Road Trip: Skiing in Sun Valley

photo: google images

A few years ago, my family and I were living in the beautiful state of Colorado. We skied at many of the state's best resorts, and I really caught the skiing bug! So when ever I get a chance to go skiing, and especially at a resort I've never been to, I jump at the chance!

Over President's Day Weekend, we journeyed from the beaches of Santa Barbara to a skiing adventure in Sun Valley Idaho.  My husband, who is a Singer/Songwriter(http://www.mattclarksmind.com), had a couple of performances in the area over the weekend, so we all went along.  I had never been to Sun Valley, and was dying to check it out.

photo:Matt Clark's Mind

We stayed at the historic Sun Valley Lodge, which was built in 1936.  It looks perfectly rustic from the outside, but is luxurious and cozy on the inside, everything a ski lodge should be.  

photo: google images

A few things I noticed about Sun Valley.  First, we were there over President's Day Weekend.  Anyone who skis knows this is The Busiest weekend of the year.  At most resorts you are battling Disneyland style crowds everywhere you go. But in Sun Valley, I felt as if I had the whole place to myself.  The grounds around the lodge were practically deserted, lift lines were short, and runs were only sprinkled with skiers.   Second, the service everywhere throughout the resort was phenomenal!  At every turn, there was someone on staff ready to help with a smile.  I loved this!  Doors were held open, skis carried, and children were helped on and off the chair lifts.  These things alone makes Sun Valley well worth the extra effort to get to!

photo: google images

Anyone ever seen the classic movie, Sun Valley Serenade?  I hadn't either.  But while staying at the Lodge there is a channel that plays this movie over and over, and nothing else.  We enjoyed watching Sun Valley Serenade several times, and I'm sure that for those who ski here year after year, you look forward to the classic movie as a part of your yearly vacation experience.

 

The Skiing

Dollar Mountain

While we were in Idaho the weather was amazing!  It was bright and sunny, (is this why it is called Sun Valley?) and on the warmer side.  This made for amazing days of family skiing!  While the grounds around the lodge looked more like spring melt than winter, the snow on the mountain was well groomed and really fun!

 I mainly skied at Dollar Mountain with the kids, which is REALLY family friendly!  Lots of green runs.  My oldest son really enjoyed a small, beginner trick park.   My husband ventured over to River Run, which is more typical of a ski resort.  Lots of intermediate and advanced runs to spend all day exploring.

photo: sarah relis

I can't wait to return to Sun Valley and explore some more.  The nearby town of Ketchum, has some great shopping that I didn't have time for this trip.  Next time I am there, I want to check out the chic winter fashions and amazing linens available at several boutiques in Sun Valley and Ketchum.  Sun Valley has become one of my new favorite places to travel to for a winter skiing vacation!

SR