Offering an unparalleled skiing and snowboarding experience, Sun Valley, Idaho, is a premier destination for winter sports, providing a unique blend of adventure, family-friendly fun, and world-class facilities. Here, enthusiasts of all levels can explore over 2,400 acres of diverse terrain across two distinct mountains, making it one of the most unique things to do in Idaho.
Two Mountains, Endless Adventure
Sun Valley boasts two distinct mountains, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With 3,400 vertical feet and over 2,400 acres of diverse terrain, this resort offers a vast playground for skiers and riders. Bald Mountain, affectionately known as Baldy, is renowned for its consistent pitch, minimal lift lines, and a wide range of runs. It features twelve chairlifts and more than 100 unique runs, alongside themed Adventure Trails for kids and 30 acres of suitable terrain for all abilities. Dollar Mountain, on the other hand, provides an ideal setting for beginners and kids, with two new high-speed quads, eight terrain parks, and the Wundercarpet, making it the perfect place to build confidence on the slopes.
Bald Mountain: The Big-Time Mountain
Baldy isn’t just any mountain; it’s a big-time mountain. Its perfect-pitch vertical from peak to base means there are no flats or plateaus – just pure, exhilarating downhill action. The mountain prides itself on its barely there lift lines and sunny days, offering a variety of runs from expert to beginner. The new additions, including the Challenger chairlift and Flying Squirrel chairlift, provide skiers with quick access to a wide range of terrain and the highest vertical ascent in North America.
- Skiable Acres: 2,054
- Base Elevation: 5,750′
- Top Elevation: 9,150′
- Lifts: 12 | Trails: 100+
Dollar Mountain: Where Skiing Learned to Ski
Dollar Mountain holds a special place in skiing history as the home of the world’s first chairlift. Today, it boasts 16 trails, beginner-friendly slopes, five lifts, and a sun-kissed, treeless face perfect for all skill levels. The mountain’s family-oriented terrain park and 628 feet of vertical ensure that every snow lover finds joy and fresh tracks in the snow.
- Base Elevation: 6,010′
- Top Elevation: 6,638′
- Lifts: 5 | Trails: 16 | Terrain Parks: 1
Skiing & Snowboarding in Sun Valley
In Sun Valley, choose between lift-accessed resort skiing and riding or the endless backcountry terrain accessible via human power or helicopter. The area, dubbed “the Alps of America,” offers fresh powder turns, pristine mountain vistas, meticulously groomed trails, and America’s longest fall line runs. With two mountains, over 2,000 acres of terrain, and the largest automated snow-making fleet in the US, Sun Valley provides an exceptional skiing experience without the crowds or pretense.
A Legendary Ski Vacation
Ranked as one of the best Ski Resorts in America, Sun Valley continues to offer an under-the-radar yet legendary ski vacation. Whether you’re exploring Bald Mountain’s themed Adventure Trails or honing your skills at the Dollar Mountain Progression Park, Sun Valley guarantees memorable moments on the slopes. The resort’s innovative approach to winter sports, combined with its historical significance, makes Sun Valley a must-visit destination for ski and snowboard enthusiasts worldwide.
Planning Your Visit
Heading to Sun Valley means diving into the heart of skiing heritage. Here, on the slopes of Bald and Dollar Mountains, you’ll find terrain that caters to every skill level, from thrilling descents on Baldy’s vast acreage to family-friendly runs and terrain parks on Dollar Mountain. To ensure a seamless experience, look into accommodations early, ranging from luxurious resorts to cozy lodges, and check out ticket packages for the best deals. Whether it’s racing down Baldy’s slopes or taking your first turns on Dollar, a well-planned visit to Sun Valley promises an unforgettable mountain adventure under Idaho’s crisp, sunny skies.
Skiing & Snowboarding Sun Valley – Unique Things to Do in Idaho
As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, Sun Valley stands as a testament to the pure joy of mountain sports, seamlessly blending the thrill of skiing and snowboarding with the beauty of Idaho’s landscapes. With its world-class facilities, diverse terrain, and a history as rich as the powder snow that blankets its slopes, Sun Valley continues to offer an unparalleled winter escape. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this iconic destination invites you to carve out your own piece of skiing history.
Quick Facts About Skiing & Snowboarding in Sun Valley
- Sun Valley, Idaho, is celebrated as America’s first destination ski resort, introducing the concept of a vacation centered around skiing and snowboarding on its famous Bald and Dollar Mountains.
- Sun Valley features two mountains, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, offering over 2,400 acres of diverse terrain. Baldy is known for its exhilarating runs and minimal lift lines, while Dollar Mountain is perfect for beginners and families with its gentle slopes and terrain parks.
- Affectionately known as “Baldy,” this mountain offers 3,400 vertical feet of perfect-pitch skiing, over 100 unique runs, and the highest vertical ascent in North America with the new Challenger chairlift. It’s a favorite for those who love downhill action under the sun.
- Holding a special place in history as the location of the world’s first chairlift, Dollar Mountain now boasts 16 trails, five lifts, and a friendly terrain park, making it an ideal learning ground for new skiers and snowboarders.
- Dubbed “the Alps of America,” Sun Valley offers everything from groomed resort skiing to vast backcountry explorations. The area is equipped with the largest automated snow-making fleet in the US, ensuring top-notch conditions for skiing and snowboarding adventures.
- With accolades like being named the number one Ski Resort by SKI Magazine and a top pick by Powder Magazine, Sun Valley combines its rich skiing heritage with modern innovations to deliver an unmatched winter sports experience.
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave
Planning a trip to Idaho? Don’t forget to put Idaho’s Mammoth Cave at the top of your list. As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, you can explore a unique and awe-inspiring underground landscape at your own personal pace with our self-guided tours. In addition to the cave, there are two privately owned museums of natural history on-site, the Shoshone Bird Museum and the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum featuring a wealth of exhibits that has earned them nickname “The Smithsonian of the Desert,” making it an unforgettable stop for the whole family.
Located eight miles north of Shoshone, Idaho, on Highway 75, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave will be open for seasonal tours from May – October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week, including all major holidays. For more information, visit idahosmammothcave.com or call (208) 329-5382.
