adventure redefined.
- Argyros Performing Arts CenterSightHosts concerts, dance, film screenings, and more
- Blaine County Historical MuseumMuseumThe area has a rich cultural history spanning early Native American history, mining, sheepherding, and recreation, and…
- Wood River Museum of History and CultureMuseumThe Regional History Museum is a collecting museum and showcases exhibits for the public about central Idaho.
- Hemingway MemorialSightVisit the author's memorial and gravesite
- Ketchum CemeterySightGravesite of Ernest Hemingway
- Huck & PaddleSightShop for home decor and gifts
- Chapter One BookstoreSightShop for books
- Maude's Coffee and ClothesRestaurantPart coffee shop, part clothing store
- RasberrysRestaurantPopular bistro run by twin sisters
- RickshawRestaurantNeighborhood eatery with Southeast Asian small plates
- The CoveyRestaurantKnown for dry-aged steaks
- EnotecaRestaurantKnown for wine and wood-fired pizzas
- Grumpy'sRestaurantKnown for burgers and beer
- FiammaRestaurantItalian-inspired eatery with handmade pasta
- Sawtooth MountainsSight
- SturtevantsRestaurant