Industry News
Sun Valley, ID (Oct. 26, 2023) – Sun Valley Resort, North America’s first destination ski resort, established in 1936, is thrilled to welcome guests back for its 88th winter season which commences on November 23, 2023. Guests can look forward to experiencing the new Challenger and Flying Squirrel chairlifts from Warm Springs base along with the new Lower Flying Squirrel trail, which was all part of the Warm Springs Enhancement plan. Sun Valley has also launched a new website, including a sleek platform for guests to book Sun Valley’s online offerings including lodging deals, lift tickets, private and group lessons, rental equipment and they can check out the new winter 2023-24 trail map.
“As we put the finishing touches on one of the most ambitious mountain projects we’ve undertaken in many years, I’m incredibly excited to welcome guests back to Sun Valley,” said Pete Sonntag, Sun Valley Resort VP and General Manager. “We’ve upped our game in a meaningful way this year, with two new state-of-the-art chairlifts and a new trail that is destined to be a Sun Valley classic. Our completely rebuilt website will better showcase everything that makes Sun Valley so magical and will totally streamline the user experience.”
The Challenger and Greyhawk lifts have been replaced with a cutting-edge Doppelmayr 6-pack, featuring a mid-station unload and covering a distance of 3,138 vertical feet in just 8 minutes. The new lift will honor the same name of its predecessor, Challenger, and will boast the largest vertical rise in North America. The new Flying Squirrel chairlift, a Doppelmayr 4-pack, transports skiers from the Warm Springs base to mid-mountain, offering access to terrain of all difficulty levels and the River Run base area. Advanced skiers can now conveniently reach Warm Springs via the newly extended Lower Flying Squirrel trail. Pending weather and conditions, the new lifts and terrain are slated to open mid-December.
In anticipation of Sun Valley Resort’s winter season opening, the annual Pray for Snow Party returns at River Run Lodge on Nov. 11, complete with vintage costumes, a dance party, raffle, and a food drive benefiting the Hunger Coalition. More details can be found on the event calendar.
Season passes can still be purchased for the upcoming season including Sun Valley Resort’s annual season pass offerings and renewed pass partnerships with Ikon Pass and The Mountain Collective.
In addition to the new website, Sun Valley Resort has launched App Push Notifications and SMS text messages for efficient guest communication. Stay up to date with the latest information including weather-related updates. More information here.
